Field Marshal Viscount Slim (1891-1970) led shattered British forces from Burma to India in one of the lesser-known but more nightmarish retreats of World War II. He then restored his army's fighting capabilities and morale with virtually no support from home and counterattacked. His army's slaughter of Japanese troops ultimately liberated India and Burma.
And Patton had to deal with that bis...you know, Monty. Who F*ed up everything. Glad he did that to the4 Bloodthirsty JaaaaPs.
ReplyDeleteLong an admirer of Slim and I remain so. George MccDonald Fraser of the Flashman books spoke well of him and wrote a truly great memoir about life as a combat officer in his army: Quartered Safe Out Here” you know your gunga din?
ReplyDeleteSadly, post-war he may have been a child botherer.
I have to agree with most of what you say about that fine soldier of the Raj. Monty would not be worthy to hold his jock strap. I have also read his books & REALLY enjoyed them. BUT I noticed that only after he was long dead that folks "came" out with these rumors but with no evidence. Which leads me to say that one is innocent until proven by law.
DeleteTo pick a nit ... Fraser was never more than a corporal in the 14th Army. His time as an officer are chronicled (in fictionalized form) in the McAuslin series of books. Highly recommend those as well. I've visited Slim's tomb at St. Paul's in London.
DeleteOnly bad words about Slim came from "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell. More like "Sour Grapes" Stilwell.
The Japanese soldiers called the retreat from Burma "The road of bones". Huge numbers died from illness and starvation.
ReplyDeleteI have read both this book and Quartered Safe Out Here. General Slim probably was the best field commander of WWII when you consider how small his force was compared to what he accomplished with it.
ReplyDeleteYoutube creator lordhardtrasher has a 9 part series about the war in Burma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr0j_NXni_E&list=PLMWipphLLSd-z8E9QHILjjcoGdxO28TEv
PS If you're a fan of the B17 you shouldn't watch his video about it.
Al_in_Ottawa
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ReplyDeleteMy first thought was "The Bridge on the River Kwai."
DeleteTo be clear: I was mistaken in GMF’s rank. He did not misrepresent himself
ReplyDelete