Posting to Singapore and the Independence of India and Pakistan

However Nehru’s motor convoy was fired at in the Malakand Agency by the tribesmen. Soon after this Colonel Atma Singh felt uneasy, Captain Iqbal Rao, Captain Mohhamad Jamshed MC and Bar and myself were posted out of the battalion. I left Peshawar to join 7/1st Punjab on 14th November 1946 at Uruli camp near Poona. Colonel Holmes was our C.O who always tried to find out my political leanings.

On 15th January 1947 I was appointed Quartermaster of the battalion and was promoted to Captain again. Since the battalion was proceeding to Singapore, I as the Quartermaster had to work very hard. By end of February all British officers left and we had all Indian officers. Lieutenant Colonel Budh Singh MC and Bar came as our new CO, Major Ali Mohammad came from 2/1st as Second-in-Command. Before sailing for Singapore I took 15 days leave to meet Sonaka in Karachi, where he was then posted with HMIS Dilawar as instructor, whom I had not seen for quite sometimes. I left Poona and r4ached Karachi where I stayed at the Palace Hotel. Next day I met Sonaka at his Naval establishment. For next few days that we spent together most of our time.

At the end of my leave I returned to my battalion and found that the sailing date had arrived. On 6th March we left Poona by special train for Madras, from there we sailed by S.S. Thelma on 8th March. After 5 days of very comfortable sea journey we reached Singapore. By that time communal riot had started in Northern India, particularly in Amritsar. Immediately on our disembarkation on 13th March we moved to Changi to relive 5 Maratha Light Infantry and assigned the main task of guarding the famous Changi Jail full with Japanese war criminals.

I did not take us long to settle down. The Japanese war criminals did not give us any trouble. We found them very obedient irrespective of their ranks and found them well disciplined. Every Thursdays one of us by turn had to witness execution of those condemned to death. The victim always begged us for death punishment in favour of long term imprisonment and it impressed us how cheerfully they used to run to the gallows to be executed by British executioners.

In May, Major Ali was posted and came a Sikh Major as our Second-in-Command. With the departure of Major Ali seniour most Muslim officer was Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) Ghulam Habib, then myself, Captain (now Colonel) M.I.Qureshi. Lieutenants S.H.M.Jaffri, Majid and Lala Khan. The remaining officers were all seniour to Major Ghulam Habib who was either Sikhs or Jats. The battalion was the comprised of one company P.Ms one company of Hazarawal Muslims and other two companies of Rajputs. Communal troubles in India had its unfortunate effect on us in distant Singapore. The C.O. Colonel Budh Singh lost confidence in me as his Quarter Master and asked me to hand over charge to Lieutenant Jaffri. I was appointed O.C Administrative Company.

In June I left by an RAF plane for a course in Yole in Kangra Valley. By the time I reached Amritsar communal riot was in full swing in the city. With difficulty I reached Yole where one day while climbing a hill I sprained my left leg and was confined to bed. While lying ion bed one day I heard the great announcement that the British had decided to grant independence to both India and Pakistan by August.

On my way to Singapore I reached Calcutta with a swollen left leg and in great pain. I rang up Noquika who came to see me in Grand Hotel. Next day I left Calcutta by an RAF plane for Singapore via Rangoon. After reaching Singapore I was in great agony, so was admitted in B.M.H, where I stayed nearly 15 days.

When I rejoined from hospital I found Colonel Budh Singh a bit changed person. He asked me to opt for Indian Army since my home and relatives were going to be in the area to become a part of Indian Union. But what I had seen in Calcutta, and reports of country wide communal riots then going on in India, I had made up my mind to opt for Pakistan Army. When I signed my option papers, the C.O sent for me and almost begged me to change my option and asked me to seek my brother’s advice. I was adamant and asked him to forward my paper which I told him as my final choice. He did not have any other alternative but to forward my application.

