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Jungle Warfare

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Commandos in Burma

By January 1945 both 42 and 44 Commandos were involved in heavy fighting during the Arakan Campaign in Burma.

3rd Commando Brigade, Kangaw, Burma 1945. Commandos on a mound poised to fire their guns. (RMM)
3rd Commando Brigade, Kangaw, Burma 1945. Commandos on a mound poised to fire their guns. (RMM)

The Japanese were in full retreat but were still fighting hard in the mangrove swamps around the Kangaw area.

The Royal Marine Commandos worked with the Army’s Numbers 1 and 5 Commando and managed to seize the high ground.

Soon the Japanese responded with an artillery bombardment. 42 Commando held their positions on Hill 170 for 36 hours before the Japanese finally withdrew sustaining heavy casualties.

The Battle for Hill 170. Position at 31 1700. This diagram shows the position of 42 Commando Royal Marines in the final stages of the Battle of Kangaw, Burma 1945. (RMM)
The Battle for Hill 170. Position at 31 1700. This diagram shows the position of 42 Commando Royal Marines in the final stages of the Battle of Kangaw, Burma 1945. (RMM)

Later, commander of the operations in the Arakan Campaign, Lieutenant General Sir A F P Christison thanked the Corps for their involvement.

In the document featured below he acknowledged -

'The Battle of Kangaw has been the decisive battle of the whole Arakan campaign, and that it was won very largely due to your magnificent defence of Hill 170.'

Special Order of the Day by Lt General Sir A F Philip Christison, commander of the Army's 15 Indian Corps, thanking 42 and 44 Commando RM, dated 17 February 1945. (RMM)
Special Order of the Day by Lt General Sir A F Philip Christison, commander of the Army's 15 Indian Corps, thanking 42 and 44 Commando RM, dated 17 February 1945. (RMM)