WW2 German Leaflet - Khushi Ka Paigam

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.

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 (Subhas Chandra Bose).

This is one of German leaflet numbered 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 (Subhas Chandra Bose).

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.

The back of the leaflet reads in Hindi:

Good News!

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.

Along with Hind (National) Leader,

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.

British propaganda

that Germans don't imprison but kill is absolutely rubbish and false.

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.

German WW2 Propaganda Leaflet against Indian Soldiers - Free Excursion to London

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.

I am directly copying text from Herbert Friedman's article, which states:

This German leaflet (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. 

The text is: 

Tour of London! Free! 

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. 

But What Will Become of You Who Are Still on Battlefields? 

Be victims of the chilly winds of the Alps 

Be frozen in the freezing cold of Italy 

Face the adversary, platoons and weapons 

And finally, be targets of bullets! 

Go to permanent sleep with the desire to go home! 

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? 

One stone two birds! 

Protect your life!        Tour of London via Germany! 

And then home!

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.

Japanese (IIL/INA) WW2 Propaganda Leaflet Against Allied (British) Forces

It's long time since I shared some colorful leaflet ;-) So here it is. I hope it will catch your attention.

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).

The colorful leaflet shows an Indian soldier kicking a British Soldier (holding a Union Jack) out of India.

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.

Then on left hand side, it shows German fighter planes bombing Great Britain/Europe (burning). The bombing causes Churchill panicking.

At bottom left, it also shows Italian submarines sinking British naval forces in African waters.

There is a text in Hindi and Bangla at top for Indian people:

This is the opportunity. Get up and move forward by initiating fight for independence!

British India (Allied) WW2 Propaganda Leaflet - Tiger

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.

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.

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.
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.
The text on reverse side reads:

"India springs to action, and side by side with Britain, America, Russia and China will trample under foot the tyranny of Germany and Japan."

This particular leaflet is numbered C and carries same text in various languages such as Hindi, Bangla, Urdu, Assamese and English.

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.

B: Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Marathi and English.
C: Hindi, Bangla, Urdu, Assamese and English.
B, C: Unknown to me (??), Burmese, Tamil, Chinese and English.
K: Difficult to guess but looks like various Arabic scripts such as Urdu, Arabic, ???, ??? and English.

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.

Declaration of War Against Britain and The United States - IIL WW2 Propaganda Leaflet

I took another giant step towards building my WWII propaganda leaflet collection last month when I purchased one of the finest and rare collection of colored Japanese/Indian Independence League (Indian National Army) WWII propaganda leaflets. I guess, I can indeed boast now that I have one of the finest if not the best collection of WWII propaganda leaflets related to India.

While I will take my own sweet time to publish them here on my blog, I decided to make some of these artifacts public with generous help of Sgt. Herbert Friedman. You can browse variety of such leaflets there.

So, naturally today's post is about one of such colorful Indian Independence League leaflet dropped against British Indian Army somewhere in North-East India or in East Asia.

Shown above is one such uncoded leaflet depicting a Sikh soldier of Indian National Army charging in front line while others follow him raising flag of India which had become symbol of Independence movement. It also shows British and United States flag being crushed under feet of charging INA soldier.

The text on front reads:

The Establishment of The Provincial Government of Azad Hind.

Declaration of War Against Britain and The United States

It also has reverse side text printed in Nepali and Hindustani/Hindi using Roman Letters. The text reads in English as:

Provincial Government of Azad Hind has been established

India declares war against Britain and America.

British-Americans are almost dead. They have been crushed by Nippon force.

Kill Them!

British-Americans are sworn enemy of India and human being.

Acquire!

Your freedom and your rights!
Those who will carry this leaflet will be treated as true Indians. They will be treated as friends of India and well wishers of Indian Independence. Their life and wealth will be protected and their words will be honored.

At the bottom there is signature of Subhas Chandra Bose printed.

As usual I have no more information on this leaflet such as where was it dropped exactly or when was it prepared. Any help in this regard will be highly appreciated and duly acknowledged.

To Indian Soldiers - IIL War Propaganda Leaflet Against British Forces (WW2)

Every time I have confusion what to post, I pick a WW2 propaganda leaflet now that I have 100+ of them :-) In continuation to my IIL (Indian Independence League) war propaganda leaflet posts, I am sharing another such item. Before we walk through them, let me give some more information on these as I promised in my last IIL/INA post.

After formation of INA, Mohan Singh personally chose volunteers for his propaganda unit for their first assignment. He lectured them on the ideology of independence, infiltrating behind enemy lines and bringing men out of the British Army. The men wore regular uniforms and carried F Kikan passes and "F" insignia to get through Japanese lines. INA and IIL teams went back and forth through enemy fire, bringing in Indians, returning again to the front for more. It was an effective shuttle operation.

