HINTS
on
MANI: INDIAN ARMY OBSERVER
(20 MAY 1944 -- 1 NOV 1944)
BATTLE OF MANIPUR
STORIES
96 Pages
for
BRITISH & INDIAN
UNITS
Issued by
Public Relations
H. Q. Eastern Army
CONTENTS---
Page 1 Publicity within British Units, Distribution of P. R. literature
to Units.
Pages 2-3 Internal distribution of P. R. literature.
Pages 4-5 Novel Methods of Publicity within British Units.
Page 6 Publicity within Indian Units. Distribution of P. R. literature
to Units.
Page 7 Internal Distribution of P. R. literature.
Pages 8-10 Novel Methods of Publicity for Indian Units.
Pages 11-12 Voluntary Speakers' Panel.
Pages 13-14 Guidance for Speakers.
Page 15 Extract from 14th Division "Ka Haftewar Akhbar".
MESSAGE from the B. G. S.
"You will never get a chap to fight, if he's got something on his mind"; so
said "Dusty" Miller, famous boxer and Army trainer.
True for the Ring; far truer for the Big Ring we're in to-day.
To-day, YOU officers, British and Indian, are true trainers and YOURS is
the task of taking those "somethings" off the mind of each soldier by under-standing,
by interest, by sympathy and by explanation.
The D. P. R. aims at providing YOU with the authentic material
necessary to help YOU in YOUR task. More paper? Yes, but a crib to help
you satisfy an eager examiner who seeks accurate knowledge and demands
logical explanation.
LAP IT UP.
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 31 May 44
Reinforcement
Story 1
When their supply of hand grenades ran short a resourceful
Eton schoolboy with a Reinforcement Camp made fresh ones
from old cigarette tins to hurl at the Japs at Kanglatongbi,
writes an Indian Army Observer.
Capt.(now Major)E.I. Hamilton Parkes, R.E., used nearly 50
'Players' tins with a large quantity of broken glass and
gelingnite to make his grenades which had a deadly effect
on the Japs.
ends
note: home address not available
locally.
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla 31 May '44
Reinforcement
Story 2
Carrying with them large quantities of ammunition, stores
and rations, a Reinforcement Camp of nearly 2300 men moved within 24 hours
to take up new defence positions nearly seven
miles away at Kanglatongbi and within another 24 hours moved
again to another position. Here they inflicted heavy casualties
on the enemy who attacked them, writes an Indian Army Observer.
After keeping vigil every night for nearly a week and
working throughout the day, Reinforcement Camp No. 20 at MS IIO
received orders at 2200 hours on March 3I to move and take up
new defence positions at Kanglatongbi nearly seven miles away.
It was a pitch dark night and no lights could be used owing
to the near proximity of the Japs. Wording the whole night and
the following day, British and Indian Sikhs, Mahrattas and
Madrasis, assisted in evcacuating nearly I50 tons of stores,
reserve ration for I4 days for the 2300 men and large quantities
of ammunition including 3000 x 3" mortar bombs and a
quarter million rounds leaving nothing to the enemy. All bunkers
and defensive positions were completely destroyed.
Within another 24 hours they had to move to new defensive
positions where they were attacked by a strong force of the
enemy. All combatants and non-combatants who normally compose
a reinforcement camp where troops receive the final "battle
course" before being sent to fighting units in the front line
joined together and inflicted heavy casualties on the attacking
enemy.
Major Norman Sinclair, 7th. Baluch, educated in Holland
where he was working formerly in a steel firm and whose wife
lives in Karachi, for the first time in action was in command
of the SE sector of the box and inflicted large casualties on
the enemy. He toned up maintained the fire disciplone at
a high level after an initial bad start since most of the troops
Story 2(Cont.)
were seeing action for the first time. In addition to organising
and sending out patrols, Major Sinclair was the last man to leave
the position when they later withdrew remaining behind to
see that everything was scorched.
Lt. David (Sparkes) Calcutta 13th. Frontier Force
Rifles, of 93, Gypsy Lane, Headington, Oxford, and also
a commando who took part in the Luftwaffen naval engagement, led
a party of Mahrattas into the perimeter of the NW sector which
the Japs attacked and killed nearly 20 of the enemy. Our tanks also
accounted for a number of Japs. Finally he threw the enemy out
capturing a Jap LMG and two swords covered with blood.
A few Japs foraging for food near the Engineers
Officers' Megs were killed and of two more who were lurking near the
BOR mess, one gave himself up and the otter was killed later.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 31 May '44
Sethuram
Story 3
How he and his men on three successively dark nights
did not give away their position in response to the wiles of the Japs who came
within 100 yards of his position only to move away in another
direction to attack a different spot was the story related to
me by Capt. G. Sethuram, 3rd. Madras Regiment, of Odayur village,
Chidambaram taluk, South Arcot district, writes an Indian Army
Observer. Capt. Sethuram graduated from the Presidency College, Madras
On April 4, Capt. Sethuram was defending an I.G.H. area
with 150 Madrasis, all reinforcements to the 3rd. Madras Regiment on
their way to join their battalion. In the night after he had ordered
his men to stand to, at about 0130 hours red tracers came in their
direction from about 300 yards in the north, completely illuminating
the dark sky. They kept quiet and for the next three hours more flares
appeared from every other direction in turn. "This led me to
believe that the enemy was all round us but since we had kept quiet
they didn't spot us. The patrols I sent out at dawn could not find
the enemy and they must have disappeared into the jungles".
The next night he and his men were defending the southern
sector of the Garrison Engineer's area at Kanglatongbi when at about
0200 hours the Japs began their attack. Using a nullah in front of his
position as a covered approach, the enemy, nearly a platoon strong,
attacked from behind in small parties. The silence
of the pitch dark night was disturbed by their 2" mortar fire and
machine gun fire and the or shouts which lasted the whole time. "We did
not open fire as we could not see them. Since we were in bunkers and
trenches their fire did not cause us any harm and as we kept quiet
the Japs who came within 100 yards of us moved away to attack another
position".
Again the next day when the enemy attacked his position
early in the morning in pouring rain, Capt. Sethuram and his men had
been standing to for the whole night. A party of 30 or 40 Japs
approached from the nullah firing at random and on all sides, to ascertain dispositions When
the enemy came to within 100 yards of them, he and his men who had
been quiet all the while were about to open up when they found that
the every had once again disappeared.
ends.
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 2 June '44
Slumber
Story 4
A complete non-chalent indifference to enemy fire
was shown by a Madrasi sepoy who went into deep slumber although Jap
shells were bursting all around him, writes an Indian Army Observer.
Sepoy Boddy James Elliah of Mallipula St, Vizagapamam,
was one of the 'bearers' serving in a reinforcement camp which was
attacked by the enemy at Kanglatongbi. Not prepared to loose his
sleep whatever the Japs might do, tying a piece of cloth round his
head in typical Madrasi fashion and keeping his officer’s loaded
pistol close to him, Sepoy Elliah stretched himself and slept
quietly for the whole night even though enemy shells and mortars
were bursting only 20 yards from him.
Sepoy Ellish left his school to join the army and is
a cheerful lad with always a smile on his face.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 2 June '44
Signals
Story 5
Devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy fire was
the example set by a Madrasi lance-naik of the Indian Signals
and three of his men, writes an Indian Army Observer.
No.1841 L/Naik V. Anthony, No. 12294 Signalman Faquir
Mohd, No.61568 Signalman Sanwar Shah and No. 56898 Shah. Hussain
were serving with a unit which was attacked by the Japs at
Kanglatongbi early in April.
A telephone wire between one sub-sector HQ and the
Box HQ was out by fire from enemy guns and mortars. In the pitch
darkness tills lance-naik and his men moving under shell fire
from the enemy and feeling their way over the snapped wire, a
joined the cut pieces together again and established Communication.
They proceeded with their work undeterred even though shells
were bursting all around and very close to them.
Reporting himself to his C.O., the lance-naik told
him that he and his men were prepared to go again in case of
necessity but a second occasion never arose as the Japs were
driven away
ends
note: Their addresses are not available locally and may be
had from their depot at Jubbulpore. They have been recommended
for awards.
Mani: Indian Army observer
Comilla: 4 June '44
Harpratap Singh
Story 6
By deeds of personal valour and courageous leadership, Indian
Officers, most of whom have come fresh from their colleges, are
maintaining the great traditions of the Indian Im i an Army on tie Imphal
front.
Lt. Harpratap Singh, of a Cavalry Regiment (the first Indian tank
regiment to go into action in this theatre of war) of Daudpur,
Luciana district, He was lending a troop of tanks to clear a road-block
on the Tiddim Road. While advancing with Gurkha infantry support
the enemy in entrenched positions attacked them and his troop
came under heavy enemy machine gun and mortar fire. Lt. Harpratap
Singh brought down the enemy snipers in the trees and destroyed an enemy
bunker. Some of the Japs who came close to his tank to dislocate
the vision instruments were killed and enemy attempts
to use anti-tank weapons were frustrated.
While withdrawing under orders because of the increasing dark-ness
of the night he and his troop were ambushed by a party of the
enemy at a curve further down the road. They killed 15 Japs and
rescued under heavy fire from the enemy two wounded gurkhas who were
lying right across the road.
When his troop wentagain the next day on the road
the enemy had disappeared but had laid trees and other obstructions
and mines on the road which they cleared and enabled our supply convoy
to pass. They then relieved the troops who were held up by this road-block.
Lt. Harpratap Singh graduated from the Government College,
Ludhiana.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 4 June '44
Diljit Singh
Story 7
The 24th. of May witnessed a gallant young Sikh officer
leading the Rajputs in a bayonet attack on the strong Jap position
of Shinam in the feature Gibraltar on Palel Read.
Lt. Diljit Singh Randhawa, 6th. Rajputana Rifles, of Chak No.
66/12L, district Montgomery, was in the forefront of a bayonet
attack on a knife-edged ridge where the Japs were entrenched.
The enemy were concentrating fire from their machine gun posts on
the higher slopes of the ridge. The Rajputs who had to climb the
slope suffered early casualties but Lt. Diljit Singh undaunted
went ahead and when within a couple of yards from an enemy LMG
post threw two hand grenades into it which accented for two Japs.
All the while he was covered by LMG fire from another section of
the Rajputs from behind. Four Japs who came from his right to
close in on him were pinned down by the Rajput LMG and killed.
Very far ahead of his men, he advanced further. The next
few moments were dramatic. He and a Jap were facing each other
only a few yards between them. Their eyes gleaming they had a full
measure of each other from top to toe. "It was a tense moment
for me", said Lt. Diljit Singh describing the incident to me in
"The Jap beckoned tome with his finger hut Isaid 'Tairo'.
the hospital where he is recovering from his wounds." The next
thing I did instinctively was to throw my remaining two hand
grenades at him. I could not see the result as I was injured
immediately but I am sure I did not miss the mark"
While having his field dressing, Lt. Diljit Singh requested
his C.O. to send him again to have a crack at the Japs but it was
not granted. However his men cleared the position of Japs and
held it. In addition to large enemy casualties, part of the booty
were two Jap LMGs.
Lt. Diljit Singh graduated from the Foreman Chrisitan College
Lahore.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 10 June '44
Commander
Story 8
Lt. General Slim, Army Commander, 14th. Army, accompanied
by the Commander of the famous 17th, Indian Division visited
yesterday what was recently a battlefields where only a few weeks
ago Indian troops had once again proved their superiority over the
Japs.
During the period when a party of the enemy attacked a
the HQ of the 17th. Indian Division, about 300 of them entrenching
themselves in dug-outs and bunkers on the farther side of a pimple
in front of one of our boxes on a neighbouring pimple began an
attack on our ositions. In a counter-attack launched by the 10th.
Baluch, 12th-F.F.R., and 5th. Mahrattas, the enemy positions were
completely destroyed and nearly 150 Japs were killed.
The battle-Scarred area bears evidence of the thoroughness
with which our troops had razed the enemy positions to the round.
The remains of two Jap dead and one machine gun were still lying in the field.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 10 June '44
Commander
Story 8
In the Course of a visit to the Imphal front Lt. General
slim, Army commander, 14th. Army, saw yesterday what was recently a battlefield
where only a few weeks age Indian troops had once established their
superiority over the Japs.
It was here that 300 nearly 300 Japs had entrenched
themselves in bunkers and dug-outs from where they attacked one of our
defensive positions. In a counter-attack by out troops they suffered
large Casualties including about 150 dead.
The battle-scarred area bears evidence of the
thoroughness with which our troops had razed the enemy positions to
the ground. The remains of two Jap dead and one machine gun were still
lying in the field.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 11 June '44
Julu
Story 9
'Dr.'Julu, D.S.O.' is a familiar figure in a C.C.S.
on the Imphal xxxx. He has been ducted 'D.S.O.' by and it
stands for 'Dahi (Cards, Supplying Officer'
He prepares curds daily for his patients-sometimes even from
tinned milk. In abdominal and surgical cases Julu's dahi is given
to IORs on the recommendation of the Surgical specialist. Dr. Julu is
enthusiastic about introducing in his hospital a cup of buttermilk
instead of tea.
'Dr.Julu' is short for Dapt. K.J. Somayajulu, I.A.M.C., of Vizianagaram
and was practising in the Jeypore state.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 12 June '44
Guerillas
Story 10
Surprised by a guerilla platoon of the 14th.Punjab Regiment, a
withdrawing party of 50 Japs on the Kohima Read went back after
being badly shaken, writes an Indian Army Observer.
While withdrawing north up the road this enemy party bumped in the
darkness of the night into one of our forward positions a couple
of days ago. Our troops opened fire immediately and scattered them, next
morning when a fighting patrol went to look for the result, they found them
in a mullah below the road. Our troops engaged them and killed 14 besides
wounding 20 more. The rest of the enemy fled leaving behind one MMG, one LMG,
grenade dischargers, 75 mm shells and their wireless set and telephones.
The same Punjabi guerilla platoon killed another 10 Japs the
next day in the same area who were also moving up the road.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 13 June '44
Drivers
Story 11
Working right up to the front on the Tiddim Road, eight drivers
of a G.P.T. company of the R.I.A.S.C., coming from different
parts of India, saved all their vehicles from the enemy who were
close on their heels even though their tyres were flat and their
hydraulic brakes refused to work because of the damage due to enemy
shelling.
