Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945

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Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945

by William Slim, David W. Hogan (Introduction)

4.28 of 5 stars 4.28 · rating details · 87 ratings · 12 reviews

Field Marshal Viscount Slim (1891-1970) led shattered British forces from Burma to India in one of the lesser-known but more nightmarish retreats of World War II. He then restored his army's fighting capabilities and morale with virtually no support from home and counterattacked. His army's slaughter of Japanese troops ultimately liberated India and Burma. The first editio...more

Paperback, 616 pages

Published February 9th 2000 by Cooper Square Publishers (first published 1956)

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Feb 28, 2012 James Kemp rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to James by: Callum Lane

Shelves: colonial, far-east, history, infantry, logistics, owned, ww2, strategy

A friend sent me a copy of Field Marshal Bill Slim’s Defeat Into Victory. It has always been on my list of books I’d like to read, but somehow I’d never quite got round to acquiring a copy. The version I have is a reading copy of the original edition, with fold out maps all through it.

The reading style is very engaging and easy to read, especially if you have the space to fold out the map at the end of the chapter so that you can follow all the places when they appear in the narrative. It was th...more A friend sent me a copy of Field Marshal Bill Slim’s Defeat Into Victory. It has always been on my list of books I’d like to read, but somehow I’d never quite got round to acquiring a copy. The version I have is a reading copy of the original edition, with fold out maps all through it.

The reading style is very engaging and easy to read, especially if you have the space to fold out the map at the end of the chapter so that you can follow all the places when they appear in the narrative. It was the first time I’d read about the ebb and flow of the war in Burma (even though my grandfather drove a DUKW out there). So I found it very
interesting, the nature of warfare was hugely different that both Europe and North Africa (and I suspect even the Pacific Islands). In some respects the war fought in Burma was more like recent modern wars with low troop densities, long logistics tails and a massive reliance on air power.

The other engaging bit about the book was that Slim shows you the development of the army from a road bound Western linear fighting force into an all arms, all round defence, jungle fighting machine. In the beginning the British Army is out of its depth and way beyond the ken of its commanders or troops. The Japanese have infiltration tactics that the British just can’t cope with, and are so stubborn in defence that they cannot be shifted when they gain a hold. The British just dissolve and retreat rapidly out of the way (mostly).

It isn’t just a story of the British Army, as well as colonial forces (Indians and Africans mostly) there is also the alliance warfare aspect of the war. He liaises with Vinegar Joe Stillwell and the Chinese Army too.

Later, the British manage to shorten their lines of communication, build defences and work out how to deal with the Japanese. Once they do, then the tables turn, although it takes much stubborn fighting to shift the enemy. There is a good narrative that explains the constraints the 14th Army was operating under, the logistics challenges and how these were overcome and also the details of the operations. Occasionally there are little personal vignettes of visits to the front, or reports of battles.

One of the things I noted was the commentary on how few prisoners were taken, mostly it was a grim fight to the death by both sides. A typical note on a Japanese attack was that there was one prisoner taken and 600 Japanese bodies recovered from the 14th Army positions.

However, great as all this is, the last section of the book is the best. In the last chapter Slim gives his opinions on why things turned out the way that they did and also on what he draws as lessons for the future. Given that this was written in 1957 he has a lot to say that I think was quite prescient about current operations (and it might also have been right for the post-nuclear exchange as well, but thankfully we’ve avoided that).

The thing I do wonder, is why are all our operational games about the European war? The furthest East we manage is the Russian front, when there is whole load of interesting stuff going on out in the Far East. I suspect I may well return to this when I have some time to sort out another game design.(less)

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May 13, 2013 Michael Burnam-fink rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, war, history

I've read a fair number of general's memoirs, and Slim's is one of the most humanistic and readable. Transferred to Burma in 1942, Slim arrived to an army in administrative disarray and an overwhelming Japanese assault that turned into a near-rout. Through perseverance and energy, Slim managed to hold the line in India, rebuild his army, learn how to fight the Japanese, and then counter-attack. Few other Allied generals of the war experienced such immense swings in fortune.

The best parts of the...more I've read a fair number of general's memoirs, and Slim's is one of the most humanistic and readable. Transferred to Burma in 1942, Slim arrived to an army in administrative disarray and an overwhelming Japanese assault that turned into a near-rout. Through perseverance and energy, Slim managed to hold the line in India, rebuild his army, learn how to fight the Japanese, and then counter-attack. Few other Allied generals of the war experienced such immense swings in fortune.

The best parts of the book are how incredibly British slim is, and a glimpse into the polyglot, colonial army of the British Empire, with Brits, Indians of hundreds of tribes and castes, and Africans all fighting alongside Americans, Chinese, and miscellaneous members of the commonwealth. Next are the observations on command, organizational spirit and morale, and the management of an army at the end of the shoe-string logistics system an army has ever had to operate.

Slim has few kind words for the Japanese (at one point he describes them as "the finest military insect on the planet"), but he admires the tenacity of their ordinary soldier, while critiquing the blind aggressiveness of their commanders, and the brutality inflicted on prisoners and the Burmese population. This is only fair; the Imperial Japanese Army were some of the worst war criminals this planet has ever seen, and Slim's thoughts about their command structure and penchant for atrocities are only too true. If casually genteel racism of the mid-20th century sort is a deal-breaker, this is not the book for you.

As with most books of this type, the worst part are the battles, and endless lists of divisions and corps attacking various towns. To be honest, I could never keep track of the battle, although some of the maps later in the book proved quite helpful. Part of me wished for a little bit more context on Slim's life, and his role in the Indian Army in the interwar years, but he wasn't the type to talk about himself like that.

