A Battalion in Burma

Book excerpt: A history of the Second Suffolk, 5th (Indian) Division during World War II's Burma campaign. Between December 1943 and August 1944, Second Suffolk, as part of the 5th (Indian) Division, played a key role opposing the Japanese in Burma and later at the critical battle at Imphal. The odds could not have been higher or the challenges greater. The Japanese had already earned an awesome reputation as a formidable and ruthless enemy who could only be described as fanatical. The rugged jungle terrain, over which the Battalion had to fight, was tough and unforgiving and pushed all ranks to the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Against them too was the harsh tropical climate and the extremes of the monsoon season. The combination of these three factors called for the highest standards of leadership and discipline. Supplies too were often not forthcoming but despite these difficulties and a lack of appreciation of their efforts in the press at home, morale of the stolid regular Suffolk soldier and his newer drafted comrades, always remained high as they learned to fight their enemy in the way that he fought him. For over seventy-five years their story has remained largely forgotten and untold but, now drawing on previously unpublished accounts of those who served there, together with unpublished photographs, this book describes the Battalion’s outstanding service during the Burma Campaign.