The Burma Road: The Epic Story of One of World War II's Most Remarkable Endeavours

Contemporary Review, August, 2004

The Burma Road: The Epic Story of One of World War II's Most Remarkable Endeavours. Donovan Webster. Macmillan. [pounds sterling]18.99. iv + 370 pages. ISBN 1-4050-4146-3. This title, which was first published in the U.S., investigates one of the more extraordinary episodes in the 'forgotten war' of 1939-45.

When the Japanese conquered Burma in 1942 they effectively cut off the 'Burma Road', the sole link between besieged China and Allied supplies. The Allies, under the leadership of the U.S. General, 'Vinegar Joe' Stilwell, began air drops over China and then set about not only driving the Japanese out of Burma but reopening the 700-mile-long road. This history of those two endeavours, based on two treks along the road, talks with surviving soldiers and manuscript material, brings those often heroic efforts alive. The author has produced a very readable account. It will do a great deal to remind a new generation of the achievements of those caught up in one of the most hostile theatres of the Second World War. (T.B.)