Under the command of Lt. C.B.Karumbayya of Sidapur, Coorg and
formerly of the Nizam State Railways, Sedunderabad, these men showed
devotion to duty removing as many vehicles as possible when
one of our positions was being evacuated owing to heavy artillery and
mortar fire from the enemy. It was a dark night and during a lull in
the enemy firing these drivers started their vehicles but the fire
opened up again as soon as the sound of starting reached them.
Due to shelling tyres ran flat, hydraulic brakes refused to function
and the engines would not start. Remaining cool and calm they succeeded
in rescuing all the vehicles leaving none behind.
The drivers were: MTS 953447 Nk. Mahadev shivte of Bhaing, Satara District;
MTS 928274 L/Nk. Khader Hussain khan, Deccani Muslim of Chilkalguda,
Secunderabad; MTS 755920 Sepoy K. Bab Jahn of Big Masjeed St. Wallajapet,
North Arxxxxot district; MIS 928612 Sep. Basweni Mekalki of Hukeri, Belgaon
district; MTS 988008 Sepoy Hussain Khan Pathan of Upali Burj, Bijapur
district; MTS 784464 Sepoy Gurpadappa Murbagi of Murbagi, district
Bijapur and MTS 885474 Sepoy Vemanari of Parakondlapalli, Anantapur
district.
More strange was the adventure of their companion MTS 929024
Naik J. Jesuratnam of Thandalam, Chingleput district, who saved his
Vehicle with a resourceful memory. During the enemy
shelling his radiator received damage incapacitating it. Having
previously seen a damaged vehicle five miles behind on the road
towards the enemy, he walked back alone and personally removing
the radiator from the damaged vehicle, ran back with it to fit it to
Mani
Story 11(contd.)
his own vehicle which he drove hack to safety. "I was really worried
and nearly save him up for lost when he suddenly turned up with a spare
radiator", his C.O. said to me. "There was no more time except to smile
because we understood him immediately and he had saved his vehicleand
the ammunition it contained."
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:15 June '44
Jap
Story 12
Dramatic amusement is provided by a Jap here end there to
our troops who fight in the rains, knee deep in theslush and
mud.
One unarmed Jap approached our post at Chothe in the
Bishenpur area from the south with both his hands in the air.
Losing his nerve at the last moment he tried to run away but
he was shotand killed by our Gurkha troops.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:15 June '44
Convoy
Story 13
Nearly 95 dead Japs were counted in an attack by a party
12th. Frontier Force Regiment on a Jap convoy in the Iril Valley.
On 12th. June, this convoy was approaching our positions
from the west and was moving east. Our troops engaged them and
our artillery inflicted considerable damage. After the attack
95 deed Japs and 55 dead cattle were counted. 20 dead or
wounded Japs were seen being carried away. One Jap, five horses
and 15 cattle were captured.
The entire convoy is believed to have been either
destroyed or dispersed.
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Palel:18 June '44
Name
Story 14
Begins quote he had his namewritten on it unquote. Our most
forward troops in Shenam on the Tamu Road recently witnessed at close
Story 15
range one of our 25 pounders hit a Jap and immediately he was blown to
pieces. The humour of the situation was not xxxx our men one of whom
Beging one sunny morning after a very rainy day a Naga village
headman walked into one of our battalion headquarters and asked for the
C.O.. He had two of the enemy with him who were looking tired, worn out
and hungry. He was very proud when he handed over his charge to the C.O.
ends
Story 16
Begins Amidst enveloping monsoon clouds and 5200 feet above the
roar of vivilisation, Shenam is the crowning glory of an ascents over
hills where our troops are fighting the Japs. The road is the all-weather
road from Imphal to Tamu via Palel.
The road twines in hair-pin bends every hundred yards and one
false turn will send one's vehicle into the jungle-valleys below.
The country is beautiful and abounds in deer and gibbons (monkeys).
Shenam itself experiences nearly 200 inches of rain annually and the
ground due to the rainsis very slippery.
Malta and Gibraltar are the two highest peeks here
which like their cousind in the Mediterrranean are our corner-stones
in this part of the world. They are none the less heroic and
Gurkhas and Rajputs are daily making history. The bone of contention
is "Scraggy" a lese higher feature in a bee-line with Malta and Gibraltar
The Japs are entrenched on the farther side of Scraggy and our Gurkhas
frequently lead attacks on them. It is remarkable howour troops go on
undisturbed by the monsoon conditions. It isquite chill here and dense
clouds and mist intermittently envelop the hill-tops making it impossible
for you to see a person even a couple ofyards from you. Between hevyy
downpours a thin rain beats against your face which you may enjoy if
you are on a ski-ing holiday on snowy slopes but not when you are
fighting when it is certainly a nuisance. But our men are unperturbed
and they go up and down the slopes carrying huge loads of supply and
ammunition without even e propping stick to protect them from being
sent rolling down from the dizzy heights. They just do it without
bestowing much attention on it.
As I stood on the top of Malta and watched the Gurkhas around me
in warn admiration, the serene atmosphere was disturbed by an occasional
enemy 75mm hitting without aim one of which fell 20 yards behind me as
I was returning. Frequently our guns rear and strike terror amongst the
enemy.
Our office and men are in good fighting spirit and the day is
not far off when a decisive battle will be fought on these heights and
our troops will be able to eject the Japs from Scraggy in our drive to
push the Jars beyond the Chindwin which is only about 25 miles as the
crow flies from Shenam. ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Palel:18 June '44
Volunteer
Story 17
Begins A silent wooden board with the words 'Welcome to
Gilliam Manor' at the entrance to an R.A.P. at the foot of Malta
has a story to tell. It speaks out the fame that Cairo-born
Neil Gilliam of a Field Ambulance has earned on these dizzy heights.
During an enemy attack on our positions on Scraggy he recently
went right forward to the frontline to evacuate the wounded and when
ourcommunication between our most forward troops and our rear HQ
failed lie acted as a jeep despatch rider between them, all under very
heavy fire from the enemy.
The wooden board has been put up by his admirers in the
Field Ambulance. ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Palel:18 June '44
Green Diamond
Story 18
Begins The green diamond strikes again(battle sign of 10
Gurkhas)Leading a three man recee patrol in torrential rains on a
dark night without the moon, Nk.(10065) Siriman Sunwar, 10th. Gurkhas,
a Gurkha of Eeast Nepal, laid a successful ambush on a Jap convoy on the
Tamu Road behind the enemy lines-- so far the farthest position that
any of our patrols have reached on this road.
Working their way across waist deep nullahs of running water
the patrol penetrated behind the enemy lines and laid up two nights
running at milestone 44 on the Tamu Road. On the second night(14 June)
they ambushed an empty Jay convoy of five trucks.
As the leading lorry came level with him the Naik opened fire
at close range with his tommy gun, and killed both the driver and the
man sitting close to him. The other two Gurkha riflemen followed suit
and opened lire on the second and third lorries and killed both the
drivers. More Japs jumped out of the lorried at whom the Gurkhas threw
grenades.
The Green Diamond patrol returned to the Battalion HQ with
important information. The Naik had previously done an outstanding
patrol previously on another part of the Imphal front.
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Palel:18 June '44
Gurkhas
Story 19
Begins An offensive patrol of a battalion of 5th. Gurkhas
with the object of killing as many of the enemy as possible worked
their way silently into enemy positions on Scraggy and burst into a party of about 40 Japs.
On 17/18. June might, Naik(44094) Narbahadur Gurung in command
and Naik (10200) Mabirxxxx Pun as second in command moving round the wesxxxx
flank of Scraggy worked their way up to the extreme
north of the hill. Keeping an LMG behind with one of the Gurkhas to
attract the enemy fire the two Naike slowly xxxx crept up
to the skyline and behind the enemy sentry post. As they were
moving further they haard snores from a bunker. Exactly locating the
place from where the snores team and dug into the bunker right tover
that point. from the roof. They then dropped two grenades into the
hole. Immediately cries of terror and pain and shrieks rent the air.
One Jap who ran out of the bunker was hit by a grenade. In the confusixxxx
and in the thick darkness of the night more Japs came out of their
bunkers and began to run helter skelter in terror. The noise was
terrific. Those who went into the slit trenches were hit by more
grenades thrown by the Naiks. By now they had hit two bunkers and an I
throwing theirlast grenade, they collected the rest of their patroxxxx
and came back to the west side (our side) of Scraggy, suffering no
casualties.
The Gurkha Naiks threw in all 13 grenades killing atleast
10 of the enemy and they noticed that the Jap sentries were slack, end
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Imphal:23 June '44
Road
20
An attack by a battalion of the 9th. Jat Regiment was the
beginning of the end of Jap domination on the Manipur Road. The
objective were the small hills "pill" and "Liver" overlooking the
ManipurRoad about half a mile to the north-block. Once the Japs were
driven away from these xxxx features it was quite clear that the
opening of the Manipur Rodd was only a question ofhour.
On the evening o 21st, a company of Jats attacked "pill",
the feature nearest to the road, preceded by a heavy artillery barrage
and captured the feature without many casualties. "Liver" was attacked
east. Simultaneaously a company of Punjabi Muslims of the same
battalion attacked it from the west. Our company
from the east was held up by strong enemy fire while
the other company from the west got on to the lower slopes and
consolidated their positions. It was raining hard and the terrain was
difficult of movement. During the night there was a lot of enemy snipping
and their guns were active but in the morning the Japs had disappeared
from the feature. Nearly 50 Japs were killed and a large amount
of enemy equipment was captured.
The Dogras who were the first troops proceeding
from Imphal to observe our troops approaching down the road
from Kohima had a much easier time and it was literally a
walk-over. Flanking to the left of the road and moving in the hills
they reached the approaching troops without encountering any opposition
from the enemy.
"Burton Bridge" was the next point on the road were the
Japs had a beating to which the pictures xxxx with there its blooming wild
roses all around still bears silent witness. It was here that a xxxx
of a punjab Regiment cleared two road-blocks in which four Japs
were killed and 10 wounded out of a platoon When the company
went forward they came under heavy fire. So they withdrew for the night
(21st night) and when they advanced to the Bridge next morning they
found that the Japs had disappeared, probably realizing the futility
of further resistance on the Road.
On the 21st. morning the same battalion of the 14th. Punjab
Regiment that recently took Mapau. two of their companies moving forward
to lift the road-block at the 111 1/2 M.S. contacted the enemy on
the feature known as "Patch". The enemy counter-attacked but were
repulsed. 25 Japs were killed besides many more wounded. The enemy
was then disengaged and we poured attillery fire on them which disorganized
them. Immediately our troops started mopping up and killed
45 more Japs. A Jap battalion flag was part of the booty captured. The
last enemy cleared off early the next morning. Walking in the mud
ankle deep and in pouring rain with leeches crawling on them, the
Punjabis showed magnificent fighting spirit as they cleared the
last road-block on the Road. During this action Havilder Puran Singh
of Sohadan, Amabala District, averted by his prompt action what
would otherwise have been an inconvenient situation to us. He saw
a party of the enemy moving an LMG towards a pill-box overlooking our
troops. Rushing forward alone with his tommy-gun he occupied the pill-box
before the enemy could reach it. He won his I.D.S.M. for gallant
action at El Alamein. In this encounter he killed one Jap and his
prompt action enable our capturing this important feature "Patach".
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Imphal:26 June '44
Monsoon 1
Story 21
With leeches clinging to him and mosquitoes biting him, Major
R.A. Anthony of Berkhamstead, Hartfordshire, England, heard the news of the
opening of the Second Front in Europe while sitting in a slit trench on the
Manipur Road.
He heard the news on the telephone from his battalion H. Q..
Major Anthony was commanding a company of the 14th. Punjab
Regiment who ware engaged in driving the Japs from the Road.
They were sent behind the enemy lines to cut their Ls of C. After a hard
journey in torrents of rain xxxx quite rough terrain
where the steep slopes were slippery with the deep valley below opening its mouth
ready to receive any unfortunnte, he end his company of Punjabi Muslims
captured "Squeak Hill", a feature between two enemy positions.
Under constant sniping by day and counter attacks at night
they spent the next three days in slit tranhhes with water to nearly
a foot's height. with They had to sit in them and their only clothe were completely
soaked wet making them suffer severely from cramp. Their rations were short
butthe leeches had plenty and were growing fond of the fighting blood.
Mosquitoes were busy makingtheir sharp painful injections on their unresisting
victims. Even their living space was becoming restricted owing to the landslides
caused by the heavy reins. The mud from the walls of the trenches
were gradually burying them.
But what should come at the end of these three days of misery
except the news that our forces have invaded Europe.
ends
Mani:Indian Array Observer
Imphal:26 June '44
Tumbler
Story 22
Begins It would not stay in Jap hands stop A brass tumbler
(Drinking Vessel) belonging to an officer of an Indian State Forces regiment
fighting on the Imphal front would not stay in captivity with the Japs and
returned to our lines within twenty days.
While the officer was moving forward he had put the tumbler in
a dump in the rear hut a cook took it with him to the forward areas where
the Japs seem to have stolen it during a battle.
When a battalion of the Indian State Forces regiment successfully attacked
Sakpao twenty days later, they found a tumbler on the person of a dead
Jap officer. On identifying it with the aid of the number stamped on it
they recognised it to be their own and from that day it adorns their mess
table smiling on every visitor with its adventurous tale and quite joyous
of its renewed freedom.
ends
Mani:Indian Array Observer
Impahal:26 June '44
Patiala
story 23
Unique in their tactiss, Rajendra Sikhs, a battalion of
the 1st. Patiala Regiment, are striking terror in the hearts of Japs on the
Imphal front.
Their objective was a hill-feature south-east of Litang,
a good observation-poet nearly 4600 feet high and 15 miles across
from where they were. The enemy 80 strong were well dug-in on this steep
height isolated from all directions and there were no other heights nearby.
At ten o' clock during the day, Naike Mohender Singh, 11
years with the battalion and an experienced soldier, went with another naik
and silently crept into the enemy positions. Staying there for four hours
he heard them talk and after gauging their defences returned to his H.Q.
He then volunteered to take a section into the midst of the enemy.
The same evening one of their companies went round to sit
behind the nemy L of C next morning at the appointed time. Another company
was sent at four O Clock in the morning to approach the enemy position from
the north but still remained in hide till the signal was given to attack.
When O.K. was heard from both companies before half past six, the Naik and
his section slowly crept to the enemy position and lay in wait there.
Half an hour later, our company coming from the north
started a vigorous attack and the enemy opened fire. As soon as the enemy
opened fore the Naik and his section shouted 'Sat Sri Akhal' from the centre
of the enemy position itself followed by the same war-cry by the attacking
company. The enemy was confused, stopped fire and dispersed immediately
leaving the feature to us. We captured the position without any casualties
on our side While one Jap was killed besides many wounded. The enemy did
not retreat by his L of C: otherwise he would have had a worse fate. They
merely scattered themselves away.
