Publisher's Synopsis
The 6/7th Rajputs were raised at Trichinopoly in 1941 as a direct need for wartime expansion of the Indian Army. This memoir of the 6/7th's North-West Frontier days in 1942 to its fight south through Burma against the Japanese is a unique insight into the Rajputs' fighting qualities and attitude to life. As the first wartime raised battalion in the Regiment it had the good fortune to attract well trained Senior VCOs, NCOs and Officers from the regular Rajput battalions, who all contributed to its development. It joined in activities on the North-West Frontier serving at Quetta, Peshawar, Darndil, Rasmak and on the Kojak Pass. Jungle training followed before joining 17 Indian Division at Ranchi then departing for Imphal and the final campaign in Burma, including the pivotal battle of Meiktila and then to Rangoon and beyond. The vital task was to ensure the successful containment of the 33rd Japanese Army in Southern Burma. Indicative of the Battalion's achievement and demonstrating the high esteem in which it was held, was a remarkable letter received from the Chief of Staff of the Japanese Army upon leaving Burma. There can be few equivalent plaudits in the annals of warfare. On his return to the UK in 1945 the author had the honour of presenting a Japanese sword to FM Montgomery on behalf of all Officers, VCOs and men of the 6th Battalion.
