Indian National Army Info?

[Rand]

I hope that someone can recommend a book on the Japanese allied Indian National Army. One that would outline their campaigns etc.

Cheers, Rand.

[August]

Try "The Forgotten Army: India’s Armed Struggle for Independence 1942-45" by Pater Ward Fay" and "India in Axis strategy : Germany, Japan, and Indian nationalists in the Second World War" By: Milan Hauner

For larger picture, see "Brothers Against the Raj: A Biography of Sarat and Subhas Chandra Bose" by Leonard Gordon.

Hugh Toye's "The Springing Tiger: A Study of a Revolutionary" was first good book on Bose. It was published in 1956 methink. Colonel Toye was a counterintelligence man who tailed Bose. In private conversations, Toye claims to know much more.

There was one authoritative book based on British-Indian records written by an Indian for Ministry of Defence in 50s. It was not published as the Govt did not allow it. Most of the records pertaining to INA and its effect on India have been kept classified by Govt of India.

regards

[Rand]

Interesting stuff, thank you August.

R.

[asiaticus]

How were the INA organized, equipped and uniformed? With British or Japanese gear? A mix?

[August]

INA uniform was same as that of British Indian Army. Bose was late...Hitler took long time before sending him to Japan. By the time INA went to war, Japan was doing bad. So INA supply was worst. Anyhow, the INA put up a stiff fight. They were done in by early monsoon and US air force. I guess the INA women troops were attacked by Allies. The INA invasion ended in a disaster. But then Bose knew there was slim chance of his doing anything. He wanted commotion in India and the Indian Army, the tool with which British ruled India. there was a revolt like situtation in Indian Army and this became one of the main reasons why Brits left India.

Rand, there is new book on Bose. It was released in London today. the first ever movie on Bose is ready for November release

http://www.asiansinmedia.org/news/artic ... ishing/615

[Rand]

Thanks August, I was reading up on the Free Indian Legion of the Waffen SS and it mentioned that there was a Indian National Army that actually did some major fighting. Naturally had to follow up on it. If you had some time would you mind posting some photos of the INA? Would be grateful.

Cheers Rand

[asiaticus]

Thanks August for that info.

I have that the INA force that was part of the last Japanese offensive was called the Subhas Brigade and was composed of 3 Battalions formed with select soldiers from the Gandhi, Azad and Nehru Brigades of the INA.

Any info on the specific names for these 3 battalions?

Also does anyone know how they were armed?

I am assuming that if they were equipped with British uniforms perhaps equipment was too?

I am guessing they would have organized like a 1941-2 style Indian Army battalion of a HQ company with 3-inch Mortars and AA MGs and 4 rifle companies. Or were they organized and equipped on Japanese lines or in some other way?

[August]

Guys, how I wish I could add anything worthwhile on the military aspect. This is not my area of interest, though my grandpa fought against the INA as part of the British Indian Army. I am keen on politics and the mystery surrounding Bose's death, which is still volatile.

Rand, the INA fight was major in that no Indian had dared to do such a thing to the Raj. Bose fled from India with a few pennies and in three years was ready with a set-up that had around 80,000 people.

I will try to post pics next week.

Asiaticus, I think Gandhi, Azad and Nehru Brigades were proper names. Bose did not like these fellows but named these units for publicity's sake. They were not well-armed when compared with the British-Indian army. Many veterans cribbed about that. Then the Allies had air cover, which the Japanese/INA never had in that sector during that period. Bose himself had close encounters. The euipment, I guess, was Japanese. Small arms. The organisation was based on British-Indian pattern minus the communal crap. Some of Bose's top men were Christians, even Anglo-Indians. I have no idea about Jews. There were some of them in Indian Army...I do not know if any one joined Bose's Provisional Govt of Free India.

I think the British themselves wrote that some INA men fought well and there were some who rejoined the British-Indian army. There is a problem in getting to the truth as the Govt of India has not released all documents. Free India has not behaved democratically when it comes to Bose. I understand govt has cherished all papers where anti-Bose/INA stuff is recorded, and have destroyed where they were praised.

I also heard that Bose planned to have an air force. Some Indian Air Force officer were to defect with planes.

[August]

Rand, thanks for batch image. it looks in mint condition.