tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21420603483408305422024-03-13T16:17:05.923-05:00Philatelic IncarnationHmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-74071544085845594692014-04-26T07:25:00.000-05:002014-04-26T07:25:26.907-05:00WW2 German Leaflet - Khushi Ka Paigam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After a long long time, I managed to get time to write on blog again. I just hope to find time between my busy personal and professional life to pursue my blogging.</div>
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It's a while since I shared any WW2 propaganda leaflet. So today's topic will be one of rare German WW2 propaganda leaflet against allies (Indian forces). This leaflet is variant of what I shared some time back (<a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/2009/06/german-leaflet-subhas-chandra-bose.html">Subhas Chandra Bose</a>).</div>
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This is one of German leaflet numbered <img alt="delta.gif (1104 bytes)" src="http://www.psywarrior.com/delta.gif" height="18" style="background-color: #fff3db; border: 0px; color: #29303b; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" width="16" />131/8 44 depicting Netaji (leader) Subhas Chandra Bose in front. It bears an autographed photograph of Bose in Indian National Army uniform. The front side of leaflet is exactly same as what was shown in previous leaflet that I had shared (<a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/2009/06/german-leaflet-subhas-chandra-bose.html">Subhas Chandra Bose</a>).</div>
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Though the back side of leaflet is a bit different the content of leaflet is same. It's just that this leaflet has propaganda only in Hindi while earlier one used Roman script and Urdu.</div>
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The back of the leaflet reads in Hindi:<br />
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<u>Good News!
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Most of you may be familiar with the face shown. If not, then listen. The photo belongs to Subhas Chandra Bose who is known as the Hind (National) leader, and is famous by his name all over the world. This man is ever ready to lay down his life for his country and for you. And now he is fighting for freedom of India.</div>
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<u>Along with Hind (National) Leader,</u></div>
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Japanese and German government has promised that Indian prisoners of war will be treated in friendly manner. They will not be subjected to any punishment or torture. At this moment, thousands of Indian prisoners of war are spending their life comfortably in camps. They have been in regular touch with their family by post.</div>
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<u>British propaganda</u></div>
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that Germans don't imprison but kill is absolutely rubbish and false.<br />
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Of course the propaganda was meant to persuade Indians part of British (allied) forces to switch side and lay down their arms to Germans/Japanese. The same people were later recruited in Indian National Army to fight against British (allied) forces in South East Asia.</div>
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Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-4988889085044794742013-06-08T14:41:00.001-05:002013-06-08T15:00:14.915-05:00Searching for Philatelic Bees....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was longing to visit GPO for a while and refresh my good old memory. But somehow it was never getting planned. Then one fine day I decided to make a visit on the way to my office on one of the working day. It was long route but I decided to take it. If I am in town and don't visit GPO then shame on me ;-) I happened to be back in town and was living a bachelor life for couple of weeks so it was but natural for me to visit my temple. I knew once my parents and wifey are back, I won't have such opportunity. Though, I had a month to go before we fly back to US this was only opportunity so I decided to make up for last one yr since we visited India.</div>
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I was relaxed as soon as I entered the GPO premises. The GPO surrounding is lush green with rose garden and trees around it. When I entered the philatelic department, to my surprise I found an old known philatelic dealer (we will call him gentleman) looking for his registered post items. We greeted each other. He had shifted to Hyderabad 3 years back but I had no information as he sent me message on my Indian mobile which was inactive. I decided to pay attention to philatelic items available for sale first and then continue chatting with the gentleman. After I satisfied myself with buying lots of items, I turned towards gentleman who was still struggling to find his items with postal department. They were as usual kind of clueless trying to locate his items. The aged dealer (must be in late 70s) was helplessly looking towards them. </div>
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I didn't reveal the fact that I had relocated to US almost 2 years back but started chatting as usual. He asked me to visit GPO again on coming Sunday as there was a philatelic society meeting planned. He had been trying for many years to enroll me in that society. Somehow I was just not buying the idea despite knowing the fact that society was well known and had may veterans in philatelic world. It was then the postal department person also told me that I should make a visit. The society hold auctions etc also during the meet. The gentleman offered me to sit next to him despite the fact I was not a member and I could participate in auction where he would buy items on behalf of me. That scheme seemed attractive to me. I was also keen on finding people who had same interest as mine in the world of WW2. I thought this could be a good place to meet people. Anyway, it was over weekend so I decided to return to GPO.</div>
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The gentleman had asked me to be there at 10:00 AM. I woke up late as usual on Sunday morning and by the time I started from home it was already 10:00 AM. I was filled with guilt that I was running late. I have a bad habit of always being punctual. Throughout the ride, I was just thinking the gentleman must be feeling bad probably thinking I didn't turn up despite promising to be there. Finally, I reached GPO around 10:30 AM. Because of Sunday, lots of sections/areas inside GPO were closed. I was also in hurry and furious of running late, I lost my way to philately section. Then, someone pointed me a way to philately. I entered the room and saw empty chairs. There were only a handful of people present including gentleman. My heart sank at that moment. I was not able to have eye contact with gentleman as I thought meeting was over and I came after most of the people had left.</div>
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I decided to quietly leave the room when gentleman called me and said he had reserved a seat for me. I should sit next to him. My mind started working once again I realized that it was a meeting called in India that too over weekend. How could most of the people be on time. I was all of sudden very much relaxed. The guilt had gone but I was again furious :-) this time on other people who had not reached on time. I located a sofa at the end of the room and placed myself on it. The gentleman kept on telling me to sit next to him but I politely declined as I had become UN observer (as an observer one should position oneself such that one can do its duty diligently. I couldn't do such thing sitting in front row with gentleman). I started watching people coming in, mingling with others, reading philatelic notice boards and buying philatelic items from counter which was specially kept open for that meeting duration.</div>
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Most of the people seemed to be aged, some retired and some businessman. Then there were some techies as usual and I saw a lone girl. Later a group of ladies joined the team. It was almost 11:00 AM when society president/secretary started pleading people to sit on chairs arranged rather than roaming here and there and chatting. He had to plead couple of times for people to keep quiet so they can start their activity. By this time I had become a true naturalized Indian (smiling on what's happening there). Everything appeared to be as expected and very natural. The meeting started while people were still coming in. The ladies didn't stop chatting. The secretary had to voice his concern a little louder. After a short speech, president asked people to participate in auction for items placed in the room. The items were from another gentleman (let's say gentleman#2) who was music teacher by profession. His area of interest was Paris (quite natural isn't it). He was asked to give a brief speech over Paris and items placed for auction by him. The show had begun. He started with history of Paris, touching some important milestones in history of Paris and then shared some information related to philatelic items he had on sale. He was explaining what Paris is famous for: art, historical buildings, music etc when someone asked where could we get famous shoes of Paris. The gentleman didn't understand what was being asked. The enquirer repeated saying he had heard Paris was famous for its footwear so where was that available? I was controlling my laugh. The gentleman#2 was still at loss. Someone from crowd then intervened and explained what was being asked. It was a curious case of Benjamin Button. He couldn't answer to enquirer question. Finally, auction started. I think no items were sold (I had guessed that already). </div>
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After the auction, secretary gave people 10-15 minutes to relax. I saw some people went out for smoking in gallery. The smoke was already coming inside room. It was those passive smoking moment which you can't escape in India. I decided to make a move and tried to talk to some people. I approached a young guy who appeared to be talking to everyone and was only one who was wearing some kind of badge. I introduced myself and my interest to him. His first question was are you a member? I politely said no and pointed him to the gentleman who had invited me to be part of the show. I used that as weapon to further engage him asking for his help if he knew people there having same or similar interest. Initially, he didn't understand my interest (he appeared not to be very keen also as I was not a member. It was just because a known member had invited me he decided to help me). I tried to bring his interest back in me by showing some pictures on my mobile to make him understand kind of items I collected and was looking for. He was in hurry so he simply said there was none who had similar interest adding it was difficult to find people with similar area of interest. Before I could ask further he excused me. I then tried talking to couple of more people but none showed interest. Then some people came to me and chatted checking area of interest etc. Nothing was positive till then. I decided to check with gentleman if he knew anyone there having same interest. He also replied negatively saying there was none.</div>
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I was loosing patience by then. I was thinking it was perhaps waste of time for me coming over there. I decided to get fresh air outside. The gallery was full of smoke. I still strolled a while watching green sphere around GPO. After couple of minutes, I was back on my sofa. Secretary asked people to sit quiet again. The gentleman#2 came and sat next to me. Someone from society board questioned gentleman#2 why he had some items other than Paris for sale in auction. Gentleman#2 tried to rebuff that claim but he was cross questioned and had to admit there might be some items not related to Paris on sale. Though, it was of no use as nothing got sold.<br />
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I was just thinking on intention of that question from society when gentleman#2 started speaking to me saying those people had no job but always point finger on others. They always looked for some point to question others. I was shocked. I just nodded to acknowledge him I heard what he said. He then continued releasing his anger and pain, what did those people know about Paris. He introduced himself to me saying he was music teacher and had been to Paris. He had many music teacher friends there. Fuming over question asked to him earlier, he said those people cared for shoes and sandals only. What's the relation of shoes to Paris. Instead of appreciating the art and cultural aspect of Paris which he was describing the sole interest of people was to find out where to buy shoes in Paris. What could you expect from such people. I continued nodding with bit of smile (Man, it was really hard for me to control that!). </div>
