Taj Mahal India War Fund or War Loan Label

Last week was another very hectic week on personal front. It was also a very emotional one . There were some problems in family which needed to be sorted out very delicately. Things are now getting normal as usual. It was one of very important and most learning week of my life. As they say, life is full of turns and twists. One shall observe, feel, be part of it, learn, and then move on for new things ahead.

Thus, moving on to new things :-) Today's post is about a war fund or war loan label issued during world war 2 in India. Every time I see this label in my collection I get excited because I had never seen this before earlier neither in Internet nor on any Dealer's possession. This is one of a rare label and very beautifully crafted one.

Don't go on the crude nature of printing but appreciate the way Taj Mahal has been captured on a label. Mind you that it was not a regular stamp where a state machinery would have been used to come out with proper design and printing. These were very low cost production. Still it has been very aesthetically presented in those times.

Compare it against commemorative Indian stamps issued depicting Taj Mahal shown below and you will appreciate the way this war fund label has been designed.




A 1935 Taj Mahal Stamp under British India








A 1949 Taj Mahal Stamp after Indian Independence







A 1967 Taj Mahal Stamp








A 2004
Taj Mahal Stamp







I have this particular war fund or rather war loan label on one of Maihar state revenue paper affixed shown below. This label has Taj Mahal depicted with V (Victory) sign on top of it. This was printed in denomination of 2 Annas. I couldn't read the text in Urdu written on top portion of label but as soon as I got it translated, I will add to the post.

The reason I have confusion if it is war loan than war fund label is because revenue paper mentions "War Loan" in Hindi below this label but the purpose was more or less same so it hardly matters.

This label is also not listed in first edition of "Patriotic and Propaganda of the British Commonwealth" catalogue by Clive Edwards. Perhaps, it was listed in later revisions. As there are many more such labels which are not covered by first edition of the catalogue.

Victory Amusement Park Ticket - WW2 India

Today's post will be a very short one as I failed to gather any information on it. See if any of you can come up with some information. It is about ticket issued for "Victory Amusement Park" in India after allied victory over axis powers.

I am not sure if the ticket issued was part of Victory Week celebration which happened in April 1946 in Delhi or it was for some separate event in 1945/46. I not only tried as usual searching on internet but browsing some magazines/books I have which talk about Victory week celebration in Delhi. But there was no mention of Victory Amusement Park at all.

I even don't know whether these were entry tickets or related to some performance etc. The ticket carries crown and Union Jack. It also mentions "SKILL PRICE" on it with different denomination such as 1, 2, 4, and 8 annas.

I have a set of 19 different (colorful) such tickets. I was told that this is one of biggest such set available in market. Most of the time people get couple of such tickets but not more than ten. Looking into these tickets, I wonder how many such colorful tickets would have been issued. Like I have some 12 tickets of 4 annas denomination, 5 tickets of 2 annas denomination and 1 each for 1 anna and 8 annas. At least, similar colorful shades must be available in all denomination which makes it really difficult for any collector to have a complete set.

But basically, what I am really interested is knowing history behind them. What was the purpose behind these tickets and when were they issued along with what "SKILL PRICE" means. Please share any information you have on these.

WW2 Cash Coupon - Sayla State

The week was very hectic for me as I spent 3.5 days traveling out of 5 days - a sudden personal trip to Delhi happened. There were personal gains too out of the trip but I lost opportunity to bid on some items on eBay as well ;-) but they are materialistic loss. I can get them later anyway. Family and life always comes first. It's just that I have become too much addicted to eBay. It's time to get married :D so that I will have a better company to spend my quality time with!

I will try to refrain myself from typing "anyway" and "I think" as much as possible as I read it recently that they figure in top 10 most annoying words/sentences all over the world. Did you mean it! errr... anyway (one last time :-) !@#$%## Let's start today's topic.

Today's topic is based on cash coupons issued by Sayla state. As discussed in last post of cash coupons that there was need during WW2 for princely states of India to issue cash coupons to compensate shortage of precious metals used for coins. Just like others Sayla state also issued cash coupons.

