Kohima 1944

"In March 1944 the Japanese Army launched Operation U-Go, an attack on Assam in India intended to inspire a rising against British rule. The Japanese aimed to break through the British lines, capturing supplies on the way, and pour down the Brahmaputra Valley into India. This plan faltered on the stubborn defence of Kohima, which came to be known as the 'Stalingrad of the East.' From 3 to 16 April the Japanese attempted to capture Kohima Ridge. As the small garrison held out against fierce and repeatedly desperate attempts by the Japanese 31st Division to destroy them, so the British 2nd Division fought to break though and relieve them. Then for over two months British and Indian troops counterattacked to drive the Japanese from the positions they had already captured. The battle ended on 22 June when British and Indian troops from Kohima and Imphal met at Milestone 109, thus ending the siege" -- Back cover.