Major Maurice Budd MC – Royal Sussex Regiment & V Force Burma 1945
Maurice Budd led successful patrols by infiltrating Japanese lines in Burma to send back to the Allies information about enemy forces preparing in invade India.
Memorial Text
Major Maurice A. J. Budd MC
1917-1945 Age 28
Royal Sussex Regiment. Attached V Force Burma 1945
Major Maurice Budd’s mission with V Force was to establish an intelligence gathering Operation behind Japanese lines in the Arakan district of Burma 1945.
The Japanese had just started their invasion of India and were eventually defeated at Kohima and Imphal.
During the period 16th February to 15th May 1945, Maurice operated continuously with clandestine small patrols providing a constant flow of information regarding enemy concentrations and movements.
The enemy were aware of his presence behind their lines and were hunting him. He remained and completed his task and then succeeded in withdrawing his patrol without loss.
The award of the Military Cross was announced in the London Gazette on 17th January 1946. Maurice did not live to receive the award as he died in a road traffic accident in November 1945.
He is remembered here by his sister Pauline and extended family.
September 2012
“Honi soit qui mal y pense” – “Shame on him who thinks evil upon it” – Motto of the order of the Garter
