Derek Anthony and Hugh Paul Seagrim are the only siblings to have been awarded the Victoria Cross and George Cross.
The diagram below shows the relationships between the people mentioned in this article.
The five brothers Charles Montague Dudley, Cyril Vivian, Derek Anthony, John Halstead and Hugh Paul Seagrim were the sons of Charles Paulet Seagrim, a Church-of-England priest and his wife Amabel Emma Halsted Seagrim.
All the brothers went to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, before serving in either the British or Indian Army.
Albert Seagrim was baptised on 7 May 1834, at St. Thomas church, Winchester. The 1841 Census records that Albert Seagrim, age 5 years old, was the son of Albert & Mary Seagrim. Charles’ profession was Attorney-at-law. The family lived in Southgate Street, Winchester.
The 1851 Census records the family still living in Southgate Street, Winchester. However, Albert’s father’s occupation is now shown as “Mayor (Solicitor)”. The census form also states that Albert was born in Winton, Hampshire.
1st Wife: Maria Elizabeth Nott
Albert Seagrim married his first wife, Maria Elizabeth Nott, on 25 September 1860. The marriage took place at Secunderabad, India. The marriage notice, published in The Canterbury Journal and Farmers’ Gazette (dated 24 November 1860), stated that Miss Nott was the daughter of Captain Nott, Royal Navy.
The 1871 Census had Maria and her children (Beatrice Eleanor Langstaffe, Cyril Montague Bunbury, Charles Paulet Cunningham and Dudley Gillum Seagrim) living in Weighton Terrace, Croydon. By this time, Albert Seagrim had been a Captain in the Bengal Staff Corps for five years.
Maria Elizabeth Seagrim died on 22 December 1876 at Barton, Gloucestershire.
2nd Wife: Caroline Julia Dyer
Albert Seagrim married for the second time on 18 September 1879, at Kasuali, India. His bride was Caroline Julia Dyer, the daughter of John Dyer.
Caroline Julia Seagrim died on 6 August 1944, at Isla Comacina, Como, Italy.
Albert Seagrim’s military career can be followed by the Army notifications from the London Gazette (LG) newspaper.
| LG Date | Notice |
| 12/03/1852 | 36th Foot. Ensign by purchase vice Robbins who retires. |
| 12/01/1855 | Promoted Ensign to Lieutenant without purchase. From 36th to 1st Foot. |
| 13/12/1861 | Lieutenant Albert Seagrim to be Captain, without purchase, vice Brevet-Major James Pollock Gore. Dated 18 December 1861. |
| 11/02/1862 | 90th Foot. From 1st Foot to be Captain vice Brevet-Major William Temple removed to 1st Foot. |
| 02/05/1865 | 19th Foot. Captain Albert Seagrim from 90th Foot, to be Captain, vice Hackett who exchanges. Dated 2 February 1865. |
| 08/05/1866 | 19th Foot. Captain Henri Campbell from Bengal Staff Corps to be Captain, vice Albert Seagrim who exchanges. |
| 23/08/1872 | Promoted Captain to Major. Bengal Staff Corps. |
| 28/03/1873 | Promoted from Captain to Major, Bengal Staff Corps, in succession to Lieutenant-General G. Farquharson, Bengal Infantry, deceased. Dated 17 September 1871. |
| 30/10/1877 | Promoted Major to Lieutenant-Colonel. Bengal Staff Corps. Dated 1 October 1877 |
| 24/06/1881 | Retirement. Lieutenant-Colonel Albert Seagrim of the Bengal Staff Corps. |
Albert Seagrim died on 20 April 1919, in a Kensington nursing home.
The following notice appeared in The Times newspaper dated 22 April 1919:
The death took place on Sunday … of Colonel Seagrim, who was present at the Siege of Sevastopol with the 90th Foot [Cameronians]. He joined the Army as an Ensign in the 36th Foot [Herefordshires], and served in the 1st Foot [Royal Scots] and the 90th Foot, finally passing into the Bengal Staff Corps with brevet rank. He served as Deputy Judge Advocate-General from 1871 to 1879.
The Times newspaper, 22 April 1919.
James Stark Skipper was born on 26 November 1819, St. George at Tombland, Norwich. Son of John and Jane Elizabeth Skipper. The 1851 Census records him living at Withenfield Terrace, Lisard, Cheshire. Later became a solicitor in London Road, Norwich. Married twice: Harriet Fawdington and Emma Marianne Braune.
