[1] Burcorps was created on 13 March 1942 to take control of the scattered British, Indian and local troops retreating through Burma in the face of a sustained Japanese offensive.

[3][4][5][6] By the time Slim arrived at Magwe on 19 March, Rangoon had already fallen after the Battle of Pegu and Burcorps was retreating to Prome, though 17th Indian Division carried out a number of raids as it withdrew, and the motorised 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment made a surprise attack on Letpadan, temporarily driving the Japanese out.

1st Burma Division had attempted to hold on to the Yin Chaung for one more day, and as a result Japanese columns had infiltrated between its scattered units.

Next day the engineers were used to reinforce 1st Gloucesters and Magforce was given the motor transport to act as an advanced guard for the retreating 1st Burma Division and attempt a roadblock by-pass.

The fighting portions of Burcorps continued towards the Chindwin River, preceded by an undisciplined mob of refugees and rear-echelon troops.

From Shwegyin all the troops, motor vehicles and guns had to be ferried across the Chindwin up to Kalewa, while the refugees made their way by a riverside path.

The ferrying operation was covered by a rearguard formed of 17th Indian Division and 7th Hussars, who manned a series of lay-back positions and flank guards.

2nd Burma Brigade, which had marched independently along a poor bullock-track to the west, covering 216 miles (348 km) in 14 days, made contact with the Chin Hills Battalion near Kalemyo on 12 May and was evacuated to Tamu by motor transport supplied by IV Corps.

[23][24][25] At its creation on 13 March 1942, Burma Corps comprised the following formations and units:[9][26][27][28] Staff Corps Troops 1st Burma Division 17th Indian Division Army Troops Line of Communication Troops There were a number of reallocations of these units within Burcorps during its short existence and several ad hoc forces were also formed for specific operations:[8][9][42] Striking Force For counter-attack at Shwedaung 26–29 March[b] Corps Striking Force Holding line in front of the Yin Chaung from 6 April Magforce Sent to Magwe 12 April