Percy Dunford was posted to India in the spring of 1943 joining the 9th Royal Sussex Rgt who were then in the vicinity of Poona, training for action in Burma against the Japanese.

As part of the 36th Division, the Btn.’s first engagement with the enemy was in the Arakan the following year. By 1945 they were fighting in Northern Burma, pushing the Japanese south along a railway corridor from Myitkyina. By August they were near Taungni where an elevated position was held by the enemy. Despite bombardment by the Chinese artillery, other units had failed to dislodge them from their bunkers. The 9th Battalion was ordered to take what was called Hill 60 and establish command of the valley below.

A fearsome battle followed, starting at night, with bayonets fixed, and hand to hand fighting. There were many casualties. The Chinese continued to support the advance but a stray shell landed directly on 13 Platoon, killing Lt. Dunford and four of his men, with another six wounded.

Despite this the 9th prevailed, taking Hill 60 before they continued their advance.