1st Wife: Harriet Fawdington
Married Harriet Fawdington (born 24 August 1822, Manchester) at Fairfield, Derbyshire on 12 June 1851. James and Harriet Skipper had six children: Harriet Mary Croxall, Frederick William, James Fawdington, John Chadwick, Arthur Hilton and Frank Maddock Skipper. Harriet Skipper died on 28 May 1873 at Thorpe Hamlet, Norfolk. Probate granted to widower James Stark Skipper.
2nd Wife: Emma Marianne Braune
On 7 October 1874, at Cookham (Berkshire), James Stark Skipper married Emma Marianne Braune (born Torquay, Devon), the eldest daughter of the late Rev. G. M. Braune. James and Emma Skipper had twin daughters: Amabel Emma Halsted and Vera Georgina Pellew Skipper. Emma Marianne Skipper died on 8 March 1903 at Chalet-Clairette, Dinard, France. Probate granted to Rev. Charles Paulet Cunningham Seagrim.
The Times newspaper, 8 March 1889 reported that James Stark Skipper died at his residence, Monte Cassini, Dinan, France.
Charles Paulet Cunningham Seagrim was born at Meean Meer, India. Educated at Clifton College.
The 1881 Census records Charles Paulet Seagrim staying at the Great Western Royal Hotel, Paddington, London with his step-mother (Caroline Julia Seagrim) and two of his siblings (David and Muriel Seagrim).
Charles gained admission to Downing College, Cambridge, graduating in 1885 and entered the Church-of-England.
He then served as a Curate at St. Andrew’s Church, Fulham 1887-88.
Charles Paulet Seagrim started a period of missionary work in South Africa at St. Saviour’s Mission, Thlotse Heights, Basutoland. In 1889, Charles Seagrim was Ordained as a Priest in Bloemfontein. He continued with his missionary work at St. Cyprian’s, Kimberley, 1889-90. During the period 1890-95, he served as Priest-in-charge of Somerset West, Cape Colony.
Returned to the UK in 1895, for three years served as Curate at Hamble-le-Rice (Hampshire). Charles Paulet then served as Chaplain at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Dinan (France) 1898-1900.
On 6 April 1899, Charles Paulet Seagrim married Amabel Emma Halsted Skipper, at St. Michael’s Church, Chester Square, London. The bride was one of twin daughters born to James Stark Skipper (a solicitor) and Emma Marianne Skipper. Amabel was born on 22 February 1876 in Coltishall (Norfolk).
Charles Seagrim became Curate at St. Peter’s Church, Bournemouth 1900-04. The 1901 Census records the Seagrims living with their son Charles Montague, sister-in-law, nurse and cook in Charminster Road, Bournemouth.
When he left St. Peter’s Church, a local newspaper reported that the congregation presented Charles Seagrim with
an extremely handsome silver tea and coffee service, together with an illuminated address.
The Bournemouth Daily Echo newspaper, 5 November 1904.
During 1904-09, Charles Seagrim served as Vicar at Ashmansworth (Hampshire).
In 1909, Charles Seagrim became the Rector at Whissonsett with Horningtoft (Norfolk).
Charles Paulet Cunningham & Amabel Emma Halsted Seagrim had five sons: Charles Montague Dudley, Cyril Vivian, Derek Anthony, John Halstead and Hugh Paul.
The 1911 Census records the eldest son, Charles, away at boarding school. The rest of the family, with a cook and housemaid, lived at Whissonsett Rectory.
On 4 May 1927, aged 63 years old, Charles Paulet Cunningham Seagrim died. A notice of his death was published in The Times newspaper on 11 May 1927.
Amabel Emma Halsted Seagrim died on 24 January 1963 at a nursing home in Blandford, Dorset.
Charles Montague Dudley Seagrim was born on 19 September 1900, in Colchester. Educated at Allhallows School, Honiton, Devon, where he appears in the 1911 Census.
His brief military career can be followed by the Army notifications from the London Gazette (LG) newspaper.
| LG Date | Notice |
| 18/09/1922 | Promoted to Lieutenant, Royal Artillery |
| 19/09/1930 | Retires on account of ill health. |
The Times newspaper reported on 24 May 1919, that Charles M. D. Seagrim was defeated on points in a middleweight bout; part of the Royal Military Academy’s amateur championships.
On 31 August 1929, Charles Seagrim departed London on the ship Orvieto, heading for Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
On 2 July 1930, Charles Seagrim arrived back in the UK (from Cristobel, Panama) aboard the ship City of London. It is stated on the passenger list that his intended UK residence is Netley Hospital.