With a hand-printing press and Hindi and Urdu movable type, Mohan Singh and Pritam Singh worked day and night printing the first propaganda leaflets. They were distributed over the Slim battle-line by the 3rd Airborne Division, whose commander was a former teacher of Fujiwara in the General Staff College.

As fighting spread through Malaya and the Slim battle-line fell under Japanese assault, increasing numbers of Indians were brought into Ipoh by the propaganda teams. The propaganda was so effective that during the move to Kualalumpur, Indian officers and men holding white flags and propaganda handbills joined the growing procession to Kualalumpur on foot and in trucks, mingling with the pursuing Japanes troops. More than 1000 Indian men/soldiers of British Army surrendered to Japanese Army. This encouraged Mohan Singh to start propaganda broadcast from Saigon and Penang radio....

Shown above is one such War Propaganda Leaflet dropped by IIL/F-Kikan over British Forces somewhere in Eastern Asia. Exact location where and date when this was dropped is unknown. The propaganda urges Indian soldiers part of British Army to kill their British officers and change side. It is printed in English only and uncoded. The text reads:

TO INDIAN SOLDIERS!
-------

All Indians in our Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere are now combined and marching for India's freedom. Inspite of British oppression, the independence movement is progressing in all parts of India. They are fighting for the establishment of India for Indians. Now you are at the point of choosing slavery or freedom for India.

Don't be a tool in the hand of the English. Kill English officers and come to our side. We heartily welcome you as a comrade of Asia.

The leaflets also clearly shows influence of Japanese F-Kikan. Notice the words used in leaflet such as Japanese concept of "Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere" and term "Comrade of Asia" which were frequently used for IJA (Imperial Japanese Army) who were projected as liberator of Asia.

Hope you would have enjoyed! I will post more leaflet in coming days. Probably, I will try to post them in chronological order depicting INA/IIL exploitation and advancement through war history even though none of them carries date but I will try to present them to the best of my knowledge based on text present in them.

German WW2 Propaganda Leaflet against Indian Soldiers - Hoshiar!

It's celebration time :-) It's Diwali today. So, along with my best wishes here is a propaganda leaflet for my readers to celebrate with!

It's long time since I showed a German WW2 propaganda leaflet against British India. 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 now after more than 60 years itself is wonder.

Shown above is front side of German War Propaganda leaflet targeting Indian Soldiers part of British Army. It depicts a Sikh soldier listening to radio broadcast consisting of news and music/dance program. The soldier is imagining a female dancing on some music. It also has text in Urdu and English (Hindi words formed using English alphabets).

Attention!
Attention! Attention!

Bhai Band is calling you!
You are listening to Radio Bhai Band.

"Bhai" in Hindi means brother in English.

If you see the reverse side then you will understand the real propaganda. The reverse has text in Hindustani (Hindi), Urdu and English (again Hindi words are formed using English alphabets).

HINDUSTANIO (INDIANS)!

Do you know how to listen to Indian music and dance program?

Tune in to Bhai Band Radio!

Do you want to get the true news from all over the world?

Then listen Bhai Band Radio!
--------
When can you listen Bhai Band Radio?

Daily 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the evening on 449.1 medium wave and 28.3 or 39.6 short wave.
--------
Who speaks on Bhai Band?

Only your fellow countrymen, Indian Brothers!

Basically, the leaflet asks soldiers to tune in to Bhai Band Radio so they can be brain washed and misled about the then situation of war in Africa, Europe and Asia where Indian soldiers were fighting against German and Japanese forces as part of allied forces.

Here I am borrowing text from Herbert Friedman's article, which states:

It is said that India’s real involvement in modern psychological warfare began when Subhas Chandra Bose and his Indian National Army waged it. The Azad Hind radio stated its regular broadcasts from January 1942, in most of the prominent Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Pashto and also English.

"Free India Radio" (Azad Hind Radio) was the main propaganda station for India set up by the exiled Subhas Chandra Bose with German assistance. Bose’s Provisional Indian Government in Berlin also had two other radio stations, namely "National Congress Radio" and "Free Moslem Radio." ("National Congress Radio," by the way, had nothing to do with the short-lived "Congress Radio," which was a clandestine station operated by Gandhi supporters on British soil). Moreover, there was an Italian-sponsored Indian station known as "Radio Himalaya," run by the exiled Indian Moslem Iqbal Shedai. In addition to these stations, there was a German station manned by Indians called "The Brothers" or "Bhai Band" (BBC Monitoring Service translation), to which the soldier in the above leaflet is shown listening.

British India (Allied) WW2 Propaganda Leaflet - BNS28

Today, I am not in mood to post an item which requires some research :-) So, I have decided to settle on an easy and favorite item: WWII Propaganda Leaflets. But, to ensure that my readers were not deprived of quality of post, I decided to share an interesting pictorial propaganda leaflet.