It was agreed that the C.O will hoist the two newly born countries flag at 3.A.M local time, which coincided with midnight in India on 14th August 1947. We did not know what would be the size and shape of (the) Pakistan flag. So, we sent a number of urgent telegrams to Karachi. Till 13th evening we did not get any reply. Eventually at 10 P.M. we received a telegram giving the complete description of our National Flag. Major Ghulam Habib immediately rushed to Singapore, were he got the flag prepared and just 10 minutes before 3 A.M. when we had all assembled near the flag pole anxiously waiting; he handed over the flag to the Adjutant Captain Qureishi. So exactly at 3 A.M Singapore time on 14th August 1947 Colonel Budh Singh hoisted the flag of both Pakistan and India on the same flag pole, at the same height. We stood to attention and saluted our new flag. We had tears of happiness in our eyes. C.O mad ed a very short speech and then we dispersed. Next day local Muslims celebrated the birth of Pakistan. We had a grand reception in our mess which was well attended. It took us quite sometime to know whether the Regiment as a whole would go to Pakistan or Indian Army. When we finally got the message that 7/1st Punjab and 1st Punjab as a Regiment would form part of Pakistan Army we were simply overjoyed. During the period I made a short trip to Kula Lumpur to see Captain (now Lieutenant Colonel) Jabbar ** in R.I.A.S.C – a distant cousin of mine.


** Major General Abdul Jabbar seen on the right in this photograph retired from the Bangladesh Army. He is the last surviving former military personnel who constituted the core of our first generation. He lives with his son and daghter-in-law in Old D.O.H.S, Dhaka Cantonment and is in excellent health despite his age.

On left is the great surviving doyen of our Auhomia community, Anisur Rahman, who is chasing 90!

May aLLAH grant both our Murabbis a very long life.

Promotion to Captain and my last trip to Assam

With the end of the war quite a few battalions of the Regiment raised during the war were ordered for disbandment of which 6/1st Punjab stationed in Singapore was taken prisoners of war when that island fell to the Japanese. Some of the soldiers had joined the Indian national Army (I.N.A) under Subhash Chandra Bose. Consequently the soldiers were listed as Black, Grey and White according to their degree of involvement with the I.N.A. Those declared White came to our No 2 Company for redrafting to our regular battalions after conversion training. Similarly 8/1st Punjab which was transferred to the Royal Indian Navy, (was) ordered for disbandment. Those soldiers-cum-sailors (who) wished to continue in the Army arrived in the company for redrafting. There was a time the company had nearly 1700 personnel with only Captain Jones, Company Commander and myself to look after. Being the only junior officer I had to attend to all training and administrative works which I accepted with enthusiasm.

During the month of October, Captain Jones on some minor pretext punished the Sikh soldiers who revolted against him. This caused a lot of tension in the Company. After investigation it was revealed that he had misused his power and was removed from Command. Colonel Drake was much impressed with the way I handled the situation and despite my age and experience, promoted me to Captain and ordered me to take over the Company. I was then hardly 20 years officially and caused a lot of heart burning amongst those seniour to me.

I met Captain (later retired as Colonel) Badar Uddin of Calcutta, a friend of Motika, who then working in the Judge Advocate General’s Branch in Northern Command Headquarters in Rawalpindi. When I saw this first Bengali Muslim officer in our Jhelum mess I introduced myself to him. From the first meeting he was patronising and advised me to join as a Sub-Registrar now that the war was over. I on the other hand told him that I was keen to make Army as a career. Instead of giving encouragement he told me that I would be a misfit in the peace time Army. I rejected his advice, applied for a Regular Commissioned Officer which had been opened for Emergency Commissioned officer like me and in due course was granted.

Towards the end of 1945 I was granted 36 days war leave and visited Calcutta, Gauhati, Jorhat and Dibrugarh. On return to Jhelum I found Colonel Drake was transferred and Colonel Garaway as our new commandant. This old colonel did not like me much. His main objection was that I without any battle experience was commanding the most important and large Company in the Centre then.

Seeing his attitude, I told him that it was not my fault that I was kept in the Centre by his predecessors who had confidence in me to Command the largest Company without any battle experience and requested him to post me to 2/1st Punjab in Java with 5 Indian Division. Accordingly in March 1946 I left Jhelum for Calcutta en route to Java (Indonesia).

At Calcutta I reported at Barrackpore transit camp were I met Major (later retired as Colonel) Ali Mohammad and Lieutenant Lal Khan also proceeding to join 2/1st Punjab. On 30th March we heard (that) 5 Indian Davison was returning to India and we were told to proceed to Ranchi and act as Advance Party for our respective Battalions and brigades of the Division. On reaching Ranchi we found our Division was to relieve 8 East African Division returning to Africa. The Battalion was allocated Barkakhana camp.

