1941, Monday 10 March;
And last thing on the agenda for India, is Burma. After extensive discussion with the Viceroy of India, and CinC India, it has been agreed that India will formally resume responsibility for the defence of Burma, and that responsibility has transferred over as of today.
The agenda had moved onto the Far East, Admiral Pound, chair of the Chiefs of Staff, was reviewing the Royal Navy’s assets, little had changed. There could be no early relief of the Far East, The RAF and more importantly the Army would have to hold on for some considerable time, if war broke out with Japan. He then went on to discuss local building initiatives.
“Prime Minister, our plans to build some of the required coastal forces in Singapore, have so far proved disappointing, but the response from the Canadian Government regarding providing tools and specialist woods will go a long way to getting us back on track. We will be locally requisitioning yet more ships for patrol, anti-submarine and minesweeping duties, but there is little I can send out there for now”
“Yes, Yes Dudley, I do quite agree, the Royal Navy has far too many commitments to spare ships for there.” Churchill leaned back, a frown on his forehead, and looked over his glasses at General Dill, “erm tell me John, how are our Land Forces improving”
“Slowly Prime Minister, we are severely deficient in anti-tank, anti-aircraft and field artillery, we have no tank formation, rear area services are poor, and all unit’s lack training, a lot of it quite basic. Malaya Command is requesting the funds to build and develop training facilities, most of their Indian troops are very new, having received very basic training. And they have a lot of new officers and NCO’s, who also need training. The cost of the facilities would be small in comparison to the improvement in capability and efficiency. I’m recommending that the budget be granted”
“Yes, I noticed that in the papers forwarded to me, a not inconsiderable sum, I think, nevertheless, your paper pointed out all the benefits, and we can agree that now. Anything else?”
Yes, Prime Minister, the three locally raised regiments all look promising for the future but equipping them has been challenging. Also, with the deployment of a second Indian Division, we do need to create a Corps HQ, and the staff at Malaya Command needs expanding too.”
“And who was you proposing for command of the Corps John, not one of our best fighting men, I can’t have someone wasting out there, not with how things are in the Med, and a possible invasion of Britain this summer”
“Well Prime Minister, I have someone in mind, I’ve attached his notes to the back of the report, but for operational reasons we couldn’t hope to release him now, possibly in a month or two”
“OK Dill, plan to form the new Corps HQ, and we’ll look at a commander in a month’s time”
Dill sat there contemplating should he speak again, playing in his mind whether to put the next item off for another day or not, decided to press on, while he was doing so well, took a deep breath and resumed speaking.
“There is another matter Prime Minister, Hong Kong. The GOC, General Grasett is due to be relieved soon, we need to find a replacement. Should war come, their situation would be pretty hopeless.”
“Hong Kong, yes, a most unfortunate situation, hmm, it would be desirable, if we found ourselves at war with Japan, that Hong Kong would hold out for some considerable time, that the defenders sold their lives dearly, so that the annuals of time could record it along with Mafeking, as a glorious stand. I want someone there that understands what to do, if the time comes. Who do you suggest?”
Pug slid another paper to Churchill, again the pencil pointing out the name.
“Never heard of him John, an Indian Army man, whats this say? he’s a good trainer and organiser, a steady man. Well, make sure he knows whats expected, I don’t want another faint heart. OK John, if that’s who you recommend, so be it.”
Churchill looked sternly at Dill, to reinforce his spoken desire, a silent pause in proceedings. Air Chief Marshal Portal, the recently appointed Chief of the Air Staff cleared his throat and broke the silence.
“Prime Minister, I have some requests to make on behalf on the RAF Far East Command, the planned expansion of squadrons means we need to create three group commands in Malaya/Singapore and we would suggest a fourth in Burma, with the CinC India’s agreement, I have forwarded on my suggestions, I trust they will meet with your approval”
Churchill looked down at another newly offered paper from Ismay, read the names to himself, and gave a questioning look at Portal.
“This one, third line down, is that who I think it is Charles”
“Yes, Prime Minister, but we are sending a large number of Fairey Battles out there, I thought he might be given another chance with them, we’ve nothing to lose really.”
“Very well Charles, Leslie, note that please” Churchill looked back at Portal thoughtfully.
Pound moved the agenda on “Prime Minister, we have look at the request from….”
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