Stirring indeed! A little known fact about World War II is that it was India’s contribution of men and material that bailed out the West. Over 2.6 million Indian troops played a decisive role in the greatest conflict of the 20th century.
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About two weeks before the big day arrived, or perhaps even more, predominant among the ambient mix of neighbourhood noises, was the sound of distant drums. It came from nearby schools practicing their marching drills together with various other cultural activities they planned to put up for India’s 76th Independence Day.
Stirring indeed! After all what can be more tumultuous than the birthday celebrations of a great nation, a great civilisation – India, which now stands on the threshold of a huge leap into the future. That’s reason enough for our hearts to swell up with pride that we’re Indians.
The memory of a recent event in France a month ago – Bastille Day, July 14, which that country celebrates as their Freedom Day – also served to bring on an equally moving overflow of passion, pride and tears.
We’re talking about the pride of place given to a huge, combined defence forces’ contingent from India that marched down the Champs Elysees at the Bastille Day parade together with French forces, amid cheering crowds, against the iconic and imposing backdrop of the Arc De Triomphe.
It was here that French President Emmanuel Macron had in his speech described India as a “giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future”.
The parade was jointly reviewed by French President Macron and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the guest of honour at the event.
Punjab regiment leads Indian contingent
Leading the Indian contingent was Captain Aman Jagtap of the Punjab Regiment, along with Rajputana Rifles’ band. The Army contingent comprised 77 marching personnel, 38 members of the Band, as well as a Navy and Air Force contingent. Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) also joined the flypast along with French jets.
The Punjab Regiment is one of the oldest Regiments of the Indian Army and troops of the regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations.
Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army from 1942, asserted that the British “Couldn’t have come through both wars if they hadn’t had the Indian Army”.
But there is more to their historic and stirring legacy. More than 100 ago, soldiers from the Punjab regiment, had fought alongside French and Allied forces in both World War I and II. In those days Indian soldiers, were part of the British Army.
During World War I, the Regiment received 18 Battle and Theatre Honours, fighting in locations such as Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, Palestine, Egypt, China, Hong Kong, Damascus, and France. During World War II, 2.5 million Indian soldiers made notable contributions in various theatres of the war, including France.
It was India that helped the West win World War II
But when you view all this on a larger canvas of global events, it becomes clearly evident that the contribution made by Indian soldiers will ever remain unequalled and unparalleled. It is time the world acknowledges India’s game-changing contribution to Allied victory in World War II against the Germans.
Seventy years ago, Germany surrendered to the Allies to end World War II in Europe.
A little known fact about World War II is that it was India’s contribution of men and material that bailed out the West.
Over 2.6 million Indian troops played a decisive role in the greatest conflict of the 20th century and helped Britain stay in the fight. Indian forces were sent to major war zones around the world.
They terrorised Rommel’s German tank divisions in Africa, fought the Japanese in Burma, took part in the invasion of Italy, and played a significant part in battles in the Middle East.
Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army from 1942, asserted that the British “Couldn’t have come through both wars if they hadn’t had the Indian Army”.
Even Winston Churchill, who wasn’t particularly fond of India and Indians had acknowledged the “unsurpassed bravery of Indian soldiers and officers”.
Britain’s dependence on India was near total. In fact, even during World War I (1914-18), India’s contribution was massive.
Equally critical was Indian material help. Weapons, ammunition, timber, steel and especially food, were transported in vast quantities to Europe.
The New York Times wrote in 1918: “The world must pay India in whatever India wants, for without Indian products, there would be greater difficulty in winning the war.”
As Indian within the country and the Indian diaspora across the world, celebrate the Republic of India and its stupendous achievements this Independence Day, let us salute our soldiers and always keep them in our hearts with our prayers and blessings.
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