The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia
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Port Blair (92.733E 11.673N) was the only settlement of any significance in the Andamans. It had almost no facilities but was well situated for exerting control over the Bay of Bengal and the east Indian Ocean.
A single battalion from 18 Division occupied Port Blair on 23 March 1942. By then the port had a 2400' (2200m) runway. The port was bombed the next day by 10 Air Force but to little effect.
The port continued to be raided sporadically, and it was bombarded by 3 Battle Squadron on 30 April 1945 to cover the Rangoon landings (DRACULA), but remained in Japanese hands throughout the war.
References
Richards and Saunders (1954; accessed 2011-11-28)
Romanus and Sunderland (1952; accessed 2011-11-28)
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