Bharatpur State Gazette on withdrawl of National War Front restrictions - WW2

Today's item is an important Bharatpur State Gazette issued on 15th May 1945. The gazette carries a message from Maharaja of Bharatpur, Sawai Brijendra Singh on lifting of restrictions imposed as part of National War Front when the war started. Since, the victory is in sight and war is coming to an end, the restrictions are being lifted.

The Gazette was posted hence carries a seal of 19th May 1945. The message is written in English.

PART I.
STATE COUNCIL
Orders, Circulars, Notifications etc.
Notification.

As else-where in India, the National War Front was established in this state early in 1942. It was a time when owing to Japan's winning a series of victories almost dramatically and appearing at the eastern gates of our beloved country, nervous minds were badly affected. Foodstuffs and other civil supplies were cornered and even currency coins began to be hoarded. Under such circumstances, I and my Government considered it necessary to restore confidence by mobilising public opinion and forestalling a lowering of morale not only for the sake of Country's War efforts but also for the welfare of my people and a smooth running of their day to day life.

In a public meeting held on the 1st of May 1942, which was attended by my subjects of all caste, creeds and shades of opinion, I explained the aims and objects of the National War Front in the State, and assumed its command as its "Leader". I am glad to note that under the various committees and sectional leaders, my subjects stood to the occasion and were behind nobody in shouldering their responsibilities.

Thanks to the strategy of the Allied Nations, the situation has changed and we are no longer threatened with the dangers which once loomed over our skies. I therefore think that the need for the National War Front has passed, and therefore order that it may be discontinued forthwith. This should however in no case let us slacken our War Efforts which should be furthered with redoubled energy and zeal till final victory is gained over the enemies of liberty and civilization.

We have yet another task before us - effective solution of problems arising directly out of the War, post-war reconstruction and speedy progress of nation building activities. For this purpose my Government has decided to establish a permanent department of Publicity, which is intended to be a more efficient instrument of public information and instruction. It will be essentially mobile in a character and is designed to reach my subjects even in remotest corners of my State. Its approach to the people will be informative and factual rather than emotional or exhoratory and the Staff will be paid and work under the direct supervision and control of my Government.

I cannot close this, without an expression of my deep appreciation of the work done by all officials and non-officials in making the National War Front movement in the State a success.

1-5-45

SAWAI BRIJENDRA SINGH,
Maharaja of Bharatpur.

The Bikaner Rajpatra (WWII Gazette) - 27th Dec 1941

Today's post will be long one :-) It is a publication by Princely State Government of Bikaner on return of Maharajah from his tour of Middle East Asia war front during WWII. It is a state gazette also called as "The Bikaner Rajpatra" in Hindi.

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
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NOTIFICATION.
Lallgarh, the 22nd December 1941.

No. 79. - The following speech delivered by His Highness the Maharajah in reply to the Address of Welcome presented by the Citizens of Bikaner on his return from the Middle East War Front is published for general information.

By Command
MANDHATA SINGH
Prime Minister.

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SPEECH BY GENERAL HIS HIGHNESS THE MAHARAJAH OF BIKANER, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., G.C.V.O., G.B.E., K.C.B., A.D.C., L.L.D., ON THE 21ST DECEMBER 1941, IN REPLY TO THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME PRESENTED BY THE CITIZENS OF BIKANER ON HIS RETURN FROM THE MIDDLE EAST WAR FRONT.

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GENTLEMEN;
I thank you very sincerely for the Address of Welcome which you have presented to me on my return from the Middle East War Front and I can assure you that the sentiments of loyalty and affection which you have expressed towards me and my family have touched me deeply.

As you know I am never so happy when I am in my own State among my own people; and I need hardly say that I am very glad to be back again in your midst.

Let me take this opportunity of once again saying how greatly I was moved by the wonderful manifestation of your love and devotion both when I left for the War Front and when I returned. These spontaneous demonstrations strengthen my belief that through the blessings of Providence I am fortunate beyond measure in the loyalty and affection of my beloved people.