Just to give a brief introduction about Sayla state, it was more of a Royal province, formerly in Western India States Agency (Kathiawar), which merged into Saurashtra; now in Gujarat state of Modern India.

Sayla was a 575 km² princely state ruled by the Jhala Rajputs, a clan that came to Saurashtra from Sindh and established their reign at Patdi in the 12th century. After the Islamic invasions, the Jhalas moved their capital to Halwad and made it their capital. Over the centuries, the Jhalas established Dhrangadhra near Halwad, Wankaner, Limbdi, Wadhwan, Sayla, Chuda and other princely states. Sayla accessed to India on 15th February 1948.

Show above are three known cash coupons issued by Sayla state numbered D, E and F. All three of them were of denomination of 1 Paisa. They have been mentioned in "Indian Paper Money Catalogue" by Kishore Jhunjhunwala.

These coupons are more like old railway platform tickets which Indian railway replaced by small paper tickets. The coupons give nostalgic feeling of those platform tickets which used to be made of thick cardboard paper. Even the printing of these coupons are similar to what most Indians are used to seeing it on railway platform tickets which are also part of history now!

Perhaps just like these cash coupons, those old Indian Railway Journey/Platform Tickets will also become a collectors paradise soon.

War Advertisement India

Today's article is one of different type. It's an advertisement published during war days. This is unlike advertisements printed in newspaper or magazines but rather a pamphlet/leaflet. I love collecting such original leaflets/pamphlets. While, one can easily see and get War posters, advertisement of US, UK or other allied countries. I have found it extremely difficult to get an Indian one.

None of the websites or dealers (with whom I have interacted) claim to have one to offer. Though, I have seen war advertisements in princely states gazettes or Indian Information periodicals and they also serve as more original than private advertisements printed in private magazines. But, there is nothing comparable to original pamphlet/leaflet.

The above advertisement was printed by the Eagle Lithographing Co., Ltd, Calcutta, and published by Provincial & State Committees for War Savings. The advertisement talks about importance of savings and how can one contribute by doing so. It definitely has immediate visual impact because it shows how each saving however small it is helps India defend its people and territory in war.

The text on advertisement reads:

WAR WEAPONS and THEIR COST

Here are a few war weapons - from Bullet to Battleship - with the approximate cost of each of them.

So when you have contributed Rs. 100 - possibly by buying DEFENCE SAVINGS CERTIFICATES - you have provided the cost of a Rifle, or two Pistols or a hundredth part of a Barrage Balloon.

Money for the war, whether by the purchase of DEFENCE SAVINGS CERTIFICATES or otherwise, means help to India's Fighting Troops. The money will pay for the Bullets they shoot from Pistol, Rifle and Machine Gun; or the Barrage Balloon and Anti-Aircraft Gun that may protect them. It helps to provide the Aeroplanes that Indian Pilots fly; and the Destroyers, Cruisers and Battleships that are protecting India, its Troops and its Trade.

YOU can also SERVE by SAVING.

BUY DEFENCE SAVING CERTIFICATES from the POST OFFICE.

If any of my readers have such original Indian war advertisements or posters in terms of pamphlets/leaflets and willing to sell then please contact me. I am more that willing to buy those.

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.

Envelopes with printed war slogans

Today's item is double bonanza :D I am showing four different envelops which not only have war related slogans printed on it but some of them also carry postmark in different shape with slogans on it.

The first envelope is shown below, posted to A.R.P. (Air Raid Protection) Controller in Bombay. The envelope was posted on 7th May 1943. It carries printed slogan of "Make India Strong - Buy Defence Saving Certificates" at bottom left corner. On right hand side top it also carries cancellation slogan in waves format "Buy Post Office Cash Certificates".

As we all know during war days British Government had number of saving schemes running to allow public to put their savings which was utilised by Govt. for war and relief funds.

Here is second such envelope with same printed slogan. Shown below is an envelope with rather crude printing but carrying the same slogan of "Make India Strong - Buy Defence Saving Certificates" in different pattern. The envelope was posted on Dec 1942. Even though it is crude printing but I hope you will like it.

