BURMA PATROLS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21753, 30 June 1945, Page 5

BURMA PATROLS

INTENSIVE ACTIONS GURKHAS’ FIERCE CLASH CLEARING "OF VILLAGE (10.30 a.m.) ’ LONDON, June 29. The South-East Asia Command communique says: “Our troops engaged in mopping up Japanese over the large area between the Irrawaddy and Sittang Rivers are continuing their intensive patrol and ambush activity. Strong Japanese bunker positions were located north-west of Kawa, 20 miles south of Pegu, and on the RangoonPegu road south of Peze. “A series of village features, east of Taikkye, on the Prome-Rangoon road, are reported clear of the enemy. Flooded chaungs are impeding the progress of our troops along the Toungoo-Mawchi road. There are indications that the Japanese in Mawchi are strongly entrenched and are preparing to make a stand. “A report has been received 1 of an action fought by Gurkhas in two feet of water against the Japanese in the village.of Nyaungkashe, west of Waw, on the Moulmein railway near the Sittang River. The Gurkhas cleared the village after a bloody, close combat. The enemy casualties are known to be heavy. Sixteen bodies have been found so far. Our troops suffered some casualties.

“Details are now available of an attempt by a strong force of Japanese to cross the Sittang River on rafts. About 500 of the enemy embarked on rafts, many of which also carried various stores. Most, of the rafts were sunk and only a few unarmed Japanese reached the east bank. The enemy casualties are believed to have been heavy.

“Spitfires destroyed three and damaged 11 river craft on the Sittang River. Other planes struck troop concentration areas and rail targets in the Hlaingbwe-Thaton areas and the Moulmein-Bangkok railway.’