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Bound manuscript diary of Col. Eugene St John Birnie 1942-1944
diary, diary
Accession Number

NAM.2021-06-16-1-2

Description

Bound manuscript diary of Col. Eugene St John Birnie, covering his time in the Middle East in various staff officer positions and India as commander of 2nd (N.O.) Hyderabad Lancers; providing detailed commentary and impressions of his experiences and commanding officers during his service in World War Two 1942-1944 (119pp). Subjects include: his arrival in the middle east and organisation of forces, breakdowns and diagrams of command structures, events around the Battle of El Alamein, Indian leaders (Ghandi and Nehum) and congress, replacement of Field Marshal Wavell as Commander in Chief the Middle East, Stalingrad and the German advance into Russia, British military establishments in the Middle East and Persia, the victory at El-Alamein and events in other theatres including Tunisia, Russia and Guadalcanal, the François Darlan Assassination, developments in the Middle Eastern theatre and talks with Turkey, raids committed by Rommel, treatment of a friend made POW by the Japanese, details of appointments on various GHQs, Vichy French positions near Damascus, collapse of Axis forces in Africa, Field Marshall Wavell’s appointment as Viceroy of India and Field Marshall Auckinleck’s as Commander in Chief, political situation in India and Viceroy’s goals, German offensive in Russia in July 1943, invasion of Italy and situation on the eastern front, commanding 2nd (N.O.) Hyderabad Lancers with officers and composition, formation of East-Asia command, Viscount Wavell’s role in the Bengal Famine, deaths & murders while training, names of India governors 31st August 1944. In addition, includes content related to family and personal life throughout. Associated with World War Two (1939-1945).

Campaigns

World War Two (1939-1945), World War Two, Middle East (1940-1945), World War Two, Far East (1941-1945)

Events

Stalingrad, Battle of, 1942-43 (World War Two, Eastern Front 1941-1945), Guadalcanal, Battle of, 1942-43 (World War Two, Far East 1941-1945), El Alamein, 2nd Battle of, 1942 (World War Two, North Africa 1940-1945)