Battleground 259. Burma - The Forgotten Victory
Feb 26, 2025
Join renowned historian Rob Lyman, author of "Slim Master of War" and expert on the British campaign in Burma during WWII, as he unpacks the overlooked victories of the Fourteenth Army. He discusses the breathtaking logistics and strategy behind the hard-won battles of Meiktila and Mandalay. Lyman highlights General Slim's tactical brilliance and the incredible resilience of a multinational force, emphasizing how diverse troops overcame logistical nightmares to reclaim Rangoon. This is a gripping tale of determination and ingenuity in the face of adversity.
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Unplanned Reconquest
- The 1945 Burma campaign was unplanned, initially aiming to rebuild the Burma Road for supplying China.
- Slim's unofficial plan evolved from pursuing the defeated Japanese to a full reconquest.
Slim's Risky Strategy
- Slim took a risk by dividing his forces, mirroring the Japanese strategy that led to their defeat in 1944.
- He built a 300-mile jungle road and a fleet of 550 boats to cross the Irrawaddy River.
Strength in Diversity
- Slim's 14th Army was a diverse force, primarily Indian, demonstrating effective multinational cooperation.
- This polyglot army's success highlighted the power of unity and shared purpose in warfare.
