The Navy I Love

By Myomalwin

This is the authors second and a combined book, after writing and publishing in 2011 Dha-Byet-See: The Gun that Saved Rangoon. This book is not intended to be a historical account of his naval service but reflects his experiences during his service in both navies, afloat and ashore, in various capacities while he himself was growing up in maturity from a teenage youth of seventeen to an ambitious young man of twenty-five.

Myanmar Navy was sixty-eight years old when its last official birthday was celebrated on December 24, 2015. The small force, named Burma RNVR was disbanded to make way for the new Burma Navy, which was to be formed as an arm of the three defense services of the Independent Union of Burma on January 4, 1948.

Little is however known or officially recorded of the various actions and accomplishments of this elite volunteer naval force during the withdrawal campaign when Japan invaded Burma nor its active participation in subsequent amphibious operations and landings to reoccupy the Arakan Coast as a fighting unit in the Southeast Asia Allied Forces Operation Dracula invasion to reoccupy Rangoon and in the final mopping-up operations of the enemy in the Irrawaddy Delta. When the Japanese war was over in August 1945, the Burma RNVR and the new fledging Burma Navy became responsible for internal security and anti-rice smuggling operations while closely supporting the Tatmadaws fight against multicolored insurgents who were in revolt, attempting to bring down the government.

The author fully appreciates the opportunities availed to him by the navy he loves, which trained him to be a confident, self-respected, capable administrator and a professional seaman, without which qualities he could not have achieved further success in his later civilian life and a career in commercial shipping in his own country and overseas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: Jun 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543746365

Myomalwin

In 1941, at the age of fourteen, K.T Lwin, son of nationally well-known educator Sayagyi U Ba Lwin of Myoma High School left home and went overseas to join the I.M.M.T.S, Dufferin, in Bombay as a cadet. After he successfully completed a three year course and was ready to pursue a merchant marine career, the British Governor of Burma desired that he should join the Kings Royal Navy. The author therefore joined the Burma Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, a small but elite volunteer coastal force consisting of naval gunboats operating on the Arakan front against the Japanese. He achieved his first command of a gunboat at the age of nineteen in the Burma R.N.V.R and transferred to the Burma Navy in 1948 when Burma achieved Independence, and was awarded the title of Sithu for meritorious service in the Navy. He joined the first Burmese owned ship, S.S. Pyidawtha and later became the first Burmese harbour pilot at the Port of Rangoon before promotion to Harbour Master. In 1959 he transferred his services to the Burma Five Star Line as Marine Superintendent and Head of Technical Division. In 1971, he established Burmas first Institute of Marine Technology as Principal before retiring from Government after thirty years. He pursued a shipping management career in Singapore and in Thailand where he managed the first Thai privately owned liner shipping companies until 1980. Since then, he has established his own family crew management company which provides a full complement of trained Burmese seagoing personnel to foreign ship owners which employs over four hundred seafarers. Now at eighty nine, Capt. Lwin still attends office daily and travels extensively between Myanmar, Thailand and Australia where his four children five grandchildren and two great grandsons live. He likes to be known as the only Master Mariner who has acquired more flying time than sea service.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Myomalwin.

ISBN:            Hardcover                 978-1-5437-4634-1

                     Softcover                  978-1-5437-4635-8

                     eBook                        978-1-5437-4636-5

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www.partridgepublishing.com/singapore

Contents

PART ONE

LUCKY CAPTAIN

Preface

Foreword by Admiral ‘Thura’ Thet Swe, Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Navy (rtd.)

Foreword by Admiral Sir George Zimbellas, R.N., First Sea Lord of the British Admiralty

Episode One

        My ‘Fairmile’ Story

(Chapter 1 – 12)

Episode Two

        My Experience With West African Rifles Command

Episode Three

        H.M.B.S Scarab: Manning By Burma R.N.V.R

Episode Four

        My Longest Day!