Charles Montague Dudley Seagrim died on 8 May 1971, at St James Hospital, Milton, Portsmouth.
Cyril Vivian Seagrim was born on 8 August 1902 in Bournemouth. Published in The Times 14 June 1915, that Cyril Seagrim had gained a scholarship to Gresham’s School, Holt.
His military career can be followed by the various Army notifications from the London Gazette (LG) newspaper.
| LG Date | Notice |
| 01/09/1922 | Cadet from Royal Military Academy to 2nd Lieutenant Corps of Royal Engineers |
| 01/09/1933 | Promoted from Lieutenant to Captain. |
| 14/02/1936 | Appointed Instructor at Army Technical School (Boys). Effective 22/01/1936. |
| 20/01/1939 | Army Technical School (Boys) Chepstow. Capt C.V. Seagrim, RE, relinquishes appointment of Instructor. |
| 01/09/1939 | Promoted Captain to Major. |
| 01/02/1945 | Awarded OBE. Major (temp. Lieu-Col) Cyril Vivian Seagrim (14505), Corps of Royal Engineers (Westward Ho). |
| 06/07/1948 | Major C.V. Seagrim, RE, retires on ret. pay 7 March 1948 and is granted the hon. rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. |
The Indian General Service Medal roll contained in the National Archives (WO 100/494) confirm that Lieutenant Cyril Seagrim, RE, was awarded the medal with “NW Frontier 1930-31” clasp.
Cyril Seagrim played hockey for the Royal Engineers against Cambridge University. The Times newspaper, dated 2 November 1933, reported that Cambridge overturned a half-time deficit of 2-1 to win 6-2.
On 18 June 1936 at Cardiff Aeroplane Club, while serving at the Chepstow Army Technical School, Cyril Seagrim gained his Royal Aero Club certificate (number 13943). The certificate states that it was taken on a De Havilland Moth, Gipsy, 85 horsepower.
Cyril Seagrim was awarded the OBE for his work at Port-en-Bessin, France, during the period 8 – 30 June 1944. This port was the French end of the PLUTO (PipeLine Under The Ocean). This pipeline was used to transport fuel from England to France, in support of the Normandy landings made on 6 June 1944. The citation, contained in National Archives document WO 373/83, is reproduced below.
This officer was responsible for the construction of all petrol installations at the port which were successfully completed as planned. A delay in the arrival of the majority of the units under his command, the uncertain arrival of the store ships, and very bad weather created numerous difficulties. However, due to his intense enthusiasm, the tasks in hand were well organised and brought up to scratch.
National Archives WO 373/83.
The forthcoming marriage was announced in The Times newspaper, 5 June 1953, and is reproduced below:
The engagement is announced between Lieutenant-Colonel Cyril Vivian Seagrim, OBE, of Cambridge, son of Mrs. A. H. Seagrim and the late Rev. C. P. Seagrim of Whissonsett and Janna, only child of Mrs. W. B. Vail, of Sutton, Surrey.
The Times newspaper, 5 June 1953.
Cyril Vivian Seagrim died on 1 October 1982, residing at Loddon, Norfolk.
Derek Anthony Seagrim was born on 24 September 1903 in Bournemouth. Following his education at Norwich Grammar (also known as King Edward VI Grammar) school, Derek Seagrim joined the Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment).
His military career, where he served periods in the UK, Africa and Palestine, can be followed by the various Army notifications from the London Gazette (LG) newspaper.
| LG Date | Notice |
| 01/09/1925 | Promoted from 2nd to 1st Lieutenant. |
| 03/02/1931 | Seconded for service under the Colonial Office. Effective 11 November 1930. |
| 16/11/1934 | Granted Temp. Capt. whilst employed with King’s African Rifles. Effective 16 November 1934. |
| 27/11/1934 | Granted Temp. Capt from 11 November, not as stated in LG 16 November 1934. |
| 01/10/1935 | Promoted from Lieutenant to Captain. |
| 30/11/1937 | To Spec. Appt (Cl. FF) Temp. 19 November 1937. |
| 10/12/1937 | Seconded whilst holding a Spec. Appt. Effective 19 November 1937. |
| 27/08/1940 | Promoted from Capt. to Major. Effective 30 August 1940. |
| 08/07/1941 | Awarded Mention-in-Despatches for services in the Middle East during December 1940 to February 1941. |
| 11/05/43 | Awarded the Victoria Cross. |
The Dover Express & East Kent newspaper contained a report of the Army Team Championships, which was held at Aldershot on 14th and 15th August 1925. Lieutenant D. A. Seagrim was a member of the 880 (4 x 220) yards relay team which came third. He was also part of the Mile (4 x 440 yards) relay team which came third, and the Two Miles (4 x 880 yards) relay team which finished second.
