Battle of Hill 745
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The Battle of Hill 745 (19 December - 24 December 1942) is an area of high ground located 20kms southeast of Khost that of was the location of a bloody engagement during the final stages of the Battle of Khost Pocket. Hill 745, with its commanding view of the area, sat astride the only escape route still open to the Imperials. Bethausian forces sized the Hill on 17 December and held it until the afternoon of 24 December, despite determined attempts by Imperial units to overrun the position, contributing greatly to the Allied victory.
As early as 12 December, Bethausian forces made their way to Hill 745, attempting to take control of another escape route that Imperial forces can pass through. At that time, the route at the St. Maria plains was still open until 17 December. With Imperial forces encircled, Marshal Quang organised attacks on the Bethausian positions from both sides of the pocket. The Imperials managed to isolate the ridge and force open a narrow corrider. Lacking the fighting power to close the corridor, the Bethausians directed constant and accurate artillery fire on Imperial units retreating from the pocket, causing heavy casualties. The Imperials launched fierce attacks throughout 21 to 23 December which inflicted losses on the Bethausians on Hill 745. Despite being exhausted and dangerously low on ammunition, the Bethausians managed to retain their foothold on the ridge. The following day, less intense attacks continued until midday, when the last Imperial effort to overrun the position was defeated at close quarters. The Bethausians were subsequently relieved by the Erebonian Nortia Rifles Regiment shortly after noon; their stands had ensured the closure of the Khost pocket and the collapse of the Imperial position in Afghania, prompting them to focus efforts in Nepali.