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The gentleman#2 perhaps realized that he was talking to me without getting introduced. He asked me what were my area of interests. As soon as he learnt, he started speaking did I know Paris was liberated by so many (some numbers which I forgot) soldiers. That piece of history was less known to people. He shared couple of more information about Nazi and WW2. I kept on acknowledging (remember I was UN observer there. My job was to observe and listen everyone not to comment or share my views). By that time, other fellow was invited to continue his talk from past meeting. The other fellow (gentleman#3) had given some talk on how to judge or claim a stamp has error in previous meeting. This time he seemed to had come unprepared (that's what I could guess). He apologized people saying he had no materials to speak as he was waiting for those from his Australian friend. He then advised everyone to read what he had shared last time and put questions next time. It appeared to me as if we were still living in good old days where there was no medium of communication (not even postal letter) so he had to ask people to read whatever was shared last time and come with question in next meeting. I was thinking did this society have no email communication or groups through which members could discuss topics? Was meeting called for such announcements? Some other people in crowd started asking some questions to gentleman#3 about what he had shared earlier. The gentleman#3 had to repeat part of what he had shared earlier but he was not able to satisfy as he had no materials to show (no stamp example, no xerox/printouts, no proofs for whatsoever he was claiming). He was saying he had all those things at home and he would bring next time (including some rare stamp error which he claimed got sold for 2 Million Indian rupees some time back). He was following it up with Stanley Gibbons to acknowledge such error and print in their next catalogue (he claimed Stanley agreed to publish it in 2016 edition). At that moment gentleman#2 started chatting again. He said those people had ego problem. Look at them, he (gentleman#3) had nothing to share or show besides talking loosely. He (gentleman#3) was claiming he had some big shot stamp error rarity. People came there for that purpose only just boasting themselves. What kind of nonsense was that! I was smiling again (the thing I am best at). I could understand his pain (not being able to sell any item and asked about shoes as if someone would have thrown shoe at him. The pain would definitely had doubled as it was none other than his philately society members who had thrown shoes at him).</div>
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The secretary again disbursed the meeting for next round and asked some other people to place their items for auction/sale. Some other people placed their items (mostly related to India). I decided to make another round to see if I could find something of my interest. There was none. I tried observing some more people and then decided to get another round of fresh air. I came out and saw bees making their home on a tiny branch of tree next to GPO gallery. I started thinking did they know it would fell down some day as branch couldn't take load of their home as it grew but thought they were selfless creatures doing their best. I observed them for a while and then decided to walk out of GPO thinking there will still be some philatelists in society who will keep it floating. There must be lots of volunteers (like gentleman) who will never get disturbed with what happens in such meetings but continue to work for promotion of philately by urging people like me to join the society and participate. I don't know what all happened in society meeting that day but I couldn't keep myself any longer.</div>
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I know philatelic bees are still out there.... I am still looking for them. I hope to find them in my next India trip. Until then enjoy this photo-shoot:</div>
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Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-37550969583202934022012-10-06T12:51:00.001-05:002012-10-06T12:51:53.480-05:00Words that express friendship - WW2 Anti-Japanese Poster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's very long time after which I am posting some article. Life has been busy-busy ;-) I had a pleasant trip back home (India) and just returned refreshed (new items bought over the trip)!</div>
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Below is one rare WW2 Anti-Japanese poster issued by National War Front in India. The poster is in Gujarati language.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSEZq3wHgaw/UHBtxPpQLgI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/QZqVFGAHeQY/s1600/Guj_jap_19.5_29_inch_for_post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSEZq3wHgaw/UHBtxPpQLgI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/QZqVFGAHeQY/s640/Guj_jap_19.5_29_inch_for_post.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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The English translation of text is as follows:</div>
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<span style="color: red;">First line : Mitratabharya bol mean "Words that express friendship" </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Second line : "Dusht Karmo" mean "Evil deeds" </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Last line : "Japanio saame rashtriya yudh morcho ubho karo" means "(Lets)Start a national war campaign against the Japanese"</span>
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It basically warns Indian public of what Japanese speak versus do. A very interesting and colorful poster. It also has a numbering S.53 at right bottom. I am not sure what that coding means. The poster is also of unusually large size measuring 19.5 x 29 inch.</div>
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I am sure you will like the poster. Let me know if anyone has any more information on background of this poster.</div>
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Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-24168809519740216042012-07-22T09:51:00.005-05:002012-07-22T10:29:05.013-05:00For India's Defence Services - WW2 Label<div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><br /><div style=" font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify; font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:100%;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">Today's post is on three different WW2 victory label issued during 1939-45. They were issued in denomination of 1 anna. All the labels had text "For India's Defence Services" in English. They were issued in Red, Green and Blue color. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WizO2sQhOSo/UAwUJvj3zDI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/C4CsJI5kRnM/s1600/red_color_india_defence.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WizO2sQhOSo/UAwUJvj3zDI/AAAAAAAAJ9o/C4CsJI5kRnM/s400/red_color_india_defence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768007380373064754" /></a><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">Shown above is red color mint label (block of 4) which has small V in blue color on top of Indian map. The label also had text in Hindi. The back side of label has a blue colored seal with text in Hindi translated as "Central India War Fund", Thanks!</span></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hB-m_Yk-NC8/UAwVSNcWn1I/AAAAAAAAJ-M/KEq41XIxdHs/s1600/maiharVlabel_Vmark_inr500.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hB-m_Yk-NC8/UAwVSNcWn1I/AAAAAAAAJ-M/KEq41XIxdHs/s400/maiharVlabel_Vmark_inr500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768008625345175378" /></a><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style=" ;font-size:100%;">The one shown above is used example of red label where they were commonly used in judicial papers along with revenue stamps. This one is used with Maihar state stamp. The back side of paper also has small V seal/postmark in blue color.</span></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmYJkZlHImI/UAwUJTA3OGI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/0k8S_dIraSQ/s1600/Green_Color_India_Defence.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmYJkZlHImI/UAwUJTA3OGI/AAAAAAAAJ9c/0k8S_dIraSQ/s400/Green_Color_India_Defence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768007372710033506" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The Green colored variety is almost same as Red colored one. The only difference being it has text in Urdu than in Hindi. It doesn't have any V sign on Indian map.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVCC_oopdDo/UAwUKTtA4AI/AAAAAAAAJ90/xGwenm7rpuM/s1600/v_stamp_blue.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 400px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVCC_oopdDo/UAwUKTtA4AI/AAAAAAAAJ90/xGwenm7rpuM/s400/v_stamp_blue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5768007390075084802" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The last one in this series is blue colored label with red colored V symbol on it. The one I have is an used example with Dhar state revenue stamp on judicial paper.</div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-5146563235627050442012-06-24T16:04:00.006-05:002012-06-24T22:17:15.253-05:00The Mhow Mercury - WW2 STC (B) India Publication<div style="text-align: justify; "><br /><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">It’s long since I shared any WW2 publication. Frankly speaking, it is more difficult to gather any information on literature items specially if they were local to some unit in some country. Today’s item is one of such thing. It’s called “Mhow Mercury” a WW2 paper covering the social activities of the S.T.C. (Signal Training Center), Mhow, India. Before we even hit upon Mhow, let’s dive into history of Signals!</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: center; "><span>~~~~~~~~~~~~Royal Signals~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div></span><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">It all started with formation of </span></span><a href="http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimpleWithTwoPara.aspx?MnId=2SVXu24UliTkOiEGicdT2g==&ParentID=i6vqkkDXqBE3o1KJWWlntQ==" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">Royal Signals (India) or Corp of Signals (now known as Indian Army Corp of Signals)</a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">on the 15 February 1911 as a separate entity under Lt Col S H Powell in India. Lt Col SH Powell,Royal Engineers, was the founder and first head of the Indian Signal Service which later became the Indian Signal Corps.Till then, the Sappers part of the Indian Army Corps of Engineers established in 1777, where in charge of passing battlefield messages. The Corp of Signals celebrated its centenary in 2011.</span></span></div></span><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Corps of Signals (India) was itself part of Royal Corp of Signals just like all the similar establishment of British Commonwealth. Until World War 1, the Royal Engineer Signal Service provided communications. During that time the Dispatch Rider (DR) came into prominence and wireless 'sets' were introduced into service. Wireless communications were provided in France and Flanders and also in the campaigns in Salonika, Palestine and Mesopotamia.</span></div></span><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">It was not until 1918, when the first official agreement to form a separate Signal Corps was made, but due to various policy delays the formation of the 'Corps' was delayed until 1920. A Royal Warrant was signed by the Secretary of State for War, the Right Honourable Winston S Churchill, who gave the sovereign's approval for the formation on the 28th June 1920 of a 'Corps of Signals'. Six weeks later His Majesty the King conferred the title </span></span><a href="http://royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk/WebSite/index.php/royal-signals-history" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; ">'Royal Corps of Signals'</a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">. During the 1920s and 1930s the Corps increased its strength and had personnel serving in overseas stations such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ceylon, Egypt, Jamaica and many other 'out - posts of the Empire'. The largest portion of the Corps was overseas and one third was concentrated in India.</span></span></div></span><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Throughout World War 2 members of the Corps served in every theatre of war and at the end it had a serving strength of 8,518 officers and 142,472 soldiers. During the war 4,362 members of Royal Signals gave their lives.</span></div></span><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span>/\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ Mhow Training Center /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>\/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ </span></div></span><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>As part of Corps of Signals establishment, two Training Centers were created in India: one in Jabalpur and the second in Bangalore. On partition, the assets of the Centre at Bangalore were transferred to Pakistan. We will focus upon the Jabalpur and surrounding training centers.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>Mhow (cantonment) town was founded in 1818 by John Malcolm as a result of the Treaty of Mandsaur between the British and the Holkars who ruled Indore. John Malcolm's forces had defeated the Holkars at the Battle of Mahidpur in 1818. It was after this battle that the capital of the Holkars shifted from the town of Maheshwar on the banks of the Narmada to Indore. </span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>Mhow gained in military status early in the 20th century as part of the reforms brought about by General Kitchener. With his wide experience of warfare in Egypt, the Sudan and Africa, he saw that the existing broad spread of military units over the country might usefully serve local troubles but had no merit for military action against an invader. He rightly foresaw that there were potential enemies in the north, Russia amongst them, who might take advantage of the situation if improvements were not made. He therefore set about grouping fighting units into Brigades and Divisions. Mhow became a Divisional Headquarters and formation training became part of the routine of life. Mhow was the headquarters of the 5th (Mhow) Division of the Southern Command during the British Raj.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>There is total lack of unanimity on how Mhow got its name. There are many theories about this, but there is no confirmation about which theory is true.