This monumental work the Official History of the Indian Armed Forces in the Second World War 1939-45 covers all aspects of India's contribution to the Allied cause between 1939 and 1945. The narrative is packed with a huge amount of information regarding even the smallest fighting, logistical and medical units and sub-units, and yet it remains eminently readable throughout.
The account of these operations is a story of decisive victory, achieved by sound planning, bold action and gallant fighting, undertaken by well trained and led Commonwealth forces.

At this stage, the war in Europe was going well for the Allies. In the Far East, besides Malaya, the Japanese had captured Burma. Their further advance had been stemmed and the reconquest of Burma, in conjunction with other offensive operations, under the overall command of South East Asia Command (SEAC), was being planned. In conjunction with the main thrust of XIV Army across the Chindwin for capture of Rangoon, a subsidiary thrust by XV Corps in Arakan was also planned.
The operation was planned and conducted in four phases, with troops given adequate training, fire and logistic support. Besides land, sea-borne landings and maximum use of air force was also envisaged. Operations were conducted keeping the weather, especially the rain, in view. Logistics was given special attention, and all support elements trained to fight to the last man, last round, by forming Administrative Boxes, against the Japanese.
The aim of the offensive was to encircle and annihilate the Japanese forces in the region and not allow them to move up to fight against XIV Army's thrusts. With this in view, capture of Akyab, Ramree Islands and Magway was planned, with amphibious landings that were supported by naval, land and air bombardment.

The operations commenced on 17 October 1942 and continued until 15 May 1945, when the last Japanese troops were neutralised in the region. The initial force levels were 14 and 26 Indian Infantry Divisions, though later 7, 25, 36 and 5 Infantry Divisions also fought in this theatre. Besides these, troops of Africa Division and 3 British Commando Brigade also took active part in these operations. The USA provided air support as well as elements of Special Forces.
The Arakan Operations 1942-45 describes the operations in the coastal belt of Arakan in Burma from 1942-45. After the reverses suffered by the Indian forces in Burma, the issue confronting India was to stem the tide of Japanese advance and retrieve the situation in Burma. At this stage, the Indian Army chose Arakan and Chindwin for conducting operations. The 1944 winter operations in Arakan were aimed at the capture of its coastline to facilitate 14th Army's advance into Central Burma. It is notable that in these campaigns, Indian, British and African troops fought side by side.