One week later, the Dover Express & East Kent newspaper reported that Lieutenant D. A. Seagrim ran for Kent in the Inter-County Athletic Championships, which was held at Stamford Bridge. Lieutenant Seagrim was part of the two miles relay team which finished second.
On the 20 June 1924, The Dover Express & East Kent newspaper reported that a cricket match took place between a touring Lloyds Bank side and the Dover Garrison. The Lloyds Bank team scored 258 for 6 declared and won the match by 155 runs, with the Kent batsman R.T. Bryan top-scoring with 74 runs. The Dover Garrison side were all out for 103 runs, with Lieutenant D.A. Seagrim batting number six and scoring zero.
The medal roll, preserved at the National Archives (WO 100 / 501), confirms that Captain Derek Anthony Seagrim was entitled to the General Service Medal with Palestine clasp.
The events that led to the award of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim are explained in the citation published in the London Gazette 11 May 1943:
On the night of the 20th/21st March 1943 the task of a Battalion of the Green Howards was to attack and capture an important feature on the left flank of the main attack on the Mareth Line. The defence of this feature was very strong and it was protected by an anti-tank ditch twelve feet wide and eight feet deep with minefields on both sides. It formed a new part of the main defences of the Mareth Line and the successful capture of this feature was vital to the success of the main attack.
From the time the attack was launched the Battalion was subjected to the most intense fire from artillery, machine-guns and mortars and it appeared more than probable that the Battalion would be held up entailing failure of the main attack.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim placed himself at the head of his Battalion which was at the time, suffering heavy casualties and led it through the hail of fire.
He personally helped the team which, was placing the scaling ladder over the anti-tank ditch and was himself the first to cross it. He led the assault firing his pistol, throwing grenades and personally assaulting the machine-gun posts which were holding up the advance of one of his Companies. It is estimated that in this phase he killed or captured twenty Germans.
This display of leadership and personal courage led directly to the capture of the objective. When dawn broke the Battalion was firmly established on the position which was of obvious importance to the enemy who immediately made every effort to regain it. Every post was mortared and machine-gunned unmercifully and movement became practically impossible but Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim was quite undeterred. He moved from post to post organising and directing the fire until the attackers were wiped out to a man.
By his valour disregard for personal safety and outstanding example he so inspired his men that the Battalion successfully took and held its objective thereby allowing the attack to proceed.
Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim was severely wounded at the Battle at Wadi Akarit.
Derek Anthony Seagrim died at a military hospital, near Sfax, on 6 April 1943. He is buried in Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia, grave plot 14, row C, grave 21.
The inscription on Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim’s headstone is identical to his brother Hugh Paul’s headstone: “Into thy hands I commend my spirit”.
The Victoria Cross awarded to her son, was presented to Mrs. Seagrim at a Buckingham Palace ceremony.
John Halstead Seagrim was born on 24 September 1906, Highclere, Hampshire. Shown on the 1911 Census as “Jack”, however his named is confirmed by several documents, including a published notice of his wedding which appears later in this article.
His military career can be followed by the various Indian Army notifications from the London Gazette (LG) newspaper.
| LG Date | Notice |
| 03/09/1926 | Unattached list for Indian Army. |
| 27/06/1928 | 2nd Lieutenant, unattached list for Indian Army. |
| 18/01/1929 | Promoted 2nd Lieutenant to 1st Lieutenant. |
| 04/10/1935 | Promoted Lieutenant to Captain. |
| 05/08/1943 | Awarded Mention-in-Despatches for gallant and distinguished services in Persia-Iraq. |
| 17/12/1943 | Promoted from Captain to Major. |
| 22/10/1948 | Officer Retired (ex-Indian Army). |
A marriage notice appeared in The Grantham Journal, dated 27 June 1936, which confirmed John Halstead Seagrim’s name and relationship to his brothers.
