The division was intended from the start for operations in jungle and mountain and was on a Mixed Animal and Mechanical Transport establishment for maintenance in rough country.

During April and the first part of May, the division held the saddle against attacks by infantry, tanks and heavy artillery.

On 13 February 1945, the division made a crossing of the Irrawaddy River 20 miles (32 km) west of Mandalay.

The division fought its way southward along the east bank of the Irrawaddy, until it met units of the XV Indian Corps, which had occupied Rangoon in Operation Dracula.

The Allied South East Asia Command (SEAC) area of responsibility, was expanded to embrace several countries including French Indochina.

Major Richard Holbrook McGregor, on Gracey's Intelligence Section Staff, learned of an impending Viet Minh attack on Saigon.

Gracey, never one to mince his words, criticised the French for their dismissive attitude towards his Indian and Gurkha units.