WW2/Battles of WW2/Date-by-Date/Southeast Asia – Japanese Invasion • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
A years-long back-and-forth campaign — from the 1942 retreat to India, through the Chindit raids and the decisive sieges of Imphal and Kohima, to Slim's reconquest of Burma. (January 1942 – August 1945)
Chronological Storyline (34 Milestones)
Jan 20, 1942 CE
Japanese Cross Thai-Burma Border
The Japanese 15th Army under Lieutenant General Shojiro Iida crossed the border from Thailand into southern Burma, beginning the invasion of the British colony. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_conquest_of_Burma
How the Japanese Took Burma and Threatened India - Pacific WarBritish troops destroy equipment and machinery at the Yenangyaung oilfields in Burma before retreating, 16 April 1942. The Retreat into India: British troops destroy equipment and machinery at the Yenangyaung oilfields before retreating. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//37/media-37211/large.jpg This photograph IND 989 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27682348
Feb 23, 1942 CE
Battle of the Sittang Bridge
British forces blew the Sittang River bridge, stranding most of the 17th Indian Infantry Division on the east bank, resulting in heavy losses of men and equipment. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sittang_Bridge
Mar 8, 1942 CE
Fall of Rangoon
British and Indian forces evacuated Rangoon, Burma's capital and principal port, after a fighting withdrawal, losing critical supply infrastructure to the Japanese. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_conquest_of_Burma
British troops destroy equipment and machinery at the Yenangyaung oilfields in Burma before retreating, 16 April 1942. The Retreat into India: British troops destroy equipment and machinery at the Yenangyaung oilfields before retreating. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//37/media-37211/large.jpg This photograph IND 989 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27682348
Apr 29, 1942 CE
Lashio Falls, Cutting Burma Road
Japanese forces captured Lashio, severing the Burma Road supply route to China and completing their control over northern Burma's critical transportation network. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma_Road
Transportation Lines of Allied Forces in Burma and Yunnan Province of China During World War II By SY - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66476200
May 20, 1942 CE
Allied Retreat to India Completed
The remnants of British, Indian, and Chinese forces completed a grueling retreat across the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers into India, ending the first phase of the Burma Campaign. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma_Campaign
THE WAR IN THE FAR EAST: THE BURMA CAMPAIGN 1941-1945, The Arakan Campaign January 1943 - May 1945: Sikhs of the 7th Indian Division at an observation post in the Ngakyeduak Pass area during the fierce fighting which followed the Japanese offensive launched on 6 February 1944. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2994 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1606609
Dec 23, 1942 CE
First Arakan Offensive Launched
General Archibald Wavell launched a British-Indian offensive in the Arakan coastal region of western Burma, aiming to retake Akyab island and test Japanese defensive capabilities. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arakan_Campaign_1942%E2%80%931943
Feb 8, 1943 CE
First Chindit Operation Begins
Brigadier Orde Wingate led the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade (the Chindits) across the Chindwin River into Japanese-held Burma, pioneering long-range penetration tactics. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Longcloth
IWM caption : THE CHINDITS. Chindit Operations - General: A Chindit column crossing a river in Burma, 1943. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2290 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-38), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=463992
Mar 24, 1943 CE
First Chindit Operation Concludes
Wingate's Chindits dispersed and began their difficult return to India after disrupting Japanese communications, suffering heavy casualties but proving deep penetration was viable. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Longcloth
IWM caption : THE CHINDITS. Chindit Operations - General: A Chindit column crossing a river in Burma, 1943. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2290 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-38), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=463992
Apr 1, 1943 CE
First Arakan Offensive Fails
The British-Indian offensive in the Arakan stalled against entrenched Japanese defenses and counterattacks, forcing a withdrawal and exposing serious command and training deficiencies. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arakan_Campaign_1942%E2%80%931943
Aug 7, 1943 CE
South East Asia Command Established
Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten was appointed Supreme Allied Commander of the new South East Asia Command (SEAC), reorganizing the Allied war effort in the Burma-India theater. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_East_Asia_Command
