Book Festival | Dr Robert Lyman in conversation with Lt Col Andy Middlemiss

Second World War – The Burma campaign
In 1941 and 1942, the British and Indian armies were brutally defeated in the Far East by the Japanese, who then occupied its newly conquered territories throughout Asia. But change was coming. New commanders were appointed, significant restructuring and training took place and new tactics were developed.

Dr. Robert Lyman will discuss with Lt Col Andy Middlemiss these coordinated efforts and how a new volunteer Indian Army, rising from the ashes of defeat, contributed to turning the tide of war.  They will examine why victory did not come until March 1944, when the Japanese staged their famed ‘March on Delhi’, and how the years of rebuilding the Indian Army reaped rewards after bitter fighting. Robert will also explain how vital this hard-fought campaign was in securing Allied victory in the East, ultimately redrawing the map of the region with an independent India all but guaranteed.