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by K. D. Bhargava (Author), K. N. V. Sastri (Author)
This monumental work covers all aspects of India's contribution to the Allied cause between 1939 and 1945. The narrative is packed with a huge amount of information regarding even the smallest fighting, logistical and medical units and sub-units, and yet it remains eminently readable throughout.
The volume Campaigns in South-East Asia 1941-42 describes the expulsion of the British Commonwealth Forces from South-East Asia by the Japanese. In a way it is a story of military debacle suffered by the British. The narrative outlines the rapid withdrawal of the Indian, British and Australian forces from Malaya and Singapore. The British were compelled to surrender a vast land mass of Asia from the Netherlands East Indies to Burma to the Japanese.
The region covered extends from Hong Kong to Malaya, including Borneo, Singapore and parts of Burma, and highlights the British and Dutch colonies. The strategic importance of the region to Japan and the Allies, the historical background of the conflict and the prevailing situation in China and Indochina provide the curtain raiser. The impact of terrain and climate on the operations, strengths of the opposing forces, strategies adopted by the two adversaries and the prevailing local political environment are all well covered.
Though the Commonwealth Forces had numerical superiority, they were outmatched. This defeat greatly shattered the British and Commonwealth confidence and prestige in the region, which gave impetus to better planning in future operations.