Episode Five

        Now It Can Be Told

Episode Six

        The Elusive Title

Episode Seven

        Born To Lead My Destiny With A Borrowed Naval Sword

THE NAVY I LOVE

Author of DHA BYET SEE-THE GUN THAT SAVED RANGOON

Myoma’s engaging book captures the camaraderie and excitement of service in these Fairmile launches, which operated in their hundreds along coasts from Norway to Burma. "His story is a very human one of Burmese and British sailors in co-operation to achieve liberation. This was clearly a significant part of his life. As First Sea Lord and as Patron of Operation Rescue, the restoration of Fairmile RML 526, I commend his contribution to you, both then and now.-Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC DL, First Sea Lord.

I became a Facebook friend of the author Myomalwin aka Captain Kyaw Thein Lwin before first meeting him in person. Although he was about the same age as my Father, he modestly preferred to be called K.T as popularly known by his contemporaries. I would like to pay my highest compliments to the Author as a priceless ex-Navy living legend. I recommend you to read his presentation ‘The Navy I Love ‘which shall remain a most valuable contribution to the history of Myanmar Navy.-Admiral ‘Thura’ Thet Swe, Myanmar Navy, (rtd.)

This is the remarkable story of a naval officer during remarkable times. Starting with a young naval student separated from his family during a global war, the book then relates the professional development of a naval officer in combat, and then captures his contributions as one of the most experienced officers in the fledgling navy of a newly independent country. The author has provided a great service in relating the full scope of his formative experiences and service-now I understand what made the man who helped inspire my own military career. Highly recommended!-Colonel Michael R. Lwin, U.S. Army.

Myomalwin has illustrated a time period of global conflict and fascinating post-war change, with a personal and unique perspective. His accounts are not only humorous and entertaining, but also create a perspective of life in the Southeast Asia theatre and which bring alive this conflict for the reader. First-hand accounts from the Second World War are becoming more and rarer as we look back on the close of this monumental struggle over seventy years hence. But, even rarer is the story of the day-to-day operations and lives of the ‘brown water’ and colonial forces of the Royal Navy. The transition from the Burma Royal Navy volunteer reserve to the Burma Navy both parallels and provides color to the post-war independence of Burma and the creation of the new nation. This is truly a gift to historiography and a delight to readers!-Mark Lwin, Captain, US Marine Corps (retired) Former Senior Instructor, US Naval Academy, Dept. of History.

This is the extraordinary story of a 14 year-old boy, who became an experienced seaman and served his country with notable distinction. His young life shaped and nurtured by the years of rigorous training during his early naval career.

Capt. Sithu U Kyaw Thein Lwin richly deserves to be awarded the Thura Medal, in recognition of services rendered, in recording for posterity, the naval history of his beloved Myanmar. Burma as it was then. I shall not be alone in applauding his tremendous effort, at the grand age of 89, in providing younger generations with a true and faithful record of Burma’s naval history, which might so easily have been lost in the mists of time. Captain Lwin-I salute you.-Author’s adopted Cousin, Jenifer Williams, UK. Rangoon resident 1950-1956.

To

my former shipmates,

Officers and Men of the

‘Burma Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve’

&

Myanmar Navy

(1943-1952)

PART ONE

LUCKY CAPTAIN

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The Author as Lieutenant, Burma Navy

Under training with Royal Navy in UK, 1949

PREFACE

The Author joined the British Burma R.N.V.R. in early 1944 during World War II and initially served four years mainly on Coastal Forces fighting craft during war and peacetime. He then chose to continue service in the Independent Burma Navy for another five years before resigning his regular commission in order to resume a professional career in the new Myanmar’s Merchant Marine. This book is not intended to be a historical account of his naval service but reflects his personal and intimate experiences during his service in both Navies, afloat and ashore in various capacities while he himself was growing up in maturity from a teenage youth of seventeen to an ambitious young man of twenty five.