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Imphal:26 June 44
Frontier
Story 23
Beating off four successive heavy enemy attacks in one night
a company of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles defending 4000 feet high
"Sausage" on the Imphal-Ukhrul Head have earned hearty congratulations
from the Corps Commander.
A company of them under A/Major James Braine Watson of
123, Bridge Road, East Molesey, Surrey, were defending this position
which lies nearly five miles to the north-east of Yaingangpokpi and
nearly 17 from Imphal.
The night of June 24/25 was a dark night when at about
seven-thirty in the evening the Japs put in their first attaack preceded
by heavy 4" mortar barrage and 75 mm guns. Two companies of the enemy
attacked our bunkers with LMGs, grenades and mortars to which we replied
with LMGs and mortars. Beaten back they withdrew ahout200 yards in all
suffering nearly 20 casualties.
In another three hours they attacked agian with the usual
barrage preceding but yelling and shouting like wild animal and mad men.
After quarter of an hour's fighting they were heaten back once again.
It was a pitch dark night and our men were fighting from
trenches half filled with rain water. Meanwhile they collected their dead
and after four hours they put in the third attack when a party of about
15 Japs broke into our perimeter through the wire. Two Japs were killed
near one of our mortar positions and three more who approached our company
H.Q. were shot down. The rest of the Japs fled.
Two hours later for the fourth time they attacked our
position and did not press it in strength because they had suffered
depletion in their numbers. In a fight lasting for about fifteen minutes
our troops rushed at them with tommy-guns and bayonets and inflicted heavy
caxxxxlities. They withdrew with a total of 110 casualties.
During this time another Jap company was digging in on the
north side of the hill only 75 yards away from our wire. During the day
there was heavy sniping and exchange of mortar. At ten in the morning
a couple of platoons of Japs crept into within 400 yards of our position
and started shelling us with mortar
Mani:Indian Army observer
Frontier page two
Page 24
ans started shelling us with mortars. Within ten minutes our guns were
ranged on them and knocked them off.
"Sausage" is a prominent feature with a bald patch on its
top and when I saw it there was quiet on its summit but beyond on its
northern slopes were the enemy were being greeted with our 25
pounders.
Subedar Abdul Rauf of village shadi Khel, Dt. Kohat, was
second in command during these attacks when he showed complete disregard
for his own personal safety and exposed himself to enemy fire as he went
round encouraging his men. "The Japs were like madmen", he said. "Their
behaviour looked like that -- one of them was clinging to one
of our Mortars with a tight hold whom I had to shoot down. Another
officer of their was running like a mad man all over the place whom
also I had to shoot down. Our men pre in good fighting spirit and the
enemy is no match for them".
These men look like real jungle inhabitants in their jungle
caps and this company has to its credit another heating that one of its
guerilla platoons gave to the Japs only about a fortnight ago at Thawai
five miles to the west of Yaingangpokpi when it attacked and inflicted
large casualties on a company of the enemy. Major Watson and Subddar
Abdul Rauf were leading the guerilla platoon.
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Imphal:27 June '44
Mules
Story 25
"Little Mule, Little man, little feet" is the song in a mule
company on the road to Tamu.
The little mule affectionately known as "China” escaped from
Burma and attached himself to a Naga pony and has never left him. He is
only about nine hands in height and both he and his inseparable were
caught by a muleteer in the thick jungles on the border of Burma. The
muleteer is only four feet in height but army boots do not have the
size to suit his little foot. All three can always be found together.
"China" is a kind of pet in the mule camp and roams as he likes
but always with the Naga pony. He doesn't work but a willing follower.
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Imphel:27 June '44
Mules
Story 26
Just returned from a 24-hour patrol in the mountains, Risaldar
Ghulam Mohideen, a Tiwana Punjabi Muslim of Mitha Tiwana, tehsil Khush
Ab, district Shahpur, and troop cammander in an Animal Transport Company
could only have a shave and a cup of tea before he went on another
errand carrying food and rations to our forward troops on the Tamu Road where he
was caught between our own fire and the enemy fire through an erring guide
but delivered the goods all the same without any loss either to themselve
or to the rations.
On the way with the rations from the supply point he and his
troop were lost in the jungle. The guide did not remember the way and
the destination was eight miles further away with the darkness fast setting
in. As it was a dense forest they decided to camp there for the night.
The guide was made prisoner for misleading. The Risaldas those for his camp a
nullah a little away from the jungle. When he has moved 15 yards
in the mullah, he saw cigarette sparks at a distance. Then he saw them
moving in the grass. Scenting that it was the enemy he decided to move
away from them with his precious cargo. As he was turning back the enemy
fired at his company with mortar, bren and other guns. Covering his
xxxx with bayonets in case of attack he proceeded further when he
found that his company was being fired at even from the front.
These were out own troops to whom he was carrying supplies but who mistook
him andhis men for the enemy because they ware coming from the
direction of the enemy positions.
Caught between two fires the Risaldar slowly extricated his
company away from the area of fire but ten mule loads of ration fell off
in The confusion. He delivered the rest of the rations to the unit and
went back to fetch the fallen rations which he collected and delivered to
another unit as per schedule.
On his way back he passed through the same mullah the next
Mani: Indian Army observer
Mules-page two
morning where he rescued two of his mules which had fallen into the nullah
the previous night. He found that the Japs had disappeared from there.
Risaldar Ghulam Mohideen has 25 years service and served in
the last war with the Baluch Horse(37 Lancers) in Persia, France and
Afghanistan andlater in Wazirstan with the 41 Camel(Government) Transport
Company. “He is amaxing”, says his C.O. “The animals knowhim very well and
he too understands them; otherwise he would not have risked to and
rescue the two fallen mules in the nullah”.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 2 July '44
Supremo
Story 27
In the course of a five hour tour of the Imphal
Front, the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia, visited
several Indian and British units.
Among other V.C.O.s and men presented to him were:
Subedar-Major Birbahadur Gurung, I.O.M., 5th.Gurkha Rifles,
Subedar-Major Mohd. Khan, O.B.I., 10th Baluch, Subedar-Major
such Ram, O.B.I., 12th. Frontier Force Regiment, Subedar-Major
Purna Rai, O.B.I., 10th. Gurkha Rifles.
He also visited the 5th.Indian Division whose
Dogras, Punjabis and Jats recently cleared the manipur Road
of the Japs from the Imphal side. The Supremo was appreciative
of the Medals on the chest of Subedar-Major (Hony. Lt.) Sirdar
Bahadur Badruddin, I.D.S.M.,O.B.I., 2nd. Punjab Regiment, of
village Kaslian, district Jhelum, Punjab, while shaking hands with him.
At every place he visited the Supreme Commander
told the officers and men that had thoroughly
earned the praise bestowed on them for their gallant show
during all the time Imphal was beseiged on land by the
enemy who attacking with three Divisions was repulsed
with heavy losses to himself.
ends
Mani: Indian
Army Observer
Imphal:5 July ‘44
Prices
sty2 28
Story 27
Within ten days of the opening of the Manipur
Road by Indian and British troops, goods for civilian
comforts have come down the road. The road has also
been opened for civilian traffic now.
The needs of the Manipuris are vary little. Cigarettes
are essential equally for men and women and they are
very often the token of friendship between our
troops and the local population. A cigareette tin is
commonly used as a measure here. One packet of cigarette
used to cost nearly two rupees during the time when
Imphal could be supplied by air only. Now it has come
down to six annas a packet.
Salt, another essential commodity, at one time was
being sold for 10 rupees per seer but now costs a little
less then four rupees. The prices of soap, oil and
vegetables have also become normal.
The Manipuri who has been quite cheerful during the
life and last few months now rejoices as normal is being gradually
restored in his land and the Japs are being driven away
from the frontiers of India.
It was a strange coincidence-- that as the road was
being opened by our gallant troops, at the same hour
the Maharajah of Manipur was leading his temple-gods
in a procession with the same chanting, sounds of concxxxxs
and cymbals as is seen round a Hindu festival in India.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal; 5 July '44
Monsoon 2
Story 29
Wading through waist-deep water Capt. S.V.Krxxxxhniah
I.A.M.C. of Kovvur, West Godavari district, S. India,
made his daily round of visits to patients’ beds in a
hosptial on the Imphal front when the space between the
different wards was flodded by the monsoon rains. recently
The next two days the water rose to about 15 feet
and he had to do it on assault boats and rafts built
with old petrol drums as floats. Meanwhile Anti-Malaria
unit of the hospital whose work of killing the mosquito
larvae had been taken over by the floods, got busy and built
a temporary bridge.
Serious cases for admission were brought in an
assault boats and discharge cases comfortably sailed on the
rafts. The hospital routine went on as usual during the
time the floods lasted -- immediate operations were carried out
on incoming patients were admitted, daily doses of medicine
and diet were not missed and they had their usually gramophone
records too.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:5 July ‘44
Trxxxx
Story 30.
Like a trout reaching out for its first xxxx
May-fly, Captain Leslie Clements, I.E.M.E., of 63 Bruntwick
Place, Hove, Brighton, was recently rocketed out of a tank
through the driver’s hatch-- none the worse for it and
with a smile over his strange experience.
Attached as L.A.D. to a cavaxxxxy unit, ho had gone
out to watch a battle near kanglatongbi. He was asking for
a job and quite suddenly he was led to rescue a tank banked
up in a nullah by the driver who had lost his direction.
When Capt. Clements was driving back the tank to
the rear, about 30 yards from the nullah he heard a terrific Reard
explosion and the next moment he saw himself flung out of
the tank.
The tank had run over a mine-- the only mine in
the area.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:18 July ‘44
Patiala
7 July ‘44
31
As early as April 1942 a battalion of the 1st.Patiala Regiment
came to the Manipur region of the Indo-Burma border and have been
toxxxxer here since then. They know intimately every part of this terrain upto and beyond
the Chinwin. They have traversed nearly 7000 miles across douse jungles
and marshy plains, both in the heat of summer, in the monsoon
rains and in the biting cold of the winter, clothes soaked in perspiration
and drenched in the torrential rains, leeches sticking to their
bodies and mosquitoes swarming around their faces and arms and for
nearly four months in a year their dry skins covered with bleeding
blisters.
They are the oldest battalion in the Patiala State and are
are known as “Rajendra Sikhs” after the name of the grandfather of
the present Maharajah. More than three centuries back a lady
of the name of Bibi Sahib led them victorious in battles. With
the British they have fought in the Gurkha war, in the Afghan War of
1878, in the Great War in Egypt, Gallipolli and palestine. In
the last battle against the Turks they were part of the brigade which
captured 14,000 Turks. Since 1940 they have been in Wazirstan and in
the Tappi, Ahmed Khel and Toda China operations.
For their conspicuous good work they earned congratulations
from their Corps Commander within six months of their arrival on this
front. Appreciating their soldierly be ring, turn-out, discipline and
physique as a model, their Divisional Commander wrote to them:” You
have met the enemy face to face and have inflicted on him casualties
greater than those Which you yourselves have suffered and in short you
have established over him that moral superiority which is so essential
in winning “battles”.
Their first job was quite a big one. As the Burma Army came out
they advanced into Burma under the most unfavourable conditions. It was
the peak of The monsoon and the Personal hardship was great aggxxxxrated by Uncertain
communications and continually reduced rations. Besides manning for
posts, they sent out constant patrols in involving long marches, crossing
of rivers in spate and sleeping in the damp jungle.
Mani: Indian Army Observer
page two Patials
About this time it was felt that a spectacular patrol
into Burma by our troops Was essential and the Patialas were
chosen to do it. Early in September 1942 they set out on a 361 mile-patrol
into Burma, proceeding south from Shenam via Hiangzaung, Kabaw Valley,
Yazagyo and coming back north via Manbi. With 88 Miles through virgin
jungle it took them only 21 days under the most typing weather conditions.
Their ten days emergency rations sufficed them for 16 days. Only four of
them went sick. They had no transport and carried their rations and
ammunition themselves.
The party avoided visiting villages as it was essential that
the enemy should not know of their movements. But at one place in the Chin
Hills a few boys had seen them and informed their elders. Anxious to see
that the villagers did not form the idea that a body of troops were moving
in their vicinity, the C.O. of the Patialas hit upon an Idea. He went
straight to the village headman, an ex-Chin Levy Jemadar, with only a few
others and pretending as a Survey Officer asked him for maps of the area
He even promised to repair the bad roads on behalf of the government.
During this time they met the Collector of the area Who sticking
to his post Was cut off from the rest of the world and helped him to
obtain supplies. Also they made a daring improvisation to cross rivers in
floods. Harnessing the force of the stream, they clung to a log timed to a
rope whose other end was fastened to a tree. and swing into the floods
from a bend on the bank further up the river.
Between April and November 1942 holding nearly 50 miles of the
front from Mintha and Minthami, they stood as a bulwark against the Jap
hordes advancing into India, and helped thousands of Indian refugees to get
across. After a few Months rest they advanced again, late in January 1943,
and taking up positions on the west bank of the Chindwin, made some daring
rids across the river. One of these was a raid on an important enemy base
by only one company. The Japs were fooled by demonstrations ten miles in
rear While this company secured this strong enemy military and civil
centre. The Japs left the toon without offering much resistance and Jap
ammunition, a V.C.O., POW left by the Japs in a hurry, Indian refugees,
Burmese nurses, Persians and Egyptian Jews were all sent under escort to
India. The Patialas went a further 30 miles east into Jap territory to
harass his communications before returning to the Chindwin leaving per
manent patrol bases two days’ march east of the river.
Mani: Indian Army Observer
page three Patialas
In the beginning of February 1943, this battalion played a notable
role in helping Wingate party to cross the Chindwin and when they
returned two months later they covered the party’s recrossing into India.
In order to release pressure on the party, the Patialas during the two
months attracted the enemy’s attention. After a small clash they occupied
the enemy's Kaungkasi HQ. Using deceptive tactics they played
blind man's bluff with nearly a combined force of about 1000 Japs with
the result that the enemy pressure on the main body of the returning
forces of Wingate was relieved.
Chindwin became the bout-club of these Sikhs who spent three months
on her banks. So cordial were their relations with the local population
that distant bazaars from across the river drifted to sell to the Patialas
Even civil affairs came to them for arbitration, one being a case of the
eternal triangle. The Sikhs in their turn visited the Buddhist Shrines
with flowers.
