End Game Burma 1945: Slim's Masterstroke at Meiktila

During World War II, General Bill Slim's 14 Army successfully outflanked the Japanese on the Irrawaddy at Mandalay by sending IV Corps on a 300-mile march to seize Meiktila, a vital rail and road hub. This bold plan required complete secrecy to avoid a counterattack, and it was achieved with US air support.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

When discussing the Burma campaign, the pivotal battles of Imphal and Kohima often come to mind. However, General Bill Slim's audacious yet risky plan to outflank the Japanese on the Irrawaddy at Mandalay deserves far greater recognition. Despite facing the formidable Japanese army, Slim's 14 Army, consisting of two Corps (XXXIII and IV), bravely risked a treacherous crossing of the mighty Irrawaddy at Mandalay. To avoid this, a decision was made to divide 14 Army and dispatch IV Corps on an arduous 300-mile march to seize the town of Meiktila, located 85 miles south, which served as a vital rail and road hub and the primary Japanese administrative base. Maintaining complete secrecy was paramount, as if the Japanese were aware of only one Corps rather than two, they could have launched a successful counterattack. In this comprehensive analysis, the author delves into the intricacies of the plan, the inherent risks, the decisive actions, the seemingly insurmountable logistical challenges, and the relentless efforts to secure US air support, primarily orchestrated by Mountbatten.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399019910