Louis Allen's Burma: The Longest War, 1941-1945 (Book Review)

 

Allen, Louis. Burma: The Longest War, 1941-1945. Harry N. Abrams, 2019. London Phoenix Press, 1984.

The Burmese front in World War II is called the “Forgotten War”. In fact it was referred to as this even while it was still being fought. In Southeast Asia, it was the lowest on the Allies’ priorities in supply and strategy. Thus it is often overlooked, though there is sizeable literature on the subject. One of the most valuable sources on this front is Louis Allen’s The Longest War. Allen actually served there as an intelligence officer. With his wartime intelligence work and knowledge of the Japanese language, he not only relied on British sources, but also delved into Japanese ones through archival material and interviews with veterans (there were more survivors from continental than island fronts, as soldiers had somewhere to withdraw if defeated). Thus, unlike many other works on the Burma Campaign, the Japanese side of the story is exhaustively covered.

Allen’s work is immense, running well over 600 pages along with appendices that provide data on troop numbers and casualties. In an alliterative move every chapter is titled with a word beginning with the letter ‘B’. “The Bridge” covers the early 1942 campaign in which the Japanese severely thrashed British and Chinese forces in Burma and took the country. “The Balance” covers the 1943 stalemate, which saw the Chindits’ irregular operations as well as a failed British offensive. “The Box” explains the Japanese plans for a 1944 invasion of India as well as the Battle of the Admin Box. “The Base,” which covers the major Battle of Kohima-Imphal, is the longest chapter. “The Backdoor” looks at other operations that occurred during the Japanese thrust at India. Going into 1945, “The Bastion” covers the beginning of the British counter-invasion while “The Battering-Ram” examines the decisive victory at Mektila. “The Battue” looks at the Japanese withdrawal. “The Breakout” focuses on a tragic Japanese break-out attempt in which barely any of the participants survived, and only to learn that the war had ended shortly after they started the attempt. “The Beaten” looks at the final surrender. “The Backwash” and “The Backlog” look at other aspects such as politics, racial views, popular culture, etc.

Allen’s work is definitely daunting, but worth it for somebody who wants a deeper examination of World War II in South-East Asia. Its information on Japanese planning and perspectives is especially invaluable. Actually, despite its length it could have had more information. The book’s one flaw is that it only lightly covers American General Stilwell’s offensive into Burma from China. Allen may be showing a pro-British bias in relegating Sino-American operations to a corner. He definitely has a negative view of Stillwell which conflicts with Barbara Tuchman’s popular biography. To those looking for more on the American side of the Burmese front, check out Donovan Webster’s The Burma Road. You can buy Allen’s book here.

Rating: Highly Recommend

 

Rating System

Must-Read: Definite read for history in general

Highly Recommend: Definite read within a certain subject

Adequate: Useful if looking for information or an intro on a certain topic

Pass: Not a good history book, useless, or absolutely farcical