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>Many people believe that MHOW stands for Military Headquarters Of War. There is no proof for this as it is said that the village near Mhow has been called Mhow Gaon since time immemorial. Thus the Cantonment which came up in 1818 came to be known as Mhow Cantt.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>The Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) tree which grows in profusion in the forests around Mhow has also been mentioned as a possible source for the name of this town.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>It was a town of modest size in open undulating country with the advantage of an altitude of 1824 feet. It therefore provided a climate that was never oppressive. The countryside was open, neither forested nor lacking trees. All in all it was a good choice for training establishments.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>It led to creation of The British Signal Training Centre, STC(B) for short which undertook the revision training of soldier tradesmen after their long sea voyage from England and also ran courses for new specialties or upgrading. The Officer Cadet Wing, which was part of it, received its input from Officer Cadet Training Centres in England as well as those at Dehra Dun, Bangalore and Mhow itself in India. These had given basic officer training for all future officers.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>The Cadets then moved on to specialist training appropriate to the branch of the Army that they intended to join. It was a great advantage for both nations that the British and Indian components of our courses should meet and make friends with each other during the four month duration of their Signals training. </span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>From 1933-40, Indian commissioned officers were trained at the Signal Training Centre (STC) Jabalpur and Army Signal School, Poona. Besides this, specialist training was imparted at the Telecommunications School, Agra and Communication Security School (Cipher) at Mhow.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>But after creation of the Signals Officers Training School, as part of the STC (British) Mhow, trained cadets commissioned into the Royal Signals as well as the commissioned officers of the Indian Signal Corps during 1940-46. All these institutions, except the Army Signal School, Poona, were amalgamated at Mhow on October 1, 1946 to form the Indian Signal Corps School. After independence, it was renamed the School of Signals on June 25, 1948.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>The school was organised to train Young Officers (No 1 Squadron), Tech Training (No 2 Squadron) and Cipher Training (No 3 Squadron). However, in 1947 the squadrons were renamed Coys. By early 1949, the establishment was revised again and the school re-designated the School of Signals.</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><span>On October 1, 1967, the School of Signals was re-designated "Military College of Telecommunications Engineering" (MCTE) in keeping with the advanced technical training being imparted in the Institution, and the Wings were renamed Faculties.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: center; "><span>The Mhow Mercury</span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Mhow Training Center came into focus after the Japanese invasions in Burma and North East India. Before that Indian Divisions, largely British-officered, were moved to the Mediterranean area and played an important part in that area including, in the Italian campaign. After the rapid expansion of Mhow Training Center, a recreational paper was planned which gave birth to “The Mhow Mercury”.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpq5vkVFsq8/T-eEGbOAolI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/_YOTPTX0Puc/s1600/scan0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpq5vkVFsq8/T-eEGbOAolI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/_YOTPTX0Puc/s400/scan0001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5757715894537069138" /></a></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">It had overall only 36 issues starting first issue on 27th July 1944 and final issue on 29th March 1945. The majority of the issues were 6pp, some were 4pp, and one was 2pp and the final issue 10pp. It was printed at the Imperial Printing Press, Mhow initially and then at the Rasalpura Electric Press, Mhow (Vol. 2, No. 4 onwards).</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Here is what editorial section of first edition has to say:</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No fanfare of Trumpets; no Red Carpets; no Garlands of Orchids as the first edition of the new Mercury goes to press. The aim of this publication is to give you the up-to-date news on events in this station, far removed from the horrors and grim machinations of war. This is YOUR paper, and it is to you that we look for criticism. But don’t keep your comments to yourselves. Let us have them. Write your suggestions or criticisms on a piece of paper, add your name and number, and hand it in to your Wing office.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">May be you have an idea which will benefit the social activities of the S.T.C. Let us have it, and if it’s good, we’ll use it. Remember it’s YOUR paper and we want you to help in its publication.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Have you a bona fide grievance? Do you wonder why the Thrift shop only opens on Friday? Are you worried about your stoppages, your food, your Income Tax? Drop us a line and we’ll give you an explanation. One thing more, be brief for we’re short of space. </div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Maybe you have a short story or an article on ‘Dhobis’ tucked away in your Kit Bag. Send it in maybe you’ll hit the headlines.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Our Live Letter Box and Poet’s Corner are your features. Keep them going, chaps.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">The weekly publication of this paper depends on YOU. So, with apologies to Winston Churchill we say, Give us the scripts, and we’ll continue the job.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Here is what editorial section of last edition has to say:</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Sir James Grigg’s recent statement that general demobilization would not come into effect until Japan in beaten, has shattered the hopes of those, like myself, who were optimistic of early release when Germany is beaten. If the Govt. makes this decision general throughout the world, and rule out all possibility of ‘string pulling’, this news is not as depressing as it first seems.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">After the downfall of the Third Reich, two million more men will be available for the Far East theatre of operations, and the Govt. will then have little excuse for not bringing repatriation down to 3 years of even less. </div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">The British press has long been telling its readers of the bitter winter conditions our troops are suffering on the Western front. We realize, and appreciate, the hardships suffered by them and we hope for an early victory, in order that they can come east to enjoy the splendor and warmth of an eastern summer.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">A famous London newspaper reported that a welcome was given to troops home from Burma, who had for three and a half years been sweltering in a temperature of 80 degrees (Celsius). If proof were needed that the 14th Army has been forgotten, then you have it here. The newspaper concerned would do well to study temperatures in Burma before again making such a faux pas.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">As the German army crumbles and their cities are systematically razed to the ground by Round-the-Clock bombing by allied air forces, a child of seven wrote to Air Chief Marshal Harris, thanking him for bombing Germany off the map. The reason which prompted her to write this letter of thanks was, she said, because the removal of Germany from the earth’s surface would make her Geography lessons easier.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Be of good cheer, the road which the allies have travelled since Sept. 1939 has been hard and long. The end is in sight, and before 1945 has petered out, great events will have taken place and sanity will once more come into its own.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">As this final issue comes off the press, Mercury says farewell to the S.T.C. To those contributors who have helped us in the past, to Aunt Sally and Passionate Percy who responded to our appeal for regular contributors, we say thank you. Continued lack of interest in this paper justifies the decision by the A.O. and Editor to close it down. Alternative arrangements will be made to advertise the Unit entertainment and Cinema programmes within the Unit. </div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">The Mhow Mercury Editions:</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 1, 27th July 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 2, 3rd August 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 3, 10th August 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 4, 17th August 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 5, 25th August 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 6, 31st August 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 7, 7th September 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 8, 14th September 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">No. 9, 21st September 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 10, 28th September 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 11, 5th October 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 12, 12th October 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 13, 19th October 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 14, 26th October 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 15, 2nd November 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 16, 9th November 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 17, 16th November 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 18, 23rd November 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 19, 30th November 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 20, 7th December 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 21, 14th December 1944</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 24, 4th January 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 1, No. 25, 11th January 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 1, 18th January 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 2, 25th January 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 3, 1st February 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 4, 8th February 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 5, 15th February 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 6, 22nd February 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 7, 1st March 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 8, 8th March 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 9, 15th March 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 10, 22nd March 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Vol. 2, No. 11, 29th March 1945</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Unfortunately, I have Vol. 1, No. 22, 21st December 1944 and Vol. 1, No. 23, 28th December 1944 edition missing in my collection.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; ">Before I end this long post, I would like to suggest my readers to have a look on:</div><div style="font-size: 100%; text-align: justify; "><a href="http://www.davidhorsfield.org.uk/">From Semaphore to Satellite, The memoirs of Major General David Horsfield, Royal Signals</a></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-38266802114696510172012-06-10T20:47:00.005-05:002012-06-10T22:31:05.124-05:00Indian Military Air Letter Card (MALC) - WWII<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is continuation of my old post <a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/2010/02/indian-military-air-letter-cards-wwii.html">Taj Mahal Military Air Letter Card</a>. I had shown the airletter which was printed in S.S.P. Ltd. or Sree Saraswaty Press at Calcutta, India. The variety was known with coding S.S.P. Ltd. - G1623 - 15-9-44 - 3 lacs. Shown below is mint example of that type.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxS9W2qf30w/T9VklH4mo3I/AAAAAAAAJ8k/OcD5hHVtAiw/s1600/TajMahal_cpc_inr5k_inner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxS9W2qf30w/T9VklH4mo3I/AAAAAAAAJ8k/OcD5hHVtAiw/s400/TajMahal_cpc_inr5k_inner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752614687970075506" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZZOpTNESl0/T9Vkzfx3_lI/AAAAAAAAJ88/bC-2p5-1QHM/s1600/TajMahal_ssp_inr5k_front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZZOpTNESl0/T9Vkzfx3_lI/AAAAAAAAJ88/bC-2p5-1QHM/s400/TajMahal_ssp_inr5k_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752614934902472274" border="0" /></a>Today, I will be showing one more variety of same type.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyCtUfINbqs/T9Vkts_DdxI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/Xp_33qs87mo/s1600/TajMahal_cpc_inr5k_front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyCtUfINbqs/T9Vkts_DdxI/AAAAAAAAJ8w/Xp_33qs87mo/s400/TajMahal_cpc_inr5k_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5752614835368195858" border="0" /></a>Shown above is front side of what is called ICG 44, Sub-Type 1. Coded THE CALCUTTA PHOTOTYPE COMPANY as per catalogue "Indian Military Air Letter Cards 1942-47" by late O.R.J. Lee. The one I have is mint sample.