This is another rare leaflet which was dropped by Allied forces over INA/Japanese forces targeting those Indians who had joined the Germans and Japanese as part of their fight for liberation of India.

The leaflet is coded BNS 28. Since, the code BNS is not recorded anywhere in military archives and since it was just handwritten on the leaflet it may be incorrect.

Shown above is front side of leaflet which depicts Subhas Chandra Bose handing over Mother India in chains to caricatured Japanese Soldier who has dagger with blood on it on one hand while he is eager to hold the chain of Mother India smiling mischievously. The chain is also shown in red color symbolizing blood with statement in English:

QUISLING SON OF INDIA

For those who are unaware, Vidkun Quisling was a Norwegian army officer and politician who was pro-Nazi and appointed Minister President after the German invasion of Norway. He ruled German-occupied Norway from February 1942 to the end of WWII. After the war, he was tried for high treason and executed by firing squad. To be called a Quisling is to be called a traitor and collaborationist.

You will make out why Bose is shown as Quisling Son of India when you see the back side of leaflet shown above. It shows a Gandhi quote:

TO INDIAN PATRIOTS
"I WANT INDIANS TO OPPOSE JAPAN TO A MAN."

MAHATMA GANDHI
Harijan, 21 June 1943

Basically, Allied leaflet uses Gandhi's quote which attacks Bose and calls him a “Quisling.”

This was the way war was fought over Indian Soil and all the places where Indian Soldiers were involved. Both, Allied forces and INA/Japanese machinery used Bose and Gandhi in their context to put their view. Interesting thing about this psychological warfare is INA never showed Gandhi in negative manner instead they used Gandhi to back their propaganda in same manner they used Bose! But, Allied forces didn't have that choice so they always depicted Bose as traitor.

A Warning And An Advice - WW2 Propaganda Leaflet (IIL)

It is a leaflet time once again :-) Today's post in another Indian Independence League propaganda leaflet dropped in India warning different section of society who were assisting Britain in ruling India during WW2.

The leaflet was printed in English and Hindi both. The leaflet is numbered 5509. The text in English reads:

A WARNING AND AN ADVICE.

--------------

TO THE PRINCES: You are Indians. You are betraying your motherland by siding with Britain. This is a fight to the finish. If you stand with Britain, you will be treated as enemies and you cannot expect mercy. If you side with India, you will be treated as Indians, and will be able to retain your position.

TO TITLED MEN: You are selling your country to win Britain's favour. But remember Britain cannot save you now. You will go the way of all traitors, if you do not mend your ways at once.

TO COMMUNALISTS: There is no room for narrow sectarian faction fight. There is only one fight in India - that is against Britain for India's freedom. Britain is the real enemy. Remember Britain is the wirepuller behind communal strife. Fight Britain - stop fighting between yourselves. Posterity will curse you as the men who failed Mother India in her hour of peril.

TO ANGLO-INDIANS: Remember you are Indians. The British will soon leave you in the lurch. You cannot now fight India and then ask for mercy. Follow the example of your brethren in Malaya and Burma.

--------------

THIS IS YOUR HOUR OF TEST.... IF YOU FAIL
YOU ARE DOOMED FOREVER

Shown above is same text written in Hindi on other side of leaflet. Though, the English side doesn't mention who issued it but the Hindi side mention it - Indian Independence League, East Asia.

Compromise With Britain Means Suicide - WW2 Anti-British Propaganda Leaflet

As I said earlier, you will see more often me posting war propaganda leaflets than other items :-) Here I am again with another of WW2 propaganda leaflet. This one was issued by Indian Independence League against British Government of India.

Shown above is front side of leaflet coded 5508. It carries text in English on one side while Urdu on reverse.

The text in English reads:

C O M P R O M I S E

WITH BRITAIN

MEANS SUICIDE

Crafty Britain will set traps all around you.
Beware of these death traps. Have nothing to do
with Britain or her talks of compromise. Go on
with the fight and abandon all thoughts of settle-
-ment with Britain.

Remember that compromise with Britain means
the betrayal of India. It will also mean untold
suffering for India's millions and centuries of
foreign exploitation.

Rise all over India

Drive out the British

INDIAN INDEPENDENCE LEAGUE
IN EAST ASIA.

Shown above is reverse side of same leaflet with text in Urdu. Definitely, this was meant for normal people of India who were fighting for freedom and independence of India. The leaflet encourages them to follow what historians say Garam Path (path of violent struggle) by fighting British not mere protesting. It also warns people from getting into talks of compromise with Britain.

When war broke out and Britain declared India also into war then there were violent protests by all sections of society why India was pulled into WW2. After lots of negotiations with Congress and other political parties, Britain had compromised formula where they offered India independence after the war. The negotiations continued for long time and finally India got freedom on 15th August, 1947 after the war/surrender of Japan was finally over in 1946.