You have indeed appropriately alluded to the courage and martial spirit shown by my elder grandson, Prince Karni Singhji, in accompanying me on Active Service; and I share with you the pride at his having proved himself so true to the traditions of the Kshatriya race and of our State.

Since my return from the Middle East I have had more than one occasion of speaking about the War, and particularly of the great gallantry and magnificent work done by our Indian Troops. Today, however, I propose to touch upon a few other matter of importance.

I have felt all along, from the moment that the present War started in September 1939, that it was bound to develop into a Second World War. But the present conflict has already proved itself to be a far greater War than the last one, having exceeded it both in intensity and extent; and it might well be said that it now covers the entire world from one end to the other.

This war has now reached the borders of India; and I would like in the first place to impress upon you that, in spite of the initial advantages which Japan has secured through treachery and the element of surprise - though at the cost of extremely heavy casualties in killed and wounded - and although in Wars of such magnitude there must inevitably be ups and downs, there is no cause of alarm. And you, our Seths and Sahukars, as great businessmen and financiers whose level-headedness and steadiness are proverbial, can be of great service to India under the present circumstances by avoiding panic and setting your face sternly against all measures which injure the financial credit of India.

I would, therefore, ask you to be calm and unruffled and to carry on your business in spite of certain dislocation and handicaps which must be expected in such circumstances and to beware of believing false information and alarmist rumours.

As I said the other day, it is true that Germany and Italy have received for the moment a certain accession of strength by Japan's entry into the War; but it should not be lost sight of that already mighty British Empire has gained a far greater accession of strength through the entry of the United States of America - a far more powerful country with far greater resources and much larger population - as our great Ally.

Russia too is our Ally, and in spite of the initial disadvantages which she had to face, is now securing undreamt of victories over Germany, whose forces have suffered tremendous casualties and who has lost a vast amount of war equipment.

Great Britain, which was so unprepared at the start of the War as compared with the Nazi preparedness, has in the past year and a half reorganised her Army, and thanks to its added equipments of all kinds, is now in a very strong position, as is evident from the series of victories which are now being achieved in Libya.

The theory of German invincibility has thus definitely been disproved once for all.

China too, which has so heroically stood against Japan's onslaught for the past 5 years or so, is now our Ally; and some of the other European Nations conquered by the Germans earlier in the War have now raised considerable Forces and are also fighting with great tenacity on our side. As instances I need refer only to the Poles and the Free French.

And do not, above all, forget that the mighty arm and the indomitable Navy of the British Empire are ever ready to defend India.

Thus there cannot be least doubt that the British Empire and its Allies, who form the greatest combination of Nations in the world opposed to the Axis Powers, will, under God's providence, win - and win decisively - putting finally to rest the sense of fear which has for so long haunted the world.

There is happily no need for me to appeal to any section of my people to do everything in their power to support the War efforts of the Empire. For I am well aware how all classes and communities of my subjects are united with me in rendering the utmost possible service to our beloved King-Emperor and the maximum assistance within our power and resources to the Empire.

But modern warfare is essentially a questions of resources. Great Britain alone is daily spending collosal sums of money on the War, whilst the people of Great Britain and other parts of the Empire have made tremendous sacrifices and most significant contributions. The contributions of India too, in spite of certain political differences, have been remarkable; and the Viceroy's War Purpose Fund has already reached many crores. My Government has contributed, is contributing and will continue to contribute, whole-heartedly for War purposes in various ways.

