A personal narrative

The British Factor and Asia in the Twentieth Century

Chapter III

BRITAIN WINS THE WAR

British Post War Policy - Indian Sub Continent

The conditions prevailing in India at the end of first quarter of 20th Century were very peaceful, slow but directed towards steady march establishing a disciplined and honest social order in which people of all faiths, creeds and castes lived side by side with mutual understanding. The British who created their Indian Empire at the expense of Muslim rule in India and as a successor to that tottering regime looked suspiciously towards Indian Muslims. Their suspicions were further enhanced because the Muslims nearly dominated northwest India and due to their closeness to totally Muslim region they were kept backward in all spheres of life. A vastly heterogeneous society of hundreds of different people, which has no parallel in the world, was artificially united and integrated by the British with obvious advantage of dominance going to Hindu majority. This was well exploited by Hindu politicians resulting in counter struggle by wiser Muslim leadership. Such leaders who came from all parts of Indian subcontinent, irrespective of their ethnic or linguistic background were unanimous on one basic point that Muslims in India were a nation and not a minority. That they had their own historic past and a separate code of life which totally differed from Hindu social and religious code. They had bitter experiences of earlier Hindu prejudices against Muslims and Islam. Hindu historians and educationists bragged of earlier Hindu absorption of various religions and secularism preached by Indian National Congress was seen as a threat to Islam. Hindu domination in economics, services and education forced Muslims to seek their democratic and just rights. Britain, which had followed its own imperialistic policy henceforth saw great economic advantages in befriending new emerging Indian democracy which also, they thought, would counter balance contiguous stretch of many Islamic countries in West Asia and the Middle East, though they knew very well, through their centuries old experience that there was no sting in the unity of Muslim countries and their great economic potential would never be allowed to develop independent of western control, yet their national interest demanded that they throw their weight in favour of Hindus.

Admiral Lord LOUIS MOUNTBATTEN

Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten was chosen by Britain to head the counter invasion in South East Asia because of political considerations. This, in fact, was unnecessary in the presence of Field Marshal Sir William Slim who undoubtedly was the best of all war time British generals. Supreme Commander of the said theatre of war established his Headquarters in Delhi first which later shifted to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and a war effort similar though smaller to that of Normandy landing in Europe was made. But the two nuclear bombs dropped on two chosen cities of Japan did the job and war came to an end. Considerations for dealing with disarmament of Japanese surrendered forces in South East Asian countries and their repatriation along with helping French and Dutch to re-establish their holds on former colonies was a different matter from what would have been actual long drawn opposed war. Therefore, British government appointed Lord Mountbatten as Viceroy in India to replace much better experienced soldier Field Marshal Wavel. That certainly proved a bad decision, as the history records, the chosen man, who was later blown up and killed allegedly by Irish Freedom Fighters, played an unfair game as a Viceroy and glaringly favoured India against the newly emerging state of Pakistan. This blot on the fair name of Britain, though the policy was much appreciated by its makers, cannot be washed from history. There are moral scandals on record and decisions made by men of authority on that basis or under the influence of scandals cannot be justified. An efficient and smooth launching of Armies to occupy South East Asia and to disarm Japanese was made. That was the prime strategical aim and I found myself serving in that theatre under the conditions, which make a chapter.

Though Britain was highly festive on winning the World War, its dominating role was seen to be almost over in favour of the United States. Her Empire in upsurge for national independence and revolting in some cases, she had to re-adjust her economic policies. Long years of suffering made the populace listen to industrial and labour leaders and they said "Thank You" to Churchill and voted Labour Party into power. Lord Louis Mountbatten as a Supreme Commander, South East Asia Command, was unpopular. Mr. ANTHONY EDEN non-availability on the insistence of His Majesty The King George VI to retain as most wanted man at home, created favourable circumstances for Lord Mountbatten to replace Field Marshal Wavel as Viceroy in India.

Mr. CLEMENT ATLEE, the British Prime Minister had his own notions about post war Asia, especially his overpowering desire to retain a friendly India, within the Commonwealth, at all and any cost, was well achieved by the Viceroy of his choice.

Lord Mountbatten's character traits are well described by some eminent personalities, some of which may be quoted here.

General MORGAN: "Remember Dickey has to be loved. He tried desperately to make people like him if they don't or won't he turns on them."

Even Captain ROSKILL: "Mountbatten has Tentonic dictatorial mentality". The Lord proved it true and under his guidance Sir RADCLIFF treacherously awarded Districts of GURDASPUR, and FEROZPUR in PUNJAB to INDIA so that the latter could have a safe passage to JAMMU via KATUHA.

His cordial relationship which he cultivated with Mr. NEHRU starting from the former’s invitation to the latter to be his guest at Japanese surrender in MALAYA. Mr. GANDHI on the other hand won over this couple by placing his affectionate hand on the shoulder of Lady Mountbatten during their first meeting as Viceroy. This photograph probably was the most published and circulated throughout the world.

On the other hand why Mountbatten damaged Pakistan was because the Quaid-e-Azam MUHAMMAD ALI JINNAH, for reasons of new State's future could NOT agree to Lord Mountbatten being a Joint Governor General of both new states.

The most important and crucial Province of North West Frontier was still to decide its future through a contemplated referendum later. A strong section of people here belonged to Indian National Congress under the leadership of KHAN ABDUL GHAFFAR KHAN. KASHMIR, under its Hindu ruler, HARI SINGH, was to decide accession of the State at a suitable time for Mr. NEHRU. Very valuable states of BALOCHISTAN were being cultivated by some adverse forces. It was for such reasons, primarily, that Quaid-e-Azam did not accept any other person to head the new state. It was only Quaid's personality, which could consolidate Pakistan. So the Lord became annoyed and as a revenge, which was in his nature, he acted the way he did.