Miss Mary Josephine Camilla Snape, only daughter of the Rev. H. W. and Mrs. Snape, of Greatford Rectory, Stamford, was married on Saturday at her father’s church. Many well-known county people were present. The ceremony was conducted by the bride’s uncle, the Rev. F. V. Health (Rector of Folkingham), and the bridegroom was Captain John Halstead Seagrim, fourth son of Mrs. Seagrim, of Nelson Terrace, Westward Ho. The bridegroom is attached to the 2nd/2nd Punjab Regiment, and is stationed in Jullundur, Punjab, India.
The Grantham Journal, 27 June 1936.
John Halstead Seagrim, of Salhouse, Norfolk died on 29 May 1993.
Hugh Paul Seagrim was born on 24 March 1909 in Ashmansworth (Hampshire). Educated Norwich Grammar (also known as King Edward VI Grammar) school.
Being quite tall, some 6 feet 4 inches, he was noted in a local newspaper account for his footballing talents as a goalkeeper.
His military career can be followed by the various Army notifications from the London Gazette (LG) newspaper.
| LG Date | Notice |
| 01/02/1929 | Unattached for Indian Army. |
| 23/10/1931 | Promoted from 2nd to 1st Lieutenant, Indian Army. With seniority from 30 April 1931. |
| 11/03/1938 | Promoted from Lieutenant to Captain, Indian Army. Effective 29 January 1938. |
| 28/10/1942 | Awarded MBE. |
| 11/01/1944 | Awarded Distinguished Service Order. |
| 12/09/1946 | Awarded George Cross. |
After war had broken out against Japan, a number of British soldiers were sent from Singapore to Rangoon to prepare Burma’s defences against a Japanese attack. Meanwhile, Burma’s Governor, Reginald Dorman-Smith, appointed H.N.C Stevenson (Assistant Superintendent at Kutkai, northern Shan States) to raise a countrywide force to stem the imminent Japanese invasion.
Stevenson appointed a British officer, Hugh Paul Seagrim, to help organise the Karen groups. Seagrim, in India at this time, immediately flew to Rangoon and then on to Papun, only 20 miles from the border with Thailand.
Seagrim decided to move his operational base away from Papun to Pyagawpu; three days march away from Papun and surrounded by several smaller Karen villages. Seagrim divided the Karens into areas: Saw Willie Saw was responsible for the Kadaingti area, Saw Darlington was responsible for the Papun area and Saw Digay was responsible for the Pyagawpu area.
It was while serving with the Karens, that Seagrim acquired the nickname “Grandfather Longlegs”.
The London Gazette newspaper 28 October 1942 records the award of the MBE to Captain (temp. Major) Hugh Paul Seagrim. The citation, extracted from the National Archives (WO 373/79 part 2), is reproduced below:
It was to this officer’s faith in the Karen that the formation of the Karen 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 has ceased to exist and our armies and retreated north. His actions in this living behind the enemy will prove of great benefit to us when we counter attack, for he built up a useful number of guerillas, who on several occasions resisted incursions by pro-Jap Burmese rebel bands.
National Archives WO 373/79 part 2.
Late in 1942, a plan had been approved by S.O.E’s Force 136, to drop four Karen parachutists in to the Karen Hills; the four led by Saw Ba Kyaw. This group was to scout the area where they were dropped, to see if it was suitable as a site for a radio, which would be operated by two British officers (Major Nimmo and Captain McCrindle) and four Karen radio operators. This group would then link up with Seagrim and establish an intelligence and sabotage network.
On 18 February 1943, Saw Ba Gyaw and three Karens parachuted into the hills. However, the weather conditions were very bad and prevented the drop of the transmitter. It was decided that a group comprising Major Nimmo and five Karens should parachute into the hills, bringing the transmitter with them.
On 12 October 1943, a group consisting of the two British officers, five Karens and the transmitter were parachuted into the hills. Two days later, this group made contact with Seagrim and Saw Ba Gyaw. After another day, this group established radio contact with India.
The London Gazette newspaper 13 January 1944 records the award of the DSO to Captain (temp. Major) Hugh Paul Seagrim. The citation, extracted from the National Archives (WO 373/31), is reproduced below:
This officer has remained 380 miles within enemy-held territory ever since its occupation by Japanese forces in April 1942. During this period he has sustained the loyalty of the local inhabitants of 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 A.B.R.O 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 proved his determination, courage and devotion to duty to be of the highest order.
National Archives WO 373/31.
By early 1944, Seagrim had been joined by Captain McCrindle, while Major Nimmo and three Karen parachutists had established their own camp north of the Mawchi road.