I am well aware of the munificent and loyal donations that so many of you have on various occasions made for work for a beneficent character in our State which have been of great advantage to the State and its people. I have, as in the past, already gratefully acknowledged these spontaneous donations which you so generously made at the time of the Golden Jubilee of my reign. In the face, however, of precarious and adverse conditions and other factors it was my hope, subject to the materialisation of a scheme which my Government had in view, and provided that the War was not to spread, to relieve you at least on this occasion and I had further hoped that our Government and, to a certain extent, I and my family would be able to shoulder your responsibilities. But such a scheme did not materialise. Thus though for such reasons, for which you Seths and Sahukars of Bikaner were in no way responsible, we have so far postponed making a direct appeal to the richer community in Bikaner - so renowned for their wealth and generosity - to make their due contribution towards the War, I am now confident that they, too, will give a good amount of themselves and uphold the honour and pride of Bikaner as the most loyal of the loyal States of India.

I would also like to say that it is not improbable that my Government may before long decide upon certain measures purely as prudent precautions against possible air raids, particularly in the Capital. But that should not cause any alarm to the general public nor be regarded as indicating the imminence of air raids on our Towns of which we have been told there is no great likelihood.

What you have said today in your Address about the Proclamation, which I issued on the eve of my departure on Active Service, is most gratifying to me, as I am sure it is to the Maharaj Kumar. You all know that I and my family are inspired by the most earnest desire to be of service at all times to the State and to all classes and communities of our people, and the issue of the Proclamation was another measure which I am confident will prove to be immensely beneficial to the subjects of the State and tend to their still greater contentment and well-being.

Gentlemen, I once again thank you very much for your loyal Address and, as ever, I pray that God's blessings may be upon you all and upon our State.

The War may come still closer to us. Parts of India may be bombed or bombarded. But put your faith in God and the British Empire; and never fear; we shall win.

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Princely state of Bharatpur Gazette on V-J Day

Today's post is extra ordinary :-) Well, it is an extra ordinary gazette publication by Bharatpur state on V-J Day. You can understand why it is called extra ordinary. It was half page unusual publication by State press, Bharatpur due to the most important event of the 20th century.

Shown below is Bharatpur State Gazette or called as "Bharatpur Raj Patra" in Hindi. It was published on 18th August 1945 just after V-J Day (15th August 1945).

It was published in English. The text reads:

ORDER
Dated Bharatpur, the 17th August 1945.

No. 20458 In connection with the Victory over Japan and the conclusion of War announced by His Excellency the Viceroy over the radio, 16th and 17th August, 1945, are declared to be public holidays throughout the whole state. Sunday the 19th August, 1945, has been fixed for Thanks-giving in Temples, Mosques and Churches (programme issued separately) 20th and 21st August, 1945, are fixed for Victory Celebrations at Headquarters where these two days will be local half holidays exception for the Session of the Brij Jaya Pratinidhi Samiti. 20th August would be holiday for celebrations for Tehsils also. None of the State employees will be permitted to take leave within this week, i.e., 16th to 21st August, 1945. All are expected to participate in every function of the celebrations.

HUKAM SINGH,
Dewan, Bharatpur State, Bharatpur

War Supplement, 18 April 1942 - Jodhpur State Gazette

Today's post is a war supplement to the Jodhpur Government Gazette issued on 18th April 1942. This particular edition is special because it contains a photograph printed using cyclostyle method which is obsolete now. Even those days, very few gazettes used to carry photographs.

The gazette shows photograph of German planes lying in junkyard after shot down by allied forces with a comment below "What a fine bag!". It is a sarcastic comment on Nazi air power.

Finally, it urges people of princely state to donate generously to Shri Umed Singhji Air Defence Fund created to raise squadrons of RAF to fight enemy.

The text on Gazette reads:

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India needs more Fighter-aircrafts to drive the enemy away.

Give generously to

SHRI UMED SINGHJI AIR DEFENCE FUND.


(A PART OF THE COLLECTION GOES TOWARDS THE RELIEF OF JODHPUR SOLDIERS).


AND HELP TO MAKE INDIA STRONG.


Your contribution shall be gratefully accepted by the Hon. Treasurer.

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Issued by the P.O. on behalf of Shree Umed Singhji Air Defence Fund Committee, Jodhpur.

