A Battalion in Burma: Second Suffolk in Arakan and at Imphal, 1943–44

During World War II, the 2nd Suffolk Regiment played a significant role in opposing the Japanese in Burma, facing challenging terrain, harsh climate, and lack of supplies. Despite these difficulties, the Regiment maintained high morale and performed outstandingly in the Burma Campaign, with their story now being told for the first time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Between December 1943 and August 1944, the Second Suffolk, as part of the 5th (Indian) Division, played a pivotal role in opposing the Japanese in Burma and later at the critical battle at Imphal. The odds could not have been higher or the challenges greater. The Japanese had already earned an awesome reputation as a formidable and ruthless enemy who could only be described as fanatical. The rugged jungle terrain, over which the Battalion had to fight, was tough and unforgiving and pushed all ranks to the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Against them too was the harsh tropical climate and the extremes of the monsoon season. The combination of these three factors called for the highest standards of leadership and discipline. Supplies too were often not forthcoming, but despite these difficulties and a lack of appreciation of their efforts in the press at home, morale of the stolid regular Suffolk soldier and his newer drafted comrades always remained high as they learned to fight their enemy in the way that he fought him. For over seventy-five years, their story has remained largely forgotten and untold, but, now drawing on previously unpublished accounts of those who served there, together with unpublished photographs, this book describes the Battalions outstanding service during the Burma Campaign.

Between December 1943 and August 1944, the Second Suffolk, as part of the 5th (Indian) Division, played a pivotal role in opposing the Japanese in Burma and later at the critical battle at Imphal. The odds could not have been higher or the challenges greater. The Japanese had already earned an awesome reputation as a formidable and ruthless enemy who could only be described as fanatical. The rugged jungle terrain, over which the Battalion had to fight, was tough and unforgiving and pushed all ranks to the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Against them too was the harsh tropical climate and the extremes of the monsoon season. The combination of these three factors called for the highest standards of leadership and discipline. Supplies too were often not forthcoming, but despite these difficulties and a lack of appreciation of their efforts in the press at home, morale of the stolid regular Suffolk soldier and his newer drafted comrades always remained high as they learned to fight their enemy in the way that he fought them. For over seventy-five years, their story has remained largely forgotten and untold, but, now drawing on previously unpublished accounts of those who served there, together with unpublished photographs, this book describes the Battalions outstanding service during the Burma Campaign.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399079259