The Battle of Imphal – A Chronicle of Horror – Part 1: A Reckless Operation (NHK Documentary), Time-sensitive – VOD available only until 23-JAN-18 – JST

Quoting from the introduction to this documentary on the NHK World TV VOD site, with my comments (in blue):

Documentary summary:

During World War II, a major Japanese offensive into India resulted in 70,000 casualties. What are the facts behind the Battle of Imphal and the disastrous retreat that claimed so many lives? We present an in-depth look at the operation regarded as the most reckless for the Japanese in the war.

My comments: I suspect that the 70,000 casualties figure would have included soldiers of the Japanese & British Armies and civilians of India & Burma (Myanmar).

It is likely that the soldiers in the British army units that fought here would have included people from many parts of India (including the North-East), but that is for future research.

In addition to the main battle of Imphal, there was also a smaller offensive on Kohima.

Today Imphal and Kohima are the capitals of India’s North-Eastern States of Manipur and Nagaland respectively.

Part 1 summary:

In March 1944,  90000 Japanese troops massed on the Burma-India border, waiting for orders to move. Their target: the Indian city of Imphal, an important Allied logistic base.

Ahead was the great Chindwin River, 600 meters wide in places, as well as a mountain range with many peaks over 2,000 meters.

What lay out of sight was the overwhelming strength of the British Army and disease and starvation from a lack of reinforcements. Despite reservations within Army Headquarters, the operation moved forward.

The video of Part 1 of this documentary can be accessed at the NHK World TV VOD (Video On Demand) site at this link:

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/vod/imphal/5001182/

Note: This video is only available until January 23, 2018 (JST)

Photo credit: www3.nhk.or.jp

The summary of Part 1 of this documentary with some photos may remain available at this archives link:

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/special/episode/201712162310/