Troops crossing the Chindwin, 1944

Photograph, World War Two, Far East (1941-1945), 1944.

On the night of 3-4 December 1944 the 11th East African Division crossed the Chindwin by ferry to establish a bridgehead on the far side. The Japanese defenders were subjected to a heavy artillery and air bombardment and eventually the eastern bank was secured. Several more bridgeheads were established and one of the longest Bailey Bridges built during the war at over 1150 feet in length was positioned across the river. On 16 December the 2nd Division moved out of the East African's Chindwin bridgehead. The Allies were now in a position to launch a series of offensive operations into Burma during the first half of 1945.