As 14th Army advances across the Shwebo plain in Burma, British troops of 1st Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment (32nd Indian Infantry Brigade, 20th Indian Division) assault the Japanese-held town of Monywa, with artillery and aircraft in support.

A 5.5-inch Medium Gun, well hidden by a camouflage net, is fired. A 3-inch mortar is fired. Rocket-firing Hawker Hurricane fighter-bombers overhead. British troops advancing through scrubby grassland. Troops waiting as others pass by; most are wearing wool caps and look to be in high spirits. Troops kneeling in a dry chaung (river or watercourse) waiting for the order to advance. Silhouetted troops advancing in open ground. Troops run and take cover in low scrub. Troops in cover with a large chinthe statue behind them. Troops running for cover near the base of the chinthe. Troops advancing through the spectacular temple grounds. Troops passing camera; rifles level with bayonets fixed. Troops in double file on a road in Monywa. Troops pass the bullet-pocked entrance to a Sikh temple in Monywa; one man suddenly runs for cover. Brief shot of a man walking on a road.

Notes

Some good shots of the rocket-firing Hurricanes, which are referred to in the official history as having been particularly effective. Some shots are a little uneven, but easily forgiven in comparison the dynamic movement seen. An excellent piece of combat film, with the scenes in the temple grounds being particularly evocative.

For film of celebrations following Monywa's liberation, see related items.