Of course Lord Atlee and the British Parliament had their difficulties, economic reconstruction being on top. They needed larger Indian market and, wrongly though, they appreciated that big free India would serve their interest in other smaller countries of the region. It was estimated that there were about 100,000 British businessmen and civilians in India besides British Armed Forces. Lord Atlee considered withdrawal from Indian Subcontinent, indeed from "East of Suez" in accordance with his concept. South Africa, Canada, Australia were uneasy and so were Burma, Ceylon and Ireland. The end result being making Pakistan a "Scapegoat" and the new state, at its birth, was skinned, slashed, sacrificed, and betrayed. Sir Atlee made a wrong decision in listening to the advice of Viceroy of his choice, and allowed the most unfair deal to take place. He did so under great economic pressures and depression. The damage done to fair name of British administration cannot be overlooked by history and Britain owes it to its own integrity to accept her responsibility and to strive to undo the wrong done to Pakistan on the matter of Kashmir.

British Economic Measures During War

World War II demanded a superb effort in economy, especially in production, preservation and conservation of metals, particularly steel which was of the prime need for munitions and arms. The British administration introduced special measures and ensured great efficiency in execution. We, as young students practiced some of these at the Military College and also at later stages of higher responsibilities.

Some of these must be recalled because such lessons are useful and necessary for any nation whether at war or at peace. Ordinary paper pin was replaced with Acacia tree thorn. There is no shortage of this tree and its thorns, which otherwise are of no use at all. It was collected in paper bags, which were made from discarded newspapers, and these were supplied in hundreds and thousands. Thus precious steel saved; one may calculate the large quantity involved, considering the demand of pins throughout the British Empire and their war effort. The saved steel was converted into tanks and guns. The quantity of ammunition used for training and fire practices throughout the Empire was in millions of tons and foolproof arrangements were made to collect all fired cases, bullet lead and shell pieces after every practice firing. I have the entire service experience of this and it is really admirable, to salvage such valuable materials which when accumulated make up huge quantities. Another item, small looking though, was boot nails. It was essential to have boot nails, heels, horse/mule shoes and other such fittings, for reasons of durability and efficiency. There was a standing drill to collect these from roads, barrack areas, grounds and any place where troops moved about. Such collections again salvaged huge quantities of metals to be recycled in some form. Any student of economics should see these measures against pressing needs of isolated and abandoned Britain during early years of war.

The Royal Navy, which always ensured freedom of sea-lanes was very hard, pressed and her own local production of steel and metals was stretched to maximum. It were such economic measures which ensured British successfully facing the challenges of Axis powers.

National Spirit and Discipline

What the British national policy is or what are its merits or demerits against various nationalist struggles, is not our concern here. But there are such examples set by this nation’s wartime leaders which have left permanent lessons and impressions. One of such examples which has made everlasting impression on me is the British 'Rationing Control' during World War II. I remember that here in Indian subcontinent we had rationing control and we read and heard of it as it was applied in Britain. We received mixed rations of wheat flour and rice, although a larger section of Indians did not take rice as a staple food. Similarly eggs were rationed and instead of daily issue of two eggs per head these were reduced to one egg per head per day or even per week. We learnt of such admirable stories about Britain. It was said with pride that Britain came out of rationing and war successfully with not a single case where a person had two eggs on a day and yet there was not a person who did not get his share of one egg.

Britain and Malarious Mosquito

Malaria was the worst enemy of soldiers in India and South East Asia. The British war effort in this region had to tackle this menace more than any thing else. We saw an efficient and effective malaria control throughout the length and breadth of Indian subcontinent and later the South Asian countries where British troops operated. The organization was so elaborate that it isolated each and every spot where malarial mosquito could breed. Spray was continuously carried out; mosquito breeding at the time of their egg laying was effectively controlled. In the cantonments, military camps, training establishments and in all such places, which had bearing on soldiers living. Dry days were practiced. On a dry day, which was once in a week, there was total stopping of running water. All drains were cleared dry; all water pitchers and containers were emptied and turned over so that not a drop of water was seen anywhere. This measure was so effectively enforced that mosquito breeding was reduced to negligible proportions.

Additional preventive measures were adopted and malaria was considered an avoidable disease and any one found suffering from it was punished under military law. Use of mosquito net, application of anti malarial oil on exposed parts of body during dark hours and regular taking of anti malarial pills as a parade was practiced. The whole effort in this respect looked as if Britain was at war against the mosquito more than she was fighting the Japanese. Any fair and proper assessment of this aspect of British war effort makes them great as a disciplined and dedicated nation.

East of Suez Policy

Britain had established an Empire east of Suez, India being their major colony. At the same time they were supreme power in South and South East Asia. Middle East being safely under their political and economic control. They had permitted other European powers such as the French and the Dutch, to establish their Empires in South East Asia, she allowed others like Portuguese only limited influence for trading in this region.

The British certainly would standout as most progressive and tolerant amongst the imperialists. They had the responsibility as a paramount power in the region to check Russian influence from expanding southwards and also to keep India's Northern, North Western and Eastern borders safe from other powers including CHINA. The clever and visionary British controlled Middle East through a policy of winning loyalties of tribal chiefs and by creating geographically separate entities, exploiting desert conditions, they had separate policy for the rest of the region.

They deeply studied the historical, ethnic, religious, linguistic and social conditions of various regions and they conducted minute surveys of every bit of ground. They were dedicated and courageous and risked their lives to get in to various people and then they deeply studied them. They conducted researches and wrote books, pamphlets and guide notes for their successors. The British officer knew more about each and every division or sub division of a tribe of India than any Indian. Their such policy was realistic which gave to them knowledge of true psychology and social likes and dislikes of the different sections of people of any region. Equipped with such intimate knowledge of people they maintained their supremacy. They shared power with influentials of each group or tribe, giving them powers in local matters while they retained Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Revenue, Communication, Law and Order and Political control.