</div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-43540073796507049832012-06-03T15:05:00.004-05:002012-06-03T15:29:34.414-05:00Mourning India - WW2 Nazi Propaganda Postcard against British India<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is in continuation to my earlier Propaganda War Postcard post. You have seen couple of propaganda postcards from UK now see this alleged Swiss product, probably printed by the German Propaganda Ministry.<br /><br />It depicts an Indian woman standing near a tombstone. It implies that the Indians are against the British and may soon rise us against their colonial rulers.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbXSjXxCLu0/T8vDmintgMI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/S_VjeV2evP0/s1600/indiaMourning_inr1000.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbXSjXxCLu0/T8vDmintgMI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/S_VjeV2evP0/s400/indiaMourning_inr1000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5749904416164380866" border="0" /></a></div><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><span style="font-size:100%;"><p align="center"><b><i>India</i></b><b><i> in Mourning</i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i>Years of lost opportunities.</i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i>Here lies the hope of settling the Indian question!</i></b><br /></p></span></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />An interesting propaganda from Axis side!</div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-91655073069711440742012-05-06T16:09:00.004-05:002012-05-06T17:04:35.367-05:00Bikaner Cash Coupon - WW2<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is on another princely state cash coupon issued during WWII. Bikaner was a 17-Gun salute princely state of British India and now part of Indian state of Rajasthan. It bordered on the north and west by Bahawalpur; on the southwest by Jaiselmer; on the south by Jodhpur; on the southeast by the Shekawati district of Jaipur; on the east by oharu and Hissar; and on the north east by Ferozpore. It was part of Rajputana (Western Rajputana States Agency). It acceded to India in 1949.<br /><br />The state was ruled by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadul_Singh">Lt.-Gen. HH Maharajadhiraj Raj Rajeshwar Narendra Shiromani Maharajah Sri Sadul Singhji Bahadur G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., C.V.O.</a>, 22nd Maharaja of Bikaner 1943/1950 during WW2 period after demise of his father <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganga_Singh">Maj.-Gen.HH Maharajadhiraj Raj Rajeshwar Narendra Siromani Maharaja Sri Sir Ganga Singhji Bahadur</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganga_Singh">Ganga Singh</a> who ruled from 1887 to 1943, was the best-known of the Rajasthan princes and was a favourite of the British Governors-General. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India, served as a member of the Imperial War Cabinet, represented India at the Imperial Conferences during the First World War and the British Empire at the Versailles Peace Conference.<br /><br />Sadul Singh accompanied his father on important Imperial and International conferences including the peace treaty at Versailles in 1919 and the League of Nations Session. Since second World War was still going on with full vigour when he succeeded to the Gaddi, following his father's tradition he offered his sword and personal services in the cause, and expressed his desire for an opportunity to proceed on active service. He also repeated the offer in his letter dated 25'h July 1943 after becoming the Maharaja. The offer being accepted this time, the Maharaja, accompanied by his second son, Maharaja Kumar Amar Singh, left Bikaner on 26 October 1943, and visited the Sadul Light Infantry stationed in Persia, the 49 (Bikaner) G.P.T. Company stationed in Iraq as well as certain other units of other States Forces and Imperial and Allied troops including the 4th Indian Division and the 3 Indian and Armoured Division. He returned to India in November, 1943 and on his way to Bikaner visited the Ganga Risal which was then stationed in Sind.<br /><br />In November 1944 Maharaja proceeded to the Assam-Burma war theatre where the Bikaner Bijey Battery was engaged in active operations against the Japanese and returned to Bikaner in December 1944. While passing through Calcutta on his return home, the Maharaja received a tumultuous reception by a lac or more people of Bikaner settled in Calcutta in pursuit of business. The Maharaja and his staff were the recipients of the 1939-45 Star, Burma Star, Defence Medal and the War Medal.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAkuLBKophg/T6boxxIOQ1I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/8EZ5ESOtpcw/s1600/bikaner_inr3000.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAkuLBKophg/T6boxxIOQ1I/AAAAAAAAJ8E/8EZ5ESOtpcw/s400/bikaner_inr3000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5739530716829336402" border="0" /></a>Shown above is three of cash coupons issued by Bikaner estate during WWII. All the cash coupons mention Govt. of Bikaner in front and Sadar Treasury with Chief Treasury's signature on the reverse.<br /><br />First one (on left) was issued with denomination of 1 anna. It shows a windy circular print-drawing which was later used for 10 paisa coin by Govt of India. It has been recorded as number 6.2 in Indian Paper Money Catalogue by Kishore Jhunjhunwalla.<br /><br />The one at center was issued with denomination of 1 paisa. It shows a circular print-drawing with Govt. of Bikaner symbol. It has been recorded as number 6.1 in Indian Paper Money Catalogue by Kishore Jhunjhunwalla.<br /><br />Other one (on right) was issued with denomination of 2 annas. It shows square print-drawing. It has been recorded as number 6.3 in Indian Paper Money Catalogue by Kishore Jhunjhunwalla.<br /><br />The catalogue mentions another cash coupon which is missing in my collection. It was issued with denomination of 4 Annas and recorded as 6.4.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-70192334005873743942012-04-22T20:59:00.000-05:002012-04-22T20:59:36.850-05:00German WW2 Propaganda Leaflet against Indian Soldiers - Free Excursion to London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After a long time here is a German WW2 propaganda leaflet against Indian soldiers as part of Allied forces for my readers to savor! As usual this one is not in very good condition but then you can't expect more from a leaflet. It survived all odds of war for us to enjoy and admire it.</div>
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I am directly copying text from <a href="http://www.psywarrior.com/AxisPropIndia.html">Herbert Friedman's</a> article, which states:</div>
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This German leaflet (<img alt="delta.gif (1104 bytes)" height="18" src="http://www.psywarrior.com/delta.gif" width="16" />161/9 44 "Free Excursion to London") depicts three Indian troops looking at three scantily-dressed dancing girls. The propaganda text is very interesting. The Germans claim that after the war the British intend to give any Indians who had been held prisoner, a tour of London. They then suggest that rather than being killed on the battlefield, wouldn't it be better to allow yourself to be taken prisoner so that you can take part in the free tour. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Xx-3T5MeM/T5L8PSlKtkI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/D1ZlP8GKSjY/s1600/London_ki_sair_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Xx-3T5MeM/T5L8PSlKtkI/AAAAAAAAJ7c/D1ZlP8GKSjY/s400/London_ki_sair_front.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The text is:</span> </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour of London! Free! </span></b></div>
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All India Radio Delhi has said in its evening news bulletin of 25 September 1944 that the British government has decided recently that those prisoners of war who would be in Germany would be sent to London after the war. Beautiful girls having magical eyes are waiting even from now itself for those Indians who had jumped into the flames of war for the victory of England but fortunately did not meet the death. After this pleasure trip (of London) they will be sent home. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But What Will Become of You Who Are Still on Battlefields? </span></b></div>
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Be victims of the chilly winds of the Alps </div>
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Be frozen in the freezing cold of Italy </div>
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Face the adversary, platoons and weapons </div>
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And finally, be targets of bullets! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Go to permanent sleep with the desire to go home! </span></b></div>
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If the war is going to end soon as the British propaganda says, then is it justified for you to lose your life in the terminal stage? </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">One stone two birds! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Protect your life! Tour of London via Germany! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And then home!
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGU5FjUrWRU/T5OB1OTLyiI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/G-PeYd3qEC0/s1600/London_ki_sair_reverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dGU5FjUrWRU/T5OB1OTLyiI/AAAAAAAAJ7k/G-PeYd3qEC0/s400/London_ki_sair_reverse.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The back depicts the same three Indian soldiers enjoying a cruise on a ship named "London." The text is the same as on the front.</span></div>
</div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-62156275487948377002012-04-15T15:50:00.008-05:002012-04-16T08:28:01.028-05:00"DON'T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS" - Indian Airmail WWII<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is continuation of my previous post <a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/2010/05/dont-believe-in-rumour-indian-airmail.html">"Don't Believe In Rumour"</a>. It is another propaganda airmail letter created by Indian Airmail Society.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ6m-poOYMc/T4s1LpLynDI/AAAAAAAAJ7I/HUhNyBgTanY/s1600/scan0003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ6m-poOYMc/T4s1LpLynDI/AAAAAAAAJ7I/HUhNyBgTanY/s400/scan0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731733424909229106" border="0" /></a>Shown above is one of the famous airmail letter issued by Indian Airmail Society during WWII. The concept of such letter was from Stephen Smith, secretary of Indian Airmail Society and a known pioneer of Rocket Mail during those times.<br /><br />The letter was carried through a airplane piloted by J. *ton (I am terribly sorry but I couldn't read the letters properly. If any of my reader can decode then please let me know). The letter carries his signature close to large shaped 'V'. The letter carries a red colored special cancellation cachets: "BY AIR" and a black colored "CC-Calcutta" on front side.<br /><br />The letter has cancellation of Dum Dum (a place in Calcutta) of November 21, 1941, 9:15 a.m. It has been backstamped with slogan "Buy Defence Savings Certificates" dated November 21, 1941, 5:30 p.m. at Park Street (again Calcutta).<br /><br />This cover has also been signed by Stephen Smith on the reverse side.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KGifrVIfzw/T4s1QN9B6MI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/3b6UP2B6vfo/s1600/scan0004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KGifrVIfzw/T4s1QN9B6MI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/3b6UP2B6vfo/s400/scan0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731733503498905794" border="0" /></a>The letter carries a very large V in red color with text in center and "DON'T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS" in bigger font on the left side. The text on left hand side reads:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">WAVEL CHASED BENITO OUT.<br /></div><br />The message reminds Axis forces of massive Italian defeat in Africa by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archibald_Wavell,_1st_Earl_Wavell">General Wavell</a> forces in February 1941.<br /><br />It continues with more text:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">THE MISSING LINK.</span><br />OFT IN THE STILLY NIGHT,<br />IN EAST AFRICA,<br />I USED TO HEAR,<br />THAT JACKAL CRY.<br />HAS ANYONE HERE<br />SEEN MUSSOLONI,<br />OH WHERE IS HE.<br />-----------<br />ASK WAVEL HIS<br />EPSOM SALTS<br />ARE MISSING<br />-----------<br />INDIAN<br />AIRMAIL<br />SOCIETY<br /></div><br />It sarcastically mentions EPSOM SALTS which originated from Epsom, Surrey, England.</div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-21020448539442225132012-04-08T17:50:00.007-05:002012-04-08T23:35:29.082-05:00Support to Blind People - WW2 Pamphlet (India)<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is on one of the advertisement pamphlet issued by Government of India during WW2 to assist blind soldiers. I don't have much historical background on it i.e. in which year it was issued or was it really a government agency publication/distribution or some private party. My guess is it was indeed some governmental organization publishing but the pamphlet doesn't give any concrete proof.<br /><br />Since the text of the pamphlet is in Hindi hence I have translated them in English for consumption of my readers.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_wGy0N8awE/T4Jl04aWO8I/AAAAAAAAJ68/LNUN-WwjLvs/s1600/aandhon_ko_dhadas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_wGy0N8awE/T4Jl04aWO8I/AAAAAAAAJ68/LNUN-WwjLvs/s400/aandhon_ko_dhadas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729253635139189698" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Support to Blind people</span></span><br /></div><br />Government of India has accepted the proposal to educate Blind soldiers in Lahore's Blind School and Bombay's Victoria Memorial School.