The British Army in the Far East 1941-45 by Alan Jeffreys

Author:Alan Jeffreys
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: The British Army in the Far East 1941–45
ISBN: 9781472802033
Publisher: Osprey Publishing

On 9 January 1944 men of the 2nd Battalion, the Welch Regiment were sent across the Irrawaddy at Thabeikkyn for reconnaissance. The division then crossed at Kyaukmyaung (46 miles north of Mandalay) using rubber assault boats. Two regiments from the division also established a bridgehead at Thabenkkyin, 20 miles to the north, as a diversion, making the enemy think that the northern bridgehead was to link up with 36th Division. Both bridgeheads were held against repeated Japanese counter-attacks for 20 days, and contained Japanese troops caught on the eastern side of the river, particularly at Kabwet. The troops also took two tactical features inland – Minbaung Taung ridge and Pear Hill – both of which were key observation posts.

After this initial success the divisional commander, Major-General ‘Pete’ Rees, drove the division straight for Mandalay down the Irrawaddy with the Shan mountains to the east, taking Tongyi and Madaya on the way. He then formed ‘Stiletto Force’ consisting of the Divisional Reconnaissance Battalion, 1/15th Punjab Regiment, along with British and Indian tanks, gunners and Madras Sappers. The force advanced along the side of the Irrawaddy and reached the north-west of Mandalay at 3 a.m. on 8 March, encountering little opposition along the way and surprising the Japanese defenders. The rest of the force came down the main road from Madaya, apart from a brigade, which took the hill station of Maymyo. After heavy fighting, Mandalay Hill and Fort Dufferin were taken on 20 March. Members of the division raised the Union Jack, the division flag and the regimental flag of the 1/15th Punjab Regiment on Fort Dufferin.

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