The third in series carry a slightly different printed slogan but it is loosely based on similar pattern. Shown below is an envelope posted on 21st Feb 1945 from Warli, Bombay. It carries a printed slogan of "Save For Safety With ... Defence Saving Certificates". In fact this letter is VPP not an ordinary letter. Though, that doesn't matter. I like the slogan and its design. Again it is different from all of above.

Now, last one in this series is again with very crude printing. This is a telegram posted on 9th Feb 1944 from Gujarat. The cancellation is on back side of the cover. Also it appears from front that right hand side is diagonally cut which is not the case :-) The telegram is wrapped diagonally (it's strange) and intact from reverse side. Anyway, as you can see the letters are barely visible. It has a printed slogan of "Safety - Buy Defence Saving Certificates". Not sure if the slogan was printed incomplete or this was intended slogan :D This is another strange but interesting variety.

I really love to collect such envelopes which carry printed war slogans and if possible with some war slogan cancellation postmarks. I hope, there will be more varieties of such envelopes issued in India. I will be glad if someone has spare to offer.

I still have some more covers with or without printed slogans in my collection. There are some with only war slogans cancellation postmark. I will show remaining in future post to keep up excitment among my readers ;-) Hope you will continue to come to my blog.

I am not really sure if I will be updating blog coming weekend as there are some family gatherings planned at my home. I most likely be busy. But if I could get some relaxing time then you will get posts!

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) :

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

War News

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

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.

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

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!

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.

Bikaner War Fund Lottery - WWI & WWII

This weekend happens to be another long weekend in India with Monday being holiday for "Dussehra" a Hindu festival. I didn't keep my promise last weekend of writing blogs on each holiday, just published 2 posts out of 3 days. Let's see if I can manage to do this weekend. It will indeed be an achievement for me :D

Today's post is about couple of war fund or loan lottery tickets issued by the princely state of Bikaner during WWI and WWII.

Shown above is the "Bikaner War Loan Lottery" ticket. The ticket was issued by the "War Loan Commitee" of Bikaner state. Though, the lottery doesn't mention the year of publication but my guess says it belongs to WWI. The reason is I have seen another similar lottery where 1918 is printed. Moreover, WWII tickets were called war fund or war fete. With that assumption in the mind, lets continue with this lottery.

The lottery ticket was priced 1 rupee each. It mentions that the total amount of lottery is 25,000 Indian rupees on front but reverse side mentions that winning amount can be increased or decreased as needed depending upon the sale of tickets. It also mentions that the tickets will be sold until 30th of september and results will be declared in 1st week of october, exact date to be announced later. The back side of ticket has details in both English and Hindi. The above ticket is issued to someone called Daluram Sarawagi of Rajgarh which was another small princely state in India.

Here is my first ticket of WWII series. The ticket is called "Bikaner State War Fund Lottery" and carries Bikaner state's official seal on it in center. This ticket was issued sometime in 1942 by the state government; it bears the name of then revenue minister of state "Prem Singh" on it. It mentions the closing date of 23rd Feb, 1942 and drawing date of 10th March 1942. The ticket was priced 1 rupee each same as earlier one. The ticket also carries 'V' symbol. The ticket has text only in English even on back side of it. This ticket also carries name of person to whom it was issued: Bhanwari Lal Surana and his wife Santi Nath.

Last in the series is ticket shown above. The ticket is issued on the occassion of "Bikaner State II War Fete". As it mentions, the drawing date was 24th October 1942. The price of this ticket was rupees 25! That's huge money in those times.

Again, the purpose of issuing all of these was to raise fund for war contribution & relief programs. Bikaner being one of the loyal princely state to British Empire was very active in these activities (perhaps second only to Hyderabad) and helped significantly by organising these programs /activities to serve the cause.

Banganapally State - Madras War Fund Seal

It's long time since I showed some war fund stamps. Today's item is not an ordinary war fund stamp but a rare item nowadays. I have to admit the fact that I was so fascinated with this item when I saw first time on eBay for sale that I decided to buy it. And I won eventually, of course spending a huge amount.

