Inniskillings attack Donbaik, Burma.

'Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on the Beaches, 18 February 1943' after the Battle of Donbaik by War Artist Anthony Gross CBE RA. (Click to enlarge)

Having failed in its first attack against the Japanese at Donbaik, the 1st Inniskillings, now under command 55 Brigade, on 18 February 1943 again attacked Donbaik. Advancing over open ground, A and B Companies met devastating enemy fire. Small groups reached their respective objectives, but, each being isolated and without communication, little co-ordination was possible.

The groups held their newly won positions throughout the day despite repeated enemy counterattacks. Only at nightfall did the Inniskillings fall back. Lieutenant Basil Fairweather, with two sections from his own platoon and one from another, fought off the Japanese enemy and finally returned with eight survivors to the Battalion area. He was awarded the Military Cross.

To read more about this action, please click on Inniskillings in the Arakan Campaign 1943.