Once again they were chosen to help the Wingate forces. In March
1944, preparatory to Wingate’s air-borne invasion of Burma, the Patialas
made feint crossings of the Chindwin in force in order to draw the enemy
away from Wingate's landing ground 200 miles behind the Japs.
The rest of their story belongs to fecent months. First engagement
of the season waswhen they went in support of the tanks to a place
18 miles south of Tamu where they gave a good beating to the enemy. This
was in March and early in April, sent to cut the Jap LOC between Ukhrul
and the Kabaw Valley, they reached their destination without being seen
by the enemy and kept it cut for ten days so that the enemy as forced
to change his LOC. In the middle of May they were clearing enemy position
to the north and east of Shenam and harassing the Jap LOC. On one raid
a bridge and much a enemy MT were destroyed including many Jap Killed.
In the last week of May they captured an important hill feature
without much ado. One company went in to make a fake attack, another sat
on the enemy's LOC while a section crept into the heart of the enemy
and shouted 'Sat Sri Akhal'. Simultaneously the “attacking” company made
the same war-cry and wrought such confusion among the enemy that they
dispersed, leaving the feature.
I have seen the Patialas both on the field and Whi
Mani: Indian Army Observer
page four Patialas
they were at rest entertaining themselves in a Punjabi nautch-party—
some of the jawans dressing themselves as dancing-girls were throwing
away Kisses all around. They make one realise that India possesses such
fine types of fighting men and that the Indian Army, as in the Middle
East and Italy, is here also establishing a heroic name for itself in
the history of the war.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 7 July ‘44
Monsoon 2
Story 32
Moving in Waist-deep flooding water and the slush
and mud underneath catching his feet in tight holds, former
London University student Capt. Donald Bishop, Indian
Pioneer Corps, of 87, Mantilla Rd, Tooting London, SW 17, lent
a helping hand to Indian Pioneers as they were rolling petrol
drums across nearly 800 yards of paddy fields under water
in order to put then into lorries waiting on the road.
The monsoon rains had the flooded the petrol depot
and the surrounding area and the pioneers by this
effort of theirs almost under impossible conditions kept up the
supply of nearly 5000 gallons of petrol to our most forward
troops on the Imphal front.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:10 July ‘44
Ukhrul
33
Troops of the 33 Corps have cleared one
More road of the Japs-- the 44 miles long road from Imphal to Ukhrul in
the north-west. While the Kohima-Imphal Road was the supply road from
Indian to Manipur, the Ukhrul Road is one of the exits for the Japs from the
frontiers of India.
The Devons flanking to the west of the road and
proceeding north have contacted the KOSBI s who were coming south at
Lamu, the 33 mile-stone on the road from Imphal.
Uldhrul and the surrounding important features
are now in our hands. After a tough battle on the 8th., the 12th. Frontier
Force Regiment have occupied Chepu in which as nearly as 84 Japs were
killed and a number of POWs were captured. A battxxxxn inxxxx 11 Sixxxxhs who have been
honoured recently with a V.C. in the person of Naik Nand Singh, after
a vigorous march along the hills to the west of the Ukhrul Road during
which they killed manyhundreds of Japs, have occupied Shangshak on the
east side of the road. They cut across the road a few miles south of
UKhrul and proceeding via Lungshong reached Shangshak today. For quite
a long time they have been supplied by air.
Nearly as many as 300 Japs have now been trapped
to the west of the road.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:12 July ‘44
Silchar
Story 34
Indian and British troops of the 5th.Indian Division have
cleared the 130 mile-long “Silchar Track” from Imphal to Silchar. The track
is now clear of the Japs on either side.
Rajputs who fought well at Kohima, Punjabis and Dogras fresh
from their battles xxxx south-end of the Imphal-Kohima Road, fighting
alongside with equally famous British troops have cleared the “track” in less
than three weeks.
The Royal Engineers are sweeping the track for mines and
the track is being attended to make it suitable for
use in the monsoon.
To the Manipuri the track means much as it will bring him
plenty of his betel-nuts xxxx and fruits for winter. Once more coolies
will run in relays of 16 miles on it carrying the betel-nuts and
fruits in baskets swung on their backs. Originally only a bridal path
the Army Engineers have made it a xxxxeepable track and probably in the
future a pucca metal road. Besides other things the Army has definitely
improved the road-communications from these plains surrounded by high hills
and dense forests.
Since the opening of the vital Imphal-Kohima Road, operations
on this front have been at an accelerated pace. Within three weeks
the roads to Ukhrul has been cleared closely followed by the clearance of
Japs on the Silchar track. Of late it has been noticed that the Japs have
walked out of important positions without offering even a shadow of
resistance inspite of the apologetic Orders of the Day of their
commanders bidding them to capture Imphal. The famished, starved and
stricken Jap knows that their hopes will prove futile and
none better than a wild goose chase. There are also indications that
his mind is afflicted by the doubt that he will never be able to recross
the Chindwin to reach his dear ones at home. But our
swift steam-roller movers and will move on till the last Jap on Indian
soil is mowed down. What surprises the 4th, Army have during the coming
weeks for the xxxx is well worth watching xxxx.
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:13 July ‘44
Sowar
35
Wounded mortally and with both his legs broken, Driver No.4558
Sowar Sher Zeman of an Indian Tank Brigade and of village Mitial, Cambellpore
district, displayed a very high standard of courage and fortitude
when in a dying condition he assisted the crew with covering fire in their
efforts to preserve the tank from total destruction.
In the middle of April on the Ukhrul Road his tank came under
heavy mortar and small arms fire from the enemy which blew off a track of
the tank and also wounded him. Both his legs badly broken by a heavy
mortar which came through the plate right above his knee.
The rest of the crew evacuated the tank and put cut the flames
with the small fire extinguisher and earth. During this time Sher zaman
inspite of his desperate condition and unaided provided covering fire
for them. With both his legs in a broken conditions how he managed to
fire two bursts from the 37 mm and several from the Co-ax Browning is
still a wonder to the crew.
After the fire had been put the enemy fire became intense
and the crew were compelled to take cover in a nullah. Meanwhile Sher
Zaman climbed out of the tank and expired on the ground near his tank a
a few minutes later.
To save one’s tank is one of the highest codes of
honour in any tank regiment and Sher Zaman even while dying
saved his tank. His gallantry augurs well for the future of the first
Indian Tank Brigade to go into action.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:13 July ‘44
Tanks
36
Unable to extricate itself from a steep sided and blind nullah
into which the tank had fallen, its crew were rescued by a Senior Risaldar. its troop leader.
In the middle of May near Kanglatoingbi which moving in support
of the Infantry, owing to the denseness of the jungle the tank troop on the
left became separated from the accompanying infantry. The right
hand tank of this troop plying its way through the jungle fell into a
blind and steep sided nullah from which it was unable to extricate itself.
The commander of this fallen tank signaled to his troop leader
on the wireless saying that his tank was out of action. The troop leader
asked him to give his position. But this was diffcult owing to the sameness
of the jungle and the lack of landmarks. The troop leader
ordering his remaining tank (a troop consists of three
including the leader) to cover him, wont forward to locate the stuck tank.
Owing to enemy snipers and enemy LMG fire, the crew of the stuck tank were
unable to bale out.
However, the troop leader directed by wireless and very lights
reached within 50 yards of the tank in distress. After nearly four hours
stay the commander of the stuck tank sent out his gunner to contact the
troop leader in the manner of Noah sending out a pigeon from the Arc.
After locating the troop leader the gunner came back to show the rest of
the crew the route. Having disabled the tank and the guns, the
Noah and his crew assisted by the pigeon made a dash for the Risaldar
and got into his tank without any mishap
They returned to the base under cover of the same third tank
who while returning had the pleasure of seeing a Jap sniper fall out of a tree with the
‘tap’ of a cocoanut when one of its Browning gave a burst.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 17 July ‘44
Stones
37
After losing 18 of their men when their stock of
grenades and rounds of ammunition were exhausted, the Japs
began to throw mud and stones on a company of the
1st.Punjab Regiment who drove them out of an important
ridge south of the Silcher track and captured it.
Nearly 3700 feet in altitude, this
bare ridge is about three miles to the south-west of Bishenpur
and overlooking the surrounding country.
The Japs had dug themselves in on its rear slopes.
Preceded by an artillery barrage, one section of our company
climbed up and finding the sentry-post empty occupied it.
Then the enemy opened fire but within a short time his
stones of grenades and rounds of ammunition were exhausted
and 18 of his men were killed. In utter despair, he started
throwing stones and mud at our Punjabis who rushed up and
captured the ridge. About 10 of the enemy who attempted to
break away down south through a nullah were wounded by our
fire.
One Jap LMG and one gren discharger
were captured. The Punjabis did not suffer any casualties.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:21 July ‘44
Scuffle
38
Ahead of his men in a bayonet charge on a strongly-held enemy
position, Jemadar Sattar Khan, 12 F.F.R., of village Shakrdhara, district
Kohat, N.W.F.P., engaged a Jap officer in a hand-to-hand scuffle and while
on the point of vanquishing him was mortally wounded by a grendde with
which the Jap Officer killed himself.
It was a misty day when a company of the 12th F.F.R. led a bayonet-charge
on a steep and barren hill north-west of Bishenpur. Though there
was our artillery barrage prior to that, because of the poor visibility
our attack completely surprised the enemy, who strongly entrenched
on its crest and further slopes.
When our company was quite close the enemy started firing their
mortars and shells. But this undaunted Jemadar went ahead of the company
and was the first to reach the crest where he graffled a Jap officer who
unable to rescue himself from the hold of the V.C.O. threw one of his own
grenades at himself which killed both of them. Only two weeks earlier
Jemadar Sattar Khan while on patrol had Killed 12 Japs and captured
one enemy LMG.
The Japs lost the position but counter-attacked the same night
when they came within three yards of our forward line on the crest but
were driven off by our grenades. 32 Jap dead were counted in the morning.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:21 July ‘44
Grass
39
Eating grass from his mess tin which was filled with it,
a famished, starving and sick Jap would not surrender himself and he had
to be killed when recently near Sokpau nearly 300 Japs faced annihilation
from our men of the 13th.Frontier Force Rifles and 10th.Gurkha Rifles
who had surrounded them.
This Jap soldier was disturbed while eating his
grass-lunch by Havildar Baggi Ram, 13th.Frontier Force Rifles, of village
Chadial, tehsil Palanpur, district Kangra. He was asked to surrender and
he replied with a grenade wounded himself. The Havildar advanced
but the Jap threw another grenade at him which Baggi Ram dodged. Now a
mortal stab from the bayonet of the Havildar was the end of the Jap.
During the last eight months not a single day has passed
without this battalion of the 13th.Frontier Force Rifles
contacting the enemy either by patrol or by attack.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Palel:28 July ‘44
Mahratta
40
Advancing to within twenty yards of a Jap officer, Naik
Lakshman Shinde, 5th.Mahrattas of Ratnagiri district, Bombay
Presidency, had a good measure of him with his Mahratta quickness
and gave him a burst with his LMG which blew
to pieces the Jap officer who was holding up our advance by throwing
grenades at our troops from a height. He also silenced two enemy
LMGs which firing down a spur were harassing our men.
Early in July, this N.C.O’s platoon was held up within 100
yards of its objective at Kumbi (four miles east of Palel) by heavy
fire from two enemy LMGs firing down the spur up which the Mahrattas
were advancing. Our advance was also held up by a Jap officer
throwing grenades down the spur. Naik Lakshman Shinde’s platoon
suffered several casualties including the Nos.1 & 2 of the bren gun.
At this critical moment, this Mahratta naik on his own personal
initiative showed complete indifference to danger as he
advanced at the head of his section slinging his TG and picking up
his LMG. He crept round to a flank and getting to within 20 yards
of the enemy LMGs, knocked them both out and killed the Jap officer.
His prompt and quick action enabled his platoon to advance and
Capture the objective.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Palel:28 July ‘44
Madrasis
41
How a reccee patrol of the 3rd.Madras Regiment successfully
attacked a Jap party more than twice on its strength near the
27 m.s. on the Ukhrul Road in the middle of July was narrated to me
by Naik Kuttiya Pillai of Oomarikottai village, Tinnevelly district,
Madras Province. Out of the Jap party of 25, 10 were killed besides
many more wounded and important identifications in addition to two
swords belonging to Jap officers swords were obtained.
Forcing their way through thick jungle and sealing
steep hills on hands knees, the patrol first sighted two of
the enemy on a jungle path. Fire was opened on them but the Japs
managed to escape into the jungle. The patrol followed them and
their leading man Naik Kuttiya Pillai saw a party of 25 Japs
hiding in a nullah nearby. Deciding to attack they closed in on the
enemy from all around. Within a few minutes the Japs bolted
leaving atleast ten dead.
Havildar Ravunni Nayar of Edakkulam, Ponnani Taluk,
South Malabar, elimbed down the nullah to make sure that all the
enemy were dead. But a Jap officer who was there threw a grenade
at him but the Havildar escaped and the grenade burst close to
the Jap officer himself and killed him.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Road to Tamu:31 July ‘44
Indian Troops
42
As Patialas, Punjabis, Mahrattas and Rajputs push along
the road to Tamu the Japs are fleeing in great hurry into the
yawning mouth of the Valley of Death-- the Kabaw Valley.
Our troops are fighting under the most difficult conditions
The roads are rivers of mud, their way lies through jungles of steep
ravines and swift-flowing nullahs. The rain beats constantly and thick
mists envelop the surroundings. Frequent landslides suddenly appear
their For some days most of them had no time to rest and
have been sleeping as they stood in the knee-deep slush.
All along the road to Tamu one can see signs of the hurried
exit of the Japs. Paddy is growing on their rice-bags which they have left
behind. Ammunition, rations, staff-cars, trucks and pack-saddles are lying
all along the road inviting every souvenit enthusiast.
The Patialas flanking to the north-east of the road and the
Mahrattas fighting all the way from Sita in the jungles to the east of the road met at Lokohao
Bridge on the 73 m.s. The Patialas “boxed” the enemy near Chimol and want
to the rear of his gun positions and forward troops without his knowledge
and completely surprised him at Ralph Hill. The Japs knew of their presence
only when they were 250 yards near and opened fire. Out troops had no
supporting arms nor mortars. Our wireless went out of order and bugles were
used for communication and our foremost company commander sounded two Gs
as soon as he had taken Ralph Hill. At the end of the battle the Patialas
counted 83 Jap dead (the enemy was 200 strong) and four prisoners were
taken besides a dozen MT, lots of wireless equipment, maps and documents.
