Probably one for Psywar or Jedburgh but if anyone else has any info on what this would have involved in INdia or Burma in 1945 it would be good to know. I have seen info about the "filter" system of recruitment which seems to be an early form of psychometric testing with group exercises etc, but what would the training actually consist of?
good day zahonado,sm.yesterday.11:35pm.re:training for psycological warfare.i read your link,you may find your answer there,the training had a different aproach fordifferent,army,navy,air force units.generally to prepare troops,or a single person for a job that needed a cool head,and capable to operate under pressure. this is my opinion on the subject.i will be interested in your final observation.regards bernard85
Zahonada If you use the FULL editor you can alter the opening title spelling yourself . And not-a-lotta-people seem to know that Ron
Bernard, thank you but what link are you referring to? No I didn't know that Ron.. How do I get full editor?!
good day zahonado.sm.today.if you go to google.just enter psycological warfare.and i think you will find what you are looking for,regards bernard85
good day zahonado.sm.today.re#5,you ask what link,i cliked the bottom line #1.l/h side.psychometric testing and up comes much information on the subject,good luck.regards bernard85
Training in Psychological warfare consisted of two main supports - the first was getting the Allied Message to target audiences via propaganda - this could include leaflets, posters, radio broadcasts, new articles and rumours (of the latter the best were based on fact). The second was gaining the support of the local populace by use of 'Hearts and Minds' type techniques - these would include trading with native populations, paying a fair price in a suitable medium of exchange for food etc, treating the natives with respect, providing medical care etc
there isnt a link in post #1. I'm wondering if you have some sort of malware infecting your computer Bernard.
A good example here was Wingate's rule always to pay local villagers in silver rupees during the two Chindit Operations. The Japanese used the first ever attempt at 'quantitative easing' by introducing paper currency with which to pay for services locally, this was not received well. Wingate also used propaganda on both expeditions including leaving messages and leaflets in villages, an example of which can be seen below; [SIZE=11pt]”To the headman of the village. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Greetings.[/SIZE] [SIZE=11pt]I, the Commander of British and Burmese forces fighting to defend Burma against the Japanese intrusion, and to restore health, happiness and freedom to the inhabitants, leave with you these soldiers wounded in the defense of your country. I know that you will treat them kindly and nurse them back to health, finally delivering them back to the British Government. To assist you to do this, I have given you money and presents.[/SIZE] [SIZE=11pt]The names of these men and the name of the village and your own name I have told the British Government by wireless. They will send soldiers to enquire after them. You must be able to give a good account of them when the soldiers arrive. [/SIZE] [SIZE=11pt]Should any bad men in your village or neighborhood either ill-treat our wounded or betray them to the enemy, beware.[/SIZE] [SIZE=11pt]I shall hear of it and I shall send upon you punishment from our mighty Air Forces and you will be destroyed. [/SIZE] [SIZE=11pt]But if you keep away such bad men and preserve the lives of our wounded, then we will liberally reward you. Do not be afraid, we have come to help you and not to hurt you. If these men die in spite of your kindness, you will bury them near the village keeping their property for us on our return, as a sign that you have treated them well. All will not die, one at least will live, and he will give evidence on your behalf. If you will produce this letter to the Commanders of the British forces and prove that you have done what we have told you, they will reward you. [/SIZE] Signed-Brigadier Wingate,
Thanks for all that. Did most local people understand written English? I notice that my father apparently was reasonably fluent in Mahare(?s) Which tribes would speak it I wonder? The financial rewards certainly helped I am sure! Notes for votes....! Or coins anyway. But training I guess must have been in a classroom just outlining these methods, with maps and a bit of language training. There was only a few days before Dad and I think the Marquis of Dufferein and Ava were flown in in February 1945, so I think the training wasn't too thorough.. I do find the whole idea quite extraordinary somehow...that the British could actually change locals outlook so easily..
