Royal British Legion pays tribute to Corby 'Chindit' hero soldier Charlie who has died aged 104
A Second World War soldier from Corby, who was one of the last remaining members of the elite Chindit fighters, has died.
Charlie Richards was called up to serve in 1942 to the 7th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment fighting as part of the special operations Chindit troops.
His death marks the end of an era – he was last survivor of the two, thousand-strong battalions that saw action against the Japanese Imperial Army in Burma (now Myanmar).
Last year, Charlie chatted to The King and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the VJ Day 80 commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Paying tribute to Charlie, The Royal British Legion said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Chindit veteran, Charlie Richards, at the age of 104.
"We were honoured to have Charlie join us at our VJ Day 80 commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum last year, recounting stories of his time in Burma. He recalled the many near misses that made him one of the ‘luckiest chaps to return home’.
“His humour and charm will be hugely missed, and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Born in Scotland, raised in Kettering, in an interview marking his 100th birthday, Charlie recalled another Kettering lad Harold 'Son' Johnson were called up on the same day – they became best mates.
Charlie’s regiment travelled to India where and in 1943, became part of Brigadier Orde Wingate's special fighting force the Chindits. He had to slog through dense jungle-covered hills, equipment that weighed about 70lbs (32kgs) in temperatures of up to 43C.
He was part of Operation Thursday holding the infamous ‘White City’ fortress where he spent six months. Sadly Son never made it back to Kettering. He was killed in action.
Finally demobbed in 1947, he met his wife-to-be Jean in 1948, marrying two years later. In 1952 they moved to Corby, where Charlie worked at Stewarts & Lloyds. They had a son Lindsay and daughter Ginny.
Charlie played for Kettering Casuals Cricket Club and was an ardent Poppies fan.
In retirement, Charlie and Jean enjoyed their time gardening, antique hunting and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Charlie died on Friday, January 23. His funeral is on Wednesday, February 25 at 1pm at Kettering Crematorium’s Albert Munn Chapel.