Skeleton advance parties from battalion had already arrived. Since we had tentage accommodation and I was ordered to take over all vehicles from outgoing Division Headquarters for the Battalion. In this I was assisted by Havildar Gujjan Singh of the M.T. Platoon. Before the battalion arrived in April all handing/taking over was completed.

On due date 2/1st Punjab – one of the most decorated battalion with one V.C one G.M, 3 DSO bar, 4 DSO’s, 2 MC and Bar, 70 MES and a number of 10M,1DSM,MM’s – arrived and I was proud to be associated with this Battalion. Soon the British C.O and second-In-Command left and came Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Atma Singh and Major (later Major-General) M.Umrao Khan came as our new C.O. and Second-In-Command respectively. In May being junior most Captain and extra to the establishment I reverted to Lieutenant.

During the next few months we were visited by Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, the C-In-C and Lieutenant General Sir Francis Tucker, G-O-C-in-C, Eastern Command and many other high dignitaries. In July 1945 I was granted 28 days War leave and went to Dibrugarh. During that period the battalion was transferred from Ranchi to Peshawar.

Whilst I was in Dibrugarh I heard all about the Great Calcutta Killing between Hindus and Muslims. I left, Dibrugarh on the 156th August and reached Gauhati, (in what turned out to be my last visit to Assam) and was told that all train service to and from Calcutta had been suspended. I remained in Gauhati for three days and then left for Calcutta by special train.

On the 20th August I reached Calcutta in the evening and reached Grand Hotel in an ambulance jeep. From the Station to the hotel I saw number of dead bodies in the deserted streets. Next morning I contacted Noqika on the phone and was much relieved to know that he was safe. He also informed me about Motika and his family who got stranded in a Hindu majority area. Luckily he was also safe and came to see me in my hotel the same afternoon. He left for Gauhati next day and I left for Peshawar by Khyber Mail which was running very late due to disturbance and eventually reached Peshawar. Communal tension was gaining its momentum. In November late Pandit Nehru visited Peshawar. Despite Congress ministry there under Dr. Khan Saheb and influence of Khan Abdur Ghaffar Khan, the Pathans in Peshawar greeted Nehru with black balloon and black flag. The battalion was ordered to remain at short notice to come in aid to the Civil Power. Fortunately nothing unpleasant happened in the city.

Life in 1st Punjab Regiment – the “Anti-Tank” name

I had a sleepless night all the time praying to Allah to have mercy on me. Early in the morning I reached the Railway Station and saw all taxis there parked in lines. I went through the lines, noticed a few green taxis but they were empty, for the drivers had gone possibly for tea. It was nearing 5 a.m. I made another round of the parked taxis hoping to find the driver. Some had returned. I was feeling disappointed and was moving towards my cycle when I heard some shouting from the teashop “Saheb, Saheb”. I looked around and saw a man running towards me. I too recognised the driver who had dropped me and ran towards him almost breathless. He produced the case with my identity card inside which I had dropped in his car. Oh! How happy I was. As a token of my appreciation I offered him Rs 10/= which he was reluctant to accept. On my insistence he accepted. I thanked Allah Pak for His mercy and when I returned home all were delighted. Since then I have never kept my identity card in my trouser pocket.

On due date I left for Jhelum to join 1st Punjab Regimental centre. At Jhelum Railway Station, in early September afternoon, one Fazal Huq met me. He took me to Hut No 5 where I met Lieutenants Painda Khan, Victor Pereira, S.A.Hassan and P.C.Naidu. Next morning I reported my arrival to adjutant, who introduced me to the Commandant Colonel C.C.J.Kelly. I was sent to No 3 Recruits Training Company as a Company Officer, under Captain John Dale, Company Commander.