Part of the booty was a ribbon of the Order of the Rising Sun belonging to
a Jap general who seems to have left his kit behind in a hurry. Since the
postion we had taken overlooked their guns the enemy was anxious to pull
out and one platoon of the Patialas were sent forward to put a road-block
on their retreat. This platoon caught the enemy battery escorted by a
company withdrawing hastily. which they shot at effectively. Two medium guns
and one anti-tank gun were captured from the enemy who also left behind in
a hurry vital parts of several other guns.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
On the road to Tamu
July 31. '44
Jeep
43
Feeding our troops pushing the Japs to Tamu is one of the
oldest GPT companies in this area. This RIASC unit carries rations,
petrol and ammunition to our most forward troops along the Tamu Road
with its hair-pin bends, steep slopes and muddy and slushy pits. One
false turn will send a vehicle down the deep valleys with dense forests
to escape from which will be a dire struggle with death.
They have been on the road night and day for the last 14
days with an average of nearly 130 vehicles a day which include three
tonnera,15 owts and jeeps. Mines are the night-mare of drivers on
this road and the feeding tracks.
Recently Sepoy Mahmud Khan of village Kheda Afghani, district
Shahranpur, a jeep-driver in this company was running his jeep-ambulance
down the Sita track with two seriously-wounded and four
sitting cacualties when his jeep was blown up by a land-mine left by
the retreating Japs. Under enemy sniping, this sepoy driver took the
caualties under cover and placing them under the protection of muleteer
ran three miles and fetched another ambulance by which he cleared the
casualties. By his courage, promptness and quick action he had saved the
lives of the seriously wounded casualties.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Palel: 28 July ‘44
Madrasis
44
Describing it as a stout performance the O.C. of a
battalion of the 3rd.Madras Regiment related to me how a three
man patrol of Madrasis dispersed a party of 15 Japs killing two
of them. xxxx the dense jungles to the north of Imphal.
Lance-Naik Krishna Reddy of Kanipakkapatnam village,
Chittoor district, Madras Province, while leading the two other
men along a jungle-path heard some noise behind and on
turning back noticed a party of 15 Japs of whom one was in the
act of throwing a grenade. The grenade burst wounded
the N.C.O. and another slightly but undeterred the N.C.O. gave
the Japs of well-aimed burst from his TG killing two of the enemy
and making the rest flee.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
On the road to Tamu
July 31.1944
Landslide
45
Working all night an Indian Recovery Company on the Tamu
Road transported down a gradient of one over two a battery of 25 pounders and two
mediums along with their towing vehicles. These guns were necessary immediately
to pound the retreating Japs fighting a rearguard action and the
regular road at this point had become unfit due to the heaviest landslide
known on this road in recent years.
The battery took them eight hours and the mediums another
three hours. The carrier of the first gun “skidded” on the muddy slope
and somersaulted but landed safely on its feet 250 yards below.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:4 August ‘44
Rawley
46
Commanding a battalion of the 12th.Frontier Force Regiment in action on
the Imphal front, Lt.Col. Navin Chandra Rawley M.C., is the first Indian
volunteer to command a battalion of the Indian Army on the field. Only
24 years old, he left his studies at St.Xavier’s College, Bombay, in May
1941 to take up a commission.
Lt. Col. Rawley won his M.C. in the siege of Kohima when as
a malarial patient in the hospital he found himself suddenly forced due
to the emergency to assume command of a mixed force of suppers, transport
personnel and B.O.R.s. This was his first command and won him the
M.C.
From Murree, Rawalpindi district, his father is Dr.
Ratan Chander Rawley, a former Director of Industries of the Punjab
Government and Kashmir. Lt.Col. Rawley had his early education in the
Bishop Cotton School, Simla.
”My happiest days were when we were on the banks of the
Chindwin”, he told me. “I was then leading my company in patrols to 30 miles
behind the forward posts of the Japs across the rive”.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:5 August ‘44
Signallers
47
Two Madrasi signallers operating with a battalion of Mahrattas
displayed a high standard of personal courage and devotion to duty when
their position came under very heavy fire from the enemy recently in the thick
jungles to the east of Msxxxx the Tamu Road.
Sig.P.Mathew of Naidupalayam, xxxxellore district, and Sig. C.Yakub
of Thirikattiyeri, South Malabar, both of the Indian Signal Corps, were working
with this battalion on the 26th.July when the Japs put in an attack on our
position. Their wireless equipment came under very heavy direct machine-gun
fire from the Japs and some part of it were damaged too. With characteristic
coolness both the signallers maintained communication with the bridge HQ
for the entire five hours during which the attack lasted.
”They have shown similar courage and outstanding efficiency
on previous occasions too”, said the C.O. of the Mahratta battalion to me.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:5 August ‘44
Sapper
48
Jemadar Uday Prakash Misra of Hasangunj, Lucknow,
and of the Bengal Sappers and Miners displayed complete indifference to
enemy fire and with great coolness and calm carried out his task of laying a
road-block with mines and tar barrels on the Jap LOC on Tamu Road.
On 26 July at M.S.61 Jemadar Misra’s Indian Field Company
were engaged in the teak of establishing a road-block with mines and tar
barrels when they came under enemy fire. Though wounded twice this Jemadar
would not go back without finishing his job.
When he had gone a little to the rear and turned back to
have a look, he was completely satisfied as he saw his mines blowing
up two enemy vehicles.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:5 August ‘44
Pathans
49
Rallying his men when his company commander as well as the
company officer were killed, Subedar Kagir Khan, a Pathan Khatak Sagai of
village Girdi, district Cambellpore, bayoneted his way through the enemy
and recovered the crest of a hill overlooking Jap positions at Chepu to the
west of the 28 M.S. on the Ukhrul Road.
On 8th. July a battalion of the 12th.Frontier Force Regiment
were holding this crest when they were heavily attacked by a superior force
of the enemy. When his company commander as well as the other officer were
killed, knowing it was essential to recover the crest, this V.C.O. rallying
his company led them in a bayonet charge up the slopes of the hill which
lasted for 20 minutes. Shouting “Pathanonki Bachho” and yelling the Pathan’s
war cry: ”Maro Nara Haideri Yah Ali. Nara Takhxxxxir”, he made a spectacular
pierce through the enemy which so completely astounded them that they
dispersed after heavy losses leaving the crest to Subedar Kagir Khan.
The whole battle lasted rearly 36 hours in which this
battalion proved itself much superior to the enemy.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:5 August ‘44
Pathans
50
Thrice wounded and with only six men left in his platoon, a
young Pathan officer would not allow himself to be evacuated till he had
captured the objective.
Lt.Amir Mohd.Khan. 12th.Frontier Force Regiment, of village
Teri, district Kohat, was a platoon commander in a company
which was asked to attack an important village occupied by the enemy near
Burri Bazzaar. It was during the last week of May when the enemy was very
near to the heart of Imphal. This enemy village overlooked our LOC.
Early in the attack owing to very heavy enemy fire, his
company was held up and company commander was wounded. He took over
and was wounded immediately. As the rest of the company was held up he
took forward one platoon which suffered heavily and reached his objective
with only six men by which time he was wounded twice again. He would not
allow himself to be evacuated till he had established the position and
allowed more of our troops to pass ahead of the position.
Earlier he had laid two successful ambushed on the enemy LOC
near Phalbung to the east of the Tamu Road. Taking a platoon of Pathans, on
the first occasion he damaged two enemy MTs and inflicted casualties
without loss to themselves had on the second occasion,which was a week later,
he killed two Jap officers and 27 other also with no loss to themselves
this time also.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:5th.August ‘44
Pathans
51
Sepoy Gharibullah, 12th.Frontier Force Regiment,
an Yusuf Zai of Lahore, district Mardan, held a two-section front
himself during the heavy fighting at Chepu when all the rest were either
killed or wounded. Firing from the hip with his bren, he was standing in the
tall grass in full view of the enemy and maintained fire even though he was
wounded wounded. By his action he had held the left flank of our advance.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal:7 Aug ‘44
Daring
52
Carrying out a daring daylight reccee right in the heart
of enemy positions, a naik of the 12th.Frontier Force Regiment brought
back valuable information regarding enemy dispositions which enabled
us to capture the village of Sirukhong in the Iril Valley in the middle
of June.
Naik Dilbarar Singh, a Jat Sikh of village Kaleke, Patiala
State, sent forward to reccee the village in daytime and seeing
that he could not take the whole of his section, crept forward alone
past the enemy sentries and forward posts. On reaching a church with
stealthy steps, he slowly opened a window and found inside a party
of about 30 Japs gossiping over their cups of tea. The famished Japs
could not see the fresh light entering their room but they certainly
saw the two grenades coming for them which Naik Dilbarar Singh had
quietly dropped in their midst.
The Sikh N.C.O. did not wait to see the result but ran
back unobserved with very notified information regarding evening
dispositions which proved valuable in the successful attack
that to haved immediately.
ends
Main: Indian Army Operator
Imphal: 7 th Aug '44
Duty
With a high sense of duty, a Dogra Rajput sepoy through wounded
seriously would not go to the RAP
to be had carried ammunition to the
frontline troops when he was evacuated owing to the loss of blood. As
soon as he had recovered he made hot tea and carrying it also under fire to
the forward troops moved in the area serving the tea.
Sepoy Dhinaram, a Dogra Rajput of village Ladha, district Udha
mpur, Punjab, when his platoon of the 12th. Frontier Force Regiment was
heavily attacked by the enemy at Chepu early in July, noticing a Jap LMG
causing heavy casualties and holding our advance, rushed at it
and form a distance of 20 yards charged with his own LMG which killed
the crew of the enemy LMG and silenced it. While coming back to saw an
enemy sniper on a tree and gave him a burst which killed him but at he
same time the sepoy was also wounded seriously by the sniper's bullet.
On coming back he found that the platoon had run short of
ammunition and made three trips under very heavy enemy fire carry
Mani: Indian Observer
Duty-Page 2
ammunition to his platoon. Then he was forced to go the RAF for attention
owing to loss of blood.
This restless sepoy when be had recovered a bit met about
making tea for the while platoon and under heavy fire from the enemy
took forwarded not tea to his occuxxxxeds in the frontline.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 1 Aug '44 (delayed for addresser)
Rout
55
Expediting the Jap withdrawl from the TENGNOOPAL Ridge
and converting his retreat into a rout, the capture of a prominent hill
to the east of Sibong, know as Battle Hill, by a battalion of the 6th.
Rajputana Rifles enabled us to have a grand-stand view of the
retreating Japa on their LOC. The Rajputs singing and shouting made merry
here as they sent MAG bursts on the lap LOC. In this battle and from the
attack on Lone Tree Hill near Shenam, the Rajrifs have been commanded by
Lt. Col. Dinesh Chandra Misra of Agra and a graduate of the Indian Military
Academy.
The 28th of July was a rainy day and very misty too. The
Japs, fresh troops, about two companies strong, were entrenched on the
forward slopes of the knife-edged ridge up which the Rajputs had to had to
make a frontal attack. Air support could not be had owing to the
heavy mist and due to the near proximity of our own troops. Jap LMGs
and MMGs along the ridge formed a for midable bastion. The
Japs here were the lay-back of the main enemy forces who were retreaty
as fast as they could on discovering that their line of withdrawal was
threatened by the troops of the 23rd. Indian Division.
In front of the main objective was a small pimple which
it wasnecessary to get first and which could be used as a base for an
attack up the hill. At midday with artillery support a company of
Rajrifs under Major John Maclean, originally of the Argyll Southern
Highlanders and a grandson of the Chief of the Maclean Ulan (the
Major was formerly at Ballechin House, Ballinluig, Perthashire,
Scotland) led tm attack. Immediately their was heavy unexpected MMG
fire from the Japs in the pimple and all the machine guns on the hill
also were firing at this company. Realising that the only means of
secuting the pimple was to rush it, Major Maclean at the head of his
computer made a dash for the position with bayonets, grenades and light
automatics. Fighting across the thick bamboo jungle, merely by daxxxxh
and courage Major Maclean captured the pimple. The Japs
on this pimple dispersed leaving behind their ammunition. LMGs and
and MMGs. 11 Japs were killed besides many more wounded. Consolidating
the crest of the pimple, this Highland Major held it against
very heavy counter-attacks. The Japs were only 30 yards away on txxxxo
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Rout-page two
further slopes of the pimple
Meanwhile some of the enemy had gradually got
behind the pimple and cut of our communication with the battalion HQ.
On finding that the two companies which he had sent on either side of
the track to the pimple could not progress very far owing to the heavy
enemy fire, the C.O. of the battalion, It. Col. Misra, with only one
company rushed to the rescue of Mxxxxr Maclean. He cleared the 250 yards
of the way fighting on either side and his prompt action raised the
morale of our troops. On reaching the pimple he established a defensive
box there and returned to the battalion HQ. In this fighting the C.O.
was slightly wounded on the ear and his orderly killed from a burst
from an enemy MMG.
The enemy on either side shed into the nullahs and the
pimple was made secure by Major Maclean. Since it was past dusk already
the attack on the main feature was called off till next day when at
about the same hour with heavier artillery support, which I saw going
off in great strength almost shaking the entire ground, from the pimple
the Rajputs put in their attack. There was not much of heavy opposition
as the enemy was demoralised. Shouting 'Jai's, Rajputs climbed to the
top and opened up their MMGs on the retreating Japs. Though many more
were killed only 37 Jap bodied could be found in the pell-mell. The
Japs ran in panic as we had cut off his LOC.
Now commenced the grand-stand shooting. Singing and
shouting merrily, the Rajputs vied with each other as they gave MMG
bursts on the retreating Japs on the road below. "This
battle was the climax to our campaigning for more than two years in
these wild jungles, high and death valleys", said Lt. Col. Misra
to me after the battle. "And my men have never enjoyed themselves so
much as when they stood on this grand-stand and mocked the
retreating Japs".
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 7 Aug '44
Sacrifice
Sacrificing his life in a spirited bayonet charge
on the enemy strong position at Lone Tree Hill, Subedar Sardar Khan
of the 6th, Rajputana Rifles set the pace few our advance on the road
to Tamu.
The Japs about two companies in strength coming right
behind our positions at Shenam had established themselves on this hill
about four miles to the west which was overlooking our LOC from Palel.
For our advance up the road it was imperative that the Japs should be
ousted from this hill and "Scraggy", This hill warn the Rajputs' cake
and the otherone the Gurkhas'.