Our Myanmar Navy was sixty eight years old when its last official birthday was celebrated on 24th. December 2015. That day was chosen because it was on that same day in 1947 that the Burma Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, which was legally constituted as a Commonwealth volunteer naval force in 1941 under the British Governor of Burma was terminated. The small force was disbanded to make way for the new Burma Navy which was to be formed as an arm of the three Defense Services of the Independent Union of Burma on 4th. January, 1948. All the fighting ships of the Burma R.N.V.R. and the selected members belonging to the people of Burma who were then serving with the Force were transferred to the new regular Burma Navy.

Little is however known or officially recorded of the various actions and accomplishments of this elite volunteer naval force during the withdrawal campaign when Japan invaded Burma, nor its active participation in subsequent amphibious operations and landings to reoccupy the Arakan Coast as a fighting unit in the S.E.Asia Allied Forces ‘Operation Dracula’ invasion to reoccupy Rangoon and in the final mopping up operations of the enemy in the Irrawaddy Delta. Since the war with the Japanese was over in August 1945, the Burma R.N.V.R and its successor, the new fledging Burma Navy, became totally responsible for internal security and anti-rice smuggling operations, while closely supporting the Tatmadaw’s fight against multi-colored insurgents who were in revolt, attempting to bring down the Government.

But the new Navy did not have sufficient operational fighting craft required to safeguard and keep riverine transport lanes open for the Country’s essential export programme. Suitable commercial craft from the Inland Waterways fleet were hastily acquired, converted, armed and commissioned as auxiliary naval craft – ‘make-shift man of war’ as an emergency measure.

The author fully appreciates the opportunities availed to him by ‘the Navy-he loves ‘, which trained him to be a confident, self-respected, capable administrator and a professional seaman, without which qualities he could not have achieved further success in his later civilian life and a career in commercial shipping in his own Country and overseas

The author is most grateful to the First Sea Lord of the Admiralty, Sir George Zambellas, KCB DSC ADC DL, who as Patron of Operation Rescue, the restoration of Fairmile RML 528 project for his very kind invitation to the author to a gala dinner as his guest of honour on HMS VICTORY in October last year. It became an inspiration for the author to write this book and combine with earlier book ‘My Fairmile Story’ which was presented at the gala dinner.

Finally, the author would like to acknowledge with thanks to his honorary English editor Roslyn Motter and Myanmar translator Ko Pyone for their important contribution in editing the book which is published in both English and Myanmar editions.

The author hopes that the reader might enjoy reading these selected episodes as much as he enjoyed writing them.

Very sincerely yours,

Myomalwin

31st. January, 2016

Foreword by Admiral ‘Thura’ Thet Swe, Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Navy (rtd.)

I became a Facebook friend of the author Myomalwin aka Captain Kyaw Thein Lwin before first meeting him in person. Although he was about the same age as my Father, he modestly preferred to be called K.T as popularly known by his contemporaries.

About seven years ago, while I was serving as Chief of Staff (Navy) I was presented a copy of World War II historical record book titled ‘Five Navies fought for Burma’ by my mentor U Maung Nyein. I was happy to read for the first time a true account of the early war time exploits of our Navy, then a small volunteer Force under British Navy which I had hitherto only heard vaguely from my seniors. I am a believer in the words and teachings of our learned historian, Professor Dr. Than Tun, which ‘history is taught so that we may not be dumb’. Thanks to the Author, who presented this rare book, we were able to improve and update the scanty records of the Burma Royal Naval Reserve which were held at our Tatmadaw Museum for the benefit of our future generation.

I had been totally dissatisfied with the comments and notes made by some British Army Generals and seniors in various books written by them that Myanmar Fighting Forces can never be an efficient force due to our inherent character and habits and lack of discipline, I am now convinced that their opinions were hasty and wrong. I am also encouraged after reading a small book titled ‘Burma’s Navy’ written by the founder Commanding Officer of the Burma R.N.V.R., Captain K.S. Lyle, RN, rtd. from which I might quote ‘ It is these qualities which have made possible the formation of Navy by men provided by Burma’s own People’ and unquote.