Nov 2, 1943 CE
Second Arakan Offensive Begins
The British 15th Corps launched a renewed offensive in the Arakan, advancing toward Akyab but again encountering stiff Japanese resistance along the Mayu Range. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arakan_Campaign_1943%E2%80%931944
THE WAR IN THE FAR EAST: THE BURMA CAMPAIGN 1941-1945, The Arakan Campaign January 1943 - May 1945: Sikhs of the 7th Indian Division at an observation post in the Ngakyeduak Pass area during the fierce fighting which followed the Japanese offensive launched on 6 February 1944. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2994 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1606609
Feb 4, 1944 CE
Admin Box Siege Begins
Japanese forces surrounded the 7th Indian Division's administrative area at Sinzweya in the Arakan, triggering the 'Admin Box' battle where supply was maintained entirely by airdrop. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Admin_Box
THE WAR IN THE FAR EAST: THE BURMA CAMPAIGN 1941-1945, The Arakan Campaign January 1943 - May 1945: Sikhs of the 7th Indian Division at an observation post in the Ngakyeduak Pass area during the fierce fighting which followed the Japanese offensive launched on 6 February 1944. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2994 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1606609
Feb 24, 1944 CE
Admin Box Siege Broken
British-Indian relief forces broke through to the Admin Box, ending the Japanese siege and demonstrating the effectiveness of aerial supply in overcoming ground encirclement. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Admin_Box
THE WAR IN THE FAR EAST: THE BURMA CAMPAIGN 1941-1945, The Arakan Campaign January 1943 - May 1945: Sikhs of the 7th Indian Division at an observation post in the Ngakyeduak Pass area during the fierce fighting which followed the Japanese offensive launched on 6 February 1944. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2994 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1606609
Mar 5, 1944 CE
Second Chindit Operation Launched
Major General Orde Wingate launched Operation Thursday, flying Chindit forces deep behind Japanese lines into central Burma to disrupt communications and threaten Japanese rear areas. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Thursday
IWM caption : THE CHINDITS. Chindit Operations - General: A Chindit column crossing a river in Burma, 1943. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2290 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-38), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=463992
Mar 24, 1944 CE
Wingate Killed in Plane Crash
Major General Orde Wingate was killed when his B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed in the Manipur hills, depriving the Chindits of their charismatic founder and leader. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orde_Wingate
British Army General Orde Charles Wingate By U.S. military photo - http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/books/wwii/70-42/70-42c.htm Originally from en.wikipedia; description page is/was here., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2241522
Mar 27, 1944 CE
Japanese U-Go Offensive Launched
Lieutenant General Renya Mutaguchi launched Operation U-Go, sending the Japanese 15th Army across the Chindwin River to invade India and destroy Allied forces at Imphal and Kohima. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_U-Go
The War in the Far East- the Burma Campaign 1941-1945 The Battle of Imphal-Kohima March - July 1944: The summit of Nippon Ridge, a hill of strategic importance overlooking the Tamu Road, captured by men of the Devonshire Regiment. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//37/media-37234/large.jpg This photograph IND 3378 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27676495
Apr 6, 1944 CE
Siege of Kohima Begins
Japanese troops of the 31st Division surrounded and attacked the small British-Indian garrison at Kohima, cutting the Imphal-Dimapur road and initiating a desperate siege. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kohima
The Battle of Kohima March - July 1944: View of the Garrison Hill battlefield with the British and Japanese positions shown. Garrison Hill was the key to the British defences at Kohima. By Official photographer of No.9 Army Film and Photographic Unit. - This photograph IND 3698 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-38), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17914086
Apr 18, 1944 CE
Kohima Relief Force Advances
The British 2nd Division, rushing from Dimapur, broke through Japanese roadblocks to relieve the besieged Kohima garrison, though bitter fighting on the Kohima Ridge continued for weeks. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kohima
The Battle of Kohima March - July 1944: View of the Garrison Hill battlefield with the British and Japanese positions shown. Garrison Hill was the key to the British defences at Kohima. By Official photographer of No.9 Army Film and Photographic Unit. - This photograph IND 3698 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-38), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17914086
