The Forgotten War Pod: Burma Campaign WW2
@forgottenwarpod.bsky.social
The definitive podcast about the Burma Campaign of WW2. Robert Lyman & Jack Bowsher take you through the incredible & often brutal war in SE Asia, out Feb 2025
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Me, I’ve heard of them! Ally af.
Ever heard of Force Viper? This week, we recount the journey of 102 Royal Marine volunteers, plus a few additions. A brilliant bunch of pirates, they braved the Irrawaddy in small paddle steamers and motorboats. Truly a story of incredible grit & survival #ForceViper #Marines #WWII
February 17, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Me, I’ve heard of them! Ally af.
Ever heard of Force Viper? This week, we recount the journey of 102 Royal Marine volunteers, plus a few additions. A brilliant bunch of pirates, they braved the Irrawaddy in small paddle steamers and motorboats. Truly a story of incredible grit & survival #ForceViper #Marines #WWII
February 17, 2026 at 7:11 AM
Ever heard of Force Viper? This week, we recount the journey of 102 Royal Marine volunteers, plus a few additions. A brilliant bunch of pirates, they braved the Irrawaddy in small paddle steamers and motorboats. Truly a story of incredible grit & survival #ForceViper #Marines #WWII
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... or Sittang Rivers was sound. The problem there was, essentially, retreating that far north would look bad politically, and put Rangoon under the strain of more concentrated bombing... 4/4
February 16, 2026 at 11:57 AM
... or Sittang Rivers was sound. The problem there was, essentially, retreating that far north would look bad politically, and put Rangoon under the strain of more concentrated bombing... 4/4
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... apart from the roads, covered in thick jungle, with very few radios that barely worked. Whilst their CO Maj-Gen Jackie Smyth VC got an awful lot wrong in this campaign (to put it lightly), his concern that his division was spread out too thin, & his desire to concentrate behind the Bilin ... 3/4
February 16, 2026 at 11:57 AM
... apart from the roads, covered in thick jungle, with very few radios that barely worked. Whilst their CO Maj-Gen Jackie Smyth VC got an awful lot wrong in this campaign (to put it lightly), his concern that his division was spread out too thin, & his desire to concentrate behind the Bilin ... 3/4
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...arriving piecemeal to these locations understrength, poorly equipped, 'milked' of most of their experienced men, and with rushed and curtailed training.
The distance between Papun in the north of this area, and Moulmein in the south, is about 140 miles and ... 2/4
The distance between Papun in the north of this area, and Moulmein in the south, is about 140 miles and ... 2/4
February 16, 2026 at 11:57 AM
...arriving piecemeal to these locations understrength, poorly equipped, 'milked' of most of their experienced men, and with rushed and curtailed training.
The distance between Papun in the north of this area, and Moulmein in the south, is about 140 miles and ... 2/4
The distance between Papun in the north of this area, and Moulmein in the south, is about 140 miles and ... 2/4
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How about some #MapMonday? This map is from my favourite 17 Indian Division's HQ War Diary showing just how spread out they were in January 1942 just as the Japanese invaded. These brigades had been thrown together after two of the original brigades had been sent to Malaya and Singapore... 1/4
February 16, 2026 at 11:57 AM
How about some #MapMonday? This map is from my favourite 17 Indian Division's HQ War Diary showing just how spread out they were in January 1942 just as the Japanese invaded. These brigades had been thrown together after two of the original brigades had been sent to Malaya and Singapore... 1/4
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New quality ear food.
February 16, 2026 at 12:28 PM
New quality ear food.
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Really interesting pod today - Force Viper were a classic bunch of brilliantly piratical Royal Marines, and a great example of the fighting spirit amongst the men in the 1942 retreat campaign. Indian Ocean raid was a real chess game too. Catch our take on it all on your podcast app today!
February 16, 2026 at 6:53 AM
Really interesting pod today - Force Viper were a classic bunch of brilliantly piratical Royal Marines, and a great example of the fighting spirit amongst the men in the 1942 retreat campaign. Indian Ocean raid was a real chess game too. Catch our take on it all on your podcast app today!