I am further convinced that it was due to outstanding ability and conduct and exemplary performance of our Myanmar seniors including the Author who served in this small but elite volunteer naval force under leadership of Captain Lyle that he had made his true observations. We can all be proud of their fine record and tradition which continues to our today’s modern Myanmar Navy.

I would also like to mention that the Author, Myomalwin, as a young Navy Lieutenant and leader of a voluntary naval landing party with a 40mm.mobile Bofors gun, distinguished themselves in a successful night ambush and close quarters action later in support of besieged Tatmadaw forces against a better equipped insurgent armored column. The author has fully described this episode in the book ‘The Gun that saved Rangoon’. The historically famous Gun, the Dha-byet-see is now prominently displayed at the Tatmadaw museum for all of us to see.

The Author has also actively taken part while serving aboard the legendary Fairmile MLs during naval operations along the Arakan coast against the Japanese. Whenever we discuss about the early history of our Navy, the first frigate MAYU plays an important role. The Author as one of the watch keeping Officers appointed to this flagship at the time of the transfer from Royal Navy in 1947, was responsible to obtain a historic signature in ship’s visitor’s book of Bogyoke Aung San who received the warship on behalf of our Government. In later years before leaving the Navy the Author also commanded a Motor Gunboat in the Arakan and took part in operations against Mujahid insurgents. As Staff Officer Operations in war office he played a leading role in converting civilian riverine craft to much needed Armed River Gunboats for the Navy.

In conclusion, I would like to pay my highest compliments to the Author as a priceless ex-Navy living legend. I recommend you to read his presentation ‘The Navy I Love’ which shall remain a most valuable contribution for the history of Myanmar Navy.

Thura’ Thet Swe

Admiral, Myanmar Navy, rtd.

2nd. February, 2016

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Foreword by Admiral Sir George Zimbellas, R.N., First Sea Lord of the British Admiralty

Foreword%20letter.jpgImage%2003.JPG

H.M. BURMA ML. ‘437’

59TH (BURMA) Fairmile Flotilla

Arakan Coastal Forces, Allied Far Eastern Fleet

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Back on Fairmile Bridge after seventy years

(Aboard restored R.M.L 526 – U.K. Oct. 2015)

EPISODE ONE

My ‘Fairmile’ Story

During World War 2 small armed fighting craft of the Royal Navy Coastal Forces took part in many operations in the English Channel and the North Sea. These were amphibious operations launched against German E Boats and shipping. As the war progressed, coastal forces operations were extended to the Mediterranean and finally to Burma and the Far East.

Various types of fighting craft were designed as Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB) and Motor Gunboats (MGB) and then constructed in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. They were then manned by volunteer personnel of their navies.

The 112ft long boats which had been designed by British Fairmile Marine, were commonly known as Fairmiles. Of the different variations of Fairmiles built, six hundred and fifty were designated as MLs and were designed to carry torpedoes or guns. These were considered to be the most effective and useful and of these, the most successful model was the Fairmile type B.

In 1940, prior to the Japanese invasion and occupation, the Government of Burma which was then under British rule, formed a volunteer naval force. During the campaign to recapture Burma, this small force together with units of Royal and Commonwealth navies operated under the operational control of the Royal Navy

Far Eastern Fleet as Arakan Coastal Forces. These coastal forces mostly preferred the use of the Fairmile B-type ML gunboats.

As a young man of not yet eighteen, I joined the Burma Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in early 1944 and served and lived on board various Fairmiles throughout the war until 1947 when the force was disbanded to make room for the new regular independent Burma Navy.

This is my own personal account of various experiences during these exciting and turbulent years which were totally different to the type of warfare and actions engaged in by the sister boats in the European theatre. It is also a tribute to my senior officers and mentors, Commander Alastair Campbell, D.S.C. Burma R.N.V.R. and Lieutenant Commander Willoughby (Willo) Matthews, Burma R.N.V.R. as well as other Commanding Officers of ML 391, 414, 415, 436 and 437 and my former shipmates of the 59th (Burma) Flotilla in which I served.

