Dear Sir,
Over 67,000 men of the Indian Army served in Malaysia and Singapore during World War II. When Britain surrendered Singapore to Japan on 15 Feb 1942, the vast majority of these soldiers were taken as prisoners of war (POWs). Their experiences during this period were harrowing and diverse, as they faced extreme conditions throughout their captivity. Initially, they suffered from severe overcrowding, inadequate food, and a lack of medical supplies, which resulted in a significant loss of life due to illness and malnutrition. As the war progressed, these soldiers were presented with a choice – join the Indian National Army (INA), an armed force that sought to secure India’s independence by fighting alongside the Japanese, or remain POWs. Many chose to join the INA, driven by the hope of contributing to India’s freedom struggle. However, not all of them joined the INA.
Those who did not join the INA faced even harsher conditions. Thousands were sent to labor camps, particularly in what is today Papua New Guinea, where they were subjected to brutal working conditions. Many lost their lives due to exhaustion, malnutrition, and disease. The plight of these soldiers is an often-overlooked chapter in World War II history, and their sacrifices deserve greater recognition.
I am currently researching the stories of these soldiers, both during and after the war. To that end, I am reaching out to veterans and their families who may have memories, documents, or stories to share. The goal is to preserve their legacy in a book that will be published in Aug 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. Any materials shared will be reviewed and cleared with the families prior to publication.
Gautam Hazarika
Gautam Hazarika grew up in India and after his MBA became a banker in 1993, moving to Singapore in 2002. After over 25 years in the financial world, in 2022 he started research as an amateur historian, his lifelong passion. Along the way, he has published many articles, and this would be his first book.
Author : Gautam Hazarika,
Category : Journal
Pages : 544 | Price : ₹CLIV/637 | Year of Publication : July 2024-September 2024