Enjoying It Very Much*
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Leuwiliang, Java-Dutch East Indies*
March 3, 1942*
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Australian Attack v Japanese Defend*
Design: C Berry*
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On March 2nd,"Blackforce",the Australian contingent in the Dutch East Indies, deployed in a blocking position east of the Tjianten River at Leuwiliang. The Japanese force; Nasu Detatchment, driving on Buitenzorg, attacked the Aussie position in the afternoon but was rebuffed with heavy casualties.*
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That evening, the Japanese commander, Major-General Nasu instructed that a night river crossing be made south of Leuwiliang in order to flank the strong Australian position. However,due to heavy rain the river had swollen and the crossing took much more time than expected. It wasn't until 0400 the first Japanese troops had crossed the river but they were detected and came under heavy fire. Only a small number of troops managed to form a bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Tjianten River.* 
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The next morning, on 3 March, a counter-attack was ordered by Brigadier A.S. Blackburn, commander of "Blackforce", to eliminate the bridgehead. The Australian attack was to be supported by tanks of the British 3rd Hussars and D Battery of the U.S. Army's 2/131st Field Artillery (Texas National Guard).*
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The small force of Japanese east of the Tjianten were thrown back across the river by the counter-attack. Brigadier Blackburn, informing his Dutch superior; Major-General Schilling, of the days events, reported: "My boys have been fighting all day and enjoyed it very much". The Australians would hold the position at Leuwiliang until the March 5th when a larger, more successful night crossing compromised the defense and compelled "Blackforce" to withdraw.*
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Source: www.geocities.com/dutcheastindies/*