In a vain attempt to distract the Japanese division surrounding the Chinese in Toungoo, the British 7th Armoured Brigade made a spoiling attack southwards towards Paungde. The market town of Shwedaung was to have been secured behind them, but instead a fast moving column of Burmese nationalist and Major Sato’s battalion of the IJA 215 Regiment marched out of the jungle and occupied Shwedaung, cutting off the British brigade. At 1800 hours, the weary 4th Battalion, 12 Frontier Force Rifles attempted to clear the roadblocks at the northern end of the town, while 7th Armoured Brigade attacked from the south.
Attacker: Commonwealth (Elements of 4th Battalion, 12 Frontier Force Rifles and British 7th Armored Brigade)