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The article will be incomplete without mentioning a brief note on Maharaja Umed (Umaid) Singhji of Jodhpur. He was a keen aviator besides being a great ruler. In the very first year of his accession to the throne of Marwar, he established the first landing ground at Jodhpur in 1924. The Maharaja was in fact the first Indian prince to earn an ‘A’ Level flying licence. In 1931, he established the Jodhpur Flying Club (JFC) with his two Tiger Moths. By 1938, the JFC was at the forefront of civil aviation in India, with three international airlines operating air services to Jodhpur. The Maharaja was also a stakeholder in the first aviation company in India. With the rumblings of World War-II, and as the Battle of Britain raged in Europe in 1940, the Maharaja - a true soldier complained to the then viceroy, “I have no use for the Honorary rank”. His position did not allow him to personally engage in dogfights in Spitfires and Hurricanes, so he had to be content with the command of his base at Jodhpur.

As the focus of the war shifted to Burma and the far East, Jodhpur became a hub of the air operations, and in 1941, Jodhpur Air base was transformed into the No 2 Elementary Flying and Training School.

One can now easily understand the reason behind such air defence fund advertisement in state gazette. Due to his distinguished services, he was conferred as Air Vice Marshal of Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF).

Sadly, Lt. Gen. Air Vice Marshal HH Umed (Umaid) Singh died in an air crash on 9th June 1947, on Mount Abu.

R.I.A.F. Advertisement - British India

Today's post is a post-war advertisement given in "War supplement to the Jodhpur Government Gazette, August 18, 1945" by R.I.A.F. (Royal Indian Air Force). Even though, it was published in War Supplement of Gazette, I still say it is post-war advertisement because of V-J Day on 14th August, 1945.

You know, the exact date of the war's end is not universally agreed upon. It has been suggested that the war ended at the armistice of 14 August 1945 (V-J Day), rather than the formal surrender of Japan (2 September 1945); in some European histories, it ended on V-E Day (8 May 1945). The Treaty of Peace with Japan was not signed until 1951.

Anyway, this is certainly a WWII item given that it was published in War supplement to the Gazette.

This is an advertisement by R.I.A.F. inviting Indian youth to join them. It claims Aviation as new industry for India which is true only. Those times, the Indian Air Force was very small. The advertisement goes like this:

Prepare for the Newest Industry.

-------AVIATION!

BECOME A PILOT IN THE R.I.A.F.

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The Royal Indian Air Force calls to the Youth of India. The flying fields, training schools and aircraft, all await those with spirit of adventure.

Now is the time for Indian youth to become air-minded, now is the chance to utilise the opportunity for free training for a flying career. The Royal Indian Air Force needs youngmen who are physically fit, courageous and possess the qualities of leadership. Youngmen with these qualities, who are between the ages of 17-1/2 and 28, and who have good general education, knowledge of current affairs and a first class knowledge of written and spoken English must not miss this chance. The future is theirs, the R.I.A.F. will make it.

Selected candidates who are successful in their training, and in other respects suitable, normally get their commission after 30 weeks. Appointment to a commission is in the rank of Acting Pilot Officer on probation. The probationary period is six months. On satisfactory completion of probationary period or on reaching the required standard of proficiency in his duties, whichever is later, an Acting Pilot Officer is promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer.

To every successful Marwari candidate selected for training as a pilot, the State would give a reward of Rs. 1000/- when he receives his Commission as a Pilot Officer after completing his training and six months probation.

For full details apply to:- .. ..

The Honorary Secretary,
Central Recruiting Committee,
Jodhpur

It also mentions salary details offered by R.I.A.F. at different ranks. Since, I feel anything related to CTC shall be kept confidential as taught to me in corporate world, I am not publishing that myself even though you can read them in advertisement :-)

Before we close this post, I just want to give you brief history of Indian Air Force or so called Royal Indian Air Force during WWII.

