BURMA PROGRESS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21632, 8 February 1945, Page 5

BURMA PROGRESS

THE IRRAWADDY AREA JAP. COUNTERS REPULSED (11 a.m.) -RUGBY. Feb. 7. Progress in Burma at present is chiefly between the Irrawaddy and the Chindwin in areas south of Monywa and west of Sagaing, also towards Lashio from the Shweli River. The South-east Asia communique states: “Further counter-attacks on our road block at Kangaw. were repulsed. In the hills east and west of the Ibya-Kangaw road our offensive action was vigorously maintained. The Myaungyin area east of Mvinmu. on the north bank of the Irrawaddy west of Sagaing, has been m lt u , ( the enemy. In the area of the confluence of the Irrawaddy and the Chindwin the Japanese are still resisting in the sector between Nabet and the Irrawaddy (127 miles south-south-east of Monywa). “In the hills west of the Burma Road and on the road, General Mars’ task force and the 38th Chinese Division were heavily engaged with the enemy. The 15th Chinese Division captured Molo, on the south bank of the Shweli (60 air miles north-west of Lashio) „

“Aircraft of the Eastern Air Command on Tuesday in strength hit a supply area, troops and anti-aircraft Positions in Lashio. Enemy strongpoints were bombed near the southern bridgehead over the Irrawaddy and in Arakan.”