Wingate's Raiders

THE recent death of Major General Orde Wingate in a plane accident will be appreciated as a severe loss to the Allied armies by all who read this book. It is almost more an appreciation of Wingate as a man and a soldier than a narrative of his forces’ operations behind the Japanese lines in Burma a year ago. Of strong religious convictions, of curious learning and tastes, Wingate was so unconventional as a military leader that the Brass Hats feared him. However, he managed to convince them that it was possible for highly trained jungle troops to operate in mobile columns in enemy territory and to depend on airplanes for supplies. Planes and radio eliminated those military bugbears, bases and lines of communication.

The story is one of great heroism and endurance on the part of all hands, but the bold conception, the necessary training, and the essential coöperation which made the operation a success were due to Wingate’s original genius and untiring zeal. Perhaps he had the answer to the whole perplexing Burma problem. Others will learn from his pioneer work, but his own personality will be sadly missed.

It is not always easy for the reader to follow all the peregrinations of the various columns in this expedition, but the author tells his story with as much clarity as is possible under such confusing conditions, and definitely establishes the claim that Wingate’s small army performed a splendid feat of war. Viking, $2.50.

RICHARD ELY DANIELSON