John Quick – Border Regiment, 2nd Battalion

Private John Quick – Border Regiment, 2^nd Battalion

Birth and Family

John Quick

John Quick was born in 1925, the son of John Ernest Quick and Rose Ellen Quick. No surviving civilian records have been identified for his early life, and the principal official source for his service and death is the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Military Service

John enlisted in the British Army and served as a Private with the Border Regiment, 2^nd Battalion. By early 1945, the battalion was actively engaged in the Burma Campaign, taking part in the Allied advance against entrenched Japanese forces as operations intensified during the final phase of the war in the Far East.

The fighting faced by the 2nd Battalion at this time was exceptionally demanding. Operations were conducted in dense jungle terrain under conditions of extreme heat, humidity, and monsoon weather, with limited infrastructure and difficult supply lines. Infantry units were frequently involved in patrolling, assaults on fortified enemy positions, and defensive actions, often against a well-camouflaged and determined opponent skilled in ambush and close-quarter combat. Casualties were common, arising from direct combat, artillery and mortar fire, as well as the harsh environment itself.

Death

On 23^rd February 1945, during these active operations in Burma, Private John Quick was killed in action. His death occurred during a period of sustained fighting that contributed to the eventual collapse of Japanese resistance in Burma later that year, but at considerable human cost.

Burial and Commemoration

John is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar, the principal Commonwealth burial ground for those who lost their lives during the Burma Campaign.

Newspaper Report

Herald of Wales

His death was reported in the Herald of Wales in late March 1945, bringing news of his loss to his family and the wider community at home