In closing, a fascinating look at a forgotten theater of war, and a humble memoir from an able soldier.(less)

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Jan 15, 2013 Prem Rao rated it 4 of 5 stars

An excellent book by a great leader of men. Field Marshal William Slim was one of the most understated of the Allied commanders during the Second World War. Not surprisingly he was assigned command of the 14th Army which came to be called "The Forgotten Army." This book by the general himself speaks of the arduous campaigns the Allies faced in Burma and India, facing a foe they had never come across before, the Japanese whose commitment to their goals was legendary. Slim's book also brings out h...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Tony rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: history

Slim's account of the war in Burma; starts with the defeat of Burcorps, the setbacks in the Arakan, and then the successful defence in the joint battles of Imphal and Kohima, the victories of Mandalay and Meiktila and the final reconquest of Burma. In the interwar period Slim successfully wrote fiction under the name of Anthony Mills and his style is easy and accomplished.

Slim's account of his meeting with Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi resonates; Slim describes him as a patriot who wante...more

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Jul 10, 2011 Kris McCracken rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: history

Bill Slim, or – to give him his proper title – Field Marshal William Joseph Slim, 1st Viscount Slim, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, MC, KStJ, has been described by some as perhaps the greatest commander of the twentieth century. Defeat into Victory is his account of the retaking of Burma by Allied forces during the Second World War first published in 1956. Slim was the commander of the British 14th Army that, in concert with American and Chinese forces, defeated the Imperial Japanese Army during...more Bill Slim, or – to give him his proper title – Field Marshal William Joseph Slim, 1st Viscount Slim, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, MC, KStJ, has been described by some as perhaps the greatest commander of the twentieth century. Defeat into Victory is his account of the retaking of Burma by Allied forces during the Second World War first published in 1956. Slim was the commander of the British 14th Army that, in concert with American and Chinese forces, defeated the Imperial Japanese Army during the Burma Campaign.

But don’t let that put you off! Slim's most notable characteristic is his lack of ego. Unlike many (most?) other accounts of this type, Slim consistently makes reference to his mistakes, errors in planning or judgement, and his deficiencies as a military commander. For the reader’s benefit, he explores how “learning the hard lessons” as he went along, acknowledging fault and reflection on decisions helped him emerge a better man and general. It is unsurprising that his approach generated a high regard from the rank and file.

The central point of the memoir is that it is the soldiers in the field that win battles. Slim's theory is that politicians give guidelines for the campaign, and generals provide the training and backup so that the soldiers can get on with their business. The central premise is that he should – wherever possible – not get in the soldiers way.

This is a fantastic account of how – under his stewardship – the army managed to stop the Japanese advance in South-East Asia, and restore morale and discipline in the army that had been humiliatingly defeated. Defeat into Victory is more a text on good management, than a text on warfare.

The ‘trick’ to good management for Slim is in best providing for good work for those underneath you. He invested in proper training and equipment to front-line troops. He insisted that every unit was supplied according to its own special needs (crucial in a true multicultural army that encompassed English, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Indian, African, Burmese, Australian and American troops). When middle management couldn’t ensure adequate provisioning of the front line, he even put his own staff on half-rations until a solution was found: generally this hastily solved the problem! As few leaders do, he clearly understood that war is about individuals and small units. It is only in their combined and coordinated efforts that they amount to something far bigger.

The other crucial difference between this book and others of its type – Slim can write. The book is full of many amusing, depressing, enlightening and shocking anecdotes with a health dose of self-depreciation and humour. What also surprises is how – especially given the time [1956] – it is completely devoid of any racism or caricature of the enemy. Slim is incredibly respectful of his own native soldiers, as well as the Japanese enemy. This cannot be said of many text to be released in this period.

Ultimately, Defeat into Victory is a text filled with wisdom, modesty, grace, and deep understanding. Well worth a look if you are at all interested.(less)

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Sep 08, 2012 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very readable autobiography in which Gen. Slim details the British being chased out of Burma by the Japanese Army in 1942, and the reconquest in 1944-45. Refreshing in how honest Slim was in admitting his mistakes and the consequences of the decisions he made, both good and bad. One of the least self-serving autobiographies I have read.

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Dec 07, 2011 Franz rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, history, nonfiction

This is an excellent book, written by a General who is considered by many to be the finest British field commander of WWII. General Slim is self effacing and honest in his description of a often overlooked campaign. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in World War II, leadership, and an amazing story of victory over an enemy who gave no quarter on a terrain that was unforgiving.

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Jan 28, 2012 Robert rated it 5 of 5 stars

The finest book on army level leadership there is. Can't rate it highly enough.

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Dec 10, 2012 Jerry Acton added it

Shelves: wwii

Fantastic book on leadership.

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Feb 23, 2013 San added it · review of another edition

i need to read it

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Oct 11, 2012 Bryan Batson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great book on the thoughts of a military commander deeply involved in operational art. Amazing that despite so many setbacks he was able to continue to promote and eventually overcome all f his early setbacks.

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Nov 21, 2007 Craig rated it 4 of 5 stars

Bill Slim was the officer Monty wanted to be but coudn't: solid tactically; well liked by his troops; unafraid.

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About William Slim

Field Marshal William Joseph "Bill"[1] Slim, 1st Viscount Slim, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, MC, KStJ was a British military commander and the 13th Governor-General of Australia. He fought in both the First World War and the Second World War and was wounded in action three times. He was later Governor-General of Australia, he was a popular choice as an authentic war hero who had fought with the...more

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