<br /><br />The blind soldiers will be able to learn variety of useful craftsmanship in these schools. They will be able to develop skills which will help them spend their time working. If they wish then they can earn extra money besides their pension.<br /><br />Relevant skills and quality will be:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Education Related<br /></span></div>Read, write and be able to do calculations using specially designed books.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Craftsmanship Related</span></span><br /></div>Making wooden basket, weaving clothes and placing bent tree sticks to form chairs.<br /><br />These schools will teach education and craftsmanship related skills. Blind soldiers will be given following perks while they get trained in these schools:<br />a) Free Food and Shelter<br />b) 6 Rupees monthly allowance besides their pension or any income they would have earned through their skills.<br />c) Blind soldier and if needed his assistance will be paid for return rail transportation charges from his house or barrack where he is under treatment to school.<br /><br />The duration of training will be around 9 months.<br /><br />Whoever (blind soldier) would like to get admission in these schools shall place his request to his district collector.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">----------------------------<br />Delhi Printing Works, Delhi<br /></div></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-2849221135314608372012-04-07T09:53:00.003-05:002012-04-07T11:50:54.906-05:00WW2 India Airgraph - Taj Mahal Illustration<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For last couple of months, I have been reluctantly trying to build collection on WW2 India related Airgraphs. One of the reason has been high cost of these materials and not having proper catalogue to compare and find out how many such varieties are in existence. Every time, I see such Airgraph not in my collection, I am inclined to buy them but at last moment I have withdrawn because of high cost. So far, I have tried to buy only those which I think design wise are really gem and worth to be in my collection. Most likely, prices of these varieties will keep on going northwards only.<br /><br />I am presenting two such Airgraphs today from my collection which have Taj Mahal as theme. Shown below is first such variety, sent by A Roper of 7th Battalion, Worcester Regiment, India Command in 1943 to Mrs. D. Adams, London. The Airgraph has censor DHC6.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lgZiOg4cYs/T4BVeF6k0rI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/L0eLcCgYXBw/s1600/7th_batt_wores_reg_india_command_1943_censor_DHC6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lgZiOg4cYs/T4BVeF6k0rI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/L0eLcCgYXBw/s400/7th_batt_wores_reg_india_command_1943_censor_DHC6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728672701487567538" border="0" /></a>The Airgraph has message in English:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My thoughts of you are fondest and this Xmas wish sincere is made of all the happiness that I wish you through the year.<br /><br />- From your loving brother.<br /><br />The Airgraph has printed design of multiple Taj Mahal starting from left side and moving towards right side. As it moves from left to right the size decreases. It then also has on right hand side a vertical black block on which two roses are depicted with text:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">1943 - 1944<br /><br />Greetings FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A Victorious New Year<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR47GmOlMNw/T4BVihGWPZI/AAAAAAAAJ6w/-TUmZi4xDQY/s1600/India_1944_inr2k.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR47GmOlMNw/T4BVihGWPZI/AAAAAAAAJ6w/-TUmZi4xDQY/s400/India_1944_inr2k.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728672777504177554" border="0" /> </a>Shown above is another variety sent by Major J Roberts of GHQ (I) SIGNALS, India Command to J. A. R. Dryden, Edinburgh, Scotland in 1944.<br /><br />It shows a soldier on left hand side smiling with India and Taj Mahal in center. The print also has on the left hand side temples/mosques and church on right hand side with a ship sailing from left side to right side. Basically, it conveys wishes and letters moving from India to England (home).<br /><br />It has a message:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">"Christmas Greetings to all at Home"<br /></div><br /><div>which sums up all the illustration.<br /><br />I was automatically drawn towards both the illustration and ended by buying them at high price :-) I guess, I will continue to do so as long as I see good illustration on Airgraph. See this for <a href="http://www.airgraph.com/ag668.jpg">example</a> (this is in my wish list for long time). Though, I don't think I can ever build an impressive collection as <a href="http://www.airgraph.com/keeton_5.html">Alan Berman</a> did.<br /><br />As a reference you can see original form of 2nd Airgraph shown above <a href="http://www.airgraph.com/ag657.jpg">here</a>.<br /></div></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-46225553289009153342012-04-01T17:29:00.006-05:002012-04-01T18:18:52.682-05:00Patriotic Labels of British India aganist Japan in WWII - Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is in continuation of my previous <a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/2009/04/patriotic-labels-of-british-india.html">post</a> where I showed patriotic & propaganda labels of British India against Japan during WW2. The labels I shared in earlier post were not documented in "Patriotic & Propaganda of the British Commonwealth Catalogue -By Clive Edwards".<br /><br />But the one shown below is :-) I happen to find one such usage of label that too on postal cover!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECeusuoEy6U/T3jbcIJWgtI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/kcrJvOM6-WQ/s1600/1944_ww2_cover_label_reverse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECeusuoEy6U/T3jbcIJWgtI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/kcrJvOM6-WQ/s400/1944_ww2_cover_label_reverse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726568202471113426" border="0" /></a>This one is documented in catalogue as 1/497. It has Japanese flag with dagger in centre in red and black color with purple background. The label is of size 22x38 mm with perforation of 13.5 and no face values as depicted above. The text reads "Anything you say may reach Japan".<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G50n2AADJ_o/T3jbXklNUuI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/gPbeKDEwtvE/s1600/1944_ww2_cover_label_front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G50n2AADJ_o/T3jbXklNUuI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/gPbeKDEwtvE/s400/1944_ww2_cover_label_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726568124204798690" border="0" /></a>The front side of the envelope is also shown above which indicates that the letter was sent from Bombay to Guwahati on 18th Nov 1944.<br /><br />Below one is another prized letter in my collection where you can see a large scale label on same format as shown above. This one has text "The Japs Put Our 'Idle Talk' to Work". The label also has Japanese flag with dagger in centre in red and black color with yellow background.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlsQEO5LJ-Q/T3jbg00MfjI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/bczmRfh1Wvs/s1600/ohms_japan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jlsQEO5LJ-Q/T3jbg00MfjI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/bczmRfh1Wvs/s400/ohms_japan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726568283181448754" border="0" /></a>I had seen normal labels but didn't know such patriotic economy label was also in existence which is not recorded any where.<br /><br />If anyone has any such sample or labels for sell then please contact me. I will definitely be interested.<br /></div> </div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-67620440955469994582012-03-04T11:49:00.006-06:002012-03-04T12:26:37.098-06:00WW2 Kapurthala State War Purpose Fund Raffle<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's indeed a long time since I have posted an article on blog. Past couple of months have been extremely busy for me relocating from India to USA on official assignment. Now that I am settling down and able to balance between personal and professional life, I hope to be regular.<br /><br />I saw that I hadn't posted any war fund tickets/raffles in past couple of posts so I would like to start with a war fund ticket. Actually, I had run out of my collection of such tickets and was waiting for some items to appear. Finally, I am able to find some more of such tickets recently so I hope to continue this thread.<br /><br />This particular ticket seems to another of such <a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/2008/10/rajpipla-war-purpose-fund-lottery.html">series</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBGU3qHmJho/T1OvuiMVOnI/AAAAAAAAJ34/1WaWpbXxs1E/s1600/rajpipla_194_war_fund_front.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBGU3qHmJho/T1OvuiMVOnI/AAAAAAAAJ34/1WaWpbXxs1E/s400/rajpipla_194_war_fund_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716105566050663026" border="0" /></a>Above photo is one of the war fund lottery ticket issued in the aid of "His Excellency The Viceroy's War Purpose Fund" by princely state of Kapurthala during WWII. The war fund ticket is named after then ruler: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagatjit_Singh">Maharaja of Kaurthala Jagatjit Singh Bahadur</a>.<br /><br />Kapurthala was 13 gun salute princely state in British Empire. In 1930, Kapurthala became part of the Punjab States Agency and acceded to Union of India in 1947.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQIbUtNv3Eg/T1OvxIRpuiI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/DL-d5AGhALU/s1600/rajpipla_194_war_fund_back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQIbUtNv3Eg/T1OvxIRpuiI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/DL-d5AGhALU/s400/rajpipla_194_war_fund_back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716105610633263650" border="0" /></a>The event organised to raise fund was for Rajpipla Cup, a polo tournament held in Bombay on 22nd Feb, 1941.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-48809033501167056762011-10-23T08:05:00.005-05:002011-10-23T08:36:47.478-05:00Refund Claim - War Postcard India/Burma<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is one of WW2 India post card but used by Burma by affixing Burma postage stamps and striking out Simla by Rangoon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwkvgMnZqBQ/TqQRmX5aRZI/AAAAAAAAJuY/8-HZo9V8gms/s1600/burmapostcard.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwkvgMnZqBQ/TqQRmX5aRZI/AAAAAAAAJuY/8-HZo9V8gms/s400/burmapostcard.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666673582086440338" border="0" /></a>Shown above is front side of postcard which has printed text:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">"ON HIS MAJESTY'S SERVICE POST CARD"<br /></span></div><br />with 1 Anna Burma Service stamp affixed. It is addressed to some Mr. Chettiar in Ramnad District of South India. Note the interesting address "South India" rather than mentioning Madras Presidency state in which Ramnad District was located.<br /><br />It then also mentions dispatcher address as: Finance & Revenue Department, Govt. of Burma, Rangoon. (Postcard has Simla printed which has been stroked out by Rangoon.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwbK0qCL1T4/TqQRmre_G1I/AAAAAAAAJug/dxPdbNMg_NE/s1600/burmapostcardback.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwbK0qCL1T4/TqQRmre_G1I/AAAAAAAAJug/dxPdbNMg_NE/s400/burmapostcardback.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666673587344317266" border="0" /></a>On the reverse side it has mostly text printed:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">GOVERNMENT OF BURMA<br />FINANCE & REVENUE DEPARTMENT<br />RANGOON (again SIMLA stroked out)</span><br /><br />--O--<br /><br />No. C2482 Dated the 4th Jan 1946.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">MEMORANDUM.</span><br /><br />Subject:- Claim for compensation for loss of property due to the war in Burma.<br /><br />The claim sent with his letters dated the 3rd August 1945 has been received and registered as No. C2482.<br /><br />2. The Government of Burma are unable to admit any legal liability in respect to the claim. It has, however been registered for consideration in due course (striking out after the war).<br /><br />It then has signature of V. Venkateswarao as Secretary of Finance & Revenue Department.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It has to be noted that during WW2 the exiled colonial Burma Government had headquarter in Simla after Japan deceived them. Burmese Government had assisted Japanese Army in winning initial War in Burma as they thought it was way to independent Burma in similar lines to Subhas Chandra Bose who got influenced by Japan during WW2. It is said that though Colonel Suzuki had right intention to let Burma ruled by Burmese but Japan's Government never had such intention.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It is also said that after war was over in Burma (allied won), British Government started punishing most of Tamil Indians who were at that time one of the most influential community in Burma as traders and businessmen. The reason was most of Tamil people had sided with Subhas Chandra Bose and Indian Independence League during WW2. There was very generous donation given by Tamil Indians to INA/IIL. Hence after the war, British Government not only rejected most of compensation claims of Indians but also confiscated INA Bank and donated money of public. There has been many known legal cases where people have fought over decades trying to get their money from British Government of India and now Indian Government. In today's term, that money must have been millions/billions but none has ever got their money back. Above letter is an example of untold history of India during WW2.