Of friendship and goodwill

Monument erected to remember Gen. John Grover and his fallen soldiers from WWII
 

“70 years on, it is our privilege to remember the vital role played by the people of Jotsoma in World War II. We are all here today to pay our gratitude for the part played by the people of Jotsoma in defeating the Japanese,” said Brig. GK Bibby, CBE on April 16. He said this during the inauguration of the monument built in tribute to Maj. Gen John ML Grover, MC, General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, 33 corps and his officers and soldiers at Shohuza, Jotsoma.

Two delegations from Britain including children and grandchildren of WWII veterans have been in Kohima since April 15 to 22 to pay tribute and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima.

During WWII, when Japanese troops occupied Kohima, Jotsoma village was the only villagethe Japanese failed to occupy. It was under the supervision of Gen. Grover at Shohuza, HQ of the 2nd division British Army that the 31st Division of Japanese Army was driven back from Kohima on May 31, 1944. However, right after the victory, Gen. Grover was removed from his division and transferred.

Celia Grover, daughter-in-law of Grover who was present at the inauguration, thanked Jotsoma for the special monument and added that Grover will never be forgotten because of what the Jotsoma people have contributed.  

Brig. GK Bibby mentioned that apart from helping Major Grover and his troops, Rajput reinforcements were also launched in Jotsoma. Brig. Bibby reminded the crowd that the home of the 2nd Division, in York, has a memorial for the Battle of Kohima, where every year surviving veterans come together and commemorate the event and pay tribute to the people who died in the battle. Brig. Bibby expressed hope that the friendship between the people of Britain and Nagaland will last forever.

Pfheluopfelie, who spoke on behalf of Kohima Educational Trust (KET) and Kohima Educational Society (KES), said that it was through this society that a connection was made between UK and Nagaland under the initiatives of Gordon Graham.

“Position, power and wealth come and go, but imprinted qualitative character, good behavior and conduct indelibly remain,” said Krurovi Peseyie, Chairman Monument Committee. He remarked that during WWII, it was the affectionate character and conduct of the British soldiers, even in the time of a terrible war, which won the support and cooperation of Jotsoma’s villagers. Peseyie hoped that the monument will be a symbol of relationship, friendship and goodwill.

A 21 gun salute was observed followed by paying of homage. A souvenir on the historic Battle of Kohima was released by Brig. GK Bibby. After the function, there was a display of WWII antiques and a visit to Puliebadze and Gagiphe.