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The climax of the expedition was the visit to Mandalay. The Battle for
Mandalay was carried out by the 19
th
Indian Division in March 1945.
Most notably it witnessed 4/4 GR capture Mandalay Hill in a night ac-
tion. The machine gun positions on the hill were vital in allowing the
subsequent clearance of Fort Dufferin and the surrounding suburbs.
The memorial at the top of Mandalay Hill within the Pagoda is dedi-
cated to 4/4 GR and is a fitting tribute to the men who gave their lives
in the action. Fort Dufferin whilst heavily bombarded in 1945 has been
restored and gives a perfect indication of the scale of the fortifications
that faced the Allies. Mandalay is an excellent location from which to
conduct of a Battlefield Tour. The relief, still as it was in 1945, gives a
very good idea of the terrain and the questions raised during the entire
process. Similarly Fort Dufferin stands as it did then, and although the
city has since expanded, the narrow streets give an idea of the FIBUA
warfare which the platoons of 1/6 GR faced during the clearance op-
eration. Again detailed contemporary maps provided by Professor
Marston brought the events to life.
Throughout the Battlefield Tour, in addition to historical facts, Profes-
sor Marston raised several questions which encouraged debate. One
such constant theme was that of adaptation. The 14
th
Army under Slim
displayed a remarkable ability to adapt, from the smallest tactical for-
mation right up to Army HQ. A Battalion could re-role in 24 hours
from Light, to Mechanised and back to Light if necessary. A platoon
commander would find himself following jungle tactics, ‘Brecon’ style
tactics and FIBUA tactics. When one label did not suit a hybrid would
be quickly adapted and employed. Throughout the campaign lessons
were identified, often at the lowest level and filtered back up the Chain
of Command. Such lessons were then quickly passed on to training es-
tablishments in India. It was this ability to adapt, coupled with tenacity
and sacrifice which forged the successful legacy of the 14
th
Army in
Burma; no longer the ‘Forgotten Army’. Gurkhas played a vital role in
creating that legacy. It is with great satisfaction therefore that RGR has
actively remembered and looked at the role played by our antecedent
Regiments.
