Fitting tribute paid to war heroes of the Battle of Kanglatongbi
Source: IT News

Imphal, April 07 2017: Fitting tribute was paid to the war heroes of the battle of Kanglatombi where the Ordnance Corps of the British Army had fought the Axis force in World War II.

An observance function was held today at Kanglatongbi War Memorial cemetery.

Members of Imphal Campaign Foundation WW2 also paid floral tributes and observed few minutes silence as a mark of respect to the martyrs of the battle of Kanglatongbi at the Kanglatongbi War Memorial War Cemetery, Kanglatongbi, Imphal West District.

Standing tall in Khengjang village of Kanglatongbi area, Sadar Hills under Imphal West District, Kanglatongbi War Memorial cemetery is a mute testimony to the fighting prowess of the Army Ordnance Corps.

Fitting tribute paid to war heroes of the Battle of Kanglatongbi

During the Second World War (1942-1945), when the desperate marauding Japanese forces were trying to open their line of communication to Imphal, a small but determined detachment of the 221 Advance ordnance depot put up a stiff resistance stalling the desperate bayonet charges and the advance of Japanese forces till reinforcement arrived and turn the tide against the Japanese troops.

The night of April 6/7, 1944 was a curse, the Japanese after occupying the old site, mounted a heavy attack on the Depot.

Apart from keeping heavy pressure that night, the enemy made a downhill attack from the hill side where a deep nallah was used as a covered approach to the depot.

A very well camouflaged bunker had been sited by the depot on this approach with an excellent view of the nallah.

The Bren Gun Section positioned in this bunker having spotted a section of the enemy within range opened fire.

This shook the enemy and forced them to withdraw leaving many dead.

The very Battle of Kanglatongbi also known as Battle of Lion Box was fought between the Axis (Japanese) Force and Allied Force and in memory of the exemplary courage, bravery, supreme sacrifice and unflinching devotion to duty made by the Ordnance personnel of 221 Advance ordnance depot during the battle, the modest war memorial was constructed.

Meanwhile, Imphal Campaign Foundation WW2 also paid floral tribute to William Howard who had laid down his life during the Second World War.