They ensured that young officers in political and administrative departments as well as officers of Armed Forces learnt and qualified in such professional subjects. It was in this context that towards the end of British rule in India, as a result of World War II, I was among the commissioned officers posted for service in the important Tribal Territory of  North West India.

Before we conclude World War II experiences, it would be quite in order to make a mention hereof, what to my assessment, was a great blunder made by the British. Because of their devastated economy the British decided on their "East of Suez Policy" which meant their total withdrawal from this region. That created a big vacuum, which could not be filled appropriately by the slow reacting and inexperienced Americans. As a result we saw Russians expanding their influence in the areas from where they had been kept away in a masterly manner by the British. Today, we see unstable state of affairs in Afghanistan, directly related with that policy. The Gulf War between Iraq and Iran, American War on Iraq, American-Iran rupture of peaceful relations are other consequences. Even British lack of interest in Indian Sub-continental affairs as well as Indian aggressions against Kashmir, East Pakistan and Ceylon could have been avoided had the British diplomacy been effectively in control of this region against the supposed presence of incompetent and grossly business minded Americans.

Chapter IV

Japanese surrender

Drafted South East Asia Command

The war had ended under surrender terms accepted by the Japanese Emperor, but the Japanese soldiers spread over the vastness of South East Asia and hundreds of groups of Islands in the Pacific were by no means psychologically defeated. There were genuine fears that they would oppose Allied landings at places. Many of those, in bitterness against the West, were now sympathetic towards Asians who were encouraged and helped with arms to wage resistance movements. Also Japs fanaticism against surrender was an established fact.

Considering the above state of affairs, the British Supreme Command decided to put into actual practice the invasion plan with orders to resort to use of weapons only if opposed. Otherwise the drill was followed in totality and major objectives were occupied. Priorities of tasks included taking effective control of all important areas and major towns, control of Japanese Command and Control Headquarters, disarming Japanese soldiers and while doing so, isolating them in to less important areas. Then there was rehabilitation of European prisoners under Japanese captivity followed by handing over of important areas to British, French, and Dutch control to reestablish their lost holds. I was given a movement order for joining Machinegun Battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment without being told its location. The British were masters at "Security" and the whole move was conducted by administration. I was to report to O.C. Transit Camp Madras and was to travel over a long route cutting through India from North to South, in a military special train. A very low priority and slow moving thing which took about 4 days - but the war had ended and there was no emergency. The countryside through which the train passed was interesting because of its past history. After crossing JHANSI, below the famous city of AGRA which houses one of the world's great wonders, the TAJ MAHAL, the countryside is open and dry with scattered trees, vastly Acacia and Teakwood. Soil gets darker and population scattered with villages far and apart. Agriculture was primitive and main occupation appeared to be pastoral and rearing of stock. That is where the Muslim culture fades out and Hindu predominates. People are of small stature with dark complexion and mostly belong to non-ARYAN races such as GONDS, SANTHALS, BEELS, KOLS and DRAVEDIANS. Throughout the train journey, one saw at the railway stations that there were drinking water taps labelled "Hindu Pani" and "Muslim Pani". Also the vendors carrying buckets with icy water would shout the same slogan. Identical was the case for food. What more manifestation of diversity of nationhood was needed. Reaching Hyderabad State, largest princely state of India in the middle of South Indian Peninsula, one could again see Muslim culture through dress of some important and better off people as well as from the various sign boards which were in "URDU", the language of Muslims in India. The ruler, a Muslim, called "NIZAM" was reported to be highly miser and simple person who ranked among the richest in the world. His gold holdings enriched Indian Reserve Bank to very high degree, later, when India occupied that state militarily against the principles laid down for Indian independence. There were no tears and no words of condemnation.

Reporting to Officer Commanding Transit Camp at Madras, a large coastal city with a fine seaport, I was told to relax for a few days and that I was at liberty to see as much of that city as I desired. Only restriction placed was to report at the office at 0800 hours in the morning and same in the evening. The authority would stop me when I was required to board the ship. Next morning, after a late breakfast, I went out and found a 'city train' called "Tram". That was a very convenient and cheap mode of travel for anyone and you could get on to it and get down at very short distances. Madrasi is a very thin, lean and small statured person with very dark skin. Wearing a peculiar dress, which is usually, white and showing fine set of glittering white teeth, these Dravidians are a pleasant people. Because the British had established their hold much earlier here, its people are very well educated and I would say that education ranked highest against all other places. Shopping centers and other buildings displayed signboards with local language predominating, English being second runner. Men and women aboard tram preferred talking in their own languages, Madrasi, Telegu or Malayalam. At some place, where I thought was the civic centre of the town, I asked a fairly young man who wore Bush Shirt and trousers, where should I find places of tourist interest. He spoke fine English and in highly polite manner explained and made me get down on the next stop. That was close to a group of elegant and large buildings, which turned out to be "Spencer Square", a major business house. During the earlier train journey I was solitary passenger in my compartment and a few days with no one to talk to, made me stiff bored and I was longing to find some companion. Stepping inside a very large hall having many compartments with numerous show case windows, I saw across nearby show cases a young and beautiful girl who wore Punjabi dress, and without any thought I asked her if she was from Punjab. She was so much excited that she shouted for her husband who was across another line of showcase windows. I thought that I had been foolish person to have asked a strange lady a personal question, which certainly was not in keeping with our culture. I feared trouble now and it all depended on the young husband of the lady. True to their affectionate and friendly nature, Sardar Jee (a word of respect for Sikhs of Punjab), came with smiles as the lady pointing towards me told him that I also belonged to PUNJAB - she had spoken in her own typical language which has its own charm. I thanked goodness and moved forward for a very warm mutual handshake, in fact the charming man gave me a hug. I explained my predicament of long train journey and boredom in the strange large city. They were my hosts for the day and I shall ever cherish their kindness and open heartedness. We remained together and at their initiative we lunched at a Muslim restaurant. Nothing pleases a Sikh more than to have a chance to speak PUNJABI and the couple was immensely pleased to join another PUNJABI in that far off south.