Indian Independence League - Gandhi WW2 Propaganda Leaflet

Well, I missed some weekends posting items here. It was not that I was not available but I was more of tired and busy :-) I happen to travel to Shanghai last week. I also visited World Expo in Shanghai. I felt Shanghai is definitely one of the best modern city in the world with amazing infrastructure and public transportation. I also happen to get ride in World's fastest magnetic train called Maglev which travels at 431 Km/hr!!! It was thrilling ride and sight outside. I don't regret missing a weekend for that trip ;-)

Coming back to our usual stuff, I was planning to share a set of WWII propaganda labels today but again my laziness has come in between. Thus, I have decided to settle on an easy but rare item. I am sure that 99.99% you would not have seen this.

It is a WWII propaganda leaflet issued by Indian Independence League. Indian Independence League was founded in 1928 by Indian nationalists Rash Bihari Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. It was located in various parts of South-East Asia and included Indian expatriates, and later, Indian nationalists in-exile under Japanese occupation following Japan's successful Malayan Campaign during the first part of the Second World War.

Established primarily to foster Indian Nationalism and to obtain Japanese support for the Indian Independence Movement, the League came to interact and command the first Indian National Army under Mohan Singh before it was dissolved. Later, after the arrival of Subhas Chandra Bose in South East Asia and the revival of the INA, the League came under his leadership, before giving way to Azad Hind. You can read more on Wikipedia or do Google.

It was Subhas Chandra Bose under whose leadership these organization (Indian Independence League, Indian National Army and Azad Hind) were reborn/revived. Since this was more of political arm of INA/Azad Hind thus they prepared lots of propaganda materials for use in war at all fronts of South East Asia where British Forces (having Indian soldiers) were fighting against Japanese Forces/INA (having Indian soldiers).

I have recently acquired one of the finest collection of Indian Independence League (INA/Azad Hind) war propaganda leaflets from a well known collector. Without naming him, I would like to thank him for offering his collection to me. Of course, it cost me a fortune but every time I see them I just get overwhelmed :-)

This is first of such leaflet I am showing. Most of them have only text but a few have pictures or drawings. The one shown below is unique in sense it uses Mahatma Gandhi to spread the message (propaganda).

The leaflet has drawing only on one side. It shows Indian soldiers on both side of fighting forces (Allies and Axis) ready to attack each other. Then, there is Mahatma Gandhi trying to stop Indian soldier on Allies side (see British Flag on left side) from attacking soldier on right side (see Indian National Movement flag there which was used by Indian National Congress and had become symbol of Indian Independence Movement).

It shows a message written in five different languages: Hindi, English, Urdu, Tamil and Bengali. The text reads (it is pictured as if it is Mahatma Gandhi's message):

"STOP"
"JOIN US TO STRIKE THE BRITISH"

At right hand side below Indian soldier, Indian Independence League In East Asia is written which had designed and spread this propaganda leaflet.

It was a delightful moment for me when I received a letter along with this leaflet which mentioned that the leaflet was picked up by none other than a serving British soldier in 1943 at Arakan, coast of Burma during war.

The above letter is from Norman V. Starling who was serving then at the coast of Burma when British and American (allies) forces were fighting against Japanese and INA. It mentions that Japanese had dropped this leaflet in 1943 there.

In philatelic world, anything mentioning Mahatma Gandhi is eye catching thus I hope my readers would feel the same here :-) Hope, you like it.

Please feel free to comments/share your thoughts on this leaflet.

Early SEAC Leaflet - WW2

I have been grateful to one of renown collector of propaganda leaflets that he offered me part of his collection built over 30 years on India. Now that I have lots of such leaflets, I think I shall share leaflet today than other materials :-) I think in future also, you will find me posting more on war propaganda leaflets than postal items.

Today's leaflet is an interesting set. In fact, a first such set in my collection where 2 propaganda leaflets were dropped with same content and same pictures by allied forces (or I shall say SEAC [South East Asia Command]) on Indian soldiers under Japanese forces (read INA: Indian National Army raised by Subhas Chandra Bose). The only difference between the two leaflets is language used. One of them is in Hindi while other is in Urdu.

Shown above is early SEAC leaflet depicting a large bomber plane in front with text in Hindi which translates as:

Warning

This is message by United Nations. Don't help Japanese by any means. Stay away from air bases, railway stations, markets, ports, major bridges, armed camps, warehouse and all those places where Japanese live or work.

Don't take this warning in light manner

When we drop bomb from such high altitude then it is impossible for us to differentiate between friends and enemy.

Japanese are our enemy and all those who help them. We don't want to harm our friends in any manner. Our friends who hate Japanese, treat them as enemy and never help them.

