The Italian occupation of Ethiopia was largely ended by conventionally organized forces. Likewise the the Japanese occupation of Burma. The British fondness for

The Italian occupation of Ethiopia was largely ended by conventionally organized forces. Likewise the the Japanese occupation of Burma. The British fondness for irregular warfare in WW II largely came from the need to do something, combined with the inability to do anything much. Blowing up stuff in Norway did make some contributions, but the war in Europe was won largely by the Red Army overwhelming the Wehrmacht. Wingate played a useful role in Burma, but Slim got the job done.