<br /></div></div></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-77124784334822107862011-10-07T22:40:00.006-05:002011-10-07T23:09:20.233-05:00Japanese (IIL/INA) WW2 Propaganda Leaflet Against Allied (British) Forces<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's long time since I shared some colorful leaflet ;-) So here it is. I hope it will catch your attention.<br /><br />This is one of the Japanese leaflet dropped on British India. Even though it doesn't mention but it was issued with help from IIL (Indian Independence League) or INA (Indian National Army).<br /><br />The colorful leaflet shows an Indian soldier kicking a British Soldier (holding a Union Jack) out of India.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jbESfosywI/To_HHpbNhUI/AAAAAAAAJuQ/Sx0ylg0Ulhc/s1600/29.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jbESfosywI/To_HHpbNhUI/AAAAAAAAJuQ/Sx0ylg0Ulhc/s400/29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660962190821000514" border="0" /></a>The leaflet shows Japanese fighter planes chasing and hitting British planes. It also shows British navy ships bombed and getting sunk in Indian ocean. It shows Japanese flag in south east Asia symbolizing Japanese victory in Asia.<br /><br />Then on left hand side, it shows German fighter planes bombing Great Britain/Europe (burning). The bombing causes Churchill panicking.<br /><br />At bottom left, it also shows Italian submarines sinking British naval forces in African waters.<br /><br />There is a text in Hindi and Bangla at top for Indian people:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the opportunity. Get up and move forward by initiating fight for independence!<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-64583381727956946922011-10-05T21:50:00.005-05:002011-10-05T22:20:58.218-05:00WW2 India (CBI) Greetings Card<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is on a greeting card sent by a US soldier from India to Erie, Pennsylvania, US. The card was sent on 8th Dec, 1943 wishing the recipient for Christmas and New Year. The card passed through US Censor as the envelope bears marking for that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DnvP6qPe0c/To0ad5c_3lI/AAAAAAAAJt4/Mpx4QbYLN8A/s1600/cbi_greeting_cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DnvP6qPe0c/To0ad5c_3lI/AAAAAAAAJt4/Mpx4QbYLN8A/s400/cbi_greeting_cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660209407615557202" border="0" /></a>Shown below is front side of the greeting card where it depicts an Eagle with large CBI patch with text in Hindi and English around it. It also mentions INDIA on top of Eagle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTwTloWK0vI/To0bly6Wt-I/AAAAAAAAJuA/KnhjyYFEUpA/s1600/cbi_greeting_outside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dTwTloWK0vI/To0bly6Wt-I/AAAAAAAAJuA/KnhjyYFEUpA/s400/cbi_greeting_outside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660210642810222562" border="0" /></a>The text reads:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Victorious 1944<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-858faBCsdWM/To0cYNAbG1I/AAAAAAAAJuI/scpt97_Dxnw/s1600/cbi_greeting_inside.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-858faBCsdWM/To0cYNAbG1I/AAAAAAAAJuI/scpt97_Dxnw/s400/cbi_greeting_inside.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660211508808457042" border="0" /></a>The card shows a poem on left side while a ship sailing through high Sea on right side inside of card.<br /><br />The poem reads:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Though I task beneath a blazing sun,<br />With sterner duty still to be done,<br />My thoughts at this festive time will stray,<br />Back to my dear ones far away,<br />And I send this wish with its age-old ring,<br />That Christmas to us all may bring,<br />LOVE, REMEMBRANCE, JOY and PEACE.<br /></div><br />Right side text reads:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Greetings and best wishes from over the SEAS<br /></div><br />It is hard to say but perhaps the soldier was posted in US Navy in India during WW2.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-47499751225740410222011-10-05T08:27:00.003-05:002011-10-05T08:59:04.828-05:00Mangrol Cash Coupon - WW2<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is on another princely state cash coupon issued during WWII. Mangrol was an 'mediatized' taluka, within Junagadh state, Kathiawar, merged in Saurashtra and is now part of modern state of Gujarat in India. It is a sea port located in the southwest coast of Kathiawar peninsula.<br /><br />I tried digging on it but couldn't make out how many gun salutation state was granted. There is very less information available on this princely state forget about trying to find out state's contribution on WWI and WWII.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewd6Sy2iMYo/ToxbryyQxII/AAAAAAAAJtw/NCB5375kse8/s1600/mangrol.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 383px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewd6Sy2iMYo/ToxbryyQxII/AAAAAAAAJtw/NCB5375kse8/s400/mangrol.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659999639622960258" border="0" /></a>Above one is the only cash coupon issued by Mangrol State/Taluk with denomination of 1 Anna. It has been recorded as number 23.3 in Indian Paper Money Catalogue by Kishore Jhunjhunwalla.<br /><br />It has text printed in Gujarati. Front side contains a number given to each such coupon/ticket with text "Mangrol State" and denomination 1 Anna. It also mentions that is is General Stamp.<br /><br />On the reverse there is Mangrol seal printed with text 1 Anna. You can see the emblem has a ship signifying the seaport town had.<br /><br />The one I have shown is without Shaikh Abdul Jani I's sign. But Indian Paper Money Catalogue shows cash coupon with Shaikh's signature. My guess is that they were either from printers or part of treasury stocks which were not utilized as the condition suggest they were not used. Anyway, if someone has above coupons with Shaikh's signature then please let me know. I will be interested in buying at least one of them for my collection.<br /><br />After Indian Independence, when Indian Army was called in 1949 then rulers of Mangrol ran away to Pakistan along with rulers of Junagadh. This is how it acceded to India.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-1681302209445922342011-09-10T23:41:00.005-05:002011-09-11T00:33:52.484-05:00Sind War Stamp - WW2 India<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is continuation of earlier post where I showed <a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/2010/07/bombay-war-gifts-fund-ww2-label.html">"Bombay War Gift's Fund"</a> label. These war fund labels are of similar pattern of Bombay War Gift's Fund.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeXScYbVHWI/TmxDOLOvhbI/AAAAAAAAJto/GeQcpgl-LOk/s1600/sindwar_variety2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeXScYbVHWI/TmxDOLOvhbI/AAAAAAAAJto/GeQcpgl-LOk/s400/sindwar_variety2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650965543254984114" border="0" /></a>The one shown on top is titled "Help To Defend Your Country" with Sind War Gifts Fund. It shows an anti-aircraft gun in square on left side of stamp with text (English and Urdu) on right side. The stamp was issued in bright purple color with denomination of half Anna. It was of size 42.5x26 mm. The label has been quoted in "Patriotic & Propaganda of the British Commonwealth" catalogue by Clive Edwards as 1/558.<br /><br />The one at bottom was another variety of same type. This one is titled "Help To Defend Your Country" with Sind War Stamp text. The other difference being it has a large V. It also shows an anti-aircraft gun in square on left side of stamp. It was issued in dull purple color with denomination of half Anna. It is said that it was used from 4th July, 1942 to 21st August, 1942. The label has been quoted in "Patriotic & Propaganda of the British Commonwealth" catalogue by Clive Edwards as 1/559.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9NHD2RsC74/TmxDN7RgpCI/AAAAAAAAJtg/fEAaEGRWJqg/s1600/sindwar_variety1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9NHD2RsC74/TmxDN7RgpCI/AAAAAAAAJtg/fEAaEGRWJqg/s400/sindwar_variety1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650965538971624482" border="0" /></a>The war stamps were issued to raise public funds for anti-aircraft guns for defense of India.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-25735261264431856082011-09-09T11:34:00.003-05:002011-09-09T11:41:49.801-05:00Santa Riding Bullock Cart - WW2 V-mail from India<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's long time since I shared an Airgraph/V-mail. So, I decided to share one of V-mail from my collection for today's quick post.<br /><br />This one is V-mail sent from APO 465 to Toledo, Ohio, USA. The V-mail mentions year as 1944 and has a text "Merry Christmas from INDIA 1944".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7NQGu5xQYw/TmpA3j8yd1I/AAAAAAAAJtY/GfXakTE-EU4/s1600/1944_vmail_christmas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7NQGu5xQYw/TmpA3j8yd1I/AAAAAAAAJtY/GfXakTE-EU4/s400/1944_vmail_christmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650400005776897874" border="0" /></a>It shows Santa riding a bullock cart (laden with gifts) commonly used during those times as popular transportation option in India. The V-mail was passed though censor as evident in photo shown above.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-89305011670974970462011-08-20T10:00:00.005-05:002011-08-20T10:25:15.811-05:00Anti-Nazi Propaganda Postcard - U.K. (India) WW2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is in continuation to my <a href="http://stampomania.blogspot.com/search/label/Propaganda%20Postcard">earlier</a> Propaganda War Postcard post. This one shown below is also part of same series of such postcards published by UK where they showed how all allies nations (read commonwealth nations) came together and contributed in the war.
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<br />This item is not specifically meant for India but in general covers all the commonwealth nations. Since it depicts an Indian Sikh Soldier as part of contingent hence I decided to cover it here. In fact, the (contingent) photograph shown in this postcard is taken from a very famous WW2 poster which I am still trying to get for my collection.
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<br />This postcard was published with J.S., initials printed on front side of postcard in lower left corner. Back side mentions the numbering SI-2093. This seems to be of different series as this is not India specific. The postcard is of approx 4" x 6" sized having caption "Mas que abalo para Hitler!".
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<br />As I mentioned earlier, all such postcards were printed in Portugal and distributed in Lisbon by the British Embassy during WW2. Portugal was neutral ground for Allies and Axis to do propaganda against each other. United Kingdom issued series of anti-Nazi propaganda postcards distributed by their embassy in Lisbon, Portugal.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVHQ1Of_zEs/Tk_OO0f_-XI/AAAAAAAAJsI/-oeQPBL99z8/s1600/1940_WW2_British_Propaganda_inr1000_front.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVHQ1Of_zEs/Tk_OO0f_-XI/AAAAAAAAJsI/-oeQPBL99z8/s400/1940_WW2_British_Propaganda_inr1000_front.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642955612124871026" border="0" /></a>
<br />The main text is in Portuguese which when translated in English reads (section wise since the postcard has three section):
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<br />Top portion shows a text extract of radio broadcast of 30th September 1939 where Hitler is sarcastically quoted saying -
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"It seems that different parts of the British Empire are putting their own independence above their loyalty to England."</span>
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<br />Basically, this is to show that Hitler was trying to break the commonwealth strength by giving such statements.
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<br />Then middle section shows soldiers of British Commonwealth Countries joining and fighting together under British flag. The poster extract has a message:
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"The huge war effort of the Empire and Commonwealth, iron, sea and air, is an epic of united resistance to Nazi aggression."</span>
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<br />Finally the bottom section quotes Hitler again from an German article published on 13th December, 1940 where Hitler ruefully acknowledges:
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Germany fully recognizes the energy and power of resistance of Great Britain and Empire loyalty to the Motherland." </span>
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<br />This postcard served two purpose:
<br />- discouraging people supporting axis powers that commonwealth nations are strengthening their position in war and they are united as always. Any malicious propaganda can't break the unity.
<br />- conveying message to people living in commonwealth countries not to get misled by German propaganda. They have been proven wrong. Let's continue to fight together until end of war.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhNkUG2GdJo/Tk_OPJeIkDI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/FE-SpWRoqNk/s1600/1940_WW2_British_Propaganda_inr1000_back.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhNkUG2GdJo/Tk_OPJeIkDI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/FE-SpWRoqNk/s400/1940_WW2_British_Propaganda_inr1000_back.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642955617754189874" border="0" /></a>Finally, above shows back side of this postcard.