At dusk on the 23rd. July the Rajputs put in their attack on
this densely covered hill with two platoons. The Japs were on the
crest of the hill and its further slopes. As usual the enemy had entrenched
himself strongly and our troops had to second the hill while
fighting. Hill-climbing is not easy in these parts as the whole earth
becomes slippery Owing to the incessant rains. But our men fight with
one great determination and a high sense of duty. Owing to the ascent
the battle always starts by our making a dashing rush at the enemy
positions.
At this tense moment the same feeling creeps into one's mind
as that of a youth learning to swim when he looks at a deep well into
which he is asked to jump without thinking. It is at this moment that
the great traditional valour and honour of an Indian soldier
gets mastery over his mind and he makes a gallant dash. I have often
seen an India soldier at this tense moment and every one of them
crossed the Rubicon leaving everything except his duty in the hands of
Fate and that is what accounts for his bravery. I cannot but admire
their philosophy which is most stilted to the battlefield and is
a very essential element in the winning of any war. Hesitation has not
play on his mind if everyone of his countrymen should only watch
an Indian soldier going into action, he will no doubt cherish the
ideals which an Indian soldier symbolises in the war of today.
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Sacrifice Page 2
Subedar Sardar Khan, whom I saw making the attack, was a
typical Indian soldier. Throwing grenades in front, he led his man in
a bayonet charge against the enemy who was only 30 yards ahead. I saw
the grenades bursting among the Japs who replied with heavy small arms
fire, grenades and cup dischargers. But nothing would stop this undaunting,
V.C.O. He had climbed the crest and was proceeding to the
slopes shouting the battle cry of the Rajputs when an enemy grenade
struck him and billed him. By his courageous and brave action he had
paved the way for our advance and had enabled the platoons to
drive the Japs out of this hill and tae entire feature. The Jap dead
that could be traced amounted to more than 150 and army more of the
enemy were wounded. Large quantities of valuable equipment
were captured. Since its capture the hill has been know as the Rajput
Hill.
Subedar Sardar Khan was a Punjabi Mussalman Chib Rajput of village
Bharot, district Gujrat, Punjab.
ends
Main: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 10 Aug '44
Governor
57
In honour of the visit of His Excellency Sir Andrew Clow,
Governor of Assam and Lady Clow, His Highness the
Maharajah of Manipur gave a dance-party in the Durbar Hall at his palace
in Imphal at the evening of Anpxxxx. Officers from both the services, the Army and the Air Force
were present in addition to State officials and members of the Durbar.
This was His Excellency xxxxs first visit to Manipur lance
troops.
Manipur the home of a great dance tradition though battle-scarred
retains its festive atmosphere and its people have borne
cheerfully the conditions brought about by the fighting on their soil.
Our troops have always been friendly to them and they in turn have not
only been admiring the gallantry of the Indian Army but have endeavoured
with the means at their disposal to make the troops comfortable during
their stay here. They have willingly vacated their homes for us to stay in,
Main: Indian Army Observer
Governor – page two
have kept us supplied with fresh milk for use in our hospitals and have grown
the maximum produce of vegetables and poultry for our consumption. This
war-effort on their part has not been without a certain mount of sacrifice of
their needs and comforts.
Though I have not seen a single beggar in the whole of
this State, Curiously the dance programme commenced with a beggars dance followed by
a slow
a slow moving Naga dance and several others including one by
a youth with & plate of fire in each hand. Pishak and little
Bimla were the dancing girl both of whom did ample justice
to the tradition, Bimla, very your yet, may soon be an art-ambassador
to the world from Manipur.
ends
Main: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 12 Aug '44
Scraggy
58
Butting monsoon clouds is and mist surround the 5000 feet
high "Scraggy" which has been the bone of contention for several
months till July 24 when a battalion of the 10th. Gurkha Regiment
captured it after a heavy grenade battle lasting for nearly four
hours. This opened our line of communication to the forward troops
of the 23rd. Indian Division who had we reached Tengnuopal and Sibong
encircling the forward troops of the enemy.
"Scraggy" along with "Gibraltar" and "Malta" are hills
in a bee-line to the east of mountain-village of Shenma on the Palel-Tamu
Road which meet the Tengnuopal ridge at right angles. Shenam is the
crowning glory of an ascent over mountains and the road to it twines
in hair-pin bonds every 200 yards and one false turn will send one's
vehicle down the deep valleys below. The country is beautiful and abounds in
deer and gibbons. With an rainfall of nearly 200 inches, these
regions are converted in the monsoon into slow-moving rivers of
ankle-deep slimy mud. The clouds and mist appear intermittently
Main: Indian Army Observer
Scraggy-page two
and a thin rain beats sharply down your face, when the cascades of
rains cease for a rest.
The Japs were entrenched on the farther side of Scnaggy
from whose top one could command a complete view of the entire topography
to the east. Till this attack our troops were carrying out
raids and offensive patrols on the Jap positions. Our object was to
kill as many Japs and secure information regarding their positions.
On one such patrol by a section of a battalion of the 5th. Gurkha
Regiment, bursting with grenades into a party of 40 Japs the Gurkhas
killed nearly ten of the enemy and returned with, useful information
about enemy defences and no casualties. Naik Narbahadur Gurung and
Naik Mahbhir Pun leaving an LMG behind to attract enemy fire, on a
dark night crept upto the skyline and behind the Jap sentry posts.
Moving further they heard snores from a bunker and slowly making
a hole on the bunker, they dropped two grenades through it. As cries
of pain and terror rent the air, one Jap who ran out of the bunker
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Seaggy-page three
was hit by a grenade. In the confusion more Japs came out and they
were all hit as they ran into the slit trenches where the Naiks had
thrown two more grenades. Having hit two bunkers by now and flinging
the last grenade at the enemy, they collected the rest of the patrol
and returned to the west side of Scraggy (our side).
Right from the middle of May not a day passed
without a raid from either side. Exchange of grenades broke the lull
between raids and patrols and the wiring had to ho done during the
short intervals between grenading.
Early dawn on July 24, the 10th. Gurkhas put in their
attack with artillery support and scraggy was held by nearly a company
of the enemy who had been reinforce with fresh troops only the
previous night. Grenading their way through, the Gurkhas used nearly
4000 grenades. The enemy gave tough opposition and had mined his entire
surroundings. Each Gurkha was carrying nearly ten to 20 grenades with
him. In pouring rain and slushy mud the battle swayed to and fro fro
nearly four hours at the end of which the Japs withdrew leaving 48 dead
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Soaggy-page four
and two alive who were made prisoners. Many
of the fleeing Japs were trapped and killed by a battalion of the
5th. Gurkhes who caught them between two of their companies down the
road.
Indicative of the last fierce battle on Scraggy are the
actions of Naik Ajirath Rai and Rfn. Shyamdal Rai both of the 10th,
Gurkhas and of East Nepal. NK. Ajirath Rai, section commander of a
platoon attacking the hill from one side, when his section was held
up by fire from a large bunker taking one man with him went forward
and leaning over the top of the bunker threw into it three grenades.
As he could still hear the enemy inside, he swung into the entrance
and was met by Jap with an LMG. Seizing the LMG with one hand
he shot the Jap wing the other. His platoon suffered heavy
casualties and along with another were the only NCOs left. Taking command
of the platoon, he charged to the crest of the hill and were fired
on from a bunker they had passed. going upto the bunker alone with
a home made flame thrower he
Main:India Army observer
Soraggy-page five
inserted into the entrance. Three Japs who ran out were dealt
with.
Rfn. Shyam dal Rai finding his platoon held up crawled
forward with his haversack full of grenades. With complete disregard
to his own safety, he in turn stalked five different enemy bunkers
and throwing grenades into them enabled his platoon to attack and
capture the objective. "It was like distributing fruits from a
basket"
remarked one of his officers to me. Perhaps seeling pea-nuts to the Japs!
What remained on Scraggy after the battle were stinking
dead bodies of the enemy, large quantities of ammunition and weapons,
rations and equipment and records. containing valuable information.
Screggy itself was bald most of its trees having been razed to
the ground and big bomb-craters and pot-holes yawned out in the
pouring rain.
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 8 Aug '44
Pathan Cook
56
Deserting the kitchen-fire, a young Pathan cook in a battalion
of the 6th.Rajputana Rifles would not rest with the fighting blood in
his veins linchpin and went to have a crack at the Japs in the battle on
Lone Tree Hill.
Mohamed Sharif, a Pathan of Dheri Kahal, district Hazara,
NWFP, was restless while this attack was on and left the bread burning
on the fire. His C.O. whom he asked for permission to go and fight
declined. On the sly he and another orderly securing rifles and
ammunition went to the crest of the hill and joined the fighting.
Meanwhhile their absence was noticed at the HQ and they were given up
for missing but to everyone's surprise he returned a few hours later
and alone (the other having been killed) carrying a Jap ammunition pouch. Next morning also he whipped
off without permission when the whole area was infested with enemy
snipers and brought back a 11 inches long Jap bayonet which proudly
displaying to me he remarked:" After all I am born fighter. I am
Mani:Indian Army Observe
Pathan Cook-page two
always restless when my battalion is fighting and I would like to
fight instead of cooking." His C.O. quickly replied:" We cannot afford
to lose a good cook like you". I also concurred with half a morsel of
chappati and curry in my mouth and now Mohamed Sharif has compromised
between cooking and fighting.
This battalion is proud of its fighting followers.
Two office runners, and two of O.C.'s bodyguard --- all
Rajputs--- had also drifted away armed to fight.
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observe
Imphal:16 Aug '44
Baxxxxtery
Punjabi gunners on the palel front carrying across 15 miles of
different terrain their battery of 25-pounders were in time on top of the
5600 feet high "Hambone" on D-day to fire on the reverse slopes of shenam
where the enemy had xxxx himself. This feat earned for them commendation
from their Divisional Commandar.
With a load equal to that of nearly 250 jeeps they had to climb
stoop hills in pouring rain. In some places the slush was
so deep that even jeeps would not move and had to be pulled in batches of
four with weuches fixed on Dodges manhandled into positions. After the
first five miles even this became impossible and two bulldoners had to be
harnessed. At one incline the two bulldozers required 60 more men
to pull one gun up.
Firing 300 rounds on the enemy, the Punjabi gunners
softened the ground for our Gurkhas to advance and capture the position.
Artificer Staff Seargeant Digby whose home is in Karachi
rescued a gun which had fallen into the cud down an incline of nearly
90 degrees. xxxx With the shingle under his feet giving way he went
down the slope 20 feet and working for five hours in pouring rain stripped the
gun completely. It was then brought up and refitted again.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observe
Imphal: 16 Aug '44
xxxxahrattas
Illustrative of the quick perception, hardiness and cheerfulness
of a Mahratta soldier are the exploits of the men of a battalion of
The 5th. Mahratta Rifles on the Imphal front.
After capturing a feature near palel in a beyonot-charge, subedar
Maruti Savant of village Natal, district Ratnagiri, was injured seriously.
While he was being carried in a stretcher, one of the bearers was killed
and the other leaving him there went to sook for help. He lost his way in
the dense jungle and four patrols after 48 hours found the Subedar in a
cheerful mood inspite of profuse bleeding from his injuries and having had
no food during the time.
Sepoy Bhimu Bhui of Chikodi, district Bclgaum, after being
in Jap custody for 10 days escaped with a Jap rifle noticing that the sentry
was asleep. Marching across nearly 12 miles of virgin jungle, to his
surprise he found that his bettalion had moved away. Beating bout this
enemy infested forest, he finally reached his battalion with scanty clothes
and though quite famished yet cheerful.
Naik Shankar Yerunkar of village Kawle, district kolaba, leading
his section against Jap bunkers at Kudei Kunou, showed leadership and
courage of a high order. He was commanding a section of the leading platoon
whose advance held up by MMG fire from the flank and from two
bunkers in front. Running forward under heavy fire and firing at point-blank
range with his tommy-gun through the slit of one bunker he silenced it.
Throwing two grenades into it, without hesitation he lad his section
straight into the next bunker and destroyed it.
Sepoy Kadhirem chawan of village Sirgnon, district Ratnagiri,
was platoon-runner of the loading platoon when the Mahrattas attacked Jap
bunker-positions near Sibong. The forward elements came under fire and one
wounded Mahratta lying close to a bunker could not be recovered
owing to heavy LMG fire from the bunker. On his own initiative this sepoyxxxx
organising a party of three, led them forward and killed three Jape lying in
positions near the bunker. Then under covering fire from his
party, forward alone under fire and recovered the wounded man
-- quite calm at the and of it greeting the RAP with a cheerful smile.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Pioneers
Unimpeded by rain and storm men of the Indian Pioneer Corps have
kept our forward troops moving on the Imphal front. Though their work
may, not be spectacular, their promptness has in no small measure contributed
to the quickness of our operations.
Working under extreme conditions of weather and geography, the
Pioneers have carried on their job in pouring rain and floods, in four
feet deep slush and at heights of nearly 5000 feet.
Besides work that may be forced on them in an emergency, they
normally carry rations, water, ammunition and wireless sets to the
forward troops. They also build bunkers, trenches and defensive areas.
In the evacuation of casualties they assist as stretcher-bearers. Working
under the supervision of army engineers, they lay the metal and tar on
the roads in addition to helping the bulldozers to level the roads.
And they have had a share in the creation of most of the airstrips on
this front.
The Pioneers get little respite; yet they carry on cheerfully.
On one occasion they had arrived back from their daily duties at five
in the evening and were again recalled within three hours to unload a
supply convoy. 73 of them were at it till midnight and cheerfully
reported for duty early next morning.
Their work is quick and smart. During the time that Imphal was
fed by air, on urgent summons from an RIASC unit the Pioneers were rushed
to a forward airstrip over which the Dacotas were already hovering.
The Japs started intense shelling and after half an hour when there was
a lull in the shelling nearly 100 planes dropped their precious cargo.
Before the enemy guns commenced again the Pioneers had collected all the
stuff safely.
Very often they may be found with the most forward troops. A
company of Pioneers had to carry rations, mortars and small arms ammunition
to our infantry who had infiltrated behind the Japs in Naga
village at Kohoima. They had to evacuate the wounded while returning.
These Pioneers had Just them returned from their day's work and as soon
as it was dark they crept with their load to our infantry position
and delivered the goods safely. The next evening they evacuated
Pioneers-page two
the casualties and came back to their lines suffering no casualties.
