Hello, and thank you for listening to The History of World War II podcast, Episode

304.

Mistakes were made, men died.

Last time, after the 7th Armour Brigade and the 38th Chinese Division crossed the Ava

Bridge just southwest of Mandalay, the Irohadi River spanning structure was destroyed at

midnight on April 30.

For the moment General Slim's men and the Chinese forces under General Stillwell operating

in the same area were safe.

However, their retreat had really only just begun.

There were still some 150 miles to go before they would deem themselves relatively safe

in India.

Further, it was only a matter of time before the pursuing Japanese 18th Division, hard

on Slim's heels, found their own way across, and other Japanese divisions were advancing

as well.

The Great Allied Retreat was far from over.

This assessment also included the First Burma Division which had crossed more to the west

of Mandalay using ferries.

Fortunately, the enemy did not pursue the Allied troops here, while using the slower transportation.

However, Japanese air attacks kept the men on their toes.

The First Burma was grateful for the reprieve, but then headed out.

The First Burma Division would travel west and then turn north, making for the town of

Moniwa, about 65 miles or 104 kilometers west by northwest of Mandalay.

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