The Eastern Gate CBI (id:#65572)

(ASL 13 - Rising Sun (2021) ID: 63)   [next]   [previous]

11 miles Northeast of Maungdaw, Burma 1944-02-07 (3 others)

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Overview:

In a series of concentric flanking movements, the Japanese 55th Infantry Division's Operation HA-GO enveloped the forward divisions of the XV Indian Corps, cutting their supplies and communications. Instead of being told to retreat, however, the Indians were ordered to concentrate and hold until relief forces could break through. In the meantime they would be supplied by air. As part of this plan, a defensive "box" was formed around the 7th Indian Division's Administration Area at the eastern exit of the important Ngakyedauk (aka "Okeydoke'') Pass. Dubbed the "Admin Box,'' the position comprised a fairly flat open area roughly a mile square, almost entirely surrounded by rugged, jungle-covered hills. As units pulled back into the Box they were diverted to various sectors of the perimeter, much of which was still unmanned due to a lack of sufficient troops. In one such instance, two Gurkha companies of the 89th Indian Infantry Brigade were ordered to occupy the area known as the "Eastern Gate" and the dominating height of Point 315 to its northeast. The Gurkhas duly set out, but before reaching Point 315 ran head-on into advancing Japanese troops.

Defender: Gurkha (British) (4/8 Gurkha Rifles, 7th Infantry Indian Division)  

Errata (source)