Battle of Bilin River

Battle of Bilin River
Part of the Burma campaign, the South-East Asian theatre of World War II and the Pacific Theater of World War II
Date 14 February 1942 – 19 February 1942 Location Burma Result Japanese victory
Belligerents
British Empire British India	Japan
Commanders and leaders
Sir John Smyth	Shōjirō Iida
Strength
1 division	2 divisions

The Battle of Bilin River was among the early major battles of the Burma Campaign in World War II. Fought between 14 and 19 February 1942, the battle was a tactical victory for Japan over the British Indian Army, and it led to a decisive victory for Japan immediately afterwards at the Battle of Sittang Bridge.

Brigadier Sir John George Smyth, V.C.—who commanded 17th Infantry Division of the British Indian Army at Bilin River—said the Bilin River "at that time of year was only a ditch, but a good co-ordinating line".^[1] 17th Division was, at that time, a new formation that had yet to see its first battle.

The Japanese 112th Battalion of the Southern Army entered Burma (now Myanmar) on 15 January. They took Tavoy (now Dawei) on 19 January, cutting off the garrison at Mergui (which escaped by sea). In the process, they captured three small airfields, giving them close air support. They then advanced towards Kawkareik.

Smyth wanted to withdraw immediately to better defensive terrain, but he was ordered to "stay put".^[1]