May 11, 1944 CE
Chinese Offensive from Yunnan
Chinese Expeditionary Force forces launched a major offensive from Yunnan province across the Salween River into northern Burma, threatening Japanese northern positions. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salween_Offensive
May 17, 1944 CE
Merrill's Marauders Capture Myitkyina
The American-led 5307th Composite Unit (Galahad) and Chinese forces seized the Myitkyina airfield in a surprise attack, threatening a key Japanese stronghold in northern Burma. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrill's_Marauders
Recreation of the Merrills Marauder's badge. By Lancswolf - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24852016
Jun 22, 1944 CE
Kohima-Imphal Road Reopened
British 2nd Division and Indian forces finally cleared the last Japanese positions on the Kohima-Imphal road, reconnecting the two besieged garrisons and breaking the Japanese encirclement. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Imphal
Gurkhas advancing with Lee tanks to clear the Japanese from Imphal-Kohima road [N.E. India] By British Information Service, information service operated by UK government during WW2. - Library of Congress, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2284662
Jul 3, 1944 CE
Japanese Retreat from Imphal
Lieutenant General Mutaguchi ordered the Japanese 15th Army to retreat from the Imphal plain after suffering catastrophic losses, ending the U-Go offensive in total failure. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Imphal
Gurkhas advancing with Lee tanks to clear the Japanese from Imphal-Kohima road [N.E. India] By British Information Service, information service operated by UK government during WW2. - Library of Congress, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2284662
Aug 3, 1944 CE
Myitkyina Town Fully Captured
After a prolonged siege, Allied forces captured the town of Myitkyina, securing a vital airfield and river port in northern Burma and breaking Japanese control of the region. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myitkyina
Myitkyina, Myanmar (Burma) By mohigan - https://web.archive.org/web/20161101133817/http://www.panoramio.com/photo/121082398, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59078299
Aug 31, 1944 CE
Chindits Withdraw from Burma
The surviving Chindit forces, having suffered heavy casualties and exhausted by months of operations behind enemy lines, were finally withdrawn from Burma by the Fourteenth Army. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chindits
IWM caption : THE CHINDITS. Chindit Operations - General: A Chindit column crossing a river in Burma, 1943. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2290 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-38), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=463992
Dec 10, 1944 CE
Ledo Road Reaches Myitkyina
Allied engineers extended the Ledo Road to Myitkyina, linking it with the old Burma Road route and establishing a new overland supply line from India to China. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ledo_Road
Allied lines of communication in India, Burma, and China in 1942–43. By The Department of History, United States Military Academy - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1113348
Jan 9, 1945 CE
Operation Capital Begins
General William Slim's Fourteenth Army launched Operation Capital, a broad offensive crossing the Irrawaddy River to strike at Japanese forces in central Burma. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma_Campaign_1944%E2%80%931945
THE BRITISH ARMY IN BURMA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR, Two British soldiers on patrol in the ruins of the Burmese town of Bahe during the advance on Mandalay. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph SE 2138 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-64), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1562221
Feb 13, 1945 CE
Crossing the Irrawaddy
The British 7th Indian Division established bridgeheads across the Irrawaddy River near Pakokku, outflanking Japanese defensive positions and enabling the advance toward Meiktila. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma_Campaign_1944%E2%80%931945
THE BRITISH ARMY IN BURMA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR, Two British soldiers on patrol in the ruins of the Burmese town of Bahe during the advance on Mandalay. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph SE 2138 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums(collection no. 4700-64), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1562221
Mar 3, 1945 CE
Battle of Meiktila Begins
The Indian 17th Division and British 255th Armoured Brigade attacked the Japanese logistical hub of Meiktila, striking deep behind enemy lines to sever their communications. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Meiktila
