Other titles:BRITISH ARMY OPERATIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: As 17th Indian Division (IV Corps) approach Meiktila, Burma, they encounter more evidence of Japanese sabotage to halt the British progress when a temporary scissors bridge has to be deployed across a bridge section blown by the Japanese.
Description: A scissors bridge is brought to a blown section of concrete bridge on a modified Valentine tank. The bridge lowers and opens and the carrier is guided off the bridge. This work is carried out by the Number 3 Independent Bridging Troop, Royal Armoured Corps. A Daimler Scout Car (probably of 16th Light Cavalry) tests the newly laid, temporary, bridge and then a Sherman tank follows. Men of 6th Battalion 7th Rajputana Rifles are briefed by an officer in front of several Sherman tanks. They squat and sit on the ground as they listen to the briefing. Sherman tanks of the Royal Deccan Horse (9th Horse) and Daimler Scout cars move left to right on a dusty road in a column. 25-pounder guns are fired and reloaded. Mortars are loaded and fired by several crews, under the command of 82nd Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery; in front of a Buddhist pagoda column of vehicles, lorries, Sherman tanks and jeeps pass along a country road. A railway sign reads 'Meiktila'. Some buildings are still ablaze after bombing and shelling.
Alternative Title:BRITISH ARMY OPERATIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR [Allocated Series Title]
Production Details: War Office Directorate of Public Relations (Production sponsor)
SEAC Film Unit (Production company)
Sanders, P A (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Indian Army, 17th Indian Division (regiment/service)
Indian Army, 7th Rajput Regiment, 6th Battalion (regiment/service)
British Army, Royal Armoured Corps, 3rd Independent Bridging Troop (regiment/service)
Indian Army, 16th Light Cavalry (regiment/service)
Indian Army, Royal Deccan Horse (9th Horse) (regiment/service)
British Army, Royal Artillery, 82nd Anti-Tank Regiment (regiment/service)
Keywords: Meiktila, Burma (geography)
Battle of Meiktila 1945, Burma 1942-1945, Second World War (event)
Burma 1942-1945 (theme)
British Army 1939-1945 (theme)
Indian Army 1939-1945 (theme)
Armoured Warfare 1939-1945 (theme)
ABY 154 (ACTIVITIES ON MEIKTILA AIRSTRIP [Allocated Title])
JFU 50 (THE ADVANCE TO MEIKTILA [Allocated Title])
JFU 51 (BREN GUN CARRIERS ON THE ROAD TO MEIKTILA [Allocated Title])
