Burma '44 cover art

Burma '44

The Battle That Turned Britain's War in the East

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Burma '44

By: James Holland
Narrated by: Al Murray
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

This audio edition includes an exclusive Q&A between James Holland and Al Murray.

In February 1944, a rag-tag collection of clerks, drivers, doctors, muleteers and other base troops, stiffened by a few dogged Yorkshiremen and a handful of tank crews managed to hold out against some of the finest infantry in the Japanese Army and then defeat them in what was one of the most astonishing battles of the Second World War.

What became known as the Defence of the Admin Box, fought amongst the paddy fields and jungle of Northern Arakan over a 15-day period, turned the battle for Burma. Not only was it the first decisive victory for British troops against the Japanese, more significantly, it demonstrated how the Japanese could be defeated. The lessons learned in this tiny and otherwise insignificant corner of the Far East, set up the campaign in Burma that would follow, as General Slim’s Fourteenth Army finally turned defeat into victory.

Burma '44 is a tale of incredible drama. As gripping as the story of Rorke's drift, as momentous as the battle for the Ardennes, the Admin Box was a triumph of human grit and heroism and remains one of the most significant yet undervalued conflicts of World War Two.

©2020 James Holland (P)2020 Penguin Audio Asia Military Southeast Asia War Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"A thrilling blow-by-blow account." (The Times)
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Al Murray gives us an insight into a sadly forgotten theatre of World War 2 and how the allied forces (not least the Indian Army) came together to defeat the Japanese. A well narrated and well written book that covers the strategic, tactical and human side of the Battle of the Admin Box. Will James Holland now narrate an Al Murray book? It'll be no bad thing if he does. Highly rated.

A historian reads another historian's book.

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This is not a campaign I am particularly familiar with but found it fascinating and enjoyable. there are personal stories of many individuals linked together by the well constructed storyline detailing the actions and units involved. It shows the British finally getting to grips with fighting the Jungle and the Japanese. It is narrated by Al who is obviously inherently interested in the subject.

excellent narrative

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A good treatment of the subject. Excellent narration, by an evident enthusiast, carries the story at a good clip. Recommend.

Story Worth Telling Told Well

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if your a fan of the We have ways podcast and interested in aspects of WW2. This is the audiobook for you. Burma is one of the campaigns of the war and is largely forgotten. This audio book is an excellent narrative that brings the battle of the admin box to light and how it was a turning point for the allies on this forgotten front.

Little known story of the Battle of the Admin Box

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Very enjoyable experience. Al Murray added a refreshing narration to a great account of the battle of the Admin Box and Burma campaign.

Excellent as always.

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It's one of the most brutal conflicts. It was more inhuman than the Russian front. The Japanese treated others like vermin and in turn would not surrender. No quarter asked, so no quarter given. This has to be one of the most inhuman modern jungle conflicts. My grandad died before I could ask him about it, shame really. Whole armies passing in the jungle. The limitation of air power. The limitation of tanks. Lack of visibility. The weather. Lessons re-learnt in Vietnam. With the rise of militant nationalism in Asia, we might be re-learning more lessons so.

My grandad fought in Burma

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I really enjoyed learning about this part of World war two, in this well read and in depth history. The Burma campaign often gets forgotten, and is overshadowed by the campaign in the west. Well done to James Holland for telling the story of all those who fought in this unforgiving campaign, and shining a light on this vital part of the war. Al Murray also clearly has a passion for his history, and was pleasure to listen to.

Brilliant listen!

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The way James Holland writes these seems to put me right there. I cannot fault it. Also Al Murrays' narration is the best I've come across on all the second world war books that I have listened to on Audible.

Another belter from James Holland.

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Yet another Absolutely fantastic book and narration by James Holland and Al Murray. I will look out for more of his books. They are just so entertaining.

Brilliant Story and Narration

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What a treat this audio book has been. I knew of the Burma campaign, of course, but little of the main characters and details of the key battles and components. James Holland’s writing reveals the elements of the story in such an effective way, and it’s brought to life superbly by Al Murray’s narration. The combination draws you in until you feel you’re with the characters in the Admin Box bearing witness to the tension, fear and horror of that epic struggle. It’s a must for any Second World War history buff. There’s a lovely bonus chat between James and Al at the end which neatly ties the bow on the book. Absolutely excellent stuff. Thanks so much to all who made this happen.

An absorbing and educational treat

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