As a junior officer my job was to supervise all recruits training, check food, clothing, accommodation, health etc. These enabled me to learn my profession from (a) soldiers point of view. In our spare times we had to learn our Regimental History, Accounts, Military Law, mess etiquettes and Customs of Services. As Orderly Officer of the day we had to check guards and sentries both during the day and at night and visit hospitals to see our patients. Games were compulsory in the evening and as I was good in football, I was included in the Regimental Team. The first Court Martial I attended was as officer-under study at 8 MTTC Kharian where a Madrasi sepoy was accused of stealing a jerry can of petrol. Although I was not a regular member of the Court, yet the President asked my opinion. From the evidence I was convinced that the sepoy was falsely implicated and (I) said so. I was happy the Court honourably acquitted him.

Every Saturday morning we had to go out on route march with recruits and in the evening it was compulsory for all junior officers like me to go through the obstacle course over a distance of 500 yards considered to be one of the toughest in India. Dinner nights were compulsory except for Saturdays and Sundays. On Thursdays we all had to speak in Urdu for the benefit of the British officers in the regiment and on Sundays, we could have rice and curry at lunch in the mess. While I was having riding training one day I fell off my horse and fractured one of my rib, for which I was in the CMH Jhelum for a day only.

On 13th November 1944 I joined 16/1st Punjab Regiment at Chindwara in the Central Province under 14 Indian Division for jungle warfare training. The training was really very tough. From dawn till dusk we had to dress in short, socks, boots, steel helmet and bare body. The scorching sun burnt our skin. There was a strict anti-malaria discipline. The training was very practical with live ammunitions. Accidents were everyday events which were accepted as operational hazards. Poisonous snakes, wild boar, scorpions etc kept us tense. Day temperature was on the high side and soon after sunset it used to get fairly cold.

I had hardly finished my first month training when I was down with pneumonia and later pleurisy. This kept me in CMH Chindwara up to 1st March 1945 and after discharge from hospital was sent on a month sick leave with instruction to report to Jhelum again at the end of leave. During the leave I spent a few days in Lillooah, Dhubri and rest with Baity at Tezpur where Bhinty was then posted as Seniour A.R.P. Officer.

At the end of my sick leave I reported to Jhelum and was posted to No 2 Advance Training Company, which was also the drafting company. Since the Regiment comprised of Punjabi Mussalman’s (PM), Hazratwal Muslims (HM), Sikhs, Jats, Rajputs and at a later stage Gilgiti’s, in the company I had (the) unique opportunity of knowing and working with all these class of soldiers. I was promoted was promoted War Substantive Lieutenant with seniority from 20th February 1945.

Although there were a number of junior subalterns in the Centre, I was (the) only one amongst them in this company. In my task I got all cooperation from JCO’s particularly from Subedar (Late Subedar Major of 2/1st Punjab) Mohhammad Razzaq. Besides normal training, it was my duty to take Jawans to Rathian field training firing range, Pubby near Kharian for jungle training and of course weekly route march. I was also sent to Sangor and Sabahthu Hills in Simla to attend company weapon and Josh (verbal) propaganda course respectively. In the later institute our Chief Instructor was Major A.M.Yahya Khan – who later became C-in-C Pakistan Army (and much later the President of Pakistan -m.h). On my return from Simla I found Colonel J. Drake had taken over from Colonel C.C.J.Kelly as our new Commandant of the Centre.

At this time C-in-C Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck visited the Centre. It was during this visit, unable to remember my full name; he named me “Anti-Tank” – which stands for my initial A.T.K. Since then my friends and colleagues in the Army started calling me “Anti-Tank”.

By the middle of that year war in Europe had come to an end. War in the East had also turned favorably for the Allied forces. The Japanese were on the run. They were driven out of Burma and being attacked in Malaysia, Singapore, Java, Sumatra, Philippines. In August first Atom bomb was dropped at Nagasaki followed by second Atomic bombing in Hiroshima by the US Air force. This brought the Second World War and Japanese Imperial Army surrender at every place.

Graduation, Kings Commission and 1st Punjab Regiment

Chetwode Hall - Ansari's hallowed haunt as a Cadet

Next day I shifted to B Company in Collins Block and was posted to No 5 Platoon. My Platoon Commandant was Captain Griffiths, F.F. Rifles. He was a jovial type. I was as known to him since he was our football in-charge and I had represented IMA as a fullback in quite a few matches. I settled down very quickly in the new platoon.

