At Donbaik, on the Mayu penisula in the Arakan coastal region of Burma, British mortars and artillery are fired against Japanese positions, and an Indian Artillery unit demonstrates their Bofors gun.

Interior of a sandbagged, covered gun pit with a 25-pounder field gun and crew. The gun is fired rapidly several times, apparently at point-blank range against a Japanese bunker. Each round raises clouds of dust in the confined space. An unfortunately grey and indistinct shot, apparently looking towards Japanese positions; smoke shells bursting. Brief medium close-up of unidentified British soldier in a sandbagged position. Various shots showing a Bren light machine gun being fired; the firing position is covered by sandbags and a thick log and the firing raises dust. Silhouetted shot at dusk shows the muzzle of a 25-pounder recoiling. Wider shot, in daylight, shows a 25-pounder and crew in an open position by a tree; the sea can be seen in the background a few hundred yards away. A captain of the Royal Artillery, wearing a topi rather than a steel helmet, gives instructions with a megaphone. Various angles of the gun being fired, with close-up of the layer. Close-up sign Command Post. Cameraman takes a step or two into the post with camera rolling. Pan showing a field telephone exchange and an officer on phone. Sikh gunners of an Indian Artillery anti-aircraft unit traverse and fire their 40mm Bofors gun for the benefit of the camera. Various angles of a British 3-inch mortar team in action. Clouds of smoke on a steep ridge perhaps half a mile away.

Notes

This film is extremely valuable as it depicts an offensive that is very little covered in film. However, the material is somewhat disappointing when compared to the dopesheet. Even so, the dopesheet is interesting in itself, as it describes the Japanese positions as being 'made of steel and reinforced concrete'. This reflects a complete misperception on the part of the British; the Japanese bunkers were built simply of wood and earth, but were very strongly constructed and sited to allow mutually supportive fields of fire.

Series note: The MWY series of films is believed to be part of a ‘pool’ of film received by the Government of India from various sources, including South East Asia Command, the Indian Inter-Service Public Relations Directorate, the Ministry of Information, and from Allied governments. This footage would have been considered for editing and release through the Indian Newsreel Parade; see INR series.