THE North Cornwall and West Devon branch of the Burma Star Association was formed in July 1984 and on July 19 2004 we celebrated our 20th birthday.
The branch was formed in answer to a notice placed in the local press by Burma veteran Major Jim Allan for any holder of the Burma or Pacific Star interested in forming a branch of the Burma Star Association to meet at the Eagle House Hotel, Launceston. The rules then said a minimum of 15 was needed to start a branch. For some time 14 sat waiting for the 15th to appear, wondering if he ever would. Eventually he did and the branch was formed.
During the lifetime of the branch we reached a peak of 66 members, now we are down to 31. It is inevitable that in the very near future the branch will cease to exist.
The main object of the association and therefore the branch is welfare. The branch has had much success helping Burma veterans and/or their families in time of need. This has been made possible by the great support we have received from the public who have been so generous when members and ladies of the branch have been out collecting, for which we are very grateful.
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We intend to carry on as long as we can with our welfare work although through age, etc, we are no longer able to collect. We thank successive managements of the Eagle House Hotel from day one for their support, the present management especially, and the Times for printing our reports.
J S Hamilton
Branch secretary and PRO
North Cornwall and West Devon branch
Burma Star Association
Poltamar, Tavistock Road
Launceston