This is same leaflet with same picture and content but in Urdu. Naturally, the content of leaflet indicates it must have been used on Burma or North East India front where Allied forces (Indian soldiers part of British regiments) were fighting against Japanese (Indian soldiers as INA). This leaflet is warning for citizens of those area not to help Japanese in any manner.

This shows the back side of leaflet which is again same in both of them. It shows Great Britain and USA flag. Even though, the leaflet is uncoded but showing flag of US and Britain indicates this was operation of SEAC.

"The Po is waiting for you" - German Propaganda Leaflet Against British India

It's leaflet time once again! Today's leaflet is based on one of the important campaign in Europe during WWII called "Po Valley Campaign" in 1945. It was the last campaign in Italy in WW2 and resulted in the complete surrender of the German forces that were occupying Italy.

Before I share the propaganda leaflet dropped by German forces over allied troops specially over 8th Indian Infantry Division which was part of this campaign, here is brief history on Po Valley fighting.

After Rome was captured in June 1944, the next objective was to advance as quickly as possible and force the Germans out of Italy and hopefully to move into Austria or Hungary. The main targets of this plan were the manufacturing centers of the cities that were in the low plains of the Po River and its tributaries. However, the Germans managed to establish a strong defensive line in the northern Apennines Mountains and stopped the Allied advance just short of Bologna and Highway #9. The Allies halted their North Apennines Campaign in November 1944, when the fall rains made it too difficult to support further fighting.

It wasn't until April 1945 before the Allies launched a spring offensive, that attacked across the Po Valley. The campaign, that became known as the Po Valley Campaign, began with the British 8th Army (including commonwealth troops such as 8th Indian Infantry Division, New Zealand's 20 Battalion and Armoured Regiment etc) attacking on the eastern flank and was followed by a major assault by the American 5th Army that captured Bologna. Then the 5th Army drove due north and crossed the Po River and pushed on to the Alps. On the western coast, the 92nd Infantry Division supported by 442 & 473 Regimental Combat Teams, drove along the western coast line and captured Genoa and only advanced a little further before the cease-fire order.

The Po Valley Campaign lasted only 21 days. The Germans were caught by surprise and could not organize a retreat or a fall-back position. The fighting was very confused and very fast paced. Many German small units simply arrived into a town to find it occupied by Allies. The German soldiers surrendered by the thousands.

During this push, the Italian partisans launched attacks behind the lines against the German troops. Benito Mussolini was captured by the partisans and was executed. The German surrender was announced on 2 May, 1945, thus ending the Po Valley Campaign and the War.

There are hundreds of links on this if one searches on Google. Some of most noted ones are here for people who are interested in reading in details:

Po Valley 1945, from US Army Center of Military History
Po River Valley Campaign by Olive-Drab website

Finally, here comes the most awaited part :D

Shown above is front side of the propaganda leaflet dropped by German Forces on 8th Indian Infantry Division. The leaflet is numbered as 1908-1-45 on left lower corner. The leaflet is of size 203 x 295 mm. The leaflet carries a text "The Po is waiting for you" in English and Urdu/Arabic.

It shows on front a colourful scene of the Italian countryside on either side of the Po River, with the towns of Cremona, Brescia, Mantova, Verona, Padova, Rovigo, Modena and Ferrara, and in the right foreground a smiling young woman holding a large basket of grapes and oranges.

While on the reverse, it shows a black and white illustration of a laughing skeleton wading in the Po River with a wrecked bridge in the background, and soldiers on boats being attacked and killed by enemy shell fire.

The Germans produced a number of leaflets with the same concept, showing Allied soldiers drowning beneath the dark waters and titles such as “Death in the Po” or “The Po is Waiting for You.”

These leaflets were warning for allied troops of what was waiting for them if they tried to cross the Po River. It is one of my favorite leaflet because of carrying great illustration and visible message.

Japanese Propaganda Leaflet Against British India

If I see history of visitor's activity on my blog then I find lots of people look for propaganda leaflets. So to increase my TRP rating as they say for T.V. Channels, I have decided to share another propaganda leaflet :D

Though, there has not been any increase in my blogs virtual valuation as shown by Web Valuation since last couple of months, still I have decided to show such items which are sought after by most of my readers. Please, promote my blog by spreading positive rumors and increase my hypothetical value!!!! Too much ;-) for today.

OK, you want to decide after seeing the item then here it is. This is one of usual bright and full-colored Japanese leaflet with minimal text.

It depicts while Indian (part of British Army) soldiers are fighting in front, a caricature of Churchill (referring to Britain) is taking away the wealth of India in background. It also shows a woman weeping for wounded and possibly dying soldier husband. Also to be noted the fact that all the Indian soldiers are shown as chained in foot (bondage signaling deprived of freedom by Britain).

The leaflet reads:

Don't waste your life for Englishmen!

