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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.
46:30
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Quick takeaways
- General Slim's innovative strategy of dividing forces and creating diversions was pivotal in the Allied success during the Burma campaign.
- The diverse composition of the 14th Army, primarily consisting of Indian soldiers, exemplified effective multinational cooperation that contributed to their victories against Japanese forces.
Deep dives
The Strategic Context of Burma in 1945
In late 1944, the strategic situation in Burma was largely dictated by the remnants of the Japanese forces following their failed invasion of India. The Allied strategy had initially focused on maintaining supply routes, particularly the Burma Road to China, rather than full reconquest of Burma. However, Lieutenant General Bill Slim, noticing the disarray in Japanese ranks, proposed an unofficial plan to advance into Burma, which was granted approval by Mountbatten. This marked a pivotal shift as Slim began organizing his multinational 14th Army to pursue and capitalize on the weaknesses in the Japanese defenses.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode