The Forgotten War Podcast: Burma Campaign WW2

After the Sittang Bridge disaster, Rangoon was the next. Rob and Jack now look at the decision to abandon the capital, followed by the famous roadblock action at Taukkyan, and the retreat north to Prome.

This week Jack and Rob dissect the disastrous decision to destroy the Sittang Bridge - the crucial moment in the 1942 Campaign where defeat became practically inevitable.

The Forgotten War Pod is back with a bang! Rob and Jack exclusively interview Lord Mark Slim, Field Marshal Bill Slim's grandson. Talking about his childhood and early military career, and also what it was like growing up with (confusingly) 'Uncle' Bill.

Join Jack and Rob this week for a question and answer episode, maps to troop diversions, deception to grand strategy, this episode has a bit of everything, including a few teasers on Series 2.

This week Jack and Rob discuss two crucial battles, Meiktila and Mandalay, from the perspective of two generals: Thomas 'Pete' Rees, and David 'Punch' Cowan. Aggressive commanders, they were the right men for the right jobs, in an epic campaign that destroyed the Japanese Burma Area Army. A tale of drama, deception, endurance, and heroism - do not miss it!

This week Jack and Rob look at the third attempt to breakthrough in Arakan. Picking up from just after the Admin Box, they look at the 81st West African Division's epic campaign in the Kaladan Valley, as well as Akyab and Ramree Islands and the brutal fight over Hill 170.

This week Jack and Rob discuss one of the most important aspects of the Burma Campaign: the air war. Success was built on air power, Slim's strategy from the end of 1943 to the of the war relied on aerial resupply in an air supremacy environment. The Hump, Admin Box, Kohima, Imphal, and the thunder run to Meiktila in 1945 all relied this all important supply line.

In Episode 8 Rumbles in the Jungles: Special Operations in Burma, Rob and Jack take a look at the Chindit Operation Thursday and SOE's Force 136 Operation Character. The former is one of the most famous events in the history of the war in Burma, and the other is one of the most forgotten of all.