Brigadier R G Collingwood, commander of 33rd Brigade (7th Indian Division) holds a conference of officers on the eve of the crossing of the Irrawaddy River, Burma.

Brigadier Collingwood points out features on a relief map propped up in front of British troops. The audience listens to the briefing. Colonel Brain, second in command to the Brigadier, uses the map to explain details of the beaches and enemy positions.

Notes

7th Indian Division's crossing of the Irrawaddy began in the early hours of 14 February 1945 and was according to the official history 'the longest opposed river crossing in any theatre of the Second World War'. Following a covert reconnaissance by a Sea Reconnaissance Unit and a Special Boat Section, a company of 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment were to make a silent crossing, followed as quickly as possible by 33rd Brigade. Despite some initial losses due to enemy machine gun fire, the enemy were suppressed by a concentration of artillery fire, tank fire and aerial bombing.

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.