Imphal, March 26 2010: Remembering the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the fierce battle of Shangshak during World War-II, 23 Assam Rifles organised a wreath laying ceremony at Shangshak war memorial today.

10 Sector AR Commander Brig Harish Thukral led hundreds of AR soldiers and civilians in paying homage to the martyrs who laid their lives in the battle, said a press release issued by PRO Hqs IGAR (S).

Second in Command AK Rana, who is also the Officiating Commandant laid a wreath on behalf of IGAR (S) Maj Gen CA Krishnan at the memorial.

A photo memoir of WWII was also unveiled by the Commander on the occasion, added the press release.

The AR press release remembered that during World War-II, Japanese soldiers crossed over Chindwin River and marched their way towards Imphal as a part of the plan to advance to Kohima.

In March 1944, Indian 50 Para Brigade moved into the general area of Shangshak to build up a formidable Brigade Box.

Indian 50 Para Brigade consisted of 152 and 153 Para Battalions and 4th Maratha Light Infantry.

On March 22, 1944, Japanese 31 Infantry Division mounted a full scale offensive against the Brigade Box and Maratha Coys.

With several repulsive attacks on March 22, 23 and 24, Shangshak witnessed one of the fiercest battles in the histrory of WW-II.

Early morning on March 26, heavy artillery shelling by Japanese succeeded in overrunning the position of 152 Para and 153 Para Battalion by inflicting heavy casualties.

Later in the night on March 26, Brig Hope Thompson, Commander 50 Para Brigade gade orders to all the three Units to move out of the Brigade Box to further westwards.

The Japanese launched whole of their 31 Infantry Division against the small garrison of Shangshak.

The ten days delay and heavy casualties which the small force inflicted was critical for the Battle of Imphal.

4th MLI has been observing March 26 as their 'Battle Honour Day'.

The day is also known as Shangshak Day being the final day of the Battle of Shangshak, the Assam Rifles press release said.

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