The Japanese leaflet is bilingual, Hindi and Bengali, the language that dominates eastern India and the present Bangladesh. Since the allied and axis forces were fighting in North-Eastern region of India after Japanese forces entered from Burma, all of Japanese leaflets carried text in both the languages.

British India War Propaganda Leaflet Against Japanese (Indian) Forces

Here comes another war propaganda leaflet :-) This is one of the British India propaganda leaflet targeting Indian troops which were part of Japanese army. These were codes "SH/(numerical)". It is believed that no more that 33 of the "SH" leaflets were produced.

Shown above is leaflet SH/19 targeting Indian soldiers part of Japanese Army (Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose) in Arakan region.

Arakan (now known as Rakhine state of Burma) was situated on the western coast, bordering with other Burmese states, the Bay of Bengal to the west, and the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh (formerly part of British India) to the northwest. It was one of the strategic point to enter India.

Arakan Campaign was one of the famous battle campaigns in South East Asia region though some people doubt how much it contributed to defeat of Japan overall. I feel, it was one of decisive battle which ensured British India didn't get overrun by Japanese Forces (including INA). One can read the impressive details in brief here:

• Arakan Campaign 1942–1943 - or the First Arakan Offensive, a World War II Allied campaign to retake Arakan
• Arakan Campaign 1943–1944 - or the Second Arakan Offensive, a second Allied attempt to retake Arakan
• Arakan Campaign 1944–1945 - or the Third Arakan Offensive, a third Allied attempt to retake Arakan

Now, coming back to leaflet. The leaflet as usual is printed in Hindustani language using English alphabets.

------------------------------------
| Indian Brothers of Arakan! |
------------------------------------

In the beginning of this year, many Indian soldiers (following footsteps of Subhas Chandra Bose) as a part of Japanese army had come to Manipur. They were close to their fellow country-men and brothers who serve in British Indian Army in Manipur. In fact, most of those joined their brothers in British Indian Army as they saw an opportunity. They are fortunate because they are living happily and safely in their respective home/native places. Some of their other brothers could not decide in time and as a result they had to retreat towards Chindwin and Tiddim along with Japanese forces who were defeated very badly. Most of those unfortunate died because of starvation while rest are trying to hide and escape from allied bombing.

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| They have lost the opportunity now it's you turn! |
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Indian brothers of Arakan! You are close to our forces. Gather your strength and grab the opportunity in your hand! If you join your fellow brothers in British Indian Army then you can easily and safely return to your home/native place.

If you continued to serve for or assist Japanese forces then you would never see your home again.

Which way would you like to choose? You have to decide now! Remember, your other friends who could not take decision fast in Manipur and now at the mercy of their fate.

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Of course it is sheer propaganda where on the one hand it encourages INA soldiers to surrender and switch their side while on the other hand it reminds them of cruel fate of those who didn't act on time. I guess, these leaflets would have been more effective if they would have carried some visual images like Japanese colored leaflets which depicts blood (red color) and a peaceful image of home.

Nevertheless, I think these were very effective because of difficult terrain and unhealthy weather of Burma which caused thousands of casualties on both the sides.

British India Propaganda Leaflet Against Japanese Forces

Before I talk about today's post, I just wanted to share the gloomy cloudy weather of Bangalore. Well, Bangalore's weather used to be always like that through out year couple of years ago. Even now, it's still great. Though, I say the cloudy weather as gloomy but the reason is darkness of clouds not otherwise. I just love rainy, cloudy and windy weather :-)

Though, most of the people will disagree with me because it forces them to stay indoor. I agree that point but at the same time I just love the mystic rainy weather. The above photograph is taken from my apartment roof top. It shows still some what green line of Bangalore :-) over shadowed by mighty clouds!

So before the clouds start raining let's begin our topic :D Today's post is about a British India (Allied Forces) propaganda leaflet used against Japanese Indian forces (read INA) during world war two (WWII). It's code named 2 M. P. S./H.3 (2nd Mobile Printing Shop written in Hindustani). This is third leaflet of this type.

As usual it is written in Urdu on one side while Hindustani (written using English alphabets) on other. The English translation is:

To the Soldiers and Officers of 1/2, 2/2 and 3/2 Infantry Regiment

All the officers and soldiers of 1/2 regiment know me very well because I was their commander until July 1944. Besides that even other compatriots of other regiments also know me because I was 2nd in command of my regiment. I know very well that most of you would like to return to India. Allow me to help you achieving that.

I also know why haven't you returned yet. There is only one reason for that, you fear Japanese officers. Why do you get scared of Japanese? When I along with four of my other officers escaped from 2 Div HQ so easily then it should be an easy job for you because you are serving in front line.

We (myself and my officers) have been treated very well here. There has not been any restriction on us or anyone guarding us. I am also aware of the fact that the same treatment is given to every Indian soldiers. Everyone here knows under which circumstances you have decided to come along with cruel and notorious Japanese. Then, why do you care or fear?

