New Type of Warfare in Burma

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 65, 20 March 1944, Page 5

New Type of Warfare in Burma

CBy Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright i .Received Sunday, 7.15 p.m. LONDON, March 18. In the first combined air and ground operation of its k.nd, Brit ish troops landing from American gliders and transports, carved out an air strip and land base from under the feet of the Japanese in North and Central Burma, reports the America Associated Press correspondent at Air Commando Headquarters in Burma. This daring assault had enabled a strong British offensive force to place itself squarely across river, rail and road supply lines con necting the Japanese northern and southern armies. These disclosures are made nearly a fortnight after the dating operations in which a new Burma beachhead has been established more than 100 miles south of the positions where General Stilwell’s Chinese and American regiments are driving south to clear a way for a new supply route to China.

British troops are fanning out east and west of the new Allied stronghold southeast of Myitkyina. The air commando operation was the largest mass air attack carried out by the Allies in this war. It caught the Japanese completely by surprise. British and Indian greenclad soldiers were flown to the jungle from Indian bases. The first elements landed at night. Engineers unloaded machinery and built au air strip for transports carrying the fighting forces. "While these transports were landing reinforcements in the first position, a second glider force landed a few miles further south and established a second airport stronghold behind the Japanese lines. British troops fanned out from the first position towards the Japanese supply lines. Flight-Officer Jackie Coogan, the former film star, piloted the first glider and was the first man on the ground. Reuter’s correspondent in Burma says the disruption of the Japanese communications and rear installations is one of the objectives of the operation. It will also directly assist the Chinese and Americans in General Stilwell’s declared purpose of recapturing North Burma. This is the beginning of a new kind of warfare —long-term combined land and air operations. Part of the British force cut its way through Burma’s densest jungle which even the Japanese thought unpenetrable. CONTINUED PATROL ACTIVITY Received Sunday, 7 p.m. RUGBY, Maxell 18. A continuation of patrol activity in the foothills of Southeast Maungdaw and other points of Burma resulting in improvements in our positions, is reported in a Southeast Asia communique. Further parties of Japanese who crossed the Cliindwin in the Tarmanthn area, came into contact with our advanced troops west of the Chindwiu. In the Fort Hertz area, Pinzuaga (22 miles southeast of Sumprahum) has been occupied hy the enemy. Levies engaged the Japanese and forced them to withdraw from a position south of Pinsau. In all operations the Air Force has given tactical support and maintained attacks on enemy communications. Two enemy aircraft were destroyed while one of ours is missing.