The original IWM caption reads, "Sherman tanks and trucks of 62nd Motorised Brigade advancing on the road between Nyaungyu on the Irrawaddy bridgehead and Meiktila, March 1945." This however is slightly incorrect, possibly as the result of deliberate wartime disinformation. No 62nd Brigade was involved at Nyaungu or Meiktila (being part of 19th Division, engaged at Mandalay); the 63rd Brigade, part of 17th Division was part of the advance on Meiktila. By Sergeant R Stubbs, No.9 Army Film and Photographic Unit. - This photograph SE 3071 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7637678
Mar 21, 1945 CE
Meiktila Captured
Allied forces secured Meiktila after intense fighting, destroying Japanese supply dumps and effectively cutting off their forces in central Burma from reinforcement and resupply. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Meiktila
The original IWM caption reads, "Sherman tanks and trucks of 62nd Motorised Brigade advancing on the road between Nyaungyu on the Irrawaddy bridgehead and Meiktila, March 1945." This however is slightly incorrect, possibly as the result of deliberate wartime disinformation. No 62nd Brigade was involved at Nyaungu or Meiktila (being part of 19th Division, engaged at Mandalay); the 63rd Brigade, part of 17th Division was part of the advance on Meiktila. By Sergeant R Stubbs, No.9 Army Film and Photographic Unit. - This photograph SE 3071 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7637678
Apr 14, 1945 CE
Japanese Counterattack at Meiktila
The Japanese 18th and 49th Divisions launched desperate counterattacks to retake Meiktila but were repulsed by entrenched Indian and British forces, sealing the collapse of Japanese central Burma. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Meiktila
The original IWM caption reads, "Sherman tanks and trucks of 62nd Motorised Brigade advancing on the road between Nyaungyu on the Irrawaddy bridgehead and Meiktila, March 1945." This however is slightly incorrect, possibly as the result of deliberate wartime disinformation. No 62nd Brigade was involved at Nyaungu or Meiktila (being part of 19th Division, engaged at Mandalay); the 63rd Brigade, part of 17th Division was part of the advance on Meiktila. By Sergeant R Stubbs, No.9 Army Film and Photographic Unit. - This photograph SE 3071 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7637678
May 1, 1945 CE
Operation Dracula Launched
Allied forces launched Operation Dracula, an amphibious assault to capture Rangoon by sea and air, bypassing Japanese forces retreating through central Burma. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Dracula
The Advance on Rangoon March - May 1945: Landing craft carrying troops of the Indian 15th Corps proceed up the Rangoon River. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph SE 3927 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums. Original uploader was HLGallon at en.wikipedia (21 February 2009 (original upload date)), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25281049
May 3, 1945 CE
Rangoon Liberated
Indian 26th Division troops entered Rangoon unopposed, finding the Japanese had already evacuated, liberating the Burmese capital after three years of enemy occupation. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Dracula
The Advance on Rangoon March - May 1945: Landing craft carrying troops of the Indian 15th Corps proceed up the Rangoon River. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph SE 3927 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums. Original uploader was HLGallon at en.wikipedia (21 February 2009 (original upload date)), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25281049
Jul 10, 1945 CE
Battle of the Sittang Bend
The Japanese 28th Army, attempting to cross the Sittang River to rejoin their forces, was destroyed by concentrated Allied air and ground attacks in the river's bend, suffering enormous casualties. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Sittang_Bend
The British Army in Burma 1945 5.5-inch guns of 63rd Medium Battery firing on Satthinagyon, 1 August 1945. By Lemon A E (Sergeant), No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//48/media-48548/large.jpg This photograph SE 4468 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25313530
Aug 15, 1945 CE
Japan Surrenders, Burma Campaign Ends
Following Emperor Hirohito's broadcast of surrender, hostilities in Burma ceased, concluding the Burma Campaign with total Allied victory and the liberation of the entire colony. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma_Campaign
THE WAR IN THE FAR EAST: THE BURMA CAMPAIGN 1941-1945, The Arakan Campaign January 1943 - May 1945: Sikhs of the 7th Indian Division at an observation post in the Ngakyeduak Pass area during the fierce fighting which followed the Japanese offensive launched on 6 February 1944. By No 9 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph IND 2994 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1606609
![Gurkhas advancing with Lee tanks to clear the Japanese from Imphal-Kohima road [N.E. India]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Gurkhas_advancing_with_Lee_tanks_to_clear_the_Japanese_from_Imphal-Kohima_road.jpg/500px-Gurkhas_advancing_with_Lee_tanks_to_clear_the_Japanese_from_Imphal-Kohima_road.jpg)
