Battle for MalayaThe defeat of 90,000 Commonwealth soldiers by 50,000 Japanese soldiers made the World War II Battle for Malaya an important encounter for both political and military reasons. British military prestige was shattered, fanning the fires of nationalism in Asia, especially in India. Japan's successful tactics in Malayarapid marches, wide outflanking movement along difficult terrain, nocturnal attacks, and roadblockswould be repeated in Burma in 194243.