The Road Past Mandalay, John Masters, 1961 [reissued 2012]

Cassell Military Paperback; ISBN: 978-0-3043-6157-1

The Road Past Mandalay forms the second volume of autobiography by John Masters, covering the period of the Second World War. When war broke out, John Masters was already a junior officer in the Indian Army, a second lieutenant in the 4^th Gurkha Rifles. His service covers some of the forgotten theatres of the war - Syria, Mesopotamia and Iraq in the early stages of the war, and the Burma campaign against the Japanese in the latter stages. In between is a period at Staff College, learning to be a Staff Officer. 

The book is much more than a military history, even though that in itself would make it worthwhile to read. It is also a journey of discovery, of becoming increasingly competent and developing those skills necessary to succeed in battle and in leadership. He also finds the time to fall in love and, eventually, after a messy divorce that at one stage seems to threaten his career, marry.

It is also a very human book - the technology and the messiness of modern warfare don't get in the way of his interest in, and love for, his men. The Gurkhas, above all retain their place in his affection, and leaves are usually spent wandering around the foothills of the Himalayas escaping from the pressures of command.

This autobiography remains as vibrant today as when first issued. It reminds us of the bloody nature of the war in Burma, and the tenacious resistance of the Japanese towards the end of the war. But most of all it is the story of one man's war, of promotion yes, but also showing that it is possible to retain your humanity whilst spending every waking moment trying to kill your enemy.