Eighty Years Ago: Asia Pacific, March 19 – 25, 1942

March 19, 1942: Japanese forces prevail in Battle of Tachiao, the first struggle for control of the Yunnan-Burma Road

March 20, 1942: General Douglas MacArthur, recently arrived in Australia after evacuation from the Philippines, utters famous words: “I came through and I shall return”

March 21, 1942: General Joseph Stilwell, chief US commander in the China theatre, is now in Burma, directing Chinese troops in defense against Japanese invasion. Photo above shows Stilwell, right, in conference with senior Chinese officers

March 22, 1942: The advancing Japanese are closer to the oil fields at Yenangyaung in Burma after the Allies abandon the Magwe airdrome

March 23, 1942: Japanese forces occupy the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, quickly overwhelming the British-led garrison

March 24, 1942: Japanese troops launch surprise attack on Kyungon airfield in Burma, partially surrounding the town of Toungoo, defended by Chinese and British forces

March 25, 1942: Chinese 200th Division virtually surrounded by Japanese forces at Toungoo, Burma

Categories: War

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