Tomorrow, we dive into the Royal Navy's 1942 story in S3 E6 of The Forgotten War Pod. Join Jack & Rob as they explore the high-stakes "shadow boxing" against the IJN in the Indian Ocean, & Royal Marine Force Viper in the retreat from Burma. This was a truly desperate time #WWII #History #NavyPod
February 15, 2026 at 7:35 AM
The 1942 retreat was cataclysmic. Over 187,500 refugees flooded through Tamu and Imphal alongside a defeated army. We look at this massive humanitarian disaster and the brave "Assam Rifles" who stood as the very first line of defence. Listen now! #WW2History #Refugees #TrueStories
February 14, 2026 at 7:19 AM
The 1942 retreat was cataclysmic. Over 187,500 refugees flooded through Tamu and Imphal alongside a defeated army. We look at this massive humanitarian disaster and the brave "Assam Rifles" who stood as the very first line of defence. Listen now! #WW2History #Refugees #TrueStories
General Wavell feared an invasion of India, but London was very sceptical. While the "paper tiger" myth was shattered, India faced an existential threat. This episode uncovers the massive panic as Burma was lost and the Japanese drew near. #MilitaryHistory #WW2 #Podcasts
February 13, 2026 at 6:50 AM
General Wavell feared an invasion of India, but London was very sceptical. While the "paper tiger" myth was shattered, India faced an existential threat. This episode uncovers the massive panic as Burma was lost and the Japanese drew near. #MilitaryHistory #WW2 #Podcasts
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Going live on @WW2TV in about 40 minutes-7pm UK Time. On the 81 Anniversary of the 20th Indian Division's crossing of the Irrawaddy, I'll be going through the detail behind the longest opposed river crossings in the Second World War.
Tune in here: www.youtube.com/live/7fbw5Od... or catch it later!
Tune in here: www.youtube.com/live/7fbw5Od... or catch it later!
February 12, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Going live on @WW2TV in about 40 minutes-7pm UK Time. On the 81 Anniversary of the 20th Indian Division's crossing of the Irrawaddy, I'll be going through the detail behind the longest opposed river crossings in the Second World War.
Tune in here: www.youtube.com/live/7fbw5Od... or catch it later!
Tune in here: www.youtube.com/live/7fbw5Od... or catch it later!
Who built the vital war infrastructure? The Indian Tea Association provided 25k labourers to build essential roads & camps. Hear about this incredible, massive civilian effort that saved the frontier when the army had absolutely nothing. They would go on to help build the Ledo Road too #History #WW2
February 12, 2026 at 5:52 AM
Who built the vital war infrastructure? The Indian Tea Association provided 25k labourers to build essential roads & camps. Hear about this incredible, massive civilian effort that saved the frontier when the army had absolutely nothing. They would go on to help build the Ledo Road too #History #WW2
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A remarkable story that deserves to be much better known. Stories of great sadness and fortitude.
Out now! S3 E5 explores the desperate scramble to defend India in 1942. From logistical nightmares to the brave Assam Rifles, hear how this foundational period shaped the entire conflict. Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast app today! Tune in now! #WWII #History #NewEpisode
February 10, 2026 at 11:46 PM
A remarkable story that deserves to be much better known. Stories of great sadness and fortitude.
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Thing to remember here is that most of this network did not exist in December 1941. Really quite incredible.
In 1942, Assam was a peaceful garden, not a garrison. Transforming it into a massive military hub by 1943/4 was a Herculean task. We discuss the frantic efforts to build roads and airfields under the dark shadow of a potential Japanese invasion. Join us for this truly epic story! #WW2History #Assam
February 11, 2026 at 6:32 AM
Thing to remember here is that most of this network did not exist in December 1941. Really quite incredible.
