11 - Flexibility in the Malaya Campaign

The Principles of War - Lessons from Military History on Strategy, Tactics and Leadership.

We look at how the Japanese were able to use operational manoeuvre from the sea as a part of their approach to flexibility. We look at their history of amphib operations and how they developed their capability.

We look at the Shanghai Incident and how the IJN demonstrated their already impressive amphib capability.

The Japanese are able to launch 3 independent landings to start the offensive in Malaya.

We look at the Battle of Kampar and how the Japanese assault bogged down and how they were able to respond to a change in the tactical situation. BRIG Paris wanted a more offensive defence. How did Kampar mask the limitations of the Allied forces?

We look at the performance of the British Battalion at Kampar, which differs markedly from that exhibited from a lot of the Allied forces.

How was LT COL Stewart was able to train a Battalion that was able to operate effectively in the jungle. How did he do it? Did he use Mission Command to manage for the difficulties created by jungle fighting.

What are the requirements for mission command and were they displayed within 8th Division.

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