Battle for IndiaImphal and

Kohima06/04/1944 to 07/18/1944

06/04/1944 US troops from Clark’s 5 th Army from the

Anzio beachhead enter Rome. Japanese in Burma intended to hold the

country defensively to prevent Allies opening supply route from India to China.

Lieutenant General Renya Mutaguchi commander in chief of the Japanese army and General Kawabe, persuaded the Tokyo government to endorse an attack on India.

Operation “U-Go” Seize the main supply depot at Imphal. British and Indian Forces attacked Arakan in

Southern Burma. Japanese attacks. General Masakazu, Marco polo bridge. Badge of British 14 th Army formed in

November 1943 to defend India and Burma.

Slim’s 14 th Army Units of Slim’s 14 th Army opened the road

between Kohima and Imphal in June 1944, breaking the Japanese Seige. Troops from Imphal met forces advancing from Kohima on the Northern edge of Maniput plain after ten weeks of heavy fighting.

Men of West Yorkshire regiment clear a Japanese roadblock on the road between Imphal and Kohima during the Japanese offensive in 1944.

Kukri knives, a traditional Nepalese weapon used by the Gurkha divisions and also some Indian forces.

General Masakazu1886-1965

In March 1943 Kawabe was made the commander-in –chief of the Burma area.

Graduate of Army college in 1907 Kawabe was an infantry commander and in

1929-1932 military attack in Berlin. Involved in Marco-Polo Bridge incident that

sparked the Sino-Japanese war in July 1937. Became chief of the staff of central China

Expeditionary army 1938 to 1939 and again 1942 to 1943.

Plans to invade India

In Burma 1944, he approved plans to invade India despite opposition from other senior commanders, following failure was sent back to Japan.

Joined the supreme war council. Promoted to full general and commander first

central army district and then Air general army(made up from all remaining aircraft in Japan) for defense to home islands.

After helping to demobilize the army after surrenderer, he retired at the end of 1945.

06/1944 Allied forces mount largest ever amphibious

operation against German occupied Normaldy.

06/13/1944: First German V weapon lands on British soil.

06/15/1944: US air forces begin the bombardment of Japanese homeland.

07/18/1944: General Tojo is removed as Japanese prime minister.

Imphal and Kohima March-December

1944 Japanese advances and allies retreated

March through April. Held by Allies during Japanese advance. Allies advances June-December.

Thank You For Listening With Best Regards, Perry Kalsi