For the readers, who do not understand diversity of cultures and religious orthodoxy in Indian sub-continent I have to briefly explain. There are two major religious groups in India, the Hindus and Muslims. Then there are Sikhs, Parsees and Christians. Sikhs are a distinct religious sect, mostly in Punjab and are highly enterprising as such they are found all over India. Hindu society is class ridden with high caste Hindus not allowing low caste Hindus even in their temples of worship, leave alone their marriages, social get-together or eating together. How dare a Muslim or low caste Hindu enter a restaurant meant for high caste Hindus. Their such strong objection coupled with their worship of cow which Muslims slaughter for eating and also Muslim prohibition of swines (pigs) meat takes them poles apart. A few examples of Hindus hatred of Muslims, even their own low caste Hindus will show how basically different these communities are. Going back to my village, we had a Hindu Brahman family of Risaldar Raja Ram. His wife was so vehemently orthodox that she wouldn't tolerate breathing in the same open air with Muslims. Every early morning she would go to sandy, clean water stream, distance of about one kilometer from her house, to bathe with the dutiful husband escorting. This would be done in dark hours, before sun came out. This also meant that there was no one in sight or in the street when she travelled. At the water point, if ever she saw someone crossing the water upstream, no matter at what distance, she would walk to a spot above the place from where some other human being was seen crossing. At times this meant going extra 1-1/2 miles into the hills where the stream turned into a gorge thus ensuring that no person was in sight upstream because that, to her, would mean polluted water. If due to her bad luck some other person, especially a Muslim, came across the street, she would turn her face towards the wall, with the husband in-between the other person and her. In such cases all the village people would themselves, either turn back to hide into some other street or they would turn faces to the other wall and stop so that the orthodox lady doesn't even get the air moved by that person's walking.

Hindus of the village had segregated due to their own orthodoxy, water well, near the main water pond, centre of village activities. Also there was one low caste Hindu family which belonged to Maleecha sect. This family performed most important role of burning of dead Hindus, and finally disposal of un-burnt bones such as 'skull'. Members of this family were not allowed to mix up or get near to high caste Hindus. Now what were they to do about their water needs.

The system in practice was that one of their members would place the bucket or water pot below the 4 feet high platform of the well. One Mr. Damodar would pull out water bucket from the well, raising it to his chest height (another 4 feet or so) he would pour water into Maleechas' pot, making sure that not even the air reflected from that pot reached his body or nose.

After about 4 days, in the Transit Camp, I was told not to leave it without permission and that was a signal that soon I shall be aboard some ship, for an unknown destination. No one dared ask any questions on location of various military units or formations and in any case no one would tell you. How effective the security was! For the first time I saw the Highsea, a port and ships. I guessed from Madras being the embarkation port that my unit must be in South East Asia, most probably in Indonesia or Malaya. Had I sailed from Calcutta or Vizagapatam ports, it could have been for Burma or the Thailand. Cool sea breeze of February was pleasing and what was beyond the skyline across many miles of blue waters was yet to be seen. The ship was kept spotlessly clean and we all had to practice a routine in which we scrubbed and cleaned it. Sea, the Bay of Bengal lower reaches, was rough and gave good shaking to the ship, which swung sideways freely. That caused seasickness and vomiting but it had to be endured. For a few days we could see nothing but water everywhere and the shining sun during the day and stars at night. I could recognize a few of constellations which were learnt at the Military College, but the sky changes shape as you move from North to South or vice versa. During the day, one thing that broke the monotony was the hundreds of flying fish which would jump for breathing air and then fallback or dive back into water - none reached on the deck in spite of our prayers to that effect. We had a rainstorm but it was not severe. After 4 days the ship anchored. It was pre-dawn hours and to our right we could see, at a distance through the haze some signs of land. Soon there came announcement on the ship loudspeaker network listing about a dozen officers and other ranks that were told to collect their belongings and report at a place on the deck. My name was amongst those. A LCT (Landing Craft Troops), a small boat with mechanical engine was seen clinging to the hull of the ship well down below and now the ship looked like a giant. A rope net for ladder, was thrown down its side and we went down along with our baggage. The boat was swinging restlessly and its impact with the body of the ship was checked by a number of rubber tyres, soon the LCT with its little rattling engine noise was moving away from the ship towards the land. Now the dawn had broken and we could see more and more, the little boat moved into a creek and we could see tree covered coast on both sides and then it landed at a port Jetty some minutes before the sunrise. The Jetty a small one, almost deserted was without much details and as we stepped up on the shore, a British sergeant of the military police received us and for officers he had a 15 cwt Chevrolet truck standing at a close distance. Our luggage was loaded under his arrangement and we four (4) officers were told to get into the body of the truck. the NCO himself occupied the front seat next to the driver. He announced that the place where we had landed was BELAWAN on the northern coast of SUMATRA Island of Indonesia. By now we had all guessed it and that was confirmed. He then said that he would deliver us to our destinations. With that the vehicle moved off and was soon on a fine broad road, which had thick forest on both sides. The sergeant said that MEDAN, the capital town of Sumatra was about 20 miles and we would be there in about 30 minutes.

SUMATRA - Japanese, Indonesians and Dutch

Soon we were in Medan and the stay in that beautiful town has been very eventful in my life. The social life here was totally shattered due to war and the military occupation with Indonesia waging war of resistance against Dutch return made things worst.