Their work is not without amusement. One of their companies
carrying ammunition accompanied a bunker-bursting party south of the
Silchar track. As they were moving with their heavy loads on the slushy
paths in the pouring rain, all of a sudden a grenade exploded right
behind one of the porters. A splinter went straight for his water-bottle
and piercing through it burst the water out. It was so amusing that the
Pioneers burst into laughter.
Pioneers are an essential part of long-range penetration
groups. They collect the rations dropped from the air. One of their
platoonsrecently accompanied a brigde for 40 days when they collected
nearly 98 per cent of the dropping spread over an area of three square
miles across hills and cuds. During this time they also carried the
wounded for more than 100 miles cross dense jungles and steep hills to
the west of Ukhrul.
Frequently they come under fire. A company carrying reserve
rations and ammunition to our forward troops in the dense jungles southeast
of Tiddim Road, while crossing a nullah came under
heavy fire. They carried the load in time and without any loss.
On another occasion they had to collect air-dropped rations which were
lying between us and the enemy. While collecting it they were caught
between the fire from both sides but went on calmly collecting the
entire lot for 45 minutes.
Inspite of the adverse conditions due to the monsoon the Pioneers
are quite cheerful. With stretchers resting on their heads and
moving in waist-deep mud and water, south of the Silchar track they evacuated
more than 100 casualties over a distance of three miles in less
than two hours. Some of the casualties needed urgent attention. When they
reached thee RAP they greeted the M.O. with a smile and a song
ends
Mani:Indian Army Observer
02 Area: 12 Sep '44
movement
202---1
Though less spectacular yet playing an equally vital role as
the frontline troops are the Indian and British troops manning the
line of communication. Their prompt and quick work has in no small
measure contributed to the winning of the Battle of Manipur.
’Movement Control' who transport troops personnel and stores
working all hours of the day and night have kept our forward troops
moving without a hitch. On a small railway mostly used formerly to
carry tea from the estates and with few coahhes available, daily they
move thousands of troops and nearly 4,000 tons of goods. Their job
requires great patience and tact as they have to please one and all.
In their routine life they occasionally have scope for
adventure. Quarter-Master Havillar Khadim Hussain of village Angu,
district Kohat, NWFP, a movement control N.C.O. on board a steamer
transhipping troops and stores across the Brahmaputra, on a moonless
night when his vessel was wrecked by a
rock in midstream took a country-boat across the swelling
river to the nearest shore and ran nearly 20 miles before he could
get a relief steamer. The vessel had cut a leak and water was flooding
the engine room. This occured at nine o'clock in the night and
at seven in the morning Havildar Khadim Hussain was there with the
relief-vessel to save and tranship to their destination the 500 troops
on board with the goods.
These river-steamers are run by chartered companies but
their movements are controlled by the army who provide a medical
officer and a Havildar in charge of stores and rations. Deck-games
are provided for the troops and a new addition will be a radio
with loudspeaker.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Gollaghat: 19 Sep '44
Refugee
202/2
With the advance of the Allied troops into Burma more
and more refugees flow into our lines and the Army in close
cooperation with the Commonwealth Relations department of the
Government of India have elaborate arrangements for their
reception.
Large numbers of the refugees have escaped from
Jap occupied terrritories under the most trying circumstances-their
only anxiety being to get to our lines at any cost. Some
of them have been rescued by our troops as they captured
village after village and town after town.
On assembly at Mytikina the Civil Affairs Service of
the army takes charge of them. They are fed (augmented by U.S. Army
rations).and they are transported by air to an Indian airport. From
there army vehicles carry them to a transit camp run by the army
where the army supplies them with blankets, mosquito-nets and
clothing and whose cost is paid by the Burma Refugee Organisation of
the Commonwealth Relations department.
From the transit camp they travel to a dispersal camp
under military escort where after interrogation by army officers
the Burma Refugee Organisation takes charge of them and sends them
to their relatives or friends in India if they have any. Otherwise
they stay in these camps spread over the whole of Assam.
At one such camp on the banks of the Brahmaputra that
I visited I was struck by the one-community life led by people of
various nationalities. Burman, Anglo-Burman, Chinese, European,
Gurkhas, Chins, Kachins and Indians-- all live together and I
watched all their children playing together transcending the
limits of language. Each camp has a radio, games,
school and hospital. The army provides petrol, rations
and hospital comforts, "Once they come in they do not like to
leave the camp", said an officer in the camp to me.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Gollaghat: 19 Sep '44
Dairy
202/4
Travelling more than a thousand miles by rail, two years
ago a thousand buffaloes came to one of our forward bases in Assam
to supply milk, butter and cream for use in our forward hospitals.
Everyday they now give 4,000 pounds of milk and nearly 170
pounds of butter. Their milk contains a high percentage of fat and
it is strained and standardised before issue.
They came from a military farm in India and it took them
nearly two weeks to get settled to their new pasture.
These grade buffaloes are taken good care of. Branded on
the horns each has a name and a history sheet where its service record,
calving record, lactation, veterinary, movements and weight details are all
kept, Frained personnel look after them.
Some of the hospital patients have seen a few of the
animals and quite naturally each has his own preference for "Nida"' s milk
or "Khosa"' s milk.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Gollaghat: 19 Sep '44
State Labour
202/5
Working at most forward points on our line of communication
are white-clothed men from the Travancore and
Cochin State Labour Units. Their work has been invaluable and has
quickened the driving out of the Japs from Manipur and Indian soil.
Their work has earned commendation from their area commander,
"I should very much like them to
know that their efforts are being appreciated. In this way they may feel
that they as well as the serving soldier-who perhaps gets rather more
glory- are doing their part in the present struggle and that when it
is over they may feel it is a victory in which they have taken a
considerable and honourable part", he says writing to their organisations.
Working for more than eight hours a day even at the height
of the monsoon, they have contributed by their labour to projects of
the highest importance and priority. They have worked on roads,
airfields, depots, railway construction, brickfields and antimalarial
drainings. Sometimes conditions were difficult and uncongenial but
ungrudgingly and cheerfully they have given their best results of their
efforts have materially assisted the war-effort of this front.
They draw rations and pay as the troops. They are supplied
with blankets, mosquito-nets and anti-malarial clothing. Only they do
not were any uniform. Their organisation is as in the army and they
are under military discipline.
Describing them as "excellent units", General Slim, 14th.
Army Commander has written to their Maharajas expressing his gratitude
for supplying these units, "The men have worked very well indeed and
during recent difficulties stood firm and behaved as soldiers should"
ends
202-6
ADPR 14 ARMY FOR IAPRLO
MANI
Begins in the high thickly wooded mountains of assam that divide
india from burma hums one of the best and busiest transport systems
in the world stop it is the army transport organisation on our line
of communication to the imphal front and its quickness and efficiency
have stood the test well during the battle of manipur stop their
vehicles are un the road all the twentyfour hours and on all days in
the year stop working with five tonners ten tonners three tonners
and other miscellaneous vehicles they transport rations ordnance and
other stores and troops to the frontline stop on the return they
remove salvage and carry leave troops to the railhead stop altogether
running about four and a halt million wiles per month their average
lift is about sixty thousand tons per month stop each vehicle in the
fleet averages about hundred miles per lay stop the movement of
vehicles is so well organised that their exact location at any given
moment is known both to the headquarters and the company concerned
stop their own police man the traffic control posts at every ten
miles on the road stop road patrols ply stretches of the road looking
for casualties and recovery units are distributed at various points
stop the entire organisation is linked up by telephone which ensures
its smooth and quick working stop workshops scattered at convenient
intervals and marshalling yards at either end add to its efficiency
stop traversing the winding mountain belt known as the manipur road
is not without difficulties stop most of the road is in good
page two condition but sappers and pioneers are incessantly
fighting the monsoon to keep the road in good condition stop there are
landslides both large and small-ever hundred in a month and bulldozers
keep constant vigil to go into action stop the hairpin bends are not
easy of negotiation for heavily loaded vehicles and when it rains
skidding is not uncommon stop steep slopes and equally steep climbs
with the bends in between literally convert the movement of vehicles
into the rocking motion of ships stop but the transport vehicles have
always been on time and never once failed our forward troops stop to
obtain the maximum efficiency out of them the vehicles are maintenanced
with great care stop each has its history sheet including the drivers
stop a loaded vehicle prier to its journey undergoes
a twenty minute check up at the company station stop bolts and nuts are
tested tyres are checked and oil and grease seen to stop on return a
longer test is conducted and adjustments made stop once a week they are
sent to naga service stations where naga youths clad in waterproofs
wash vehicles with high pressure water obtained by harnessing a mountain
torrent stop they also check tyres oil and plugs and they are enthusiastic
stop co says quote prove excellent mechanics and very reliable unquote
stop their sisters who do the gardening in the service station are
already jealous and it may not be long before they learn to would the
hose and the grease gun stop working in pairs the indian riase drivers
exchange the wheel every hundred miles and have a twelve hour break after
page three every thirty five hours stop each vehicle carries sufficient
quantities of rations stop their job is not always without glory stop a
party of them fought in the battle at Kanglatongbi stop a pathan driver
who erringly drove his vehicle into the jap lines was bayoneted in the
shoulder but made good his escape after hiding in a nullah for several
days stop in the battle of kohima they often unloaded under fire and
within observation of the enemy stop when the last road block on the
manipur rood was being cleared they were immediately behind the tanks
ferrying our infantry and sometimes only a couple of yarda from the seene
of battle stop there was keen competition among them as to who should go
first stop their commanding officer says quote i say unhesitatingly
that they are the finest lot of men i have ever worked with stop twenty
four hours per day three hundred sixtyfive days per year they have given
the best that is in them worked extremely hard and never complained stop
i would not hesitate to operate motor transport with these men in
competition with the best in the allied armies unquote stop note
insertion in seac will enthuse elofsee troops ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Shillong: 23 Sep '44
P.O.L.
202-7
Fifty thousand gallons of petrol per day for
one full week after the opening of the Manipur Road helped to
beat the Japs and push them out of Manipur.
Behind the issue and movemnt of this enormous quantity
of motor spirit lies the hard work of the R.I.A.S.C. personnel
and the day and night vigil of those who man the P.O.Ls.(Petrol,
Oil and Lubricants filling stations) all along our line of communication
to the Indo-Burma front.
Millions of gallons of petrol prior to issue every day
are carefully tested, their barrel containers are
cleaned under air-pressure and examined for leaks and tightly sealed
in order to avoid the water of the monsoon rains.
ends
Cattle story 2.
202-8
While speeding along our line of s communication to the
Indo-Burma front if you are suddenly held up by hundreds of ducks
marching in twos across the road and wondering to srhich front they were
proceeding as reinforcements, if you follow them they will certainly
lead to the farm where a young British major and the son of Lionel
Edwards, the famous artist, would be poughing the field in
his overalls with a tractor constructed from a bren-gun
carrier.
Unassuming Major Edwards besides supplying thousands
of pounds of meat to our forwnrd troops is also rearing a
large number of ducks and geese with the hope of issuing their
hundreds of eggs by Christmas to the troops.
The farm grows its own fodder and sileage and the
cattle are given the best fattening ration available from local
resources.
Farming by day by night he has to keep the wild animals
away. A couple of tigers, a few leapords and several hyenas are the
menace and periodic visits from elephants and bears are not uncommon.
ends
Italia Redenta story 3
202-9
In a remote workshop on the Indo-Burma front,
cheerful Italians from all parts of Italy are helping to beat the
Japs. This mobile workshop is mostly Italian. They have their
own N.C.O.s and C.S.M. besides two Italian officers and they are
assited by British and Indian mechanics and staff.
Some of them have been tank mechanics in the Italian
Army and some have been at the Fiat motor works. In addition to
tackling every type of motor mechanics they are experts at welding,
electrical and instrument-making jobs.
The quickness and the thoroughness of these Italian
mechanics stood the test during the battle of Manipur when they
put thousands of injured vehicles on the road again within a few
days -- most of them came in with smashed-up engines.
A feature of this camp is the comraderie between
Indian, Italian and British other ranks who all work, play and eat
together-- the Indians relish the macaroni and want them often.
The Italian football team is the champion one in the
area. They receive and send mail to their families at home.
Like other ranks they draw rations and receive
uniform and pay besides trade pay. They are quite happy and their
C.O., a British Captain, told me that they are the finest lot he
has ever worked with.
ends
A.O.D.
story 4
202-10
From tiny washers, springs, nuts, bolts and pins
to a 75mm shell, stocking and issuing them in thousands and thousands
the Indian Army Ordnance Corps with its several dumps all
along our line of communication plays a vital role in the defeat
of the Japs as they equip a sepoy from his rifle to his bootlace
and the army formations with their tanks, motor transport, tireless
equipment and hospital beds.
Most of the articles other than scientific instruments
and motor spare parts are manufactured from Indian factories.
"White hot"- operational- demands are met forthwith and
despatched either by their own transport or rail depending on the
circumstances.
During the battle of Manipur, besides large quantities
of ammunition, boots, gum-boots, trousers and socks in large
proportions were flown into Imphal where our troops had to fight
both the Japs end the monsoon.
Nothing is wasted by the I.A.O.C. They have a'return
stores' system by which partly serviceable stores are returned
and they are sent back to the stock after the necessary repairs
and mending. They run their own workshops for this purpose and
in one depot that I visited, their C.O., en Indian Colonel,
proudly displayed to me his desk which was made out of the wood
of unserviceable motor lorries. Plane-blades, jack and smoothing,
have been made out of the springs of motor transport. Even chisels
and screw-drivers have been produced here and their whole camp
which is about two square miles in area appeared to be "ersatz" to me.--
These depots employ hundreds of civlians as clerks,
tradesmen and labour.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 1 Oct '44
Sixteenth
Winning one I.O.M. (2nd.Class), seven M.C.s, one I.D.S.M.,
and four M.M.s during the battle of Manipur, a battalion of the
16th. Punjab Regiment fighting with the 23rd. Indian Division has
played a notable part in the fighting on the Imphal plain.
They took part in the wide-flanking movement against the
HQ of the Jap 15th. Division which was then conducting operations
to the east of Imphal. Moving by night only for four days they
completely surprised the enemy and killed 30 of the enemy in this
clash. Pursuing the enemy further, this battalion surprised him
again at Shonphel. Sometimes they had to
climb through virgin jungle at the rate of 100 feet an hour before
they overran the enemy positions, killing atleast 30 of the enemy and
injuring an equal number. Part of the booty captured was a medium
machine gun.