The activity in the Salween area had not gone unobserved by the Japanese. Seagrim then moved his camp some ten miles from Pyagawgpu, near to the village of Komupwado. However, the Japanese continued to raid the villages and torture the inhabitants in an attempt to gain information about Seagrim and the Karens fighting with him.
The Japanese arrived in Kyuakkyi, where they continued their usual routine of beating and torturing the inhabitants to reveal the location of Seagrim’s camp. After beating one particular man for three days (an ex-Burma Rifles soldier called Maung Wah), they released him and gave him an ultimatum: he was to go up into the hills and return with the location of Seagrim’s camp. If he failed to return in one week, the Japanese would take action against the man’s family. Maung Wah went to Seagrim’s camp and told him everything that he knew. Seagrim told Maung Wah to return to his village. Meanwhile, the Japanese had obtained the required information by torturing another villager.
The Japanese surrounded the camp, near Komupwado, and in the ensuing battle, Captain McCrindle was killed. Seagrim and the rest of the party escaped in the thick jungle. However, the Japanese continued their torture and beating of local village inhabitants.
Major Nimmo had established his camp in the north, not far from Mawtudo. Using information gained during their raid of Seagrim’s Komupwado camp, and the beatings of local villagers, the Japanese located Nimmo’s camp. During the attack, Major Nimmo was killed as he emerged from his tent.
The Japanese stationed troops in the larger villages, and forced villagers to search the hills. Documents that were later captured from the Japanese, record that at least 270 people, including elders and headmen, were arrested. Many of whom were brutally tortured before being killed.
Seagrim’s location became known when one of the survivors from the earlier attack on his base surrendered and was tricked into giving information to a Japanese informer. The Japanese troops arrived in Mawtudo. They then made the village headman deliver a message to Seagrim that if he did not surrender, the Japanese would destroy the village and detain all the villagers.
Seagrim surrendered and was sent to Rangoon, where he was imprisoned in the New Law Courts.
On 2 September 1944, the Japanese tried Seagrim and the Karens. For helping Seagrim and the British, they sentenced Saw Po Hla, Saw Ta Roe, Saw Digay, Thara May Sha, Thra Kyaw Law, Saw Rupert, Saw Henry, Saw Po Myin, Saw Tha Say and Saw Yay to eight years’ imprisonment.
Seagrim, Saw Ba Gyaw, Saw He Be, Saw Tun Lin, Saw Sunny, Saw Pe, Saw Peter and Saw Ah Din were sentenced to death. Seagrim stated that only he should be executed, as the others had acted under his orders. However, they all expressed the wish to suffer the same fate as Seagrim. Throughout his time in prison, Seagrim tried to comfort his men and sustain their courage by his example. The degree to which he inspired them may well be realised from the fact they they all expressed their willingness to share his fate.
On 14 September 1944, Seagrim together with seven Karens were executed by firing squad, and their bodies were thrown into a communal grave.
After the war, the remains of all eight were exhumed and reburied in Rangoon War Cemetery, plot 4, row A, Collective Grave 13-20.
The inscription on Major Seagrim’s headstone is identical to his brother Derek Anthony’s headstone: “Into thy hands I commend my spirit”.
Major Seagrim’s award of the George Cross was published in the London Gazette on 12 September 1946:
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS, in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to: Major (temporary) Hugh Paul Seagrim, D.S.O., M.B.E. (IA.985) 19th Hyderabad Regiment (now The Kumaon Regiment), Indian Army.
London Gazette 12 September 1946.
Major James Russell Nimmo is buried in Rangoon War Cemetery, Plot G, Row 2, grave 17. Captain Eric John McCrindle has no known grave, so is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, face 111.
The George Cross awarded to her son, was presented to Mrs. Seagrim at a Buckingham Palace ceremony; three years after she received the Victoria Cross awarded to Derek Anthony Seagrim.
The high esteem in which Hugh Seagrim was held by the Karen population was mentioned in a letter written by the Bishop of Rangoon (George Algernon West), published in The Times on 22 May 1947. In the letter, the Bishop starts with the following paragraph:
I have just traversed the Karen Hills and again learned first-hand stories of Major H. P. Seagrim, G.C. His final act of surrender to the Japanese to save the Karen villagers from further torture was evidently characteristic of his daily life among them. His name is already almost a legend, and one typical villager, when asked why Seagrim had captured the Karen heart and mind so completely, answered “Because he loved us so much”.
The Times newspaper, 22 May 1947.