Royal Indian Air Force had its origins in the recommendation of the Skeene Committee in 1926. Six years later the Indian Legislature passed the Indian Air Force Act. The IAF came into being on October 8, 1932, and the first flight was formed in 1933. At that time, there were only six officers - five pilots and one equipment officer apart from 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers) and its aircraft inventory comprised four Westland Wapiti biplanes at Drigh Road (now in Pakistan).

The outbreak of second world war resulted in the expansion of IAF. By the end of 1941, the IAF had three squadrons and five coastal defence flights. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour brought the war to India’s doorstep and in December 1942, the IAF was inducted into Burma for the first Burma Campaign. In recognition of the services rendered by the Indian Air Force during the war, the service was bestowed with the prefix "Royal" on 12 March 1945 and was then known as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF). In 1946 it consisted of 8 fighter and 2 transport squadrons with modern aircraft.

People who are interested in knowing the marvelous achievements of Royal Indian Air Force during WWII, are encouraged to browse following link:

The Indian Air Force in WW2

War Related Advertisements on Jodhpur Govt. Gazette

Sometime back, I had bought a cartoon full of Princely States Gazettes of War related articles. I was initially too much excited thinking about materials that it contained but once I realised the mammoth task I had in hand of scanning and checking them then I lost my interest :D It has been since lying in my bookcase for months.

At one fateful day I dared to scan, could do so for some 50-60 documents, only to fall prey to my laziness. You can obviously guess, that today's post is fruit of that labour ;-) I have published couple of articles on Princely States Gazettes earlier also but they were more of official literature. This post is different from earlier ones as this contains some WWII period advertisements published in Princely States Gazettes. As far as I know, it is a bit uncommon to find private advertisements in official Government Gazettes. Though, I may be wrong here. Still, I found them interesting and hence sharing here.

Shown above is a Jodhpur State Gazette, dated August 23, 1941, containing an advertisement in English. The advertisement is about quality food provided by a general provision store run by its proprietor - Achalraj Lodha. The advertisement shows a Large "V" symbol with text "For Victory" - a very common design for Victory used during those times.

This is another advertisement again from the Jodhpur Government Gazette but dated October 3, 1942. The advertisement is published by Oriental Government Security Life Assurance Company in Hindi.

The translation of advertisement text in English is:

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We hope that sand bags and brick walls can protect you from air raids.
If they couldn't then we would definitely do so provided you have got your self and your relatives insured with us.

We don't charge any special fees for War risks as of now.

Amount which has been claimed ------- More than 260 Million Rupees
Total amount in current policies ------- More than 855 Million Rupees
Annual Income of 1941 ------- Around 50 Million Rupees
Total amount of last yr policy ------- Around 300 Million Rupees

Oriental Government Security Life Assurance Company Limited

Established 1874 Headoffice, Bombay

Phone no. 319 Branch Office, Court Road, Ajmer
Inspectorate Office, Court Road, Jodhpur
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Jodhpur Government Gazette - August 10, 1940 (War News)

This year December has been unusually hectic for me. I was thinking it to be relaxed period but surprisingly it has been more busy month than October-November. Well, don't take it as excuse for not updating the blog. I am not complaining :-) I hope I can work like this even after marriage ;-)

I am planning to go to my native place Patna after more than 3 years. There are couple of reasons for it. Of course it has been a very long time since I visited there so there are nostalgic reasons as expected. Nostalgia has different meaning for different people. Like I want to feel the chillness and cold weather of North India, indulge into the great food of winter like Sweet Carrot Halwa, Sweets made out of Til (I need to find English word for it) and Kachori/Paratha (Indian Fried Breads) made out of fresh green Gram flour. Winter is the season when one shall visit North India. It's bad weather but an unique experience!

Last but the least, I also want to go to Gangaes Ghats and roam around old and new Patna to refresh my childhood memories. This time, I also plan to carry camera to capture some moments. Even though, I have been born and brought up there still I know Patna always gives you an experience every time one visits. So let's see this time what I will have to share with my friends here when I return.

