BURMA BATTLES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 64, 16 March 1944, Page 5

BURMA BATTLES

Allies Continue Steady Advance

On All Sectors

MOPPING UP AT BUTHIDAUNG

British Official Wireless

Rec. 1 p.m.

RUGBY, Mar. 15

In Razabil "fortress," Arakan, our troops occupied additional strong points on high ground, states Southeast Asia Headquarters. Engineers, following closely behind the infantry, removed obstructions and repaired damaged roads.

North of Buthidaung there hasbeen fierce hand-to-hand fighting in underground positions and operations to clear the enemy. Elsewhere around Buthidaung pockets of resistance continue to be mopped up, while further south counter-attacks were driven off. A Japanese column, operating on our right flank in the Chin Hills, continued its movement northward and contact has been made with it.

In North Burma mortar and artillery duels are features of the steady advance of the Chinese against enemy south from Walobum. On the flanks contact with the enemy is being maintained and the Chinese are advancing east of Galun Ga.

During a Japanese fighter sweep over our forward area on Monday morning Spitfires destroyed three enemy aircraft. Enemy installations and supply lines have been harassed by Allied bombers and fighterbombers, ranging over North and South Burma. From all operations two Allied aircraft are missing.