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Burma '44

The Battle That Turned Britain's War in the East
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( 1,072 ratings, 99 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Burma '44 by James Holland chronicles the harrowing experiences of the Chindits, a British special forces unit, during World War II. It delves into their challenging campaign in the jungles of Burma against Japanese forces, highlighting their bravery, endurance, and strategic ingenuity. The narrative is a gripping blend of historical detail and personal stories from the soldiers involved.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy gripping accounts of wartime bravery and strategy, focusing on lesser-known but crucial battles. Through vivid storytelling, it brings to life the challenges and heroism of a pivotal World War II campaign in Burma.

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In February 1944, a rag-tag collection of clerks, drivers, doctors, muleteers, and other base troops, stiffened by a few dogged Yorkshiremen managed to hold out against some of the finest infantry in the Japanese Army, and then defeat them. It became know as The Defence of the Admin Box. This book deals with this battle.

The untold story of one of WW2's most extraordinary and significant battles which marked the turning of the tide of the war in the jungles of Burma

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Burma '44, by acclaimed historian James Holland, unveils the gripping and untold story of one of World War II's most extraordinary and highly consequential battles. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Burmese jungles, this captivating account delves into the intricate events that transpired in February 1944.

A seemingly disparate group of base troops, including clerks, drivers, doctors, muleteers, and more, were brought together and fortified by a few determined Yorkshiremen and an assortment of tank crews. Despite their unlikely formation, this courageous battalion held their ground and ultimately overcame one of Japan's elite infantry divisions in a fierce, fifteen-day confrontation known as The Defence of the Admin Box.

This battle, fought amidst the harsh terrain of Northern Arakan's paddy fields and dense jungle, marked a pivotal turning point in the Allied campaign in Burma. It was not only the first decisive victory for British forces against the Japanese but also a testament to the resilience and tenacity required to challenge and defeat a formidable enemy. The strategic and tactical lessons gleaned from this conflict laid the groundwork for the subsequent successful campaign led by General Slim's Fourteenth Army.

James Holland's masterful narrative transforms historical facts into an enthralling tale. Described as "a thrilling blow-by-blow account" by The Times and "a first-rate popular history of a fascinating and neglected battle... a veritable page-turner" by BBC History, Burma '44 is both compelling and informative. It captures the drama and heroism of the Admin Box, likened to the legendary defence of Rorke's Drift and the monumental Battle of the Ardennes.

With vivid prose and meticulous research, Holland brings to life the stories of the individuals who stood firm in the face of overwhelming adversity, showcasing their grit, determination, and bravery. Burma '44 highlights an often-overlooked chapter of World War II, reminding us of the critical yet underappreciated role played by these unsung heroes.

For enthusiasts of military history and those fascinated by tales of human courage and perseverance, Burma '44 is an indispensable addition to your collection.

The new, sweeping World War II book from James Holland, The Savage Storm, is available now.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Holland provides a thrilling and vivid account of the Battle of the Admin Box, praised for its detailed depiction of warfare and the voices of the fighting men. It has been compared to Rorkeโ€™s Drift and is noted for highlighting heroism and grit in challenging jungle terrain. The book has been described as gripping and an important service in recalling this obscure but decisive battle.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780552172035

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 April 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Corgi Books

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 332g

Pages: 448

About the Author

James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. The author of a number of best-selling histories including most recently Brothers In Arms and Normandy '44, he is also the author of ten works of fiction and a dozen Ladybird Experts. He is the co-founder of the annual Chalke Valley History Festival which is now in its twelfth year, and he has presented - and written - many television programmes and series for the BBC, Channel 4, National Geographic and the History and Discovery channels. With Al Murray, he has a successful Second World War podcast, We Have Ways of Making You Talk, which also has its own festival, and is a research fellow at St Andrew's University and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He can be found on Twitter as @James1940 and on Instagram as @jamesholland1940.

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