Convoy WS 24 arrived at Mumbai with about 20,000 troops embarked at Halifax. Many of these reinforcements were still green rather than ready to replace veteran formations immediately. Experienced officers, non-commissioned officers, and units had already been sent to Iran, Iraq, and Somaliland. Japan therefore struck Southeast Asia when the theatre had bodies in training but had lost much of the experience needed to organize them effectively.
Chapter · 43:08-44:48
Convoy WS 24 arrived after veteran formations had gone
The convoy brought about 20,000 troops from Halifax to Mumbai, but many were still training after experienced officers, NCOs, and units had been diverted west.