It is one of the costliest item I have purchased ever on ebay :-) But I still think I got a good deal given rarity of this item. It is a true gem. I know how I pursued behind dealers to get even one stamp of this nature only to be asked is there really such stamp in existence? To prove all those dealers wrong, I bought a complete booklet of this stamp :D

Banganapalli or Banganapally or Banganapalle became a princely state of British India in the early 1800s. The British governor of the Madras Presidency twice took over the administration of the state for financial mismanagement, the first time from 1832 to 1848, and the second time for a few months in 1905. On the eve of bankruptcy more than 50% of the revenue was being expended for the maintenance of the Nawab and the family!

The princely state of Banganapally, 275 square miles in size, with a population of 44,631 (1941 census), the majority being Hindus was the only Muslim soverign state down south in British India, ruled by the Nawab of the Shia sect. Urdu was the court language until 1939, when it was replaced by English, Telugu being used at the village level.

In 1948, the ruler of Banganapally acceded to newly-independent India, and Banganapally was incorporated into Kurnool district of the then Madras Presidency. In 1953, the northern districts of Madras state, including Kurnool district, became the new state of Andhra Pradesh.

Shown above is front cover of complete booklet of 64 Banganapally State revenue stamps with Madras War Fund Seals. The stamps were issued between 1939 - 42, size of 27 x 33 mm with perforation of 12 on wove paper in demonitaion of 3 pies. The color of stamp is Green with Madras War Fund Seal printed in black sans-serif caps in upper half of oval portrait. As usual, the reason of issuing this stamp was to raise fund during World War II for fighting troops.

Strangely, this stamp is not listed in K&M (Koeppel - Raymond D. Manners "The Court Fee and Revenue Stamps of the Princely States of India" catalogue) though the same stamp with overprint in dark blue in rectangular box in sans-serif caps with "ONE ANNA" is listed as Type 11. That's the reason above stamp is called Type 10 by some philatelists.

It's no wonder that used example of this stamp is extremely rare given the fact that mint stamp itself is difficult to get.

Last but the least, Banganapally is famous in current southern India for its famous Mangoes named after it "Banganapally Mangoes"!!

Greetings Postcard from Bombay Presidency - WWI

Coming Monday happens to be holiday here in India to be celebrated as Ramzan, an important Muslim festival. Thus, I will try to post 3 articles if possible enjoying my holidays at home.

Today's article is about British Indian Army or more popularly known as Indian Expeditionary Force's participation in World War I in Mesopotamian and Persian campaign.

The Middle Eastern theatre of World War I was the scene of action between 2 November, 1914, and 29 October, 1918. This theatre encompassed the largest territory of all the theatres of the war. There were five main campaigns: the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, the Mesopotamian Campaign, the Caucasus Campaign, the Persian Campaign and the Gallipoli Campaign. Indian army participated in all of campaigns but today's focus is only two of them based on articles that I am going to produce here.

Mesopotamia Campaign

Shown below is a postcard printed and published by Times of India press, Bombay for the Women branch of the Bombay Presidency War & Relief Fund headed by Lady Willingdon. It was Xmas and New Year greetings card for troops. The postcard depicts British Indian Army soldier trying to host British Flag on left side while right side shows an ancient bridge destroyed by the Turks in Mesopotamia.

The largest Indian Army force to serve abroad was Indian Expeditionary Force D in Mesopotamia, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir John Nixon. The first unit sent in November 1914, was the 6th (Poona) Division they were tasked with guarding British oil installations in and around Basra. Firstly under the command of Major General Barrett and then Major General Townshend, the Mesopotamian campaign after a string of early successes, was delivered a setback at the Battle of Ctesiphon in November 1915 due to Logistical constraints. Following this engagement, the Poona Division withdrew back to Kut, where Townshend made the decision to hold the city and the Siege of Kut began.

Between January and March 1916, both Townshend launched several attacks in an attempt to lift the siege. In sequence, the attacks took place at the Battle of Sheikh Sa'ad, the Battle of the Wadi, the Battle of Hanna, and the Battle of Dujaila Redoubt.

These series of attempts to break through the encirclement did not succeed and the cost was heavy with both sides suffering high casualties. In February food and hopes were running out for Townshend in Kut-al-Amara. Disease were spreading rapidly and could not be cured and Townshend surrendered in April 1916. In December 1916, the 3rd and 7th Divisions arrived from the Western Front.

