Slim the Standardbearer:

A Biography of Field-Marshal “The Viscount Slim”, KG, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, M

By Ronald Lewin. 1976; reprint, Wordsmith Editions, 1999. 350 pp.

One of the most charismatic and dynamic soldiers of the twentieth-century British Army was William Joseph Slim, later Field Marshal the Viscount Slim (1891-1970).  His adventure-filled military career began upon commissioning as an officer in 1914.  Along the way, Slim commanded at every echelon from platoon to army group, all of them, with the exception of battalion, in combat.  The culmination of Slim’s military career was his appointment in 1948 as Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the first Indian Army officer ever to serve as the professional head of the British Army.

Slim’s greatest contributions were made during the Second World War.  Early in the conflict he commanded the 10th Indian Infantry Brigade and led it in action against the Italians in Eritrea and the Sudan (1940-1941), then the 10th Indian Division against revolting Iraqis and Vichy French in Syria (1941).  After the January 1942 Japanese invasion of Burma, Slim was appointed commander of Burma Corps, and a few months later, of XV Corps.  The following year, Slim assumed command of the Fourteenth Army and began a limited offensive in February 1944 in Arakan.  By June 1944, Slim’s “Forgotten Army” had decisively won the Imphal/Kohima battle, and thereafter successfully advanced eastward and recaptured Burma.  At the end of the war, Slim was commanding Allied Land Forces, South East Asia.        

In this superb military biography, historian Ronald Lewin chronicles not only “what” Slim accomplished, but more importantly, “how” Slim led and commanded soldiers.  The author highlights Slim’s humble background and, armed with his integrity, character, and intellect, Slim reached the pinnacle of his profession. In many respects, Slim’s career and life personify selfless service and devotion to duty.

In writing this detailed yet balanced biography, the author seemingly had unrestricted access to Slim’s personal papers and life-long correspondence.  Lewin also interviewed numerous senior and knowledgeable military leaders, including Mountbatten, Auchinleck, O’Connor, Harding, and Templer.  Footnotes, unfortunately, are frequently inadequate or missing, with many quotations totally undocumented.  Various episodes and achievements of Slim’s life are illustrated by twenty-seven photographs, and six superb maps enhance one’s understanding of Slim’s most significant military operations.

Lewin’s excellent and highly readable Slim the Standardbearer was originally published in 1976.  The 1999 publication of this paperback edition is most welcome, as it makes this award-winning biography available to a new and wider audience.  This book helps ensure that the life and military career of the competent, courageous, and self-effacing Slim, and the accomplishments of the soldiers he led — especially in Burma — will no longer be forgotten.

Republished with author’s permission from Infantry 90 (May-August 2000): 49.