January 7, 1942 - Japanese tanks and troops pressed down the main north-south trunk route into British forward positions at Trolak. Heavy fighting ensued and several Japanese tanks were destroyed, but the advance continued following the arrival of tank reinforcements.
Losses ultimately forced the British forces into retreat and at 8.30am the Slim River bridge was taken by the Japanese. The day-long fighting all but wiped out the Indian 11th Division's 12th and 28th Brigades. About 3,200 British troops surrendered and losses in equipment were also huge. The fall of Slim River was a turning point for the British commanders. All hopes of defence central Malaya were lost.
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