BURMA OFFENSIVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25047, 10 November 1944, Page 5

BURMA OFFENSIVE

FORT WHITE TAKEN CHINESE CROSS IRRAWADDY (Reed. 12.15 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 9 New developments are reported in the offensive against the Japanese in Burma. The Fifth Indian Division in the north-west, supported by aircraft, followed its capture of Kennedy Peak by taking Fort White after two days of heavy fighting. Fort W bite fell to an outflanking move by British and Indian troops. They have already advanced four miles beyond this stronghold in the mountains and the Japanese are under pressure in the direction of Kalemyo, a base in the Chindwin Valley leading to Central Burma. A third prong southward has been made by Chinese troops who crossed the Irrawaddy and occupied the town of Shwegu, midway between Bhamo and Katha, states the South-east Asia communique. The Chinese marched in radio silence across 20 miles of jungle and swamp countrv. The Irrawaddy is 1000 yards wide here and was crossed in rubber boats and other craft. The surprise was so complete that the casualties at the crossing were limited to two or three Chinese wounded. East African troops pushing south in the Kabaw Valley, between 'lanui and Kalemyo, are making steady progress against stiffening enemy resistance. On the Chindwin front, other East African forces are investing the Japanese defences a mile from the Chindwin River, north of Mawlaik.