To My Long Lost Uncle

Dr Maung Maung Nyo

My mother told me fondly of him
He was always sweet and smiling
He supported her in her busy scheme
He looked after me with love and grin.

(Burma's Flag under the Japanese)

He was the younger brother of my father
He was single and lived under his shelter
It was at the beginning of Japanese Occupation
He had to forsake his medical school education.

(L to R: Adipati Dr Ba Maw, Thakhin Mya, Dr Thein Maung

and General Aung San on Their Way to Tokyo)

He did not stay idle at home
He studied Japanese alone
He also joined the Asia Youth.
He was an enthusiastic recruit.

(Bombed Docks at Rangoon during Japanese Occupation)

He attended courses given at Asia Youth
He was very active and in upbeat mood
He learned politics from his seniors
He taught First Aids to his juniors
Every one liked him for his ardor
He was such a proactive volunteer.

(Budalin in Monywa District on Flame during Japanese

Occupation)

When the Japanese Army entered Monywa
He joined their service as an interpreter
He was a favorite of the Japanese Masters
As he could speak four languages super
English, Burmese, Hindi and Japanese
It was a God-send for the Jap Commander!

(Japanese Money, Htaung-Ma-Le-The-Kaw, but worthless,

Printed by Japanese Army to Destroy Burmese Economy)

He was important in local Japanese administration
Many decisions were made based on his interpretation
He saved a lot of people in Japanese detention
But, some succumbed sadly to their interrogations
So some people liked him, but others despised him
However, he continued his work with his conviction.

(Japanese Empire in 1942 that includes Burma)

When Japanese Administration wore on further
Burmese people could not tolerate any longer
Means were made to launch anti-Japanese war
One of the leaders in Monywa was my father
He was getting all inside information for war
It was due to his brother Japanese interpreter!

(General Aung San Preparing for Anti-Japanese

Resistance by Organising AFO later AFPFL)

Anti-Japanese Resistance started early in Upper Burma
Bo Ba Htoo of Mandalay had to escape Japanese wrath
He sent all his troops out of reach of the Japanese traps
He himself went hiding and attacking from Shan Fortress
My father and his followers also had to begin attack and hide
Thus my uncle was caught in between the two warring sides.


(General Aung San Fought the Japanese with

the Japanese Method)

Allies Troops were coming from the North
The Japanese were caught in a perilous plot
They retreated confiscating every thing valuable of sorts
My uncle had to plead with his Commander to naught
He was interned as Japanese were wary of Burmese cohorts
He had to accompany them for information they sought.

(Thanbuddhay Pagoda in Monywa Built during WW II)

He was taken from Monywa to Mandalay
From there to Pegu, Moulmein all the way
Still a prisoner and interpreter, a surety in the forays
He was ultimately freed or killed around Mottama Bay;

(Earl Mountbatten of Burma,Allied Supreme Commander

Inspecting Troops before Japanese Surrender)

Mother told me they got letter from him in later days

(Maybe she was telling to soothe my worried ways)
Informing worried family he was OK in Mottama Bay
They pleaded him to come back home soon to parley
But, he never replied by mail or reappeared till today
I thought my uncle disappeared in thin air or lost his way!

(General Aung San with British PM Clement Atlee

for Independence Talks in London)

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
05.12.2008 (original)