The strategic policy of the occupation forces (Allies) was that the Japanese would vacate major towns and places of strategic importance, which would be occupied by the victors, and then these would be restored to their original colonialists. The Japanese were required to maintain law and order in the interior and were also required to surrender military equipment and weapons to the occupation forces. This process was spread over a period of more than one year so as to enable the British, Dutch and French to reorganize their armies and civil administration with their own logistical supports to reassume effective control. Time was also required to dispose of the huge Japanese arsenal and war equipment and to transfer back millions of their soldiers.

The Japanese who accepted surrender bitterly, had sympathies with the local Asians, and quite a number of their soldiers deserted to join Indonesian guerrillas, in any case they trained and led them wherever they could. They handed over large official records. Indonesians who had first suffered under most ruthless and cruel Dutch for centuries and later for a few years under Japanese nasty occupation were very ably led by Doctor AHMAD SOEKARNO, Doctor MUHAMMAD HATTA, Doctor SUBANDRIO and others. That made the task of occupation armies to re-establish the hated Dutch rule most difficult.

The Dutch had to find fresh political initiatives to be in a position to even get into political dialogue with Indonesians. Doing so from position of strength and showing military muscle did not work. The British Indian Army troops naturally sympathized with the Indonesians and in most cases our own (Indian) Independence had similarities. A good number of Indian soldiers also deserted and there were reports that when required to engage Indonesian guerrillas, the Indian soldiers, especially Muslims, did not resort to aimed fire.

The Dutch and other foreign nationals who became prisoners with the occupying Japanese were treated most harshly and there seemed to be no word as "Human Rights" in the Japanese dictionary. Living conditions for such people were far short of bare minimum as for as food; clothing and even medical treatment were concerned. They worked as hard labourers and even beaten frequently. Women were used as ‘Geisha’ girls and ‘comfort girls’. The occupation forces saw them in tatters and rags, at times half-naked. There was no concept of social life for them. In view of above prevailing conditions, the occupation forces had to rehabilitate such people’s morale that were in thousands. Only one town Medan had a few thousands men and women who were concentrated into the cantonment. Now they were accommodated in Dutch built cantonment houses, though they were tight packed and in many cases a whole family shared a single room, but there was security, electricity facility, running tap water and all necessary utilities. Ration cards were made, clothes were provided and entertainment clubs were organized. Arrangements for transportation were made and canteen stores facilities provided. We were encouraged to entertain friends and sports were organized. War torn economy meant total non-availability of manufactured goods as well as imported ones. Cigarettes, canned food, drinks, radio sets, clothes and like were not available and were eagerly sought after. We on the other hand, had abundance of such items available at very cheap prices through the Canteen Stores Department. This facility given, to troops a position of providing gifts and the Dutch in turn felt obliged and made friendly gestures.

It may be of interest for many to know the price index at that time (1946). One tin of Player No. 3 containing 50 cigarettes was priced at Re 1/- only, and a tin of Sardine Fish half that much. I brought with me only three items, which I exchanged for mostly sought after necessities. For one tin of sardine fish I got a beautiful pocket watch which I gifted to my dear Uncle Haji GULAB DIN, a dedicated and good school Teacher. A tin of cigarettes got me a Gramophone and a piece of Khaki Shirt cloth (9 Yards) costing me less than Rs 7/- was exchanged for a beautiful German automatic camera, which I sold many years later for Rs 200/- in my own country. These items were exchanged in the local market with businessmen. These details have been given so that a picture is made of what horrors war can produce.

Earlier, in this chapter, I have given brief description of broken social life due to war. War anywhere, destroys morality and social life. Morality had sunk to a record low because of social and economic denials. Young Dutch men were conscripted for army service in almost all cases to find enough troops to re-establish their control over the vast and much thickly populated Island colonial empire of Indonesia. Newly freed Dutch population in Indonesia included old men and women, young girls and children. These starved people were eager for entertainment and needed essentials as well as luxuries of life. What these families received as maintenance grants and help was not enough, therefore, the best chances for such facilities existed with soldiers of occupation forces who had enough money as well as facilities of canteen stores. This caused young Dutch girls to let themselves loose morally and they would make temporary friends with any soldier who had the desire and who could offer any lucrative item. There were no restrictions and an atmosphere of free for all social life prevailed.

Among numerous such cases one that I may quote here is an incidence that occurred by a road side. One night I was in my Jeep and when passing close to a club and negotiating a road bend, the strong head-lights of the vehicle swept over an open ground and what I saw, not to much liking, was a young Dutch girl and an Indian soldier in objectionable state. They got up instantly, half naked and perplexed. I told them that they could have, at least, moved deeper into the sports ground to avoid such a situation. Then I asked the soldier if he knew elementary word of English so as to communicate. He said that was not necessary and he had shown a tin of cigarettes and the girl said 'Okay' and nothing more was needed.

Another story proves the force of economics. One day I was walking to house of a Dutch family friends Mr. and Mrs. Moss. Mr. Moss was farmer and possessed a farm there.

Extremely decent and cultured they enjoyed high social status. While walking alongside an open sports ground I noticed a solitary wooden and a double storied hut. The scene, which drew my attention was a fight (hand to hand) between two men. They were about forty years of age and were Sikhs. There were two females sitting above the staircase who were watching this furious fight and were quite unmoved. I shouted at them to stop fighting and when getting close I found that one of them was our employee (an interpreter) and I being the Battalion Intelligence Officer he was working under me. The quarrel and the duel was for possession of the daughter. The elderly man said that the daughter was his while the younger one admitted that the wife belonged to the elder one but he also was sharing living together. What nonsense! The point clicking. I asked the younger one as to why he was demanding possession of the girl and he made out a case for independent food and clothes washing arrangement for him. A difficult case to decide and I asked the lady who smiled continuously, as to why she could not resolve the issue. She answered flatly, "they can decide among them". Now both the men pleaded that I should decide the issue between them. In fact, I knew that they would obey and could not afford to disregard my decision. I therefore, decided in favour of the younger one, also saying that they shall all continue to live in the same hut. However, they could have separate feeding arrangements. The arrangement was to last till such time that the younger one got married or left the house. I am sure he was in no hurry in either case.

