Churchill’s Forgotten Generals: Victors in Burma

Dr Alan Jeffreys discusses the pivotal role played by Britain’s generals in the eventual defeat of the Imperial Japanese Army in Burma.

Introducing his new book, ‘Churchill’s Forgotten Generals’, Dr Alan Jeffreys will highlight the crucial contribution of key British commanders during the Second World War in north-east India and Burma (now Myanmar).

The appointment of Generals Auchinleck, Slim and Savory in 1943 was a key factor in turning the tide of the war and achieving ultimate victory. Collectively, they improved morale throughout the ranks and made sure the Indian Army was primed for jungle warfare.

Dr Jeffreys will also discuss the significance of these key figures all being drawn from the Indian Army and thereby understanding its ways and traditions.

About the speaker

Dr Alan Jeffreys is the Head of Equipment and Uniform at the National Army Museum. His edited volume ‘The Indian Army in the First World War’ was published in paperback in October 2022. He is also a visiting research fellow at the University of Greenwich and has written and edited seven books and over 20 articles and book chapters, nearly all of which have been about the Indian Army.