| Regiment | 2nd Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | Mingala, Burma |
| Entry | At first light enemy was found facing 'C' Coy along North side of canal. 'C' Coy was then South of canal. C.O. immediately moved 'D' Coy in M.T. up to 'C' Coys posn. As our M.T. approached enemy withdrew to TAMOKSO village 6549. 'A' Coy moved in M.T. shortly after to Road Junc 6949. Soon after this enemy cut the road (KYAUKMIYWA -Rd Junc 6949) between Bn H.Q. and 'A' Coy. Four G.P.T. 6 x 6 30 cwts were ambushed going Northwards. One got through, the drivers of the other three were shot. At 0830 hrs 'B' Coy moved from Bn H.Q. area to re-establish the posn along the road, with one Troop of tanks, which had forced its way through from the South, in support. 'B' Coy cleared the enemy from road at 688506 by 1115 and captured 3 wireless sets. HQ Coy then advanced down road to Rd Junc 6949 arriving at 1330 hrs. Meanwhile, 'A' Coy, who acted as a stop to 'B' Coy in their action, killed 7 Japs in a nullah to their West. These included 4 Offrs, one of whom was a Lieut-Col. Meanwhile 'D' Coy arrived at 'C' Coy area at 0800 hrs. 'D' Coy then advanced Northwards across open country supported by Troop of tanks to liquidate enemy who were withdrawing towards TAMOKSO 6549. The tanks got a good shoot at the enemy in the open at this time. When 'D' Coy was about 400 - 500 yds from TAMOKSO enemy opened up with L.M.Gs and rifles. They also used a gun, possibly an A.A. gun. The three tanks were hit and put out of action, and several casualties among troops who were following too close to the tanks. About 12 in all were wounded. Major G.V. Cartwright, the Coy Comd, was badly wounded. Major M.V. Miln then took over command of the Coy, which was withdrawn to the Start Pt on the canal East to West Rd. One Pl remained behind to evacuate casualties, & the tank crews withdrew with this Pl after immobilizing their guns. After 'D' Coys attack 'C' Coy and one Coy F.F.R. prepared to attack TOMOKSO. An Arty concentration preceeded the attack & at 1500 hrs 'C' Coy attempted to enter the village. Enemy fire was intense, and the attack was not pressed in to avoid casualties. The Commanding Officer was shot through the right leg in the morning early in the action, but continued to command up until after 'C' Coys attack. He was evacuated to A.D.S. at 1700 hrs and Major R.L. Twidle assumed temporary command. Positions at Nightfall - Bn, less 3 Coys at Rd Junc 6949. 'A' Coy on North/South Road at 688508. 'D' Coy on East/West Road at Rd Track junc 679492. 'C' Coy at previous nights posn at 661487. During night enemy jitter parties were active against 'B' Coy and 'A' Coy posns, probably to cover other parties trying to get away across the canal Eastwards. 'A' Coy heard considerable movement to their North and West and 3" mortar harassing fire was put down, and also engaged them with small arms fire. Casualties - 23 enemy dead counted, including 4 officers. Own casualties - 4 O.Rs killed. 2 officers (Lt Col H. du Pre Finch and Major G.V. Cartwright) and 26 O.Rs wounded. 2 O.Rs missing believed killed. Reference to Appendice: None. |
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