So, there will not be any more updates after this weekend until 16th Jan! I will be back in Bangalore on 10th Jan but will post 1st entry of Jan only on 16th-17th. I will try to see how much I can update this holiday weekend to compensate for December-January.

I have lots of literature items coming in next months. To start with, today's post is based on "The Jodhpur Government Gazette" dated August 10, 1940. Sometimes back, I had shared 2 pages of same Gazette. This post covers remaining 2 pages of same Gazette on War News.

The scan above shows the first page I am going to translate. The headline says "News" and it covers some statements by Allied leaders on war followed by small commentary on WWII through a character. Next page then covers weekly war news from around the world. I will skip the statements part and directly jump on commentary on war.

----------------------------Page 1-----------------------------------

The Voice of your Uncle -

Dear children, though I have grown old still I am very much familiar with places like Palestine, Egypt, France, Belgium, Holland, England etc. You would have started hearing name of these places now days very often but I have seen them in the last world war itself. I was a serving soldier that time, and even now I am mentally.

You are sons and daughters of a great country. (Here country refers to the place where the princely state of Jodhpur used to belong i.e. Marwar region.) Marwar has also been the birth place of great warriors. Our land is famous for brave Rathors. Very recently in 1897-98, our ruler Maharaja Shri Sardar Singhji had provided assistance to British Army in Frontier War. Maharaja Shri Sumer Singhji fought in France in last European war. Our army secured/won Haifa in Palestine. We captured some 700 prisoners of war and a number of machine guns. They are now decorated in Jodhpur Fort. You have seen them already, now wait for more! Our officers and soldiers were awarded total of 88 medals/citations.

We stil have our army in Risalpur. Shri Darbar Saheb is getting trained in air warfare under the command of Indian Air Force. We are natives of a brave and glorious country. I wish, I was serving in army even now.

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If you read you can make out that the article tries to raise partiotism in general public. It expresses a soldier's desire to fight for his country even though he is now retired. He still wants to serve. He recites examples set by Maharaja of the state and other dignitaries. It is like modeling the young minds of kids (or in crude way brain washing them so they grow up as loyal citizens of princely state and British Empire).

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Weekly News:-

Around the World:-

Air raids (German) continued on England. Sometimes, even Wales got hit. There was hardly any damage to England. Though, Germany had to suffer huge loss. (Seems clear propaganda !!)

Some Incidents:-

1. Only 6 of the British airplanes were enough for 80 German airplanes. The air raid consisted of 80 German fighter planes which were chased out of Britain by 6 of Royal Air Force fighters assisted by anti-aircraft guns. Whole battle lasted only 30 minutes, where Germans lost 15 of their planes while British only one. The damage caused to Britain was 1/5 of what Germany suffered. Germany has already lost some 318 of their fighter planes trying to capture Great Britain. In fact, they have lost 244 planes beginning 10th June. As an average they are losing almost 6 fighters daily.

2. Italian air force dropped some 280 bombs on a British naval warship near Mediterranean sea but not a single bomb hit the target. Actually, because of high tides and waves, warship was almost covered causing zero visibility to enemy thus they could not target it properly. We didn't suffer any damage. In between, one of Royal air force fighter chased enemy planes out of the area.

In India:-

Preparations are on full swing. Indian air force is expanding and similarly army and naval forces are also increasing. We are manufacturing ammunition and other war equipment rapidly.

People from every caste and society are collecting funds for war assistance.

Organizations like civic guards are performing their duty impressively for the defense of the country.

In Jodhpur:-

A message to general public of Marwar by Chief Minister Saheb Shri Lt. Col. D. M. Field:

"Shri Jodhpur Darbar Saheb has offered all the state resources to His Highness the Emperor and adviced the general public of state to face the difficult situation with confidence in unity and peace.

Shri Darbar Saheb advice general public to beware of rumors, warn of those people who spread fear and panic in society by word or their deeds.

Shri Darbar Saheb has firm belief that his fellow men will go beyond their ancestors loyalty and follow him."