Myomalwin

EPISODE ONE

My ‘Fairmile’ Story

CONTENTS

Chapter One

        I Join The King’s Navy

Chapter Two

        A K.M.T. Chinese General

Chapter Three

        The First Look At Fairmiles

Chapter Four

        The Youngest Petty Officer

Chapter Five

        Front Line Promotion Burma R.N.V.R Creates A Midshipman Overnight

Chapter Six

        Battle Of Ramree Island: 1⁹Th January, 1945 (Operation Matador)

Chapter Seven

        Operation Block – The ‘Chaung War’ Blockade 4Th February – 25Th February

Chapter Eight

Return To Mandapam – March / April 1945

Chapter Nine

        Operation Dracula: Major Amphibious Operations For Retaking Rangoon, May 1945

Chapter Ten

        Homecoming – Back To Rangoon: May, 1945

Chapter Eleven

        Delta Operations: Action At Kokkowa Tantabin & Delta Patrols

Chapter Twelve

        Building Up The Burma R.N.V.R

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Indian Mercantile Marine Training Ship

I.M.M.T.S Dufferin

Bombay, 1941

CHAPTER ONE

I Join The King’s Navy

In January 1941 I was one of three young lads from Burma who were selected to undergo three years of pre-sea training as cadets aboard the Indian Mercantile Marine Ship ‘DUFFERIN’ in Bombay together with fifty other cadets from all over India. I was then only fourteen years old and it was the start of my intended career in the Merchant Navy. Or so I thought at the time.

After the first term of six months we were given a two month vacation during the monsoons and were permitted to return to Burma. Firstly we travelled by train to Calcutta and then by regular steamer to Rangoon. It was my first vacation and I was extremely proud to wear my cadet uniform to show off to my relatives and school friends. Our school ‘Myoma’ which had been founded by my father, had been sending promising young Burmese students to this well-known training ship for the previous three years. I was the fourth student to be sent to take up this new career. The two month holiday ended quickly and we were sad to leave Rangoon when we started our long journey to rejoin the ship in Bombay. There was already some rumor of war with Japan and accordingly my mother was not very happy and was reluctant to send me away from home, but I managed to convince her I could take care of myself. At that time I did not realize that I would not see my family again for another three years as we would become separated due to the Japanese occupation of Burma.

Our second year on the ‘DUFFERIN’ was most eventful. The vocational training had stepped up. We worked and played hard. The whole day from 06.00 to 22.00 was one continuously busy routine of ship cleaning, drills, classes, practical seamanship exercises, more classes and compulsory games of hockey, football, boxing or sailing in the evenings. The food was nourishing but we never thought there was enough and we were always hungry. We were allowed shore leave once a month but only during the day. By the time we had completed second year we were quite mature, confident of ourselves and looking forward to going to sea on commercial ships as budding navigating officers.

During the third year we undertook more intensive training. We were also given more responsible duties aboard. Six of the best cadets were chosen to be senior cadet captains to control the other cadets and supervise various outdoor activities. I was proud to be one of them and hoped that I would be one of the first to join a cargo ship. At the end of the final term and just before Christmas, there was a passing out examination on all subjects combined finally with a prize distribution ceremony.

Out of the twenty five navigating cadets of our batch I was one of the six who were awarded an extra-first class certificate and one of the five chosen by the staff to be voted by the entire one hundred and fifty cadets to receive the coveted Viceroy’s Gold Medal. I did not win it but I was quite happy to come out as second runner up and was awarded the Digby-Beste Silver medal. This annual event was the highlight of the year on our famous training ship and since 1927 I was the five hundred and sixty sixth cadet who had completed the three year course. Special VIP guests and parents of cadets were invited and the Guest of Honour was Vice Admiral John Godfrey, C-in-C of