Battle of Imphāl–Kohīma

The Battle of Imphal-Kohima was a significant engagement on the Burmese frontier during World War II. In the dry season of 1943-44, Japanese forces planned to advance into eastern Assam, aiming to occupy Imphal and establish a defensive line. Simultaneously, Allied forces, including those led by General Slim's 14th Army, planned thrusts into Burma.1

The Japanese crossed the Chindwin River into Assam, reaching Imphal and surrounding Kohima. However, British and Indian forces, reinforced and supported by air power, successfully defended Imphal. This defense, coupled with an offensive launched in May 1944, pushed back the Japanese threat to Assam and allowed the Allies to advance into Burma. The battle resulted in substantial casualties for both sides. Kohima itself was the farthest point of Japanese advance into British India during the war, with the town being briefly held by Japanese troops before being retaken by the British.12