| Regiment | 1st Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | MAUNGDAUNG, Burma |
| Entry | Plan for advance to capture rly br 571470 is: order of march: D Coy, B Coy, tac HQ, A Coy, C Coy, Main HQ. Start point : YWATHIT village. T.P.S.P. : 0800 hrs. Route : SIZON 5443 - main rd - rd and rly junc 551460 - along line of rly - br at 571470. D Coy to have two tps 3 D.G's with them and to move as fast as possible to seize the br. This objective is vital to the success of the Div plan to link with 19 Div in the Mandalay area. The advance proceeded according to plan, and D Coy seized the EAST end of the br. at approx 1030 hrs. No opposition. Tanks were unable to complete the march owing to a mulla at 561468. By this time B Coy and tac HQ were in the village at 563460. A Coy was passed through, to clear village at 572455, to secure the right flank of the advance. As they approached MR 569458, they came under accurate LMG and sniper fire from their right, which pinned 1 platoon. At the same time 3 guns (afterwards identified as 47mm LAA guns) fired from 565456 area in the village (563460) in which B and tac HQ were. The shells (AP and HE) were fired into the trees, and nobody was hurt. Nevertheless, one mortar carrier, universal 3", was hit and put out of action. A Coy were ordered to manoeuvre to capture the enemy positions and, if possible, capture the guns. Meanwhile C Coy were passed through to reinforce D Coy at the bridge. The third tp of tanks was sent to assist A Coy, but were unable to get close to the enemy positions due to bad, wet ground. Meanwhile A Coy, who had not been able to pin point the enemy due to tall elephant grass were trying to search for his flanks. Again they came under sniper fire, and had casualties. It was, therefore, decided to pull A out, and consolidate as follows: C and D at EAST end of br 571470, A Coy at Kg area 568463, B and HQ Coys with Bn HQ at village 563460. The objects being to:- (a) hold the area (b) prepare for clearance of enemy at 569458 by patrolling (c) prepare for D to cross the br and hold the WEST end of it. Meanwhile the enemy guns were still firing intermittently at B Coy village. Supplies for C and D Coys is difficult owing to the mulla which held up the tanks. Meals etc are carried up from A Coy area. Remarks. Killed. 5344527 L/C SEATH K. Wounded. 13021665 Pte FARMER C. 5350670 Pte BATCHELOR H. |
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