Field Marshal William J. Slim: The Great General and the Breaking of the Glass Ceiling
Abstract
Field Marshal William J. Slim is considered by many historians to be one of the finest generals of World War II. His accomplishments were truly extraordinary. He commanded a polyglot army, consisting of six different nationalities speaking eight different languages, that fought in some of the most inhospitable, disease-ridden countries in the world against the war's toughest opponent, the Japanese. In March 1942, he assumed command of a British- Indian force in Burma half way though the longest retreat in the British Army's history. Even though he was unable to reverse the disaster, he kept his force intact and led it to safety. Over the next three and one half years, despite very limited resources and several inept senior commanders, he rebuilt his force into an army that was able to inflict on the Japanese their greatest land defeat of World War II. In the process, he conducted four of the most classic operational campaigns of the war--the battle of the Second Arakan; the battles of Kohima and Imphal; the capture of Mandalay and Meiktila; and the pursuit to Rangoon. Throughout his career, but especially during World War II, Slim met all the criteria for a great general and strategic leader as set forth in Lord Wavell's Generals and Generalship.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 12, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA263934
Entities
People
- Edward P. Egan
Organizations
- United States Army War College