Tanks in the Burma Campaign 1942–45

A fully illustrated survey of tank warfare in the Burma campaign, and how the Allies developed tank-led all-arms warfare in the most unlikely theatre.

The role of Fourteenth Army’s tanks in Burma is one of the least-known aspects of the ‘Forgotten War’. From February 1942 to May 1945, as the British and Indian armies fought first in retreat and then on the offensive, armour was key to battling Japanese infantry, bunkers, and anti-tank guns.

Jack Bowsher draws on years of research to assess how tank warfare developed in Burma, starting with the improvised heroics of 7th Armoured Brigade, who were diverted suddenly to its defence. Their first offensive use was in 1943 at First Arakan; although a disaster, this was the catalyst for transforming armour in the theatre. In 1944, equipped with more powerful medium tanks, armoured units were decisive in turning back the U-Go invasion of India: at Imphal and Kohima incredible efforts were made to get tanks into action in the mountains where they overwhelmed the Japanese. By 1945 tanks were spearheading Fourteenth Army’s offensive, most notable in the Battle of Meiktila, where all-arms columns, led by the 255th Indian Tank Brigade, struck the Japanese 80 miles behind the front line.

Packed with original illustrations of the tanks involved and archive combat photos, this is an essential guide to how tanks proved themselves in the difficult terrain of Burma.