Battle of Kohima

The Battle of Kohima, fought from April 4 to June 22, 1944, during World War II, was one of the most significant and fiercely contested battles in the Southeast Asian theater. It took place in and around the town of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, India, and is often referred to as the "Stalingrad of the East" due to its intensity and strategic importance.

The Battle of Kohima was part of the larger Burma Campaign, which aimed to drive the Japanese forces out of Burma (now Myanmar) and reopen the Burma Road, a vital supply route linking India and China. Kohima was a key objective for both the Allied and Japanese forces, as its capture would provide the Japanese with a strategic foothold in India.

The battle began with a Japanese offensive aimed at capturing Kohima and the nearby village of Imphal. The Japanese forces, led by Lieutenant General Renya Mutaguchi, launched a series of fierce attacks on the Allied positions, including the British Indian Army, Gurkha regiments, and units of the British 2nd Division, defending Kohima.

The fighting at Kohima was characterized by close-quarters combat, hand-to-hand fighting, and brutal trench warfare as both sides fought for control of key strategic positions. The Allied forces, despite being outnumbered and surrounded, managed to hold their ground and repel the Japanese assaults.

One of the most iconic moments of the Battle of Kohima was the defense of Garrison Hill, where British and Indian troops, along with the Assam Regiment, held out against relentless Japanese attacks. The battle culminated in a decisive Allied victory, with the Japanese forces suffering heavy casualties and eventually retreating from Kohima and Imphal.

The Battle of Kohima is remembered as a turning point in the Burma Campaign and a crucial Allied victory in World War II. It marked the first time that Japanese forces had been decisively defeated on land, halting their advance into India and paving the way for the eventual liberation of Burma.

Today, the Kohima War Cemetery and the Kohima Memorial, located in Kohima, serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifice and valor of the soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Kohima. The site is visited by thousands of visitors each year, paying tribute to the courage and resilience of those who defended Kohima against overwhelming odds.

Besides this history museum, there is one more history museum listed in Kohima. There's also six attractions listed in this city in other categories. You will find the exact location of Battle of Kohima on the map above. If you need any other information on Battle of Kohima that is not listed here, please call 094029 05046.