Based on the reconstructed war diary at the PRO, reference WO172/986

The battalion was authorised on 15th May 1941, being raised to guard RAF aerodromes. It was officered by Shans, Karens and Burmese - the men being mainly Shans. From December 1941, the battalion served as line of communication troops under the direct command of HQ Burma Army.

By 1st April 1942 the battalion was in Taunggyi and had suffered many desertions. By the 18th only 100 men were left and these left Taunggyi as the British continued to retreat. Indaw was reached by 23rd April but the battalion did not stay long, leaving on the 26th. The path followed took in Kunhing and Naungwo village, where the survivors split into parties to reach Mogok and Bhamo.

Kunhka was reached on 9th May and here four days later it was decided to aim for India via the route Myatdaung-Pinlebyu-Paungbyin-Tamu-Imphal. Myatdaung was reached on 18th May and the Irrawaddy was crossed the next day by sampan. Next came the Chindwin, which was reached somewhere south of Sittaung but the men were unable to cross on the 26th and waited there until the 30th. It was decided to march up the Chindwin and this was done on the trail of Japanese advance, signs of which were found everywhere.

On 1st June, finally the Chindwin was crossed near Lower Auktaung and contact with men of 23rd Indian Division was made some days later. The survivors reached Palel by Jeep on 11th June.

The next day the pitifully small party reported formally to 23rd Indian Division and IV Corps. On the 13th, they reported in to 1st Burma Division before moving on to Ranchi. This final party consisted only of the battalion CO, two officers, two NCOs and two other ranks.