Their next action was the capture of the strong enemy
positon of Khudei Khonou. In an attack at dusk when the leading
company of this battalion was held up by heavy MMG fire, another
company under the command of Capt. Uberoi of Chakwal, district
Jhelum, took up the attack and stormed the position with great
skill and determination just as darkness fell. Capt. Uberoi has
been awarded the M.C. for his gallantry while leading his company
in this attack.
In a daylight attack against heavy machine-gun fire they
captured another enemy stronghold--- a 5000 feet high hill known
as "Ben Nevis". Reaching the objective by a concealed route they
attacked the main Jap position from the rear. and killed nearly
40 of the enemy besides wounding many more. For the next two
weeks they had to hold this position against repeated counterattacks
supported by heavy artillery. The monsoon aggravated the
conditions. The men ate, lived and slept in their weapon-pits
day after day and at nights stood the heaviest enemy
shelling experienced on this front-- from 75mm shells to 150mm
ones.
In the wide flanking movement of the 23rd. Indian Division
in the last week of July to cut the Jap rear, this battalion
captured three successive Jap hills by frontal attacks. They had to
fight under appalling weather conditions and had to march along steep
and dangerous tracks. In addition to capturing lots of enemy equipment
they captured a 150mm gun which had been shelling them while they
were at "Ben Nevis".
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 1 Oct '44
Doctor
Display of the utmost coolness and courage in tending
the wounded under fire is the story of a young Madrasi doctor, Captain
S.Gopalakrishnan, I.A.M.C, of Calicut, Malabar.
As medical officer to a battalion of the 5th.Gurkha Rifles
when they came under heavy fire at M.S. 98 on the Tiddim Road in the
third week of March 1944, Capt. Gopalakrishnan never relaxed night and
day for four and a half days under extremely difficult and adverse
conditions.
His improvised aid-post under a culvert and his "ward"
under a line of trucks were being constantly subjected to gunfire,
small arms and sniping. The large casualties could not be evacuated
owing to the enemy road-block. Water was scanty till it was dropped
from the air on the fourth day.
Undoubtedly due to his unrelenting
and devoted efforts serious cases that could not be evacuated survived.
Speaking fluent Gurkhali he is loved by the Gurkhas for whom he has a
word of praise:" They eve very quiet and never moan or cry even with
the most serious wounds".
Captain Gopalakrishnan has now been awarded the M.C.
Once previously, during the Indo-Burma frontier operations of 1942-43,
he has been mentioned, in dispatches.
The doctor graduated from the Madras Medical College
in 1941.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla; 3 Oct '44
Madrasis: For Madras papers
MADRASIS IN MANIPBR
Madrasis in Manipur-- they were everywhere. Right in the
frontline and all along the line of communication for many miles they
were there.
With their clothes dripping wet signallers from the south could
be seen standing on ladders and repairing their wiring masts. Only two
or three feet of the mast and the top few steps of the ladder were
visible, the rest being under water. Very often the roads along which
they were working were being shelled but calm and unperturbed were
these Madrasis till I called out to them in Tamil you should have
seen the cheerful grin on their faces on being accosted in their own
tongue by a stranger. Typical of the hospitality of the south, they
opened their haversacks and served me delicious rice and "sambhar" which
I had not tasted for months. Enquiries regarding villages and districts
were exchanged and I parted from them promising to meet them again.
They told me they were all quite happy and proud of the part that
troops from their province were playing on this front.
There are many of them as drivers and mechanics in the RIASC,
in the ordnance and supply depots, in the hospitals, in the Pioneers
and in the Indian Air Force not to mention the companies of the Madras
Sappers and Miners and a battalion of the 3rd.Madras Regiment which
was defending Imphal to the north. I visited the Madras battalion and
found them in good cheer, New to modern warfare and yet with the
earliest and an equally worthy tradition in the Indian Army, these Madrasi infantrymen
besides killing a large number of Japs have patrolled far behind
the enemy lines and brought back highly useful information. Madrasis
have distinguished themselves in the Indian Artillery too. Quite a
large number of Madrasi officers were there serving in various arms if the army.
Madrasi nurses did not lag behind their menfolk and they were there
tending the sick and wounded with the care that is typical of them.
Madras must be proud of these men and women they have sent in
khaki and the part they have played in the winning of the battle of
Manipur.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Comilla: 5 Oct. '44
YMCA
For Madras papers
West Africans singing Kali N.Ratnam's Tamil hit: "Ennadi
Summa" (Why are you dumb, my bonnie lassie?) floats over at dusk from a hile
in rural Bengal.
Surprised at hearing a melody in my mother-tongue in a
distant province when I went there I was accosted by a stocky young
Madrasi, Mr. J.D.Martin from Madura who is running this Y.M.C.A.
centre for West Africans.assisted by Mr.D.S.Vedanayagam also from Madura
The Africans like Indian music with a quick tempo and
they are interested in Indian life and history. Besides music
parties, Mr. Martin arranges lectures and discussions.
for their benefit. In addition to a radio and a library
the Africans have plenty of recreation in the form of outdoor and
indoor games.
Not many miles away is a similar Y.M.C.A. centre for
Indian troops which is also run by another Madrasi, Mr. G.Eddy
from Nagercoil. A feature of this centre is it international
dinner every fortnight when charming Indian nurses serve
at dinner.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Gollaghat: 19 sep '44
Refugee
202/3
Poignant sagas of the war In South-East Asia are the
stories of the flight of refugees from Jap occupied Burma. Escaping
from the Bushido and his fire and facing our own fire their one
anxiety is to come over to our lines.
With many an unknown hero or heroine among them, their
deeds are equally heroic as that of any frontline soldier. Unarmed,
shelled, machine-gunned and bombed, leaving behind
their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends who are falling
dead or wounded next to them either from a direct hit or from a
shattering splinter, their one determination has been to reach our lines
alive or dead. Aged, infirm, pregnant mothers, little children-- all
joined in this flight from the hells of an oppressor. With their
indomitable courage nothing could stop them except death from reaching
our lines.
Typical of them is the story related, to me by a charming 20-year old
girl from Burma. Her escape from the Japs under the
most trying circumstances is one of high courage and great determination
but she has to remain unknown during the war. With her four
younger sisters she left the Jap lines at Mytikina at midday telling
the sentries that they were going to gather vegetables in the sacks
they were carrying. Once the Japs saw they were escaping they shot at
them and machine-gunned them. Crouching and lying flat on the ground
alternately they advanced a little when the shells from our lines
came bursting on them. Once more lying flat during a lull they
reached within a few yards of the Chinese lines who started shooting at them. Crouching near
a wall the sisters quickly decided that the only expedient
was to pinch the baby they were carrying. The baby cried
and the Chinese stopped shooting. They were taken care of and
fed by the Chinese till they were flown to India.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 16 Oct '44
Farm: for UK
Farming with the Fourteenth, Major Derrick Edwards, RIASC,
of Buckholt, West Tytherley, Salisbury, Wilts., and son of the famous
artist Lionel Edwards, is supplying hundreds of pounds of meat to the
forward troops and by Christmas hopes to send a more eggs
to them for which he is rearing a large number of ducks and geese.
If hundreds of ducks marching in twos across the road hold
you up along the line of communication and if you follow them they
will lead you to Major Edwards (himself a farmer in peacetime) ploughing a field on a tractor constructed
from a bren-gun carrier.
The farm grows its own fodder and sileage and the cattle
are fed on the best fattening ration available from local resources.
Farming by day by night he has to keep the wild animals
away. A tigress and her two cubs are paying nightly visits to his
camp, so far her haul being 27 cows. "All personnel are on duty with
tommy-guns and rifles but no luck al yet", he told me.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 17 Oct '44
Diwali
Diwali was celebrated with great eclat by Indian
troops in Manipur. Coloured smoke-bombs took the place of crackers
and the din of artillery practice rendered the necessary background.
Multicolored, festoons and bulbs adorned most of the camps and
glittering boards: "Diwali Welcome" attracted
the eye ail along the roads.
Feast and fun were had in plenty. 'Pilav', 'kurma', 'kheer'
with a rich variety of sweets catered to the palate of the jawans
who were singing merrily-- songs reminiscent of their homes,
villages and towns. In one hospital, officers, men and patients
sat together at lunch and celebrated the occasion with dances and
songs. Colourfully costumed Manipuri dancing-girls entertained the
troops where encores and boisterous laughter kept the girls on their
feet till early dawn.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal: 24 Oct '44
Nurses
Story 1 (Pix. RIK 447)
Nursing Indian and British troops at a half-way house near
Kohima are two charging Naga cousins, Miss Kesovole Angami(22 years)
4 Miss Vikole Angami (18 years).
They do the dressings and dispense the medicines besides
helping the medical officer in the operations. The elder is a trained
nurse while the younger is as enthusiastic beginner. They both speak
fluent Hindustani.
Coming from the village of Jakhoma, only a few miles from there,
their presence attracts a large number of Nagas seeking medical relief
for whose treatment the army has provided special facilities.
ends
Story 2
B.O.Rs: For U.K.
(Pix. RIK 448)
Assisting an Indian medical officer four British servicemen
kept a whole night's vigil at the bedside of a 12-year old Naga girl
who was on the verge of death owing to acute kidney trouble and
thereby helped to save her life. As a token of their gratitude, the
Nagas from the girl's village have invited the officer and the
serviceman to a party.
The invitees are: Lt Chandra Mohan Patnaik, IAMC, RSM George Todd
RA, of Landseer Road, Ipswich, Suffolk; Sub-conductor Herbert Haywood
of 23, Laurel Rd Dudley, Worcestershire; BSM Victor Peal of 25, Grange
Rd, southall, Middlesex; Sgt. Walter Graves of 17, Drake Rd,
Fayaherley, Liverpool.
Showing symptoms of an acute stage of nephrites, the girl was
brought in one evening by the villagers to a hospital near Kohima where the army has
provided sufficient facilities for rendering medical relief to the
friendly Nagas. The doctor knew it was a battle against death from the
patient's condition but with the encouragement of the servicemen
he thought he might yet save her life. Every hour of the night was
marked with an injection. The BORs stayed on at their post till early
dawn when the girl was safe on the way to recovery.
ends
Mani: Indian Army Observer
Imphal 29 Oct. '44
Committee
Visiting hospitals, units and recent battlefields, members of
the Defence Consultative Committee of the Indian Central Legislature
spent seven days with Indian troops of the 14th. Army.
The party consisted of: The Hon 'ble Sirdar Sir Buta Singh,
C.B.E., Khan Bahadur Mian Ghulam Kadir Muhammed Shahban and Mr.
Amarendranath Chattopadhyaya accompanied by Col. Beard, Deputy Director
of Public Relations to the C -in-C, India.
Lt. General Sir Slim received them at 14th.Army HQ and gave
dinner-party in their honour. Here they visited a military hospital
and round the wards making kind enquiries of the patients.
Accompanied by Major-General Messervy, the Divisional Commander
of the 7th.Indian Division, they visited a battalion of the 14
Punjab Regiment where they spoke to the officers, V.C.O.s and men.
After witnessing a "mock-attack" on an "enemy"barbed wire bunker
when they saw and heard as close raxxxxe the burst of grenades, mortars and torpedoes
and the clatter of machine-guns they heard from the
Divisional commander an account of the part played by his men in the
battle of Kohima.
H.H. the Maharaja of Manipur entertained them at dinner and
in their honour presented a dance programme with all the leading
artistes of Manipur in it which was much appreciated by the guests.
They congratulated him on his unwillingness to leave his State during
siege and he in turn paid a tribute to the part played by Indian
troops in the battle of Manipur.
The party met battalions of the 14th. Punjab and 12th. F.F.P.
Regiment of the 20th. Indian Division where they inspected the men's
lines, "langar" and places of worship. More hospitals, a rest camp and
a company of Bengal Pioneers were also visited.
At the HQ of the 33 Indian Corps, after meeting its Commander
Lt. General Sir Stopford they spoke to the officers, V.C.Os and men
informally. Motoring on jeeps they crossed into Burma and saw Tamu.
The armless,
bodyless, noseless and eyeless statues of the Buddha in the pagodas
still sit smiling at every visitor to this scene of desolation.
page two Committee
Another battlefield where civilization is growing again,
Ninthukong near Bishenpore, was also visited by them where they saw
for themselves the skeleton-remains of the Japs who came to conquer
India.
ends
PUBLIC RELATIONS.. what they do
The Issue and distribution of Information and Publicity ... The issuing
of material for the Press and arranging of Press Conferences ... Conducting of
Official War Correspondents ... Broadcasting Programmes . . . Establishment
of friendly relations between the public and the Army ... "Speakers"
Panel" constituting a list of lecturers who speak on a variety of subjects ...
Internal Publicity to British and Indian Units ... Recording of Messages
to soldiers' families ... Production of films. These are a few of the many
activities carried out by the Directorate of Public Relations.
ALL INDIAN SOLDIERS should know this--
When a soldier goes on Field Service in India he receives the higher
scale of rations and batta at the rate of Rs. 5, so that a soldier on Field Service
with 12 months' service earns Rs. 31-8. If he goes on service overseas he
gets a further Rs. 7 per month expatriation allowance. Thus, an Indian
soldier on Field Service Overseas who has been in the army for 12 months or
more earns a total of Rs. 38-8. Overseas, in hard cash, the Sepoy recieves
Rs. 33-8, the L/Naik Rs. 35-8, the Naik Rs. 46 to Rs. 48, and the Havildar
Rs. 49 to Rs. 53.
In addition to this he is fed, clothed and accommodated free, receives free
medical attention and lighting, free travel when granted furlough, and travel
concessions when granted leave, At a conservative estimate these concessions
represent in kind at least Rs. 21 per month to the man not on Field Service and
a correspondingly larger amount to the man on Field or Overseas Service.
your
ARMY COMMANDER
says.....
"A few days ago I read in a daily paper a quotation which struck me as
so appropriate to our position and so powerful an approach to our task that
I have adopted it as a motto for my Headquarters and it is posted in all my Staff
Offices.
I recommend it to you. Remember it for the spirit of determination it
exudes. This is what it says:--
The difficult is that which can be done immediately. The impossible
will take a little longer"
In that spirit of getting on with the job, whatever the obstacle or opposition,
lies the road to an earlier victory and peace, and towards that goal the men
of the Eastern Army will play a leading, perhaps decisive part."
Lieut. General N. M. S. IRWIN,
C.B., D.S.O., M.C.,
G.O. C.-in-chief, Eastern Army
-- in a recent broadcast. --