RAF 42 Squadron Hawker Hurricanes are used to attack ground targets, drop parachute supply canisters and distribute leaflets over Burma, October-November 1944.

Aerial footage showing Hurricane firing guns and dropping bombs on Japanese target on jungle hillside at Mawku Chaung, east of Tamu on the Indo-Burma border. Smoke and cartridge casings from machine guns visible and bombs seen dropping away from aircraft. Leaflets released from Hurricane in front flutter past camera. Aerial footage with watercourse below, possibly the River Chindwin. Supply canister dropping from Hurricane with parachutes but somewhat unclear due to murky weather and poor light. Divebombing attacking on 'Vital Corner' on the Tiddim-Kalemyo road, with Hurricane descending through hole in cloud. Hurricane flies low over wooded hillside, possibly the 8,040-foot Sialum Vum east of Tiddim. Bomb attack on Japanese bunkers near Mawku, overlooking the Chindwin with marker smoke. Explosions and smoke rising. Shots of bombs bursting. Bombing target near Indaingyi, east of Magwe. Two angles of dropping supplies to small party of troops gathering intelligence behind enemy lines near Lawtha (east north-east of Mawlaik). Clear view of bomb bursting on bridge at Hpaunzeik, north-east of Kalemyo. Bombs bursting on targets north-east of Myintha (near Pakokku on the River Irrawaddy). Bombing attack with marker smoke on the Tiddim road near Milestone 21, between Kennedy Peak and Vital Corner. Bombing attack on target in paddy fields near Indaingyi. Aerial footage over jungle, attacking target in smoke. Attack pressed to low level. Parachute resupply - very good view of canisters dropping and parachutes inflating. Marker smoke visible. Bombing attack on bridge at Muthaik, east of Kalewa.

Notes

A number of pilots named on dopesheet, including: Flight Lieutenant Ryley, Warrant Officers Endacott and Snelling, Flight Sergeants Theobald and Holloway, Sergeants Rowley, Duncan, and Hurst. Ryley and Endacott can be seen in IWM photograph CF 263.

5th Indian Division began advancing along the Tiddim Road in July 1944 following the abandonment of the Japanese offensive against Imphal. Tiddim was occupied on 17 October and the advance continued towards Kalemyo. 5th Indian Division was eventually withdrawn from the line in the first week of December, having been in action for 14 months. These ground operations are covered in great detail by British Army cameramen and can be found in the film series referenced below. See related items.

Dates on slates range from 25 October 1944 to 13 November 1944, which are consistent with ground operations in this area. Dopesheet dated 14 December 1944.