In 1942, Assam was a peaceful garden, not a garrison. Transforming it into a massive military hub by 1943/4 was a Herculean task. We discuss the frantic efforts to build roads and airfields under the dark shadow of a potential Japanese invasion. Join us for this truly epic story! #WW2History #Assam
February 11, 2026 at 6:31 AM
In 1942, Assam was a peaceful garden, not a garrison. Transforming it into a massive military hub by 1943/4 was a Herculean task. We discuss the frantic efforts to build roads and airfields under the dark shadow of a potential Japanese invasion. Join us for this truly epic story! #WW2History #Assam
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One of my favourite items is my 17 Indian Division 'Black Cat' badge. They feature in both of my books, and will feature heavily in the next one as well - the Black Cat Trilogy! It is especially poignant now because my black cat Sabrina died last summer, she was always very supportive of my projects
February 10, 2026 at 12:33 PM
One of my favourite items is my 17 Indian Division 'Black Cat' badge. They feature in both of my books, and will feature heavily in the next one as well - the Black Cat Trilogy! It is especially poignant now because my black cat Sabrina died last summer, she was always very supportive of my projects
Imagine a gruelling 748-mile journey involving roads, rail, and ferries across wide unbridged rivers. In 1942, getting supplies to the front was a preposterous challenge for India's planners. Learn why Assam was so unready for the coming war. Tune in now! #WW2 #Logistics #BurmaCampaign
February 10, 2026 at 6:34 AM
Imagine a gruelling 748-mile journey involving roads, rail, and ferries across wide unbridged rivers. In 1942, getting supplies to the front was a preposterous challenge for India's planners. Learn why Assam was so unready for the coming war. Tune in now! #WW2 #Logistics #BurmaCampaign
Reposted by The Forgotten War Pod: Burma Campaign WW2
Assam suddenly found itself on the frontline after Burma fell to the Japanese - if you like your logistics in preparing the region for war then this episode is right up your strasse!
Out now! S3 E5 explores the desperate scramble to defend India in 1942. From logistical nightmares to the brave Assam Rifles, hear how this foundational period shaped the entire conflict. Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast app today! Tune in now! #WWII #History #NewEpisode
February 9, 2026 at 6:31 AM
Assam suddenly found itself on the frontline after Burma fell to the Japanese - if you like your logistics in preparing the region for war then this episode is right up your strasse!
Out now! S3 E5 explores the desperate scramble to defend India in 1942. From logistical nightmares to the brave Assam Rifles, hear how this foundational period shaped the entire conflict. Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast app today! Tune in now! #WWII #History #NewEpisode
February 9, 2026 at 6:31 AM
Out now! S3 E5 explores the desperate scramble to defend India in 1942. From logistical nightmares to the brave Assam Rifles, hear how this foundational period shaped the entire conflict. Listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast app today! Tune in now! #WWII #History #NewEpisode
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To be fair to the naysayers it was NOT a success - with 30y/o maps, they couldn't find the railway bridge they needed to destroy and had to rush back into Burma due to other Japanese movements.
(FF4 in pic, no FF2 pic as far as I can find - do post if you have a confirmed one!)
(FF4 in pic, no FF2 pic as far as I can find - do post if you have a confirmed one!)
February 8, 2026 at 8:52 AM
To be fair to the naysayers it was NOT a success - with 30y/o maps, they couldn't find the railway bridge they needed to destroy and had to rush back into Burma due to other Japanese movements.
(FF4 in pic, no FF2 pic as far as I can find - do post if you have a confirmed one!)
(FF4 in pic, no FF2 pic as far as I can find - do post if you have a confirmed one!)
Reposted by The Forgotten War Pod: Burma Campaign WW2
A big myth of the 1942 campaign is that it was just a retreat. There was plenty of aggressive offensive action - even at the very beginning, an early example is Burma Frontier Force 2 (Kokine Bttn) who crossed into Thailand on 12 Dec 1941 and reached the Gulf of Siam (as it was known then).
February 8, 2026 at 8:52 AM
A big myth of the 1942 campaign is that it was just a retreat. There was plenty of aggressive offensive action - even at the very beginning, an early example is Burma Frontier Force 2 (Kokine Bttn) who crossed into Thailand on 12 Dec 1941 and reached the Gulf of Siam (as it was known then).
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At war's end, one role for #Force136 was assisting with the liberation of #POWs before their potential massacre by the #Japanese. Five Chinese #Canadians on Operation Hippo in Borneo were tasked with freeing prisoners at Batu Lintang Camp in #Kuching.
Upon surrender, Finnerty faced a Japanese officer who spoke perfect English. His words were chilling: 'Before this war, my best friend was a Scotsman. If I had him here now, I would treat him exactly as I am going to treat you'. (RAF POWs and Rangoon jail in pics) #WW2 #Burma #HistoryPod
February 7, 2026 at 8:22 AM
At war's end, one role for #Force136 was assisting with the liberation of #POWs before their potential massacre by the #Japanese. Five Chinese #Canadians on Operation Hippo in Borneo were tasked with freeing prisoners at Batu Lintang Camp in #Kuching.