<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-66003728582379463482011-08-13T23:05:00.003-05:002011-08-13T23:47:06.689-05:00The Grand Raffle Jhalawar - Princely State War Fund Ticket<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />It's long time since I posted an article on war fund tickets. Actually, I had run out of my stock on War Fund Tickets (shown everything here). I was desperately looking for more varieties when I stumbled upon some of these and naturally bought it ;-)
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<br />I am showing one of these here in today's post. It is written completely in Hindi so I will as usual translate for my readers. I have not seen this one appearing in any auction sites/dealer earlier so I assume this one must be difficult to get.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqSfxmUGkgg/TkdQED5PwKI/AAAAAAAAJr0/-CQMwC8BvME/s1600/jhalwar_war_fund.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqSfxmUGkgg/TkdQED5PwKI/AAAAAAAAJr0/-CQMwC8BvME/s400/jhalwar_war_fund.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640565088999948450" border="0" /></a>Shown above is "The Grand Raffle Jhalawar (for War in Europe)". This war fund ticket was issued by princely state of Jhalawar. It mentions in Hindi:
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<br />Ticket No. 2191
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever will be saved from this raffle will be sent to help war in Europe.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >The Grand Raffle Jhalawar (For Help in War in Europe)</span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brijnagar (Rajputana)</span>
<br /></div>Ticket 8 Anna Each
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Date of opening -----------------------------------
<br />Date of closing ------------------------------------
<br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<br />In 5 rupees, you can get booklet of 11 tickets
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<br />First Prize 500/- rupees
<br /></div>
<br />It them mentions various other prizes.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4uH8yIFBXU/TkdQEU4ftEI/AAAAAAAAJr8/h0RL-TEv0E0/s1600/jhalwar_war_fund_back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4uH8yIFBXU/TkdQEU4ftEI/AAAAAAAAJr8/h0RL-TEv0E0/s400/jhalwar_war_fund_back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640565093560202306" border="0" /></a>On the reverse, it mentions rules. (The most important one is translated.)
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<br />1. Whatever money will be collected, out of which 3500/- rupees will be set aside for distribution of various prizes and rest of the money will be sent to Europe for help in war.
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<br />It mentions then the secretary of "The Grand Raffle Jhalawar State for Help in War in Europe", Captain Sobhagmal Surana, B. A.
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<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-13379016332146965162011-07-24T01:44:00.003-05:002011-07-24T02:08:31.762-05:00British India (Allied) WW2 Propaganda Leaflet - Tiger<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's leaflet time once again after a while. Well, it's almost 2 months since I have posted an article ;-) I don't know how long this trend will continue but there are high chances that my blog rating will go down this year and perhaps I won't be able to meet up my target of yearly posts :( due to personal engagements.<br /><br />Anyway, let's focus on post. This one is another allied (British) war propaganda leaflet issued during WW2. The size of this leaflet was smaller than the regular ones, more of a size of playing cards. The leaflet was also issued with various numbering signifying message it was carrying in different languages.<br /><br />Luckily, I have the same leaflet with various numbering so I can show you the differences in them. Shown below is front side of this leaflet which I will call as Tiger since there is no text in front.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbqNaRojefc/TivBHggq8LI/AAAAAAAAJqo/IoIb1XYU8kI/s1600/Tiger%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lbqNaRojefc/TivBHggq8LI/AAAAAAAAJqo/IoIb1XYU8kI/s400/Tiger%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632808093687148722" border="0" /></a>The leaflet shows in front a tiger representing India with allied nations flags (UK, China, India, USA and Russia) in background, suppressing German Nazi and Japanese flags.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUzcLzuaWzE/TivBH4w787I/AAAAAAAAJqw/6u4Fah2Cprc/s1600/Tiger%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUzcLzuaWzE/TivBH4w787I/AAAAAAAAJqw/6u4Fah2Cprc/s400/Tiger%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632808100197823410" border="0" /></a>The text on reverse side reads:<br /><br />"India springs to action, and side by side with Britain, America, Russia and China will trample under foot the tyranny of Germany and Japan."<br /><br />This particular leaflet is numbered C and carries same text in various languages such as Hindi, Bangla, Urdu, Assamese and English.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBsfL7OylGw/TivBINACzLI/AAAAAAAAJq4/kopGsERRnp4/s1600/tiger_versions.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 307px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBsfL7OylGw/TivBINACzLI/AAAAAAAAJq4/kopGsERRnp4/s400/tiger_versions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632808105629895858" border="0" /></a>Now, I also have same leaflet in other numbering such as B, K, B and C. The difference in all leaflets are the languages they target.<br /><br />B: Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Marathi and English.<br />C: Hindi, Bangla, Urdu, Assamese and English.<br />B, C: Unknown to me (??), Burmese, Tamil, Chinese and English.<br />K: Difficult to guess but looks like various Arabic scripts such as Urdu, Arabic, ???, ??? and English.<br /><br />Clearly, this leaflet was meant from dropping at various parts of the world during WW2 from India, South East Asia to Africa and Middle East reassuring all the colonies that India is joining the WW2 and will help ensuring Victory to allied nations. This was more of a morale booster propaganda leaflet for people living in British colonies all over the world.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-2287834052674325892011-06-19T00:49:00.004-05:002011-06-19T01:24:46.238-05:00Help The Hospitals & Help Our Hospitals Label<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is after a month. Last month kept me occupied with various personal commitments. Don't complain if you don't see a post for one more month. These are some of super busy time of my life ;-)<br /><br />Anyway, coming directly to the topic of today's post, this post is going to break some of the myths about labels presented below. You will find such labels being offered on various auction sites as WW2 labels which in reality they are not. I also purchased them in same disguise only to realize later that the closest they were connected to was WW1. Let me explain to you.<br /><br />First label in this series of "Help Our Hospitals (HOH)" or "Help The Hospitals" is shown below:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrZI3V9WSD8/Tf2PYQhzVxI/AAAAAAAAJqA/7OHltuXHkxE/s1600/dad%2Bwork%2B848.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 290px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrZI3V9WSD8/Tf2PYQhzVxI/AAAAAAAAJqA/7OHltuXHkxE/s400/dad%2Bwork%2B848.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619805556944623378" border="0" /></a>This label mentions "Sir Leslie Wilson's HOSPITAL FUND". This was issued with denomination of 1 Anna. At bottom, it has text "HELP THE HOSPITALS". This label neither has any date nor I could find it in "Patriotic & Propaganda of the British Commonwealth" catalogue by Clive Edwards.<br /><br />A little search on internet reveals that:<br /><br />Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, GCSI, GCMG, GCIE, DSO, PC (1 August 1876 – 29 September 1955), was a British soldier, Conservative politician and Governor of Queensland. In 1923 he was appointed G.C.I.E. and governor of Bombay.<br /><br />The uneasy system of diarchy by which India was governed, together with the serious depression of the cotton textile industry on which Bombay so largely depended, made the position of governor no sinecure. Sir Leslie dealt with the most serious and prolonged strike in the history of the Indian manufacturing industry with firmness and goodwill. He preferred persuasion to intervention. As chief scout of Bombay he improved facilities for education, while his Governor's Hospital Fund (keenly supported by Lady Wilson) increased the efficiency of voluntary institutions.<br /><br />Immediately after the First World War, there was a great rush of students to the college (including medical colleges). To continue to provide effective instruction training and improve the facilities at hospital, Sir Leslie Wilson Hospital Fund was started which gradually increased the facilities of most of the hospitals in Bombay Presidency.<br /><br />In 1928 he completed his office and in 1929 was appointed G.C.S.I. After which he returned to Australia as Governor of Queensland.<br /><br />The biography of Sir Wilson shows that the label shown above was issued couple of years after the first world war.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">-------------x----------------------------x---------------------------x---------------<br /></div><br />Same is the case with next label which mentions " HELP OUR HOSPITALS" with denomination of 1Anna in blue color.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APePxvhBowo/Tf2PYfAaZvI/AAAAAAAAJp4/MyzZnSw8GCk/s1600/2e59_1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APePxvhBowo/Tf2PYfAaZvI/AAAAAAAAJp4/MyzZnSw8GCk/s400/2e59_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619805560831108850" border="0" /></a>Such labels without any date or catalogue reference made it into internet world as this was WW2 label. If you see labels mentioned above and below then you can guess that they were probably designed by same artist even though both of them doesn't mention "Sir Leslie Wilson". They are different from first one in sense that Sir Leslie Wilson's label stated:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">"HELP THE HOSPITALS"<br /></span></div><br />while these mentions:<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"HELP OUR HOSPITALS".</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ-5dhF3C6g/Tf2PYlfA45I/AAAAAAAAJqI/MeM4t74AHZ8/s1600/dad%2Bwork%2B1355.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 220px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ-5dhF3C6g/Tf2PYlfA45I/AAAAAAAAJqI/MeM4t74AHZ8/s400/dad%2Bwork%2B1355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619805562570072978" border="0" /></a>This one particularly proves that it was issued before WW2. If you see the label carefully then you can see the date printed on this one 7th Feb 1934. The artist has placed date in such a manner that it becomes difficult to locate in first glance. Moreover, this one is more illustrative with Esplanade Maidan at center of label with nuns at both the sides. This was issued with 1/2 Anna denomination.<br /><br />The earlier one was more on the lines of Sir Leslie Wilson Fund but this one has more text and different printing pattern.<br /><br />It mentions "Relieve Sick & Sufferings" and HOH Fete (looks like organized on the date mentioned on label). It also has text "Garden Village Section".<br /><br />Overall, it appears none of above labels are of WW2 era though they were issued all the way after first world war until second world war to improve facilities and conditions of hospitals and patients in Bombay Presidency. It was a legacy of Sir Wilson which continued even after he left Bombay for Queensland.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2142060348340830542.post-46662411145948335632011-05-14T23:47:00.007-05:002011-06-07T06:42:11.716-05:00Indian Red Cross & St. John War Organization WW2 Pamphlet<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's post is going to be a very interesting one :-) It's one of my philatelic adventure in recent times bearing fruit of all that patience over years. I will definitely show you the materials I got as reward as part of this post. So, let's start!<br /><br />It was a Friday 7th May evening time and I was strolling with my colleagues outside our office on the way to nearby eatery for some snacks when I received a call from one of my known philatelic dealer inviting me to come to Numismatic Exhibition happening in Bangalore. I first tried to politely ignore by saying yes I would definitely try to come but I was busy even on weekends since my parents were leaving for my native place so it would be difficult. But, he kept on saying that they were documents available with some dealer for my eyes only ;-) Since this was first time I heard someone had something for my taste in Exhibition, so I dutifully marked it.