248591 Fus. Tom Shepherd British Army 10th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers from:Rochdale, Lancashire Uncle Tom Shepherd went missing in action on 27th of December 1942 when the B Company, 10th Lancashire Fusiliers led by Major A.A. McKay traveled by sampan down the Mayo River. They were attacked by the Japanese when attempting to land at Rathedaung in North West Burma.
Major McKay was shot dead and two others wounded. Twenty one soldiers were officially reported as missing in action one of which was The Major. The rest of the attachment were able to scatter and rejoin the rest of the battalion.
Presumably, Tom was captured on that day and sent to Rangoon Jail. He never spoke about his time in the camp but did tell his older brother the reason for his severe deafness was due to the constant beatings from the hands of his captors.
There is a photograph of Tom along with a large group of other soldiers upon their release and ready to march from Pegu. It was published in Col. Mackenzie’s book entitled Operation Rangoon.
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