CHINESE DUG IN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 March 1942, Page 3

CHINESE DUG IN

HOLDING ON IN HOPE OF RELIEF DESTRUCTIVE ALLIED RAID ON CHIENGMAI. MANY ENEMY PLANES DISABLED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.3 a.m.) RUGBY, March 26. The latest Burma communique states: “A large mixed enemy force is reported to be moving north of Kyangin (on the road to Prome and the Burma oilfields and 35 miles south of Prome). A similar Japanese force is reported in the area of Minhla-Tharrawadi. “No contact has yet been made in the direction of Pegu Yomas (the mountain range separating the Irrawaddy and Sittang Rivers) “A force of 1000 Japanese was engaged in the area of Yedash, 20 miles north of Toungoo, and heavy casualties were inflicted. Our losses were remarkably small, owing to stout resistance by the units concerned, especially the Chinese Expeditionary Force. “The enemy have sidestepped Toungoo and occupied Kyungon, 12 miles north of Toungoo. The Chinese forces in Toungoo are well dug in and will hold on until relieved. “The Chinese Expeditionary Force engaged a mixed Japanese and Thai force of 800 men in the area of Tuang Pakyen, south of Mongton, and forced them to withdraw with heavy casualties. In the attack, the Chinese inflicted some casualties and captured a French officer.

“Our aircraft attacked Chiengmai airfield on March 24, in face of heavy anti-aircraft fire. Many aircraft were observed on the ground, including some bombers and transport planes. Approximately ten aircraft were completely disabled and many others were damaged.”