<br /><br />Still, I wasn't sure whether I would be able to make it at least on last day (Sunday) of Exhibition. I was very busy whole Saturday as my parents were leaving and feeling some fever etc but never revealed to my parents. Next came the Sunday, I went for doctor checkup as I suspected something was wrong with my body. It definitely was. Anyway, after checkup was done, I decided to have a look of exhibition even though I could feel fever and weakness.<br /><br />I reached where Google Earth showed me was supposed to be Exhibition. But, I couldn't locate the venue. Went ahead couple of kilometers more and finally, someone told me it was way back. I did a full circle and some how located the place. It was right before the Bangalore City Railway Station while Google showed it after station.<br /><br />Anyway, I reached the venue. First impression about exhibition was it was huge, well attended by both dealers and collectors. There were lots of stalls on coins and some on philatelic materials.<br /><br />Since I was suffering from fever and not keeping up my health so I wanted to quickly locate that dealer's booth who had something for me. I started making a quick round trying to have glimpse of every both amid crowd. I had almost done with round and was feeling disappointed not to find anything when I saw the dealer's booth who had given me call the other day. Before I could reach him my eyes suddenly caught some recognizable pattern ;-) on booth before his.<br /><br />To my goodness, I found "Indian States Information" equivalent to "Indian Information" magazine issued by British Indian Government on Princely States. The editions were from 1942 and 1943. I just couldn't control my happiness finding editions covering WW2. I decided to buy all the damn editions at any cost.<br /><br />I stopped at that booth itself and asked the booth owner price of each. I was told XYZ/- per edition but she said her husband could tell me correct price and he had stepped out. My heart sunk for a moment hearing the price as I knew I had bought such materials from US in XY/- each. I waited.. waited and waited. She advised me to complete the round and return but I didn't want to leave them there ;-) fearing someone may also find. Even though, I knew only a few people waste money like me on these literature.<br /><br />Finally the elderly person came. He asked me which one I wanted to buy. I said I would take all of them. He was surprised, he asked me to have a look once. I said I just wanted all of them. He was impressed and the price automatically came down to YY/- per edition and I finally settled them at XY/- each.<br /><br />In between another gentleman came. He was known to him and perhaps a big collector from Delhi. He started paying more attention to him and asked me to wait for a while so he would try to find more war related materials for me. The gentleman was numismatic and he saw couple of files covering money tenders, cheques issued during British Raj by Princely States. The dealer had all sort of documents on his booth.<br /><br />As part of that, he showed him one file which was supposed to cover Red Cross. When dealer was offering red cross file to gentleman then my eyes again caught some pattern in it ;-) The gentleman had many files piled up making him slow down checking every file. I sensed an opportunity and decided to glance the Red Cross file in between. I picked it up and turned over some of pages only to find some other fascinating materials of end of war. I saw what I wanted but dutifully kept it since it was offered to gentleman earlier.<br /><br />The gentleman in between found something he was looking for. He selected that file and told dealer he will be back in 1 hr. That file was for him. That's it. I sighed a big relief. I then quickly picked up red cross file and asked dealer if I could selectively purchase some items from that file. He declined saying the file would be of no use if I took out materials from it.<br /><br />So, I finally decided to buy complete file. The price would have been same even if I would have bought the 5 items I wanted from file. So, I took the deal since it came with hell lot of other documents. I know you would like to know what were those 5 items. Well, it was Indian Red Cross + St. John War Organization created leaflets/pamphlets in Urdu, Hindi and English. A kind of pamphlet telling war service Indian Red Cross had done in WW2 and they still needed Indian people's generous help etc.<br /><br />It may not be sounding as exciting as I mention it here but frankly speaking I have never seen such Indian Red Cross pamphlets of WW2 :-)<br /><br />I felt this was the best exhibition I ever had during 11 years of stay in Bangalore. Then, I finally moved to next booth and duly acknowledged the dealer who had given me call to come to exhibition. It was just because of him that I could get hands on such materials. He also told me I should have asked him once before settling the amount, he would have helped reducing it. I thanked him for the offer and said I was so happy that I could forget some money I could have saved otherwise.<br /><br />A good relationship built over decade with a dealer came real handy :-)<br /><br />Now coming to the main item of this post. I will be showing 3 pamphlets issued by Indian Red Cross and St. John (St. John's Ambulance) War Organization in Urdu, Hindi and English. All three of them carry same design and content.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0L4Ce5XvjIM/Tc9iaP8OYUI/AAAAAAAAJoc/2Gv2qKmMtjY/s1600/010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0L4Ce5XvjIM/Tc9iaP8OYUI/AAAAAAAAJoc/2Gv2qKmMtjY/s400/010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606808264194810178" border="0" /></a>The front side shows a wounded soldier lying on hospital bed reading some newspaper with a slogan behind it "The thanks of a GRATEFUL PUBLIC". We can also see Red Cross and St. John War Organization symbols at bottom left side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBkUVFYW7rE/Tc9ig5yMiaI/AAAAAAAAJok/6t1Z3HujZIc/s1600/009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBkUVFYW7rE/Tc9ig5yMiaI/AAAAAAAAJok/6t1Z3HujZIc/s400/009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606808378506250658" border="0" /></a>The reverse side then had different paragraphs highlighting main objective of Indian Red Cross & St. John War Organization and work they had done and doing during this war (WW2). The leaflet reads:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">WHEREVER THE INDIAN SOLDIER GOES...<br /></span></div><br />Although peace has been brought to a suffering world, the work of the Indian Red Cross and St. John for the sick and wounded soldier cannot end with the war. Those who have fought to bring us victory still deserve our help, a help which it is our privilege and duty to provide.<br /><br />What this help is, and how it has been provided by a private humanitarian body is explained in this brief leaflet.<br /><br />The Indian Red Cross & St. John War Organization is a private humanitarian body devoted to the service of the sick and wounded and of Indian prisoners of war. Its work stretches half across the world from Japan to Occupied China, Malaya, India, Iraq, Iran, the Middle East. Wherever the Indian soldier is to be found, there lies the work of the Indian Red Cross & St. John.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jIPrldVy-M/Tc9iZqB5JeI/AAAAAAAAJoM/bfDq_aOZYHc/s1600/008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jIPrldVy-M/Tc9iZqB5JeI/AAAAAAAAJoM/bfDq_aOZYHc/s400/008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606808254018037218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SUPPLIES TO HOSPITALS</span><br /></span></div><br />The Indian Red Cross and St. John supplies over 500 items to hospitals for the sick and wounded . These supplies include clothing, tobacco, sweets, soap, toothbrushes, games, gramophones and gramophone records; even pictures for the walls of the recreation rooms in hospitals. Everything that can be envisaged to keep the sick and wounded men comfortable is made available.<br /><br />There are over 750 Workparties in India making clothes, manufacturing special bandages and other hospitals stores. These items pour into the great Central Depots of the Indian Red Cross & St. John in hundreds of thousands.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FOOD PARCELS</span><br /></span></div><br />Before the victory in Europe, every Indian prisoner of war was send a weekly food parcel through the Indian Comforts Fund in London, paid for by the Indian Red Cross and St. John, and altogether it dispatched 1,672,579 parcels to these men. Such parcels were sent in addition to clothing, games, medical supplies and other amenities. This great humanitarian body even created facilities to help Indian prisoners of war to enter for examination to prepare them for peacetime occupations.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vy--y7vZrFU/Tc9iZ2-CNMI/AAAAAAAAJoU/2ct7TOIERnE/s1600/007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vy--y7vZrFU/Tc9iZ2-CNMI/AAAAAAAAJoU/2ct7TOIERnE/s400/007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606808257491514562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">POSTAL AND CABLE MESSAGES</span><br /></span></div><br />The Indian Red Cross & St. John War Organization operates a postal and cable message service enabling persons in India (not being prisoners of war or internees.) to write to their loved ones in enemy occupied territories. During 1944, over 16,000 cable messages and postal messages were received and dispatched as a part of this anxiety relieving service.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE JAPANESE ATTITUDE</span></span><br /></div><br />Although the Japanese Government did not fully co-operate with the Indian Red Cross or any other Red Cross Society on the Allied side, the Indian Red Cross & St. John has been able to send bulk supplies of food and clothing in hundreds of tons to Indian prisoners of war in the Far East, by repatriation ships whenever the Japanese Government allow them to sail. Prisoners of war are now being released for Prisoners of War camps in the Far East, are provided by Red Cross with gift bags, containing toilet articles, sweets, cigarettes and other items of their comfort.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYf53HVGNs4/Tc9iZFTc0yI/AAAAAAAAJn8/W14nKRpAawg/s1600/006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYf53HVGNs4/Tc9iZFTc0yI/AAAAAAAAJn8/W14nKRpAawg/s400/006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606808244159566626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">DIVERSIONAL THERAPY</span><br /></span></div><br />The Indian Red Cross Welfare Service employs the services of over 400 ladies of all denominations in various hospitals for the care of the sick and wounded. This work entails Diversional Therapy, a work based scientifically on the knowledge that convalescence can be considerably helped by taking mens' minds off their infirmities. It also involves library supervision, (books are provided in tens of thousands for hospitals by the Red Cross) writing letters to relatives of the wounded, tracing missing soldiers and handling inquiries from relatives regarding them, and may other activities which cannot be enumerated in detail in so short a review as this.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUaiFsy3IPE/Tc9iZa2SgpI/AAAAAAAAJoE/ex3GHIoVcx4/s1600/005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUaiFsy3IPE/Tc9iZa2SgpI/AAAAAAAAJoE/ex3GHIoVcx4/s400/005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606808249942835858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A GREAT CAUSE</span><br /></span></div><br />The scope of this private humanitarian body will thus be seen to be immense, and funds to carry on this work in hospitals must be found on a scale commensurate with it. Only by remaining a private organization supported by voluntary subscriptions can the Indian Red Cross & St. John retain its capacity for working internationally. An official body attempting the same task would be severely handicapped. Give this great cause your help. Please send your donations to your local Provincial or State War Fund, clearly ear-marked "Indian Red Cross".<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >Give Generously to our SICK & WOUNDED SOLDIERS</span><br /></div><br /><br />Let me know if you have seen such pamphlets or any other varieties of these kind.<br /></div></div>Hmmm!!! Let's see.....http://www.blogger.com/profile/13605071807022814918noreply@blogger.com0