ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how the British tackled the pressing tactical problem posed by overcoming heavily fortified Japanese defensive positions encountered from January 1943 onwards in Burma. It looks in detail specifically at two key engagements: Donbaik and Razabil. The Japanese deployed a single company, commanded by Lt. Watanabe Satao, from the III/213th Regiment at sunset on 4 January at Donbaik, on the eastern side of the Mayu Range, while the remainder of the unit garrisoned Akyab Island. The units and formations undergoing instruction in India Command also studied the tactical problem presented by Japanese bunkers, with officers trying to devise suitable battle drills to winkle them out and adapting the use of infantry weapons, tanks and artillery to destroy them. The British high command also profited from successful Australian experience in overcoming Japanese bunkers at Buna-Gona-Sananada in New Guinea, with Brigadier J. E. Lloyd and two other experienced 2nd Australian Imperial Force officers lecturing throughout India Command.