As mentioned earlier, I was afraid of darkness and was always haunted by the fear of ghosts. It was near the end of our training when we had gone out on our last tactical exercise in jungle warfare. A Gurkha battalion dressed like Japanese acted as ‘enemy’ against us. It was the last night of the exercise and I was called upon to do the duty of Sentry which was from 3 to 5 a.m. It had rained the whole night. About 5 minutes to 3 a.m., my Section Commander (ordered me) to the sentry post and relieve the previous sentry.

Being all alone I climbed a nearby tree and made myself as comfortable as possible. Suddenly I saw something white, fairly tall and felt it was moving its hand as if calling me. I had a rifle in hand but only blank cartridges. With that I would make noise but could not (kill) the Ghost. I kept on reciting ‘Kalma’, praying hard that it should not come near me. All sense of time had left me and (I) felt that the daylight would not appear again. Suddenly I heard some noise down below. I looked down but could not see anything. When I again looked up to see the ‘object’ which caused so much worry, I found that it had stopped movements. After careful scrutiny I burst out laughing, for the ‘object’ was a banana tree, which was due to rain, and the moonlight gave off a white shine and since there was a mild breeze (it was) causing the leaves to move!

It was officially announced that Saturday the 20th August 1944 would be our Passing out Parade for 16th Course. Monday that week Company Commander called the cadets one at a time and told them which Regiment or Corps they would be going after Commission. I waited anxious till the end but was not sent for. When I reported to my Platoon Commander he took me to the Company Commander, who looked through the list and rushed to the Commandant for he felt that there was some mistake. After sometime he returned and assured me not to worry and a special messenger was being dispatched to GHQ New Delhi to amend the mistake. I made necessary preparation for the Parade but with a heavy heart and apprehension. We returned all our stores and pamphlets which we had borrowed for the duration of our course. We received our advance of pay and balance outfit allowance, which was nearly a thousand rupees. On Thursday we had our final rehearsal. Till then the Special Messenger had not returned from New Delhi. Next day Friday, we had holiday to prepare for the next day. I was not in proper mood, so had a sleepless night consequently was late in getting up in the morning. When I woke up I was just lying down and thinking about my fate and future.

At that time G.C. Rebello rushed in and congratulated me for seeing my name in the list which had been hung up outside Company Commanders Office. I almost ran to the office where I saw my name at the top – NO 1627 GC ABU TAHER KHAIRUL HAQUE, 1ST PUNJAB REGIMENT. I thanked Allah Pak for his mercy and expressed my gratitude to him. I was the only one going to this seniour most Regiment of the Indian Army out of my course.

Due to War the traditional graduation parade was cut down to minimum at the I.M.A. We had the normal ceremonial parade, followed by lunch at the mess and the day was rounded up with a Grand Gala Dance in Chetwode Hall. Thus on 20th August 1944, officially not 20 years at that time, I was granted Emergency King’s Commission in His Majesty’s Indian Land Forces as and 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st PUNJAB Regiment. The Regiment had many battle honours and heroes and produced many world famous military leaders; amongst them were the then Commander-In-Chief, Indian Army, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinlek. This Regiment is now in Pakistan Army and grouped with the Punjab Regiment.

After Commission we were granted 10 days joining leave and then to report to our respective Regimental Centre. Since I got the order about my Commission rather late – as mentioned earlier I could not inform my brothers. So I decided to give them a surprise. On reaching Howrah at 4 p.m. I hired a taxi and reached Lillooah at about 4.30 p.m. everyone was happy to see me as an officer and there was all around shouts of joy.

We talked for sometime and I felt like having a cigarette. Since I did not smoke before them. I went to the bathroom to have a few puffs. There I discovered to my horror that the cigarette case together with my identity card, which I had placed inside, was missing. I rushed out like a mad person and searched my bush shirt pockets but it was not there. Seeing me in that state they enquired as to what had happened told them that my identity card which I had kept in my trouser pocket inside a silver case (a lie) – was missing. Noquika suggested that it might have slipped out in the taxi in which I came. I rushed to the Howrah Railway Station Taxi stand, though I did not note the number nor could I remember the face of the driver. Only thing I could recollect was that it was a green taxi but none of the drivers would recognise me. I stayed there till 9:30 p.m. but without any luck. When I returned home all were anxiously waiting and seeing my face, realised that I was not successful. Noquika suggested that it the taxi was from Howrah I could find it early morning before the arrival of the first train at 5 a.m. He advised me to take another chance in the morning.

