Patenga, a significant area within Chittagong, Bangladesh, played a pivotal role during World War II, particularly due to its strategic military infrastructure and its integration into the broader wartime efforts in the Southeast Asian Theater. This section provides a comprehensive examination of its importance, drawing from historical records and analyses, and expands on the key points outlined above.
Historical Context and Military Base
During World War II, Chittagong was a frontline city in the Southeast Asian Theater, serving as a critical air, naval, and military base for Allied Forces, especially during the Burma Campaign against Japan. The British utilized Chittagong as a key military base, with Patenga hosting the Chittagong Airfield, which was central to these operations. This airfield, built in the early 1940s under British rule, was later known as Shah Amanat International Airport post-war, highlighting its long-term strategic value.
The presence of Allied forces was substantial, with troops from Britain, India, Australia, and New Zealand contributing to a massive military presence that transformed Chittagong from a relatively quiet town into a bustling wartime hub. This military activity was crucial for coordinating efforts against Japanese advances, particularly in the Burma Campaign, which was a significant theater of operations.
Specific Role of Patenga Airfield
The Chittagong Airfield, located at Patenga, was used by the United States Army Air Forces’ 4th Combat Cargo Group from January to June 1945, specifically for transporting men and supplies during the Burma Campaign 1944–1945. Aircraft such as the C-46 Commando were flown from this airfield, underscoring its logistical importance. Additionally, historical images indicate RAF activity, with Thunderbolts of 135 Squadron and a 30 Squadron Thunderbolt II taking off from Chittagong in 1944, further evidencing its role in air operations.
This logistical support was vital for sustaining Allied forces, ensuring the movement of personnel and resources necessary for military campaigns. The airfield’s operations were integral to the success of the Burma Campaign, facilitating supply lines and troop deployments in a region critical to countering Japanese expansion.
Strategic Target and Japanese Air Raids
Patenga’s strategic importance is vividly illustrated by its status as a target for Japanese air raids. The aerodrome at Patenga was bombarded on two successive days in April 1942 and again on 20 and 24 December 1942, as part of broader Japanese efforts to disrupt Allied operations in preparation for an aborted invasion of Bengal. These raids led to significant disruptions, with Chittagong being declared a non-family area and the temporary relocation of the Divisional Commissioner’s headquarters to Comilla, and the Assam Bengal Railway’s headquarters to Dhaka. Valuable government documents were also shifted to Mymensingh, reflecting the severity of the threat and the strategic value of Patenga.
These attacks highlight Patenga’s role as a key military asset, making it a focal point for Japanese military strategy. The raids not only targeted the airfield but also contributed to the evacuation of the city, underscoring the high stakes involved in controlling this region.
Broader Impact on Chittagong
Chittagong’s broader role during WWII included significant military and economic dimensions. The presence of Allied and Commonwealth forces, including troops from Britain, India, Australia, and New Zealand, was a major factor in transforming the city into a hub of wartime activity. Frequent air raids by Japanese warplanes, blackouts at night, and the influx of refugees from occupied areas further intensified the wartime atmosphere, with the city becoming a center of both military operations and civilian challenges.
The war had major negative impacts, notably contributing to the growth of refugees and the Great Famine of 1943, which severely affected the region’s population. Despite these challenges, many wealthy Chittagonians profited from wartime commerce, which later fueled post-war industrialization and development, including the expansion of the city to include Patenga, where the Chittagong International Airport is now located.
Post-War Developments and Legacy
Post-war, the rapid industrialization and development of Chittagong saw the city grow beyond its previous municipal area, particularly in the southwest up to Patenga. This expansion integrated former villages like Halishahar, Askarabad, and Agrabad into the city, driven by the economic benefits accrued during the war. The Chittagong Airfield, pivotal during WWII, officially became a Bangladeshi airport in 1972 after the Bangladesh Liberation War, now known as Shah Amanat International Airport, continuing its legacy as a key transportation hub.
The Chittagong War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, holds 715 soldiers, mostly Allied, with a few Japanese, and serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict. Annual Remembrance Day services, attended by diplomats from countries like the UK, Bangladesh, Australia, India, Pakistan, the United States, and Japan, further commemorate this history, reflecting the international significance of Chittagong’s role.
Comparative Analysis and Tables
Patenga’s Role in World War II: Key Events
The following table encapsulates the military, logistical, and social dimensions of Patenga and Chittagong’s WWII involvement, providing a structured overview of its multifaceted importance.
| Event/Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Japanese Air Raids | April and May 1942; 20 and 24 December 1942, targeting Patenga aerodrome |
| Allied Forces Stationed | 4th Combat Cargo Group at Chittagong Airfield in 1945; Commonwealth troops |
| Aircraft Used | C-46 Commando; Thunderbolts (RAF 135 and 30 Squadrons in 1944) |
| Operation Period | January to June 1945 for USAAF; RAF activity in 1944 |
| War Impacts | Refugee influx; Great Famine of 1943; rise in wartime commerce profits |
| Cemetery Burials | 715 soldiers at Chittagong War Cemetery; mostly Allied, a few Japanese |
| Post-War Development | City expanded to Patenga; integration of villages; onset of industrialisation |
Conclusion
Patenga’s importance during World War II stems from its role as the location of the Chittagong Airfield, a critical logistical hub for Allied operations, particularly in the Burma Campaign. Its strategic targeting by Japanese forces and the subsequent military and civilian impacts underscore its significance. The post-war expansion and legacy, including the transformation into a major airport, reflect the lasting influence of these wartime activities, making Patenga a key historical site in the region’s military and economic history.
Author: Shamsuddoza Sajen, Chief Archivist, Bangladesh on Record