Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Force 136, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

October 28th, 1942

Recommendation:
"It was dus to this officer's faith in the Karen that the formation of the Laren Levies was largely due. For weeks he sat several days' march behind the Japanese forward positions and trained Karen irregulars. His presence and training maintained Karen morale and friendship to us long after the civil administration had ceased to exist and our armies had retreated north. His actions in thus living behind the enemy will prove of great benefit to us when we couterattack, for he built up as useful number of guerillas who on several occasions resisted incursions by pro-Jap Burmese rebel bands"

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Force 136, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

January 13th, 1944

Recommendation:
"This officer has remained 380 miles within enemy-held territory ever since its occupation by the Japanese forces in april 1942. During this period he has sustained the loyalty of the local inhabitants for a very wide area and thereby has provided the foundation of a pro-British force whenever occupying forces arrive in that area. This officer has now been contacted by Major Nimmo, ABRO, and is passing valuable military intelligence by wireless. The fact that he has remained alone in constant danger and has maintained pro-British sympathies in such adverse circumstances, has provided his determination, courahe and devotion to be of the highest order."

WO 373/31/239

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Force 136, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

September 12th, 1946

Major Seagrim was the leader of a party which included two other British and one Karen officer working in the Karen Hills of Burma. By the end of 1943 the Japanese had learned of this party who then commenced a campaign of arrests and torture to determine their whereabouts. In February 1944 the other two British officers were ambushed and killed but Major Seagrim and the Karen officer escaped. The Japanese then arrested 270 Karens and tortured and killed many of them but still they continued to support Major Seagrim. To end further suffering to the Karens, Seagrim surrendered himself to the Japanese on 15th March 1944. He was taken to Rangoon and together with eight others he was sentenced to death. He pleaded that the others were following his orders and as such they should be spared, but they were determined to die with him and were all executed.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)