Life as a Gentleman Cadet

Having gone through the first encounter with Army life I returned to my allotted Room No 40, which was also my personal number in B Company. Near the door stood and elderly Punjabi Bearer, who helped me in unloading the burden I was carrying. The bearer was an old hand. Many like me have passed through him in the past. When I explain3d to him that I did not know much of Urdu, he started off in broken English, gave me a short lecture about life of Cadet which was though tough yet could be interesting, provided I kept on smiling. According to his advice I tried out my dress which he could take to Dhobi (laundry) for pressing. With his help I put on boots and putties. When finished I looked myself in the mirror and my memory flashed back to that photograph of Father in boot and patty. I had a felling that though it would not be same as Air force yet I would like this new life.

Next morning my bearer woke me at 6 a.m. gave me “Chotta Hazri” and also hot water for shave. I got up quickly and got ready for morning inspection by Company Sergeant Major (CSM). Exactly at 7 a.m. the same tough looking soldier whom we met previous day ordered us to fall in and introduced himself as CSM Brown. After his usual shouting and yelling he took us to the lecture hall for Commandants welcome address at the double. Thereafter we were divided into small squads; each squad had a Corporal or Sergeant as our instructor who taught us elementary military subjects. Thus from 2Novemebr 1943 my cadet training started in the Army.

I almost left (the) Army in the first week of my training. It was the first Saturday we were out on the 16 miles cross country Route March in full Field Service Marching Order (F.S.M.O). We started at 7 a.m and after covering first 3 miles in an hour we had short halt. We were expected to maintain 3 miles per hour speed. At the second halt I felt burning sensation under my feet. From then on blisters had formed and I started limping. After second halt blisters had burst and I could hear the hissing sound inside my boots every step that I took. My socks started shrinking inside my boot and I gradually started falling behind others. When I finally reached Dutta OTS totally exhausted my Bearer helped me in climbing the steps. In my room he took off my boots and socks which were red with blood. He went away quickly to fetch hot water and I cried unable to bear the pain. My bearer returned with hot water, washed my feet and applied some foot powder under my feet. With great difficulty I put on a (pair of) woolen sock and reached the office to hand in my resignation. It was part 1 P.M and being Saturday there was no one in the office. So I decided to submit the resignation letter on Monday. Next morning I got up late. I felt under my feet which was pretty tender but not like the previous day. After breakfast my bearer applied some local medicine, explained to me the cause of the blisters and how to take precautions. Monday morning I got up very fresh. All tenderness under my feet had disappeared. I felt like giving another trial to my physical endurance. Next Saturday I marched 18 miles without a single blister. Thanks to my bearer, I am now in the Army for (the) past 24 years.

In early January 1944 we were divided into two groups based on our training result(s). I along (with) 70 others left Lahore for Dehra Dun to join Indian Military Academy (IMA), and the other group to O.T.S Belgaum. Before the war selection for I.M.A was by open competition on all India basis and the training was of two years duration. However, due to war the training period was reduced to six months to train Emergency Kings Commissioned Officer. We were addressed as Gentleman Cadet (G.C) and in spite of war condition maintained some pre-war traditions of this Institution.

On our arrival we were accommodated in P (Preliminary) Company near DhobiGhat. After a month C and P Company passed out and we moved to Kinglsey Block to join C and D Company. I was in 7 Platoon of C Company. My Platoon Commander was one Lieutenant (Later Captain) Young, a British Army officer. For some unknown reasons he did not like me much. On very minor points he awarded me extra drill. His hostility towards me increased when I refused to give him weekly two Beer Coupons which I had promised to a fellow Madrasi cadet, but agreed to give him from next week. This refusal infuriated him and (he) threatened me. It did not take long for him to apply his threat.

On Saturdays we had arms cleaning parade. Near the breach of my rifle there was a rusty patch which I tried to remove but could not. I requested him to give me a chit so that I could take my rifle to the armourer who could use wire gauge to remove the rust, but Lieut Young refused and awarded me extra drill. Next Saturday again the rust was found, I was taken before the Company Commander in Charge, who awarded me 7 days Confinement to Lines (C.L). Following Saturday (the) same thing happened and the Company Commander gave me 14 days C.L. On completion of 14 days C.L I was again charged for rusty rifle and awarded 28 days C.L. By this time I had done 49 days C.L. but the rust in the rifle remained stubbornly!

