Battle of Jitra

The Battle of Jitra was a major engagement fought between the invading Japanese and Allied forces during the Malayan Campaign of the Second World War, from 11–13 December 1941. The British defeat compelled Arthur Percival to order all Allied aircraft stationed in Malaya to withdraw to Singapore.

Background

Allied defences at Jitra were not completed when the Pacific War broke out.Barbed wire lines had been erected and some anti-tank mines laid but heavy rains had flooded the shallow trenches and gun pits. Many of the field telephone cables laid across the waterlogged ground also failed to work, resulting in a lack of communication during the battle.

Two brigades of Major General David Murray-Lyon's 11th Indian Division held the front line. On the right was the 15th Indian Infantry Brigade, composed of 1st Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment, the 1st Bn 14th Punjab Regiment and the 2nd Bn 9th Jats; on the left was the 6th Indian Infantry Brigade, composed of the 2nd Bn East Surrey Regiment, the 1st Bn 8th and 2nd Bn 16th Punjab Regiments. Batteries from the 155th Field Regiment, the 22nd Mountain Regiment and the 80th Anti-tank Regiment provided the artillery support. The 28th Indian Infantry Brigade, consisting of three Gurkha battalions was placed in divisional reserve.

Jitra

Jitra is a town in Kedah, Malaysia. It is located in the Kubang Pasu district and lies in between Alor Setar and Changlun. It is the fourth largest town in Kedah after Alor Setar, Sungai Petani and Kulim.

During World War II, when the Japanese attacked Malaya, Jitra was on the one of main lines of defence set up by the British. One of the fiercest battles during the British defence of Malaya were fought here.

Universiti Utara Malaysia(UUM) is the largest University located in region of Jitra. It lies around 35 kilometer north-east of Jitra and can be reached by driving North towards the border of Thailand. After driving to Changlun, there will be signs with directions leading towards UUM.

Famous persons include Mohd Johari Baharum (former Deputy Internal Minister) Wan Iskandar Azam Rocky (5 times ASEAN Amateur Golf Champions), Azrul and Nidzom (chairman and CEO of Bahagia Holdings) and Loga (Global Asian Top scorer holder).

A few famous landmarks in Jitra are Darulaman Park, Jitra Waterfront (behind police quarters), Rocky Dog Park, Lye Huat Garden (Mini Zoo), Cendol Pulut Jo and Bukit Wang, a recreational park. Located approximately 30 kilometers from Thailand border, Jitra becomes one of the many stops for tourists who came from the neighboring country or Malaysian who wanted to visit Thailand.