Battle for Burma

Nick SchwaigerHistory 12

When

March 1942 – 1945 (World War II)

Where

Burma – Officially known as known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Southeast Asia, between India and China)

What

In the first year (1942) the Japanese Army, with the aid of Thai forces and Burmese insurgents, invades Burma by a sea assault on Rangoon, driving British Commonwealth and Chinese forces out.

Sea assault on Rangoon, Burma.

Why

The importance of Burma was trade related. Stretching from on end of Burma to the other, the Burma road connects India with China. Since the Japanese Imperial Navy was superior to the Chinese Navy and more or less controlled the Atlantic, land routes where necessary to supply China giving the Burma road, a well crafted route, held much importance.

Why

Chinese Nationalist forces, who have been fighting the Japanese for years, were supplied through the Burma road.

Burma also had valuable raw resources such as oil, minerals and rice.

Allies trying to repel Japanese attackers

Outcome

Burma established its own government, the State of Burma, after having been poorly ruled by the British. In essence the Japanese “liberated” Burma in 1945 when they pulled out their troops.

A moral and physical defeat for Allied forces. (Allied Casualties: 13,463, Axis Casualties: 2,143)

Commanders

Allies:Archibald WavellThomas HuttonHarold AlexanderChiang Kai-Shek

Axis:Shojiro Iida

The Allied Retreat

Because of the superior tactics of the Japanese commander and indifference of the Allied commanders, Burma was conquered in a matter of a year and the Allied forces hastily evacuated.

The Allied Retreat

The Allied retreat was a disaster, starving people and wounded soldiers clogged the primitive roads in Burma leading to India.

The Allied Retreat

While retreating, the Allied forces adopted the “scorched earth” policy, stopping the Japanese Army’s advance at the Indian border.

Poor Equipment

Because of its rapid expansion, the Burmese Army was poorly equipped and trained and so were other Allied forces involved because Burma was regarded as “military backwater” (non-important).

Other Random, Perhaps Important Facts

The Japanese captured British “Hurricane” fighter planes and attempted to use them against the Allies.

Burma was difficult terrain for tanks because of it’s jungles and marshes.

Other Random, Perhaps Important Facts

Burmese farmers were paid for their losses in crops and livestock.

Battle for Burma Newsreel