OP Hill CBI (id:#61915)

(ASL 13 - Rising Sun ID: 157)   [next]   [previous]

Prior Publication: AH:ASL Annual `92

Near Mawlu, Burma 1944-04-17 (3 others)

Overview:

The second Chindit expedition established a number of “bamboo fortresses” to cut the Japanese supply routes in northern Burma. The most important of these, codenamed “White City”, was installed just north of Mawlu to block the vital Rangoon-Myitkyina railway. It was several weeks before the Japanese brought forces to bear. The ad-hoc 24th Independent Mixed Brigade began a series of unimaginative and unsuccessful night assaults upon White City. Nevertheless, the attacks continued, concentrating against OP Hill, the observation post for the 25pdr field guns. On April 17th, in a rare daylight attack, the 24th IMB made yet another desperate attempt to break into the stronghold. Mounted on horseback, General Hayashi personally led the attack. The Japanese charged, suicide troops blew holes in the perimeter wire, and the attackers swarmed up OP Hill despite withering fire from the defenders.

Defender: British (1st South Staffordshires and 6th Battalion, Nigeria Regiment)  

Errata (source)