Heroes of Battle of Kanglatongbi remembered

Imphal: Imphal Campaign Foundation World War 2 (ICFWW2) paid tribute on behalf of family members whose forefathers have laid down their lives during the battle against the Axis (Japanese) Force in the Battle of Kanglatongbi. A memorial event was organised on Wednesday at the Kanglatongbi War Memorial Cemetery, KanglaTongbi.

The very Battle of Kanglatongbi also known as Battle of Lion Box was fought between the Axis (Japanese) Force and Allied Force. In memory of the exemplary courage, bravery, supreme sacrifice and unflinching devotion in duty made by the Ordnance personnel of 221 Advance ordnance depot during the battle, the modest war memorial was constructed (at the KanglaTongbi War Memorial War Cemetery).

During the Second World War (1942-1945), when the desperate raiding Japanese forces were trying to open their line of communication to Imphal, at Kanglatongbi, a small but determined detachment of the 221 Advance Ordnance Depot (AOD) put up a stiff resistance against the advance troops of Japanese forces till reinforcement arrived.

The Kanglatongbi War Memorial Cemetery which was constructed in memory of the fallen war heroes is a mute testimony of this battle “The Battle of Kanglaongbi or Battle of Lion Box” and supreme sacrifice made by the Ordnance personnel of 221 AOD.