In 1917, the British force, under Frederick Stanley Maude, which now included one cavalry and seven infantry divisions from the Indian Army, in the III Corps (India) advanced towards Bagdhad which was captured in March. The advance continued in 1918, and after the Battle of Sharqat in October the Turkish forces surrendered and the Armistice of Mudros was signed. The Mesopotamian campaign was largely an Indian Army campaign the only British formations involved were the 13th (Western) Division and British battalions assigned to Indian brigades. The casualties for the campaign were 11,012 killed, 3,985 died of wounds, 12,678 died of sickness, 13,492 missing and prisoners which includes the 9,000 prisoners from Kut and 51,836 wounded.

Persian Campaign

Shown below is another such postcard printed and published by Times of India press, Bombay for the Women branch of the Bombay Presidency War & Relief Fund headed by Lady Willingdon. It was again part of same series of Xmas and New Year greetings card for troops. The postcard depicts British Indian Army soldier trying to host British Flag on left side while right side shows troop movement on Persian frontier.

In 1914, Britain had British Indian Army units located in the southern influence zone of Persia. Indian Expeditionary Force F's 33rd Brigade participated in this Campaign. The 33rd Brigade was sent to Bushire in Persia in August 1915, and then disbanded in December 1915. The aim of brigade was to protect the Anglo–Persian oil installations in south Persia and the Persian Gulf. In 1916, the British formed the South Persian Rifles after disbanding Indian units to protect their interests in Persia.

World War II - Pamphlets on India

Well, I learnt today couple of essential features of blogging :-) As a lazy blogger, I never checked advanced features offered by Google. I used to write my blog hard way ;) by making all changes myself as required in "Edit HTML" tab (yeah, I still have some element of programming left in me!!) I plan to explore more to make blog more user friendly and presentable slowly so you may observe some changes (including blackouts!!) over period of time.

I never asked for feedback from my readers (again because of my laziness) but I would like to know if you would like certain features to be enabled/disabled or want change in layout etc. Feel free to comment or drop me an email.

Now, lets return to original post. Today's item is about two pamphlets produced by the Directorate of Army Education, India meant for British soldiers arriving in India during war period.

The first pamphlet is on India itself titled "This India". There were some 15000 copies of this pamphlet printed in April, 1945.
The pamphlet talks about the first impression soldiers get when they land versus what they learn through movies and books. For most of them, it is disappointing end of an illusion that they had. Then in next couple of pages it goes on explaining what is India all about - starting from its thousands year old civilization (giving a short lecture on history) to its current state.

Of course the pamphlet is kind of propaganda showing East India Company and British Crown in positive manner and what all they have done for Indian subcontinent dismissing all allegations of wrong doing or not doing enough to improve the living standard of Indians despite exploiting them for hundred of years.

And the uniqueness about this pamphlet is that it is not brain cleansing program for Indians but for British soldiers so that they don't get discouraged observing current situation of India and return to England at this need of hour.

For benefit of readers, I have scanned the pamphlet completely so one can read it here on my picasa link This India. It's a small but very interesting pamphlet.

Once the pamphlets succeeds brain washing soldiers then comes the next step of introducing them to Indian soldiers. Here the second pamphlet comes into picture. This pamphlet is also produced by the Directorate of Army Education, India titled "The Indian Army". Similar copies of this pamphlet were printed in same time.
This pamphlet introduces British soldiers to Indian army and its various regiments. The pamphlet describes the valor and bravery of Indian soldiers in current and previous war. This one is rather fact than any propaganda. It encourages soldiers to get accoustomed to Indian traditions and befriend their Indian counterparts. That's the key to success in this war as both British and Indian soldiers have to fight together in all fronts.

This is another interesting read and for those of you who would like to read it completely, here's link The Indian Army.

Finally, the pamphlets shown here are reprinted version from original pamphlets but these are original reprints during war days not the usual modern reprint. It's just like the way "Indian Information" - periodical of British India goverment were reprinted in US during war timer to save the paper and transportation cost.

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.