Just come our side (surrender) and you will be back to India in couple of days.

March from PoPA to Shamal and you will find our patrol there to help you out.

GIII Ind Officer 2nd Div.
Mohd. Sarwar Maj.

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Basically, this leaflet is also written on the same pattern where a surrendered Indian officer from Japanese regiment is appealing his fellow countrymen of Japanese forces to cross over and join British troops.

PoPA mentioned in leaflet is famous Mount PoPA in Burma. But, I couldn't figure out this place called "Shamal". It will be great if some expert can enlighten me on that place so that I can locate the path between PoPA and Shamal on Google Earth.

Hope you would have enjoyed the leaflet amid cloudy weather of Bangalore and rainy forests of Burma :-)

WW2 Japanese Propaganda Leaflet against British India

First of all I would like to give my best wishes for Happy and Safe Deepawali to all of my readers. For those of you who don't know about it here is brief intro on it.

Diwali is a festival which is celebrated in India and Nepal. While it is particularly sacred to Hindus, practitioners of other Indian religions also celebrate Diwali, and Jainist, Hindu, and Sikh communities all over the world commemorate Diwali with smaller festivals of their own. The timing of this holiday varies, since it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, but it is generally celebrated in the fall. Diwali festivities in India involve everyone, not just the religious faithful, and the holiday is a major event in the Indian year.

On this auspicious occasion, I decided to show Japanese world war two propaganda leaflets. I have very few of them in my collection. They are generally rare and very costly to acquire. But each of Japanese leaflets are gem on its own due to colorful delight and propaganda it offers.

Shown above is one of such propaganda leaflet. Again, I am going to take the text directly from Herbert Friedman's article (Axis Propaganda Aganist India) as he has described it very clearly.

This leaflet depicts the British piling onto the back of a truck in an attempt to escape the victorious Japanese military forces. A Japanese bomber is in the background. Some Indian colonial troops try to get into the truck along with the British, but they are kicked aside and knocked to the ground. One lies dead beneath the rear wheels. This clearly shows the regard the British have for their Indian colonial troops.

The leaflet has text in Hindi and Bengali. The translated version in English is:

The Englishmen are just not bothered about you.
You will see this scene wherever you look.

I am sure you would like the leaflet because of its message and colorful representation.

Governor of Sindh's message for war fund - Pamphlet

Today's item is an interesting piece of pamphlet dropped over Karachi in end of 1944 to encourage people to contribute whole heartily to war funds. During world war II, British government came up with National Saving Certificates or Saving Bonds to encourage general public to buy it. This was a great idea to offer public to put their savings in bonds. This allowed general public to get money back after 5/10 years of span with some interest and for government to fund any spending as needed.

British government in India used to come up with such schemes time to time during war days and set target for each province/presidency for collection. This pamphlet shows the need for people of Sind or Sindh to do their part to fulfill the obligation.

The pamphlet is dated 29th December, 1944 and carries a message from then Governor of Sind "Sir Hugh Dow" with his printed signature at last page. The pamphlet is of 4 page, printed in both English and Urdu.

Here is text from Page 1:

"ALREADY one week of the National Savings Fortnight has passed to hit our target in this province we shall have to subscribe still three crores of rupees within the next seven days. This gigantic task cannot be completed without YOUR cooperation and YOUR good sense. Read the messages from His Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier which are printed in this pamphlet and realize why it is necessary for you to help yourself and your countrymen in this way."

NOW is the time to Save ...
Save all you can ...
Invest all you Save.

Here is the message on page 4:

Governor's CAMP,
SIND.

29th December, 1944.

MESSAGE

"This is the first day of a Savings Fortnight which is being held all over India and I welcome this opportunity to appeal to the people of Sind to surpass the target of five crores which has been set for this Province. After a somewhat slow start, Sind has taken a high places among the Provinces, and I hope that everyone will take a pride in this and in improving on it. Victory is now insight and cannot be long delayed. We can do much to speed its coming by helping in the battle against inflation and investing in Victory Bonds and National Saving Certificates. I appeal today particularly to those who can only afford to put aside a small amount each month. National Saving Certificates are designed especially for them, so that they may share in the pride of victory and in its necessary sacrifices, and that they may have some reserves with which to face the vicissitudes of the future. Britain and the United States have met much of the vast cost of this war by means of the savings of quite poor people. There are few people in Sind so poor that they could not afford to save even four annas a month. Yet that is all that is required as an average for the whole Province. Remember that every anna will help your own countrymen and your allies in the fighting line, and that with your help they will be enabled more speedily to restore peace to this tortured world."

Finally shown above is same text written in Urdu in page 2 and 3. I have to admit that the message was quite touching :D We can argue both sides of it for hours. But at first instance it is a propaganda for sure.