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Jodhpur Government Gazette - August 10, 1940

Last two days were very frustrating for me. My internet service provider BSNL's local exchange had some outage and all the broadband services got disrupted. October 2nd happens to be National Holiday in India commemorated as Mahatma Gandhi's birthday so they could fix the problem by later afternoon today only. You can take it as excuse for me not posting any item on blog :D I felt as if life was all of sudden dull and boring ;-) It's good to be back.

Anyway, let's focus on today's item. This is another post on Princely States Gazettes. This Gazette was issued by Jodhpur state on August 10, 1940. The unqiueness about this Gazette is that it was first edition when Jodhpur state started reporting war news to general public. Since it was slightly late attempt thus this edition carries WW2 news in brief (as summary) from the start of war until the date of publication. It's an interesting two page brief reporting on advent of war till this date.

Princely state gazettes used to be printed both in English and Hindi but the one I have in my possession is in Hindi. I treat it as an opportunity and a TOEFL test. Let's see how do I score today :D

Here is the translated text in English (this time I will try to translate it in informal manner) :

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War News

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Britain is fighting for the freedom and if she could not defeat Germany then we should assume that World would loose all the goodness. For years, it was being tried to resolve all the conflicting issues of each country with other but all this has gone in vain now. England started disarming herself thinking all the other nations would follow it and there would no longer be war in this world. But, Germany was in control of Hitler that time and he had other plans. He formed an unrelenting army and powerful air force. His aim was to control whole of Europe under his power and world acknowledge the power of mighty Germany.

Finally, when he attacked Poland in September, 1939 then world war two started. Since this is first edition of war news, we are providing some of main events which has happend so far.

Hitler was elected as Vice Chancellor of German Parliament called Reichtang in 1932. He crushed and as needed got murdered all of his opponents to take control of power by 1933. Then he started building a powerful army and arms/ammunitions for its need. With the help of Gestapo (German Secret Police) and his staunch supporters like Goering, Goebbles and Ribbentrop, he literally brought whole Germany under him. Now, german newspapers publish only those kind of news or articles which suits Nazi Government. Jewish people are murdered and Government seize all of their property and belongings. People have lost freedom and opportunity to express their views openly. Gestapo arrests people and confine them to jails without any proved crime or court order.

By 1938 Austria become part of Germany and just after couple of months Czechosolvakia followed suite. Czech people resisted but since France and England were not ready for war thus Mr. Chamberlain submissivley agreed on the proposal in Munich Agreement. This cleared the way for Germany to capture Czechoslovakia.

Hitler attacked Poland in 1939. Despite all the brave effort of Poles, Germany won the war using her bigger and powerful mechnaised army (which consisted of war machines and motors) which spread all over Poland like ants and captured it. After couple of months German Army entred in Denmark and then attacked Norway. Even though Hitler lost half of its naval force still he was successful in capturing strategic part of Norway. Then he attacked Holand, Belgium and France in succession.

Again, French, Dutch and Belgians fought very hard but neither they were match for German Army nor they had matching arms, ammunition, tanks or fighter planes. Besides that they were also betrayed by some of their own people in each country. In the meantime, Britain took complete control of sea and maritime boundary. It also sent some regiments to France and started air raids over Germany. Despite British help, France lost the war sometime in May/June 1940 because of lack of able military leadership. Britain managed somehow to rescue its forces and retreated. All these victories have caused Germany more than 1 million people and now it is in bad shape lacking both people to fight and arms/ammunition for it. Italy has come in favor of Germany. But it could not cause any significant damage because of British powerful navy. Thus, almost complete Europe is being terrorized by Hitler at this moment.

