Defeat into Victory

Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945

By: Field-Marshal Viscount William Slim, David W. Hogan Jr. - introduction

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Field Marshal Viscount Slim (1891-1970) led shattered British forces from Burma to India in one of the lesser-known but more nightmarish retreats of World War II. He then restored his army's fighting capabilities and morale with virtually no support from home and counterattacked. His army's slaughter of Japanese troops ultimately liberated India and Burma.

The first edition of Defeat into Victory, published in 1956, was an immediate sensation selling 20,000 copies within a few days. This is an updated version with a new introduction by David W. Hogan Jr.

©1956 Viscount William Slim (P)2021 Tantor

An excellent Book, by the man in charge.

An excellent book by the general in charge. Very detailed, this may be a detriment to some but as someone with a military backgroung I liked it. Slim omits some facts that would detract from some of his superiors, but that is due to the gentleman he was.

instructive and Detailed account of the Burma War

Should be read with a map in hand, or a firm grasp of Burmese geography.
For military lessons, examine the afterword.
Great style and performance.

A leader uniquely suited to the theater he was assigned.

A surprisingly human look at a man commanding an army that could safely be called the unwanted step child of the Allied effort in Ww2.

Emphasis on attacking flanks!

Slim’s self-appraisal plus his honesty in saying what he didn’t so well and how he overcame obstacles.

Should be required reading

If there were one book the I could make required reading for military cadets and leaders, this would be it. Field Marshall Slim is surely the most humble man ever to hold that rank in any army. His writing style is engaging and informative, and the gentleman who performed the reading is masterly. One of the best books I have listened to on Audible.