Taukkyan Roadblock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taukkyan Roadblock
Part of The Burma Campaign
Date 7 March 1942 - 8 March 1942 Location Taukkyan, Burma Result Allied victory Japanese withdrawal
Belligerents
British Empire  British Raj	Empire of Japan
Commanders and leaders
Harold Alexander	Shōzō Sakurai

The Taukkyan Roadblock was an important battle during the Burma campaign in World War II. It happened when Allied forces tried to clear a roadblock set up by the Japanese 33rd Division. This roadblock stopped the main Burma Army from leaving Rangoon. After tough fighting on March 7, 1942, and a counterattack that night, the roadblock was finally taken on the morning of March 8. This allowed the Burma Army to retreat safely north and avoid being trapped by Japanese forces in Rangoon.

Why the Taukkyan Roadblock Was Important

Taukkyan is a village north of Rangoon in Burma. It was a key spot where roads met. One road went north from Rangoon towards Prome, and another went east to Pegu.

Pegu was a strategic town. It helped protect Rangoon from attacks coming from the east. In early 1942, Indian troops from the 48th Indian Infantry Brigade were stationed there. However, Japanese forces managed to get around them, surrounding the Indian troops.

On March 6, a group from the 1st Battalion 11th Sikh Regiment was sent from Rangoon. Their mission was to help the troops in Pegu. But they stopped partway because they heard many Japanese soldiers had moved into the area. They held their position overnight.

Early on March 7, after the Battle of Pegu, the remaining soldiers from Pegu retreated through the Sikh lines. That evening, the Sikh battalion also moved back towards Taukkyan.

Meanwhile, on March 6, a big decision was made: the Allied forces would leave Rangoon. They planned to march north towards Prome. But the Japanese army had already moved past the defenses on the Pegu road. They set up a strong roadblock right at Taukkyan.

Because of this roadblock, the entire Burma Army was stuck in Rangoon. This included the main army headquarters, most of the 17th Indian Division, and the 7th Armoured Brigade. They could not retreat north.

The Battle for Taukkyan

It became clear that the roadblock had to be removed. If not, the main part of the Burma Army would be surrounded and captured.

The first attack happened on March 7. A group of M3 Stuart light tanks from the 7th Hussars led the charge, with infantry soldiers supporting them. But they had to pull back, losing one tank and many soldiers.

A second attack was made by a squadron from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, supported by artillery fire. The 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment also joined this attack. But it was not successful.

The final attack that day involved two companies from the 2nd/13th Frontier Force Rifles. This attack also failed. The remaining Allied forces then set up a defensive line for the night. The Japanese launched a strong counter-attack during the night. The fighting was very close, hand-to-hand, but the Allied soldiers held their ground until the next morning.

The only fresh troops available were the 1st/11th Sikhs, who were retreating from Pegu, and the 1st/10th Gurkha Rifles. A plan was made for them to attack the roadblock at 8:45 AM on March 8, with artillery support. A squadron from the 7th Hussars would also help. Other units, like a group from the Burma Military Police, joined the Gloucestershire Regiment.

As the Sikhs moved into position, Japanese planes attacked them. They suffered many casualties. The Gurkhas, unfortunately, got lost and did not arrive in time for the attack.

The planned artillery barrage did not happen. Despite this, the 11th Sikhs and 7th Hussars moved towards the roadblock. The Sikhs suddenly launched a bayonet charge, running forward with their bayonets fixed. The small Japanese group guarding the roadblock immediately left their positions and ran away. The British forces took control of the roadblock with very little resistance.

What Happened After

Soon after the Sikhs took the roadblock, Japanese forces launched a small counter-attack. It was about the size of a platoon (a small group of soldiers), and they had air support. But they were quickly pushed back. This was the only Japanese response.

Later, it was discovered that General Iida, the Japanese commander, thought the British would stay and fight in Rangoon. So, he ordered the 33rd Division to move quickly towards the city. The roadblock at Taukkyan was only meant to protect the division's sides as they passed through. Once the main Japanese force had gone past and was marching on Rangoon, the soldiers guarding the roadblock were pulled back.

The first Allied units from the rear areas passed through the cleared roadblock soon after it was secured. Convoys of vehicles continued to move until around noon. By then, most of the Burma Army had successfully left Rangoon. The combat units retreated through Taukkyan around 4:30 PM. The Sikh soldiers, who were protecting the rear, moved north at 6 PM.

The Taukyan battle honour was given to one British regiment, the Gloucestershire Regiment. This was to recognize their bravery and role in the battle. The 7th Hussars, the Royal Tank Regiment, and the 11th Sikhs did not claim this honor.