DEFENCE OF BURMA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23581, 7 March 1942, Page 7

DEFENCE OF BURMA

Determined British Resistance LITTLE CHANGE ON FRONT (Received March 6, 11.20 p.m.) (U.P.A.) LONDON. March 6. British forces in Burma are offering a determined resistance to the Japanese advance against Rangoon. British tanks have been in action north-east of Pegu, Since the battle for the rivers began, heavy casualties have been inflicted on the Japanese, who have several limes had to pause to reorganise their forces. There has been little change in the situation since Waw, on the Rangoon-Lashio railway, was set on fire by Japanese bombers, A Mandalay message says British tanks smashed Japanese infantry positions near Pegu in the first tank attack of the campaign. The British inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese. A Rangoon communique received early to-day states: “On the Sittang front there is little change. On Wednesday our troops attacked a village in the area and captured a number of 77-millimetre guns and five-inch mortars. Considerable casualties were inflicted on the enemy. Our troops broke up Japanese supply transports. Patrol action continued throughout the night. The Royal Air Force carried out reconnaissance and patrol work. A small patrol of Royal Air Force fighters encountered a large formation of Japanese aircraft. In spite of its numerical superiority, the Japanese formation was broken up. One Japanese bomber was shot down. Our losses wore nil.” According to the Rome radio, the Japanese claim to have captured Rangoon. It is claimed at Tokyo that the evacuation of Mandalay has been ordered. The Japanese also say that they have occupied Maros. and also Danpos. 20 miles eastward of Maros. The Dome! News Agency claims that the Japanese have captured the Mingaladon aerodrome north of Rangoon and are making smashing headway along the Sittang river. One Japan-