Burma: A Soldier's Campaign in 20 Objects

The book "Souvenirs from the Burma Campaign" explores the personal stories and artifacts of the Burma Campaign, highlighting the horror and humanity of the conflict from both a British and Japanese perspective. Captain John Alexander served in the Royal Engineers and was posted to the 17th Indian Division, known as the Black Cats, which was sent into Burma against the Japanese as part of the 14th Army. The Allies regrouped and fought back, culminating in the battles of the Admin Box, Kohima, and Imphal, causing the Japanese forces to begin to withdraw. Mandalay was retaken and then Rangoon in May 1945, and the Japanese Army finally surrendered on 15 August 1945.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Captain John Alexander, a valiant soldier in the Royal Engineers, found himself assigned to the 17th Indian Division, famously known as the Black Cats. This formidable unit was deployed to Burma, where it bravely faced the Japanese forces as part of the 14th Army. John's unit was the 60th Indian Field Company. Following the capture of Hong Kong and the subsequent fall of Singapore in February 1942, the Japanese army surged into Burma, catching the Allies off guard and ill-prepared. The ensuing months saw a protracted and grueling fighting retreat as the Allies navigated through dense jungle towards the northwest frontier with India. However, the Allies rallied and retaliated, unleashing fierce battles that culminated in the pivotal battles of the Admin Box, Kohima, and Imphal. These intense clashes ultimately forced the Japanese forces to begin their withdrawal. As the year 1945 dawned, the 14th Army launched a successful offensive, pushing the Japanese southward. Mandalay was reclaimed, followed by the recapture of Rangoon in May 1945. The Japanese Army, battered and worn down, finally capitulated on August 15, 1945. The Burma Campaign, a harrowing chapter in history, has been extensively documented in numerous accounts. The harsh realities of jungle warfare against a relentless enemy have been widely acknowledged. John Alexander, upon his return home on leave, bore the physical and mental scars of his wartime experiences. His body weakened by fever, jungle sores, and dysentery, his mind grappling with the effects of what we now recognize as PTSD. Yet, amidst the darkness, he carried with him a remarkable collection of souvenirs from the campaign. These artifacts, ranging from Japanese currency and cigarettes to letters, swords, a bayonet, sketches, and his own diaries, letters, and decorations, serve as a poignant testament to the personal stories behind this oft-forgotten war. This book aims to shed light on the human dimension of this conflict, offering a balanced perspective from both the British and Japanese viewpoints. Through an in-depth examination of these artifacts, the reader will be transported to the heart of this distant conflict, experiencing the raw horror and profound humanity of the combatants who fought in this far-off battle.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 164 x 234 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398105805