Following Pearl Harbour the Japanese forces gradually occupied most of SE Asia. By early 1944 they had gained control of Burma and were preparing to advance into India. A Japanese expeditionary force crossed into India but found its advance halted at Kohima by the determined defence of the 2nd Infantry Division, which included the 2nd Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment.

If Kohima fell the road to India and its railway system lay open. Fierce fighting continued for three months until the Japanese were forced to retreat as far as Mandalay. Subsequently they withdrew to Rangoon, which they surrendered in May 1945.