Imphal, battle of

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Imphal, battle of, 1944. In March 1944 the Japanese 15th Army under Mutaguchi advanced over the river Chindwin into India towards Imphal and Kohima. Slim's 14th Army was taken by surprise, but three divisions were able to take up defensive positions around the town of Imphal on 4 April. The Japanese besieged Imphal on the following day, the British garrison being sustained by an airlift of men and materials. Imphal was relieved on 22 June after bitter close-quarter fighting. Japanese offensive power was severely damaged at Imphal and Kohima, and they were forced to fall back to Burma.

Gary Sheffield

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