The Japanese soldiers were used for clearing of grass and maintenance of the park in the main sports ground well away from the Dutch club. A road leading to that club building however passed from a side of that sports ground. A Japanese working party was in the ground while their officer supervised the work. One Dutch officer, a fairly tall and healthy one, accompanied by his "girl friend" was going to club. They were about 50 yards ahead of me, when I saw the Dutch, leaving the girl on the roadside, moved towards Japs and then he was seen rolling on the ground with the Japanese officer kicking him and beating him. The girl cried I rushed to the spot and with my cane stick, interfered and brought them to order. The story by the Dutch was that the Japanese Officer had smiled at his girl friend, which he could not tolerate. The Jap said, in his broken English, that the girl was his "girl friend" for a few years and now when she saw him a prisoner she was sarcastically proud and she turned her face with the swing of her hair away from him showing hatred and contempt. He only smiled at his own misfortune. But the Dutch who walked up to him had used an abusive word and now he would not be satisfied with any thing less than killing him. He was standing at attention with his head bowed down and was requesting me to allow him the freedom. I was rough with Dutch officer and threatened him by saying that I was duty bound to report him and that he knew well what that would mean for him. I made him to apologize. He had already received good roughing so he moved along with me to the club. The Jap must have cursed me for long.

The Japanese deserters joining Indonesian guerrillas, in almost all cases carried their weapons also. One such deserter had carried with him a medium machine gun and his group was very active against Medan garrison. They would choose their targets and timing, and with surprise, fire some bursts and then escape into the interior while we were procedure bound for action. This group had chosen our barrack area for long range sniping and it caused us good bit of embarrassment. Plans were made for a two column encircling in case of their next firing for which troops were kept at instant alert and were made fully mobile. The day came and as the columns were ordered to move out, one of our soldiers who was a wireless operator became windy and made an excuse that he had acute stomach ache so he was left behind. He was tall and best high jumper of the battalion. Troops out, this coward soldier sat down pretending when one stray bullet from the guerrilla sniper hit him on the forehead and he lay dead. Such are the laws of nature and when death has to come it cannot be averted, was it not the case of "For Whom The Bell Tolls".

Our troops succeeded in capturing the guerrillas, among them the Japanese deserter who had turned to be their leader. He was assaulted with greatest of surprise by two of our strong men from point blank. An ambush had been laid on their route of withdrawal, well in their rear, and they had relaxed and were caught. Had the Jap been given slightest chance he would have committed suicide. He struggled hard to free his hands but our men secured him. Locked up in our Quarterguard, he created many problems for us. It had to be ensured that he was kept chained in such a manner that he should not be able to hit his head against wall nor he should use his shackles to cause his death. He continuously begged to be permitted to kill himself and refused food. He was fed using force under medical arrangements. He remained a big problem because he was guilty of committing murderous firing against our troops, besides being a deserter from his unit. It took long to go through the procedure before he was handed over to the Japanese authorities.

Some mention of other deserters who joined Indonesian guerrillas will be interesting. A good number of Indian Army soldiers deserted. Once a driver of our Commanding Officer deserted. He was followed by the second driver of the same Commanding Officer. Second time the driver took his jeep with him, which of course was soon returned. Indian Army deserters were mostly Muslims who had religious affinity with Indonesians. Also there was strong resentment against bringing back the Dutch. There was a joke current there that an intelligence report from South East Asia Supreme Command to GHQ India said "A lot of tree tops in Indonesia have lost leaves due to bullets from Indian soldiers firing", meaning that these soldiers would not aim at the guerrillas. Such events proved that national movements for freedom in the Third World had mass sympathies.

There was a small town called TEMBOONG to the East of MEDAN at a distance of about 16-20 miles. It was reported to be active Headquarters of Indonesian guerrilla activities. A military operation was planned to destroy it as a base of activities against MEDAN. The plan envisaged encircling of the town by two Infantry battalions moving from different directions. A battalion of Rajputana Rifles and my battalion were selected. The two battalion commanders were to conduct an aerial survey but an interesting situation arose, in that, our battalion second in command, who was officiating Commanding Officer in those days, was found to be overweight and the regulations did not permit him to take the ride over a small aircraft. As an alternative Major ABDUL KARIM was detailed to conduct the aerial survey who in turn briefed the officiating Commanding Officer and also remained with him in the battalion Headquarters during the operation.

I being the battalion Intelligence officer was required to lead the battalion through cross country, making a very wide flanking move so as to achieve surprise. I had made full preparations from the map and various marching charts and men of my section were detailed accordingly. The move was to be conducted during darkness and we were required to assemble close to the objective in a marshy area short of a railway line, which led out of the town towards Medan. We moved meticulously in accordance with the night marching chart and had no mishap on the way. Indonesians were ill-trained and also their strengths were concentrated where there were more important objectives. While moving through cross-country avoiding defined tracks and villages, also important features, we generally marched through marshes. Troops get tired and monotony sets in after long march and here we suffered on this account. Only a short distance from Assembly Area some sub units lost contact and because of "imposed wireless silence" there was no way to restore the lost contact. Time was also running short and the objective being close we were extra cautious in our movements and talk. On my reporting that we had reached the Assembly Area, where no prominent feature was visible, the officiating Commanding Officer got panicky and started asking "where the hell are we" and words to that effect. I requested him to make halt and to allow me to look for a railway bridge which according to our plans and calculations should have been very close. Agreeing, the officiating Commanding Officer made us all laugh, when he asked Major Abdul Karim, "Abdul" where the hell is Assembly Area and track, which was prominent on the map, and said, "You went up in the air".

