The Unforgettable Army

This is a comprehensive overview of the astonishing victory of the 14th Army, the "Forgotten Army", against the Japanese in Burma in World War II where overwhelming victory followed initial defeat. The book views the campaign in the context of East Asian history examining the rise of Japan from a medieval feudal state into a major industrial and military power in the space of a generation. It also analyses what made the Japanese soldier such a formidable opponent and gives a sympathetic description of the Indian troops who formed the greater part of the 14th Army and of the African troops who made such a notable contribution. The complex relationships between the British and their American allies and the power struggles which took place within the allied high command are discussed and character studies given of the principal commanders, notably Bill Slim, Orde Wingate, Mountbatten and the machinations surrounding his attempt to sack Slim at the moment of victory. Detailed specimen orders of battle and descriptions of equipment are also included.