Burma, 1942 : the road from Rangoon to Mandalay /
Warren, Alan.
London : Continuum,
c2011.
In December 1941 Japan set out to seize South-East Asia and the western Pacific to complete the building of a self-sufficient empire. The rapid loss of all of Britain's possessions in the Far East was the culmination of a failed attempt to deal with the rise of Japanese imperialism. Britain's bluff was called and millions of Britain's 'protected' subjects in Asia fell into the hands of a brutal occupying power. The British fought the Second World War in Burma and India against the backdrop of nationalist unrest and revolt. The appalling Bengal famine of 1943, brought about by the loss of Burma's rice crop and the dislocation of government, would cause the deaths of many.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [272]-275) and index.
In December 1941 Japan set out to seize South-East Asia and the western Pacific to complete the building of a self-sufficient empire. The rapid loss of all of Britain's possessions in the Far East was the culmination of a failed attempt to deal with the rise of Japanese imperialism. Britain's bluff was called and millions of Britain's 'protected' subjects in Asia fell into the hands of a brutal occupying power. The British fought the Second World War in Burma and India against the backdrop of nationalist unrest and revolt. The appalling Bengal famine of 1943, brought about by the loss of Burma's rice crop and the dislocation of government, would cause the deaths of many.
British Burma and Imperial Japan -- Perparations for war -- The outbreak of war in South-east Asia -- The invasion of Burma -- Battle of Moulmein -- The defence of the Salween River -- The Battle of Bilin River -- Confusion at Kyaikto -- The Sittang Bridge -- The demolition of the Sittang Bridge -- Rangoon in the front line -- Wavell takes charge -- Retreat from Rangoon -- The Imperial Japanese Navy and the Indian Ocean -- Admiral Nagumo's Raid on Ceylon -- The oilfields of Yenangyaung -- The retreat to India -- The consequences of defeat.
World War, 1939-1945