Large WW2 “Bring Back” Burma Kukri Knife Attributed to RAF WAG - Frank Harry Thomas
Here on offer is a large WW2 “Bring Back” Kukri knife from Burma that is attributed to RAF Wireless Air Gunner (WAG), Frank Harry Thomas.
A Wireless Air Gunner was a dual-trained member of the aircrew, trained to operate the aircraft's radio and operate a defensive turret.
I actually acquired the Kukri directly from Frank Thomas’s daughter, who provided the following details about his WW2 service history.
Frank Harry Thomas was born on 29th February 1924 and was adopted within his family when his parents separated.
He joined the RAF and trained as a radio operator and was deployed by ship to Burma in 1942.
His designation was WAG according to a pewter tanker which survives as a 1942 Christmas gift from the Maharajah of Jodhpur and his daughter now uses it as a pen holder. Photo attached, but tankard not included!
His main claim to fame, apart from surviving physically unscathed is that he was at the siege at Imphal.
Fought between 8 March and 18 July 1944, these were the turning point of one of the most gruelling campaigns of the Second World War (1939-45). The decisive Japanese defeat in north-east India became the springboard for the Fourteenth Army's subsequent re-conquest of Burma.
He came back to the UK in 1946 with the Kukri as a souvenir of his time in Burma.
He married in 1948 and went on to work for the Trustee Savings Bank as a branch manager in South Wales when banks had such people.
He maintained an interest in electronics and always had the bank’s computer stripped down ready for the engineers when it needed repairing!
He sadly passed away on 14th February 2011.
Now given the ornate grip and the tooled decoration on the scabbard of this Kukri, it looks to me to be a “souvenir” piece that was made at the time for RAF personnel to bring back home, at the end of WW2.
The knife itself has the traditional Kukri curved blade. It is in great condition with some dark patches and greying to the finish. There is some ornate chisel work to the top edge of both sides of the blade.
The grip has been beautifully carved and polished from a solid piece of dark horn that is held in place by two large flush brass/steel rivets.
The pommel has been made of layers of aluminium and red plastic and has a brass cap with a diamond design to the top.
The ferrell is solid brass with cut groves on the outer edges.
The kukri scabbard has the usual wood structure covered in black leather, which has been beautifully worked with ornate patterns on the front, inlaid with some red dots.
On the back are two pockets that hold a pair of small knives. One of these, the Chakmak, is for sharpening the kukri and can be used with a flint to create a spark. The other, the Karda, is used as a penknife for skinning animals.
The original leather hanging strap and belt strap are now missing, but it has been fitted with a black twisted nylon rope with tassel ends.
Overall, it is in great condition on the front, with some scuff marks. There is however some loss of the thin leather on the back, possible eaten by bugs at some point in its life and the wood underneath appears to have been stained black, so it blends in with the remaining leather.
The large blade measures approximately 14.5” (36.8cm) long and the knife is 19.5” (49.5cm) in total length.
With the scabbard, it weighs a heavy 965g!
This knife clearly has a story to tell and the original owner is worth researching.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.
Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.
The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.
Code: 51190