The West African Force in the reconquest of Burma, 1943-1945.
Item
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Title
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The West African Force in the reconquest of Burma, 1943-1945.
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Identifier
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AAI9304713
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identifier
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9304713
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Creator
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Osakwe, Chukwuma Confidence C.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Patrick Abbazia
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Date
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1992
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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History, African | History, Modern | History, Asia, Australia and Oceania
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Abstract
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This study is a divisional history of the 81st and 82nd West African Divisions that served in the Arakan campaign during the reconquest of Burma, 1943-1945. It is not a day by day account of the two divisions operations, but rather a re-interpretation of the divisions role, successes and failures. The study begins with the origins of the divisions, their training, earlier battle experiences, and the Arakan operations. The study also discusses Japanese strategy and tactics, and concludes that in the unique Arakan terrain, they offered no innovations. Furthermore, it discusses the myth that the Japanese soldier is a master in jungle warfare.;Undoubtedly, the focus of the essay is on the African soldier. The Arakan campaign was not only an epoch making event but a testimony to the belief that to be successful in any military operation, an army has to be well trained, well led and with defined objectives. Finally, and more importantly, the success of the West African Force was as a result of the innovating role of air supply, a by-product of air superiority. Thus, the role of air supply is discussed in direct relation with land operations. All in all, the result is a contribution and a tribute to the African soldier in the Second World War.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