How amusing, poor Major Abdul who had taken a short ride in a ‘kite’, a week ago, was supposed to now trace out the track in darkness and in strange ground after about 20 miles of marching. The sought after bridge was within 200 yards distance and we had a sigh of relief because we were dead accurate and well in time to move forward for the Forming Up Place (FUP) to shake into assaulting formations at the "H Hour" the time when the assault was to be made before dawn breaks. Indonesians were not found to be that simple and naive. They had information of our operation and then all the way, their sympathetic population kept informing them of our move. So when we assaulted, there was not a single young and healthy man in the town, which looked like a ghost town. Some dogs ran here and there in panic. Search of important buildings in the town did not produce anything worth the effort. However, we were triumphant to have succeeded in our plan of operation while our other friends, the (RAJPUTANA RIFLES) could not reach the objective because of a water obstacle in their way.

British Soldiers

We had a few British Army Units also stationed in Medan Cantonment. Social life was permitted up to certain hours at night after which curfew was enforced. One night I was out on mobile patrol in Jeep, when I spotted two British soldiers on road. They had been to some place of ‘drink’ and dance and were fully drunk, that was visible from their physical state. On seeing headlights of my Jeep the soldiers went behind a green hedge. They got out when I halted near them and pointing their rifles at me, asked me to "Buzz Off", of course their weapons were not loaded. I asked them to get into body of the vehicle so that I could drop them in their barracks area but they would not obey. I left them there and went to their unit lines from where their Regimental Sergeant Major accompanied me and soon we relocated them. They had again ducked down behind a green hedge. But this time one "Yell - You sons of ..... Come out" from RSM and there they were shivering and timidly they got into the Jeep. I saw a glimpse of the legendary British Army Sergeant Major and a thought flickered in my mind, was there a worthwhile land where British soldier had not stepped?

Indonesian Guerrillas

Once I was given a nasty assignment of raiding and capturing a reported Senior Indonesian guerrilla Leader. Our intelligence sources repeatedly reported that such a leader resided, rather had established a makeshift headquarter in a bungalow on the outer fringes of a modern colony of the town. That colony was not protected by British troops and remained an open civil residential area.

A plan was made, a platoon of soldiers along with Mr. George, the informer/interpreter, an Indian Christian from Madras, now an Indonesian citizen, were taken by me for this raid which was to be conducted during early dark hours past the midnight. In order to maintain secrecy, as far as possible, it was decided that the troops shall move in small groups over different streets, and converge suddenly on the Target House. Firstly, it was highly unlikely that the guerrillas would be that negligent to be caught napping and secondly, the area was full of domestic dogs. However, the exercise was carried out and we did succeed in achieving surprise and I was at the house door along with Mr. George and two men who carried wireless sets for communication. I noticed, soon after jumping over a low wall where the green hedge was broken, that there were men behind the hedge who were trying to fan out along the perimeter wall of the bungalow. This caused alarm in my mind and looking around I could not see any of our own men on the other side of the wall. In the meantime Mr. George had knocked at the door and instantly defence lights came up with me and my men under focus. A very tricky situation. The house door opened and a handsome man of early middle age appeared smiling. His men did not act against us. On questioning his name, the man affirmed and my informer confirmed, I therefore, did not think of searching the house. The leader, while offering his arrest signalled his guards to disperse, who vanished in an instant. That showed how well drilled they were. My own men had not surrounded the given house in fact they had encircled a different house next door. That happened due to error of wheeling. those who were to turn "Right" from a point turned "Left" and the other party also did the opposite. I would have been in a bad position had the "man" resisted, we would have been locked in battle. He surrendered because of fear of stronger retaliation by us that is what I had thought. Thanking my stars, we made for home and locking the prisoner in the Quarterguard I heaved a sigh of relief. During the interrogation, it transpired that the Guerrilla Leader who offered arrest was a different person who had to be released. One good result was that Indonesian guerrillas cleared that locality and we never had any trouble from there.

Japanese Soldiers

One day an Indonesian was brought before me by the Japanese soldiers who worked under our control temporarily. The man was a poor labourer and was in tatters. He had received bruises and minor wounds in addition to blown up hand fingers. It looked as if he was given a lime-powder bath. His hand was wrapped in dirty rags for bandage, which was still bleeding. The charge was that the man was a habitual thief and was caught when a booby trap was attached to a ripe pumpkin. The man tried to steal the pumpkin thereby setting off the trap, which resulted in his being captured. The Japanese who had first shoved him into an empty lime bag kicked him with their boots. Now they demanded of me to punish him "properly". What they meant by "proper" punishment would be anyone's guess. I took over the poor thief and asked the Japanese as to why they should not be prosecuted for their cruel acts against the man. They were stunned and showed great surprise at my judgment. I am sure they must have taken me to be an officer who knew nothing about meeting out punishments in accordance with the severity of crime. There was no use trying to convince them and also to proceed further because we had instructions to avoid serious conversation or altercations with Japanese prisoners for obvious reasons. The man was given immediate dressing of his wounds, fed with a rice meal and let off.

A few good words about Japanese soldiers, who, like their nation, were highly motivated and disciplined. They believed in their religious faith of Shintoism from core of their hearts and respected their superiors and the imperial house with greatest of reverence. Throughout the war, Japanese soldiers preferred death to being taken prisoner. They were highly skilled in their profession and were masters of "Jungle Warfare". They practiced ‘Field Punishments’ and that ensured absolute obedience. One of their such summary punishment which I witnessed was that a junior soldier committed some offence or was negligent for something and he was marched before his superior where he kneeled down to receive a slap on his face - got up, saluted and walked away. How very simple?

On the other hand, while they were honest and word 'theft' never existed in their dictionary, that saved them huge logistic problems and employment of manpower.

