Britain’s longest campaign of World War II – Burma Japan invaded
Burma in 1942, then part of the British Empire, beginning what
was to become the longest continuous campaign fought by the
British during the war. It was fought in some of the most
challenging terrain in the world, in a tropical climate that
claimed many men before they had a chance to fight. It was
fought by a unique combination of American, Chinese and British
Commonwealth troops. It involved some bitter fighting that
prevented further Japanese advances into China and prevented a
Japanese invasion of India – of huge strategic importance. Yet
their struggle was little known, even at the time. I understand
you believe you’re the forgotten army. That’s not true … The
truth is nobody’s ever bloody well heard of you! Lord Louis
Mountbatten, Far East Commander, addressing men in Burma in
1943. This page highlights some of resources where you can
discover more. The Cambridge University story of Charles
Mackerell, the ‘Elephant Man’ which provides a g