WW2. Burma. The British 14th Army. Was it right or not to call it "The Forgotten Army"?

Question

This question is put as a result of reading the “D-Day Dodger” question by Richard_H. In the wide-ranging answers no one mentions the Burma Campaign. The 14th Army which fought in Burma was popularly called “The Forgotten Army”, yet historical analysis shows that British Commonwealth soldiers saw more fighting against the Japanese in SE Asia than did the Americans in the Pacific. Was the 14th justifiably called The Forgotten Army? If so, why? Also, to what extent might Hollywood distort historical truths that marr objective judgment to this day?

niwriffej – basic supplies were theoretically available from India, then part of the British Empire.

Answer 1

They felt themselves to be the forgotten army, no home, leave no blighty wounds, mail taking months to reach them and very little reporting in the newspapers. Illness, ulcers that didn't heal, flys, snakes, and an indian army that in part turned againts the british and helped the Japs........................... oh yes they were the forgotten army and please remember the memorial at Kohima
When you go home, tell them of us and say,For your tomorrow, we gave our today

Answer 2

The"forgotten army" tag was a British invention, it reflected the fact that they didn't get much recognition especially when compared to their colleagues fighting in the European campaign. In part it reflected the distance from the UK, the remoteness of the terrain they were fighting in, and the lack of media.

Unlike modern wars the media didn't have the ability to be everywhere, able to report instantly or from anywhere by satellite.

However it is true that Hollywood in particular has a dodgy record in making films of what happened int he Second World War (U571 and Merrils Marauderes for 2)- its hardly surprising as the US film industry makes film primarily for the US market place, and that marketplace like the vast majority of nations is very chauvanistic in what it likes. I dont have a problem with that, after all many of the British Films are pretty dire, truthfull films are relatively rare.

Incidentally Merrils Marauders was a film about US raids into Burma, whereas the truth was the mix of British, Australian, Indian armies,and others, under the command Wingate.

Answer 3

It was called the forgotten army because it was rarely mentioned in the British news reports, which concentrated on the events closer to home, like Europe and North Africa. Also (I think) a relatively small number of British soldiers were in the 14th Army,(by comparison of the numbers deployed elsewhere) there were a large number other commonwealth troops, especially from Africa and of course India. It was justified to call it the forgotten army, it just shouldn't have been forgotten!

Answer 4

British 14th Army

Answer 5

The reason they were called the 'forgotten army' was that everyone was interested in the D-Day landings and what was going on in Europe at the time. Mostly, the news bulletins were about what was going on only across the channel. It was nearer 'home'. The Burma campaign was a huge undertaking and many men lost their lives. It was not forgotten in the way that no-one cared, it was just so far away that other events overtook them.

Answer 6

Hollywood always distorts history so that the Americans are seen to be the good guys who won the war.
Most Americans think that WW11 started in 1941 - enough said

Answer 7

i was told by my grandfathers friend who was there that they held the japs back and infact made quite a big advance only to pass it over to the americans who in turn lost all the ground that the british had gained,so they had to send british troops back to retake the lost ground of which they did,you wont find this in any american history book ,but as you said hollywood distorts almost everything to make it look like it was an american victory,,

Answer 8

It makes sense - after all the allies were completely cut off from any sort of supply line after Pearl Harbor, and the Japanese controlled all the shipping lanes from Australia, so many divisions from different allied armies just got sort of written off. I think that's what they meant by the forgotten army

Here was the war chant of the Philippine resistance under Mac Aurthur : "We're the battling bastards of Bataan! No mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam!"

Answer 9

American historians have always praised America, and portrayed all others as helpless and would - be - dead - if - we - didnt - save - them

Answer 10

yes

they recieved virtualy no help at all.