CAPTURE OF MARTABAN

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21655, 16 February 1942, Page 5

CAPTURE OF MARTABAN

GARRISON CUTS WAY OUT ATTACKS IN PAAN AREA (United Press Assn.—Elec fel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 14 The bitterest fighting of the war has occurred in Burma in the last few days, since the Japanese thrust across the Salween, says Reuter’s correspondent. Indians bore the brunt of the fighting and acquitted themselves gallantly. Martaban fell after a considerable force had crossed the Salween and worked a way to the rear of the town, linking up with another force landed from the sea northward of Martaban. The garrison, consisting of British and Indians, cut a way through the Japanese lines to escape encirclement. The British United Press corresponde.vri; at Rangoon reports that the Japanese are attacking in strength in the Paan area, apparently hoping to reach Thaton, across the Bilin River. British, Indian and Burmese troops are putting up a stiff resistance, but are heavily outnumbered. A communique issued at Rangoon after two days’ fighting in the Paan area states that action has slackened. Apparently the Japanese second big attempt on the Salween has collapsed with considerable Japanese casualties. Japanese air activity has also slackened, but British and American pilots are constantly pounding Japanese positions. Pressure Eased Japanese pressure eased along the entire East Burma front tonight after a heavy force of Allied bombers had made low-level flights and dropped thousand of pounds of fragmentation bombs on enemy troop concentrations in the Paan area. Blen\eim bombers struck at the Japanese about two miles from Paan, on the road to Thaton, which is regarded as an admission that the enemy has forced a second crossing of the Salween River.

British aircraft yesterday made another sweep over the Moulmein area.

Fresh Chinese troops poured into Burma yesterday and it is stated that thousands more are on the way. All have had fighting experience against the Japanese. It is now known that on his way to India Marshal Chiang Kai-shek spent a short time in Burma discussing the final details of the arrival of Chinese troops.