.... or why I can't stand General Percival? Operation Matador was approved in August 1941 as a pre-emptive advance into Thailand in the event of a Japanese invasion. However, even at this late stage it was envisaged as being in divisional strength despite the acknowledged weakness of Percival's troops. Then on 5th December it was modified to use the troops at his disposal, battalions rather than divisions. In the event it was launched too late and apparently the Japanese had a counter, which wasn't needed.
But what if the plan was planned/approved in August at Brigade strength? Could this have made a difference, even with the late execution? The Japanese would have overcome such a force, but surely with such a battle and the need to implement their plan B, it would have taken longer and consumed more resources, which would bite them on the arse come Fed 14th. Could such a move in this strength altered the PoW & R sortie and subsequent sinking?
But what if the plan was planned/approved in August at Brigade strength? Could this have made a difference, even with the late execution? The Japanese would have overcome such a force, but surely with such a battle and the need to implement their plan B, it would have taken longer and consumed more resources, which would bite them on the arse come Fed 14th. Could such a move in this strength altered the PoW & R sortie and subsequent sinking?