"Britain and the United States have met much of the vast cost of this war by means of the savings of quite poor people. There are few people in Sind so poor that they could not afford to save even four annas a month. Yet that is all that is required as an average for the whole Province."

Statements like above seems outrageous to me. While I don't deny the contribution of any country but imagine asking four annas from poor fellow who can't even save that in whole of a month (which was known fact to British Empire).

Anyway, it is a great piece of history and I hope you will enjoy reading it without getting into merit/demerits of it. Even I understand importance of this message and such contribution only helps a cause but I got carried away by that statement, you know ;-) after all I am also human.

British India Propaganda Leaflet Aganist Japan

Yesterday, I bid on Ebay for two of Japanese leaflets against British India. I missed one of them in last seconds as usual (didn't learn from my past mistakes!). Both of them were really eye catching as I hadn't seen them earlier. It was long time since I saw some India related propaganda leaflet on eBay for sale. Usually, such leaflets are sold only in specialized auctions.

The loss of one such leaflet and win for other prompted me to show some leaflet on my blog :-) Not only that it has been long time since I showed one but I also noticed that 1 out of every 10 visitor at my blog looks leaflet posts :D (encouraging for me to burn my hard earned money on these!!) As one of my friend said, "I would become Jyotirmay Kachrawala/Raddiwala (one who is trader of old/waste paper) soon if I continue doing like this."

Anyway, let's start. Today's leaflet was issued by British India targeting soldiers of Indian National Army who were fighting against Allied forces in South East Asia front with Japanese assistance. It's coded 2MPS/H2. As per Herbert Friedman's article, 2MPS/H stands for 2nd Mobile Printing Shop written in Hindustani. These were very short series and produced right at the end of war. Only seven leaflets are known to have been disseminated.

The translated version of above leaflet is as follows:

Soldiers of Indian Army

You are very much aware how Japanese treat you. You had to walk all the way from Malaya while Japanese used railways and motors for their transportation. This is how they treat you. And when you reach here then you are denied rest instead ordered to fight in front line.

You have been in such a bad situation for last three years roaming outside India. We were aware of the fact that you were in such a pathetic condition. If you cross over (switch) to our side then you can meet your old friends and return safely to India in couple of days.

Decide quickly and act immediately! If you don't act now then as Japanese retreat they will force you also to retreat and do humiliating work/action. If you remember when you were taken as prisoner of war first time then you were forced to stay hungry and do humiliating work. These are same Japanese.

This is an opportunity for you; don't let it go waste - switch side now. This is right opportunity for you to take revenge from your real enemies. Stop befriending them, put their ammunition on fire, destroy their weapons and join us. We promise you that you will return to India in couple of days.

Reverse side of the leaflet has text written in Urdu language carrying same propaganda.

German Propaganda Leaflet - Milap

It's almost a month. Hmmm!!! We needed a meeting to sort this out and continue blogging. So here is a leaflet called "Milap" meaning "meeting" or "being together". Ok, no puzzles :-) Let's start.

First of all, I would like to acknowledge the fact that I have taken text from Axis Propaganda site by Herbert Friedman. I could not have translated or expressed it better than what Friedman writes in his article. It's just beautifully expressed. Thus, most of writing below is taken directly from website with some minor addition by me.

Today's leaflet was issued by Germany, numbered LwP 100F and entitled "Milap".

This German leaflet depicts an Indian family thinking of their husband far away fighting the war. The title “Milap” can be translated as “union,” “meeting,” or “being together.”

The text on the front is:

UNION

After bidding farewell to you, we kept on looking for you on the horizon. We even looked for you in the direction where we were not supposed to.

The message is a poetic couplet and it is in the “gazal” form. Urdu is famous for this form of poetry which it borrowed from the Persian. It abundantly uses similes, exaggeration and sharp contrasts for expression. The second line “looked for you in the direction where we were not supposed to” ...sounds strange in English, but can be explained as: We have been so desperate that we know where you have gone and watch the way you are supposed to return home. But, not only in that direction; we look all around hoping that you might return from any direction.

The text on the back is:

Indian Brothers!

If you have a look at your situation, you will notice that your reunion (with your dear ones) is not just very difficult, but impossible. Thousands die everyday on the battlefield. Is it necessary that you also be one of them?

No, certainly not!

Why not to cross over to the German side whenever the opportunity arises? Thousands of your Indian brothers are leading a comfortable life in prisoner-of-war camps. The war is over for them. At the end of the war, they will certainly return to their relatives and be happy.

Think!

Don't waste your precious life for nothing.

At the end there is note section:

Note: You can cross over safely to German side showing this paper.
Here is correct translation of German text in English based on feedback from one of the readers. Thanks to indympm!

Indian soldiers who appeared to German lines and show the leaflet will be accepted as defectors and will be treated with decency, provided meals and guarded.