SHARP ENGAGEMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 March 1944, Page 4

SHARP ENGAGEMENT

IN NORTHERN BURMA CHINESE INFLICT LOSSES ON ENEMY. DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER AREAS (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) RUGBY, March 27. The Chinese have captured a position four miles from Shadzup, the number of Japanese killed in this engagement totalling 250, states a New Delhi message. A South-East Asia communique states: "There was considerable patrol activity on the main Arakan front on Friday night and Saturday. On Sunday our troops cleared an enemy from a hill feature in the foothills bordering the coastal plain. Further operations against the western tunnel area met with success and our troops are now in position on top of the tunnel, while the enemy continue to hold the eastern tunnel area in some strength. On Saturday night, south of Bathidaung, the enemy failed in an attack made in considerable strength against our positions. Our artillery has been active throughout the area inflicting a considerable number of casualties on the enemy. East of Kalapanzin, our troops captured another commanding feature and the enemy has been forced to make a local withdrawal. “On the Tiddim-Imphal Road, Japanese tanks have been in action. Several of these were destroyed on Saiurday in this area. Our troops captured a hill feature after heavy fighting, in which the enemy sustained heavy casualties. In the Ukhrul area, severe fighting has taken place and Japanese pressure is being continued. “American-trained and equipped Chinese forces have continued their advance against strong enemy resistance in the area north of Shaduzup. Our air forces have been active throughout Burma.” MANIPUR INVASION JAPANESE MOVE TOWARDS KOHIMA. ATTEMPT TO CUT ALLIED SUPPLY LINES. (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 27. Reports that the Japanese are moving towards Kohima indicate that the Japanese apparently are attempting to isolate Central Manipur and cut the Allied Assam supply lines. Kohima is an important hill top town on me Manipur Road. 60 miles from the As-sam-Bengal Railway.

TELLING BLOWS STRUCK BY AMERICAN BOMBERS. IN ENEMY-OCCUPIED AREAS. (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) CHUNGKING, March 27. Fourteenth Air Force aircraft damaged Japanese railway installations at three points northward of Vinh, in Indo-China, says General Stilwell's communique. Liberators bombed a fuel dump and motor pool at Mangshihi, in Burma. Mitchells attacked shipping and harbour installations at Bakli Bay and Hainan Island, sinking two 1,000 ton ships.