Fireside Chat with Jeremy Archer
The Army and Navy Club recently hosted a compelling Fireside Chat with former Board member Jeremy Archer, a veteran of The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment and an accomplished military historian. Drawing on his work as a Trustee of The Burma Star Memorial Fund, Jeremy shared the fascinating journey behind his book The Final Curtain, which brings to life the voices of veterans from the Second World War’s Burma Campaign.
Members were captivated as Jeremy recounted the process of gathering oral histories from those who served in the Royal Navy, the 14th Army, and the Royal Air Force. These vivid accounts shed light on the harrowing experiences of the campaign, from the initial retreat and the daring Chindit operations behind Japanese lines, to the fierce battles of Kohima and Imphal, and the final triumphant advance to Rangoon. The book also highlights the personal stories of remarkable individuals, including a Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, a Director of Manchester City Football Club, and the Principal of Accra Polytechnic in Ghana.
Jeremy’s engaging presentation offered a unique perspective on a campaign often overlooked, and the evening was made even more meaningful with insights into how The Final Curtain supports the ongoing work of The Burma Star Memorial Fund. The event was a fitting tribute to the courage and resilience of those who served in one of the most challenging theatres of the Second World War, leaving attendees both inspired and deeply moved.
