Men of the 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, effect a deception operation prior to 2nd Division's crossing of the River Irrawaddy and the drive on Mandalay, Burma's second city.

Deceptive tactics are used to surprise the Japanese by 2nd Division at Ondaw, south-west of Mandalay. A Divisional Liaison Officer, Captain Booth, Reconnaissance Corps is dressed up as a Major-General and sent to address troops. He swaps his uniform and tours positions speaking to British troops of 1st Battalion 8th Lancashire Fusiliers. The 2nd Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment move up to the start line with mules and Universal (Bren) carriers. Bulldozers create roads and signposts are erected to assist in the coming attack.

Notes

Despite the dopesheet referring to an impending attack on Mandalay, at the time this film was shot 2nd Division had not yet crossed the Irrawaddy. They were delayed in doing so by a shortage of suitable rivercraft and crossed on 24 February 1945.

Deception operations such as these played an important role in disguising Allied intentions during the decisive Battles of Central Burma, such as the capture of Meiktila and Mandalay. In particular a deception scheme known as 'Cloak' was employed to mask IV Corps' intentions in crossing of the Irrawaddy at Pakokku.

For other film of the crossing of the Irrawaddy shot by both the British Army (JFU-series) and the RAF (ABY-series) see related items.