Defeat into Victory

Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945

Book • 1972

Author

William Slim

This book is an account of Field Marshal William Slim's command during the Burmese campaign of 1942-1945.

It describes the British Army's retreat into India following the Japanese invasion, the battles of Imphal and Kohima, and the eventual recapture of Rangoon.

Slim emphasizes the importance of proper training, equipment, and morale in turning a defeated army into a victorious force.

The memoir is praised for its insightful and self-critical approach to military leadership and its enduring principles of command.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 5 episodes

Mentioned by

Robert Lyman

as one of his books, co-authored with General Lord Richard Dannatt.

28 snips

S5E4: Turning Around a Defeated Army: Field Marshall William Slim, with Dr Robert Lyman MBE

Mentioned by

Yasmin Khan

in relation to the Burma campaign.

16 snips

201. The Raj at War

Mentioned by General Frank McKenzie as a source of inspiration for his leadership style.

High Command with Retired General Frank McKenzie

Mentioned by

Ed Balls

as one of the books that

George Osborne

gave to him.

Kwasi Kwarteng on the Liz Truss meltdown, getting sacked and Kemi Badenoch’s future

Mentioned by

Ed Balls

, William Hague gave him this book, explaining how the Tory party would recover from their defeat, drawing parallels with the British army's situation against the Japanese.

EMQs: Can Kemi Badenoch cheer up the Conservatives?

Recommended by

James Holland

as a really good book.

Burma '45: The Race To Rangoon

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