Battle of Pegu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Pegu
Part of The Burma Campaign
Date 6 March 1942 - 7 March 1942 Location Pegu, Burma Result Japanese victory British retreat continued
Belligerents
United Kingdom India	Japan
Commanders and leaders
John Anstice DSO	Shōjirō Iida
Strength
1 armoured brigade	2 divisions
Casualties and losses
unknown 3 light tanks destroyed 3 light tanks damaged	unknown 4+ light tanks destroyed 1 light tank abandoned 4 anti-tank guns captured

The Battle of Pegu was an important fight during the Burma campaign in World War II. It happened on March 6-7, 1942. This battle was about defending the city of Rangoon (now called Yangon) in Burma (which is now Myanmar). Japanese soldiers were getting close to the British Indian Army troops. These troops were positioned near Pegu (now known as Bago).

Before this battle, the British had lost many soldiers from their 17th Infantry Division. The remaining forces in Burma were the 1st Burma Division and the 7th Armoured Brigade. This armoured brigade had American-made Stuart light tanks, also called "Honeys." British commanders had already decided not to try and hold Rangoon. Instead, their new plan was to make the Japanese think Rangoon would be strongly defended. This would buy the British time to retreat safely.

The British and Indian forces fighting at Pegu included soldiers from the 7th Queen's Own Hussars and the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Also present were the 2nd Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment and the remaining soldiers from the 17th Infantry Division. Other units involved were the West Yorkshire Regiment, the 1st Battalion of the 4th Prince of Wales's Own Gurkha Rifles, and the 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles. The 4th Battalion of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment also took part.

The Battle of Pegu: Key Events

This section describes the main parts of the battle. It shows how the British and Japanese forces fought.

Fighting at Payagyi Village

"B" Squadron of the 7th Hussars, led by Major G. C. Davies-Gilbert, arrived at Payagyi village. They found Japanese soldiers already there. It was hard to see clearly, and their radios were not working well. After a short fight with infantry soldiers, the British Stuart light tanks, known as "Honeys," began firing. They destroyed two Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go tanks.

The battle became very confusing. The British tanks destroyed two more Type 95 tanks. Another Type 95 tank was left behind by its crew. The British also captured four Japanese anti-tank guns. Soon after, the British received orders to move to a place called Hlegu.

Clash at Hlegu Roadblock

As the British approached Hlegu, they found that the Japanese had already taken control of it. The Japanese had set up a roadblock to stop the British advance. They defended this roadblock using molotov cocktails, which are simple firebombs. One of the British "Honey" tanks was knocked out by these attacks.

However, the Japanese were eventually forced to retreat. They could not stand against the heavy fire from the British tanks. The chaplain for the 7th Hussars, Reverend Neville Metcalfe, showed great bravery during this fight. He helped wounded British soldiers and held burial services for those who had died. He did this even though he was wounded by mortar fire. For his brave actions, he was given the Distinguished Service Order award right away.

After the Battle: Retreat and Strategy

After the fighting at Pegu, General Alexander, the British commander, realized that Rangoon could not be held. He made a new plan for his troops to retreat to Prome, a town about 200 miles north. The main goal of the Battle of Pegu was to make the Japanese believe that Rangoon would be heavily defended. This goal was achieved, which bought the British forces valuable time.

That evening, the British Indian Army moved on to Taukkyan.

Recognizing Bravery: Battle Honours

The British and Commonwealth military system gives out "battle honours" to units that fought bravely in important battles. In 1956, 1957, and 1962, they recognized the Battle of Pegu. One unit received the battle honour Pegu. Six other units received the battle honour Pegu 1942. This was for their strong resistance against the Japanese invasion of Burma on March 6-7, 1942.