FURTHER GAINS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21384, 20 April 1944, Page 4

FURTHER GAINS

ALLIES IN BURMA THE IMPHAL FIGHTING PATROLLING IN ARAKAN (11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, April 19. Further advances by Allied infantry and tanks north-east of the Implial' Plain were announced in a South-East Asia communique, which states: “On the Arakan front yesterday our offensive patrolling continued south of the Maungdaw-Buthidaung road in conjunction with dive-bomb-ing and fighter attacks. An enemy raiding party which attempted to reach the road in the eastern foothills of (he Mayu Range was repulsed. In Kaladan contact with the enemv was maintained. “South of the Imphal Plain on the Tiudim road there was little activity on Monday. West of Bishenpore and soiuh oi the track to Silchar bitter fighting continues for a hill feature, possession of which has been in dispute for two days. On Monday night our troops repulsed two Japanese attacks on our positions east of Ralel. In this area Spitfires ; destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged four others of a formation which dropped a few bombs. " “North-east of the Imphal Plain our infantry supported by tanks, made further advances. On Monday three smhll enemy positions were captured. There' are no changes in the situation in the Kohima area. ‘‘ln the Mogaung Valley, units of the 38th Chinese Division reached the Lankraw River east of the road and south of Tingling, where they encountered artillery lire. The 22nd Chinese Division engaged with the Japanese in Warazup. Activity in the Air “Heavy bombers of the tenth U.S.A.A.F. in daylight yesterday attacked the Yenangyaung oil plants. Medium bombers attacked the M'an-dalay-Shwebo railway. Twenty-five hits on the railway and track Were observed. Fighter-bombers of the Air Commando FordC detailed for ground support in the Mawlu area in daylight on Monday were diverted to intercept enemy raiders. The ! aircraft, after jettisoning their bombs ov,er enemy territory, made cohtact with 12 enemy lighters in the Tamu area and in the individual ensuing air combats three enemy fighters were destroyed and three more damaged. Fighters, lighter-bombers and dive-bombers were active day and night in the Arakan, Mayu, Kaladan aWd north-west Burma areas. No Allied aircraft are mi&sing.” British and Indian infantry stormed and captured Japanese gun positions on NinShigun Hill, a few miles north of Imphal, says Reuter’s Calcutta' correspondent. At least 400 Japanese were killed and some enemy 'units were almost annihilated. Our casualties were light. Decisive Results Expected “A battle which might shortly, decide the campaign for ‘lmphal is being fcught out south of this important Burmese base,” says the correspondent of the British United Press is;New Delhi. “Our troops west of Bishenpur, where the southern arm of the Japanese movement to encircle Imphal Was threatening the British garfison, drove the enemy from the position he had occupied near the BishenpurSilchar track. The Japanese, determined not to lose more ghound, counter-attacked and the resulting battle, which is still going on, is expected to have far-reaching effects on the whole front near Imphal. Southeast of this point, where the effemy is' also making strong attacks,’ 1 the Japanese are now not in a position to strike. “The battalion of the First Gurkhas which tore into the Japanese last Sunday inflicted exceptionally heavy casualties. -It is rare that such a claim is made officially, so the Jjapanese are presumed to have suffered one of their worst set-backs since the battle for Imphal opened. “The Japanese threatening Imphal from the north are now being slowly forced from their positions which it cost them heavy losses to take. Enemy pressure against Kohima is increasing slightly.”