The countries won over by Hitler even lack basic human rights. Poles are especially ill treated under Nazi occupation. Germans are served first in all of Polish shops and restaurants. Poles are forced to clear the road for Germans. They are also obliged to do Nazi salute. If anyone is found to have any kind of relation with German women then they are doomed to death sentence. There is such a strict control of Germans on food and beverages in Holland that Dutch people are dying due to hunger. All sort of milk products such as butter, cheese and other food items are being diverted to Germany which is lacking it big time. Hitler has even given orders not to take out potatoes from field in Belgium until they are ripen completely. Those who disobey the order are given severe punishment. These are some of fruits of Nazi occupation and this is the kind of world Hitler wants to establish.

British air force is getting strong day by day. While the army which also consists of people of Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand are well equipped with arms/ammunition and at the same time British navy has complete control over sea and naval routes. Now most of the war will be fought over air and sea only. And, Britain is certainly gaining grounds on air also. Hitler wants to attack England but so far all of his efforts have gone in vain.

Britain is fully prepared to defend herself and it seems almost impossible that Germany can attack or land its army in Britain. Meanwhile, British air force is destroying German oil depots, railway tracks, canals and camps. While, Navy is preventing any ammunition or help reaching Germany by sea routes. In fact, British navy is so powerful that there is not even a single opportunity for Italy or Germany to exercise over sea routes. Even though, USA is not fighting still it is helping Britain in terms of arms and ammunition. We hope that British air force and navy will come out victorious with their bravery at the end.

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Oh boy! this was such a big translation. Even though we know that allies came out victorious out of war but I am not sure if I scored well or not. Since this was my first attempt to translate it in informal way rather than just do exact word by word translation, I hope I will get at least B grade :-)

Jokes apart, the news gazette offers is mix of truth and propaganda. As you read it, you can feel it. Those who can read Hindi will be delighted to read it. The article is full of adjectives and at the same time written in colloquial way. I think the idea was to have immediate and significant impact on reader. That's why the language is so different than formal newspapers.

Though, its years since I have read proper Hindi newspapers so I could be wrong here as well. I have lost touch and the command I used to posses on Hindi being born and brought in hardcore north Indian Hindi region. Sometimes, I regret losing touch of my mother language and just limited to very few words of it as we speak now days. It is really soothing experience reading such articles. And I enjoyed it and I hope you will also like whether in Hindi or English!

Jodhpur Government Gazette - July 14, 1945

Today's post will be another short one. As I scan most of literature stuff that I bought over couple of months I am sharing it here. With this post another thread starts - Princely States Gazettes covering war related news or articles.

Under British arrangement, most of princely states were granted permission to maintain law and order and run general affairs of their area on their own. As part of that most of princely states used to publish what is called state gazettes for general public consumption. It was kind of information sharing by the government to the people. The gazette not only served the purpose of publishing government policies, announcements and news but it also gave them control to restrict/censor the information to be distributed especially during war period. Even though , Radio/newspaper were available but very few people in India in those days could afford it. The gazettes also served as state propaganda at times encouraging people to donate to war funds, providing both true and fabricated news of Allies win and publishing advertisements to join allied forces.

Shown above is a page from Jodhpur Government Gazette published on July 14, 1945. Since, it is already in English I thought I won't need to explain it but later I realized that it would be almost impossible to read it because of spacing problem in blog. So here it is:

British "Recce" Party in Germany

"The gazette shows a picture taken by a British Army photographer who accompanied a British patrol on a reconnaissance in Germany, shows members of the patrol approaching their objective. British troops on this front and in the Ardennes were issued with white camouflage cloaks. Guns, rifles and radios are all wrapped in white, with the good effort seen."

The uniqueness of this gazette is that it carries a photograph cyclostyled. Very few gazettes carried photographs as most of these gazettes were typed.

Even though the description on gazette doesn't mention explicitly but the troops here are of Indian origin or part of Indian regiments. There are couple of reasons to believe that. I have another such document where similar photographs are shown addressing them as Indian soldiers besides the photograph and statement is conveying the message that British Government has taken all precautions to ensure safety of soldiers by providing white camouflage, allaying concerns of families of soldiers and encouraging public to join forces.