They held deep dislike rather contempt for Europeans and Americans. At the same time they considered Asiatics as dishonorable subservient of the former. After the surrender by their Emperor, they resentfully obeyed, but there were thousands of deserters to join freedom movements by the Indonesians and other colonial people. In fact they helped to organise such resistance movements and passed on whatever arms and ammunition, that they could, destroying paper records. They also displayed Asiatic spirit to befriend or to be courteous and polite with Asians, though that attitude was merely out of their resentment against the West and the Americans. Japanese have always been a people 'aloof' from Asians and their soldiers excelled in that.

In order to boost up morale and also to change the psychology, an athletic meet was organized. My Commanding Officer, an athlete of high standard in his days was to organize the Divisional Team and I was included for 100 and 220 yards sprints. I had arrived only three days earlier and after a year’s stay in Saharanpur jungles and a train journey followed by ship travel should have caused enough worry. There was no choice and the Almighty Allah was with me and I breasted the tape in both events. The happiest person in the stadium was my Commanding Officer; of course I just could not understand how that had happened. Spectators gave long ovation each time when I stepped on the victory stand and many fans of sports offered friendship. The sprint timing was good and encouraging so much so that my Commanding Officer started coaching me on the book of greatest athlete of that time, JESSY OWENS of the United States. Though there is no harm done to learn yet I felt embarrassed and apprehensive because I have no physical similarity with that great man. He is above 6 feet tall with a strong body while I am only 5 feet 6 inches with 110 lb. Weight - round shouldered with a running style which is not straight on the line but feet touching the ground well apart and in a zigzag manner. In this way I have to touch the ground at least 10% more and cover longer distance. With change in circumstances that training was not pursued but for me it is a matter of great pride to have gained that reputation. Later, in the following two years I won the said sprints in Brigade sports meets, when back in my own country.

I was still battalion Intelligence Officer and my battalion was responsible for protecting Medan Cantonment area against guerrillas. Control of activities, enforcement of curfew, issuance of movement passes, ration cards and all such measures was again our responsibility. Appointing and control of reliable informers and information was a major task. Collection of timely and reliable information is always essential for any authority and we made special arrangements for collection, collation and dissemination of the same. For these services we had to rely, mostly, on people of Indian origin.

We appointed a number of informers and interpreters, from such a class of people. We conducted raids wherever Indonesian guerrillas were reported. In many cases such raids were successful and besides countering their plans and affecting morale, we also succeeded in cleaning the town of such threat to peace. Large quantities of Arms were confiscated, in some cases even guerrillas were captured. In spite of presence of strong occupation forces, crime at large scale concerning illegal disposal of huge quantities of Arms and Equipment as well as the surplus of clothing continued. Discipline in the ranks of occupation forces had been lost. Was it due to insecure future of wartime conscripts who believed in old saying "Make Hay While The Sun Shines". Postings, cross postings of officers and men on large-scale, moves of units could not prevent destruction of records and books. Who could have checked whom, over and above that there was the relaxed attitude because the mission now was totally different from that of fighting an enemy to win war.

Bribe Menace

One day I received an order in which I was appointed an Inquiry Officer. An ad hoc Ordnance Store reported that hundreds of bundles of blankets had been "Stolen". Those were reported to have been dumped in heavy bundles in a bungalow on the unsafe bank of a small stream having neck deep water. One side of it was a forested area where we had no jurisdiction. On arrival at the office or storehouse concerned I had a first look at the environment and heard the story from the officer (an English major) who took me behind the building block. He showed me the deep stream and its fairly wet high banks and a few footmarks. Then a loosely created barbed wire fence of 3 strings outside the building perimeters and said that Indonesian thieves had carried away those hundreds of heavy bundles. He was carefully watching my reaction and had I been frank to tell him about the nonsense, it was not difficult for him to have disposed me of and then claim a sniper shot from Indonesian guerrillas from across the stream. I remained expressionless and moved off to come to face of the building when the major made his offer. He said that he could give me an equal share from Rs 2 lacs (two hundred thousands). A big money in 1946. He emphasized that this huge amount of money would settle me very well in life. I told him that since I was not in a position to record the evidence, in the absence of other 2 members, I shall re-appear next morning. He read what was in my mind and gave me a serious threat if I mentioned that to anyone. Back in the battalion, I made clean breast of everything to my kind C.O. who took me off from that dirty inquiry. Somewhere some prayers were certainly protecting me from devil.

HMS Devonshire - Liver Pool - Madras

At small port of Belawan in the North of Medan it was about a Brigade Group which was to embark on the ship bound for Madras and I was detailed as Quartermaster of the ship. This involved very big responsibility of loading the ship with baggage and equipment of the units and HQ, as per staff tables worked out at higher level. Then at disembarkation port (Madras) again it was my responsibility to ensure smooth and orderly unloading. The job was completed satisfactorily and we were received by a military band playing music at the port. It was very tedious and tiring experience but the appointment saved me from a lot of other routine such as daily scrubbing of ship floor. From Madras we boarded a special military train for Sialkot. Because such trains always had the lowest priority and were required to move over the tracks when these were free from all other routine train movements, therefore, it took many days.

The train moved out of Madras Presidency, through the Nizam State of Hyderabad into Central Provinces of India. It was morning time and I was alone in a small compartment when the train slowed down while passing through a flat country devoid of any visible village or greenery. Fields were ploughed and these had scattered acacia trees here and there. What I saw became a matter of deep religious concern for many years. There were some cows grazing when one of them, close to the train, raised its tail and started urinating. From a small group of herdsmen, one young grown-up boy ran to the cow, placed his hand below, making a cup, collected some urine of the cow, sipped it and wiped his palm by rubbing over his forehead and then his head. Thereafter, he went back to join his friends. This action of that young Hindu boy, about 16-18 years of age, put me to very hard thinking.