As 17th Indian Division (IV Corps) approach Meiktila, Burma, they encounter more evidence of Japanese sabotage to halt the British progress when a temporary scissors bridge has to be deployed across a bridge section blown by the Japanese.

A scissors bridge is brought to a blown section of concrete bridge on a modified Valentine tank. The bridge lowers and opens and the carrier is guided off the bridge. This work is carried out by the Number 3 Independent Bridging Troop, Royal Armoured Corps. A Daimler Scout Car (probably of 16th Light Cavalry) tests the newly laid, temporary, bridge and then a Sherman tank follows. Men of 6th Battalion 7th Rajputana Rifles are briefed by an officer in front of several Sherman tanks. They squat and sit on the ground as they listen to the briefing. Sherman tanks of the Royal Deccan Horse (9th Horse) and Daimler Scout cars move left to right on a dusty road in a column. 25-pounder guns are fired and reloaded. Mortars are loaded and fired by several crews, under the command of 82nd Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery; in front of a Buddhist pagoda column of vehicles, lorries, Sherman tanks and jeeps pass along a country road. A railway sign reads 'Meiktila'. Some buildings are still ablaze after bombing and shelling.

Notes

The dopesheet identifies the 25-pounders as being 493rd Field Regiment Royal Artillery. However, no such regiment appears in the 17th Indian Division order of battle. This is probably 493rd Field Battery of 129th Field Regiment.

After crossing the Irrawaddy at Nyaungu, 17th Indian Division made a dash for the strategic centre of Meiktila. Meiktila was the site of a number of key strategic airfields and also stood at the head of the main road to Rangoon. After its initial capture there followed a number of determined Japanese counterattacks throughout March 1945 before it was completely secure.

For more footage of the advance to Meiktila, see related items.