When I was again marched before the Company Commander on same charge by Captain Young, the Company Commander was obliged to take me before the Commandant, Brigadier Jones D.S.O. The charge was serious and I was expecting withdrawal from I.M.A. brigadier read out the charge, asked me to say guilty or not-guilty. I pleaded guilty and requested if I could say something in my defense. When permitted I narrated the cause of this long punishment due to rust in the rifle. He sent for Captain Young and enquired as to why the rifle was not sent to armourer, when I requested him for the same. Captain Young could not give any satisfactory reply and was ordered to leave the office. After studying my progress report he said, “Well, you seem to be doing quite well. But in view of the present case, I am relegating you to next course”, and was marched out. I was prepared for withdrawal and the relegation order came as a pleasant surprise, which actually meant getting Commission in August instead of June.

From Air force to the Army- Dutta OTS

Due to heavy storm our train was running much behind schedule. Instead of reaching at 8:30 P.M. we reached Poona at 5:30 A.M. next morning. I enquired from RTO who directed me to the Parsee Orphanage near Kharkvasla lake where the RIAF Institute was located. On arrival I was well received by the Staff, who conducted me to my dormitory, indicated my bed, lockers etc and finally gave me the programme schedule.

We were called Officer Cadets, got our complete set of uniform and started our new life in earnest. Life was not too rigid. Every morning we had physical training for 20 minutes. After breakfast an hour of drill and up to lunch we had games and after an early dinner we could go to the city.

Hardly a month had passed when I started receiving letters from sisters requesting me to come back. They had heard that the life of a pilot is too short! I started feeling a bit depressed and realised that without their blessings I would not be able to make a successful career.

Final exam was due in July. Thereafter we would be sent to Jodhpur for Basic Flying and thereafter to Ambala for Advance Flying Training. I was good in Drill and study as such there was (to be) no escape. So I pretended to be colour blind. The Commandant was keen that I should not leave the Armed Forces, so offered me my second choice – The Indian Army – and gave me a day to think (it) over.

I was in a fix!

How would I find myself as a civilian? What would happen to my challenge to get into the Armed Forces as Kings Commissioned Officer? After weighing all pros and cons, I accepted the offer and was sent to Headquarters 221 Group RAF in Bombay for interview by Air Vice Marshal Vincent.

The Air Vice Marshal received me cordially and promised to forward my case to GHQ (India) with his recommendation. I enquired from him how long it would take to get a reply, which he estimated not more than 15 days.

Same evening I left for Calcutta as a civilian but with hope that I shall soon return to uniform.

It was August 1943 and the entire month waited anxiously for the letter from GHQ but in vain.

In September I appeared Intermediate Commerce as a private student. I was gradually feeling dejected when in October I got the long awaited letter from GHQ.

I was to report to Dutta Officers Training School, Lahore by 1st November. Accordingly I left Howrah by Toofan Mail. This time only a few person came to see me off.

On reaching Lahore, a tough looking soldier met me and rudely enquired if I was for Dutta O.T.S. When I nodded my head he told me to wait in the waiting room, where a few more like me had already collected. After sometimes he appeared and ordered us to follow him.

Outside the railway station we saw two military trucks. He ordered us to put our luggage in one and then shouted at the top of his voice “Fall In”, “Look sharp Sir, Look sharp”. A few amongst us, who didn’t know the meaning of the order actually pulled out their handkerchief, started wiping face to look really “sharp”. This infuriated the soldier who just yelled, “Stand S-t-i-l-l-l”.

At this they actually dropped their handkerchiefs!

When order was restored he pulled out a paper and called our roll. After that we were ordered to step into the other waiting truck and left for our destination. Most of us fresh from Schools and Colleges, were numbed by this first encounter with Army life. I was more surprised as I had more gentlemanly treatment in the Air force not long ago.

Dutta O.T.S was situated in one wing of the F.C. College.

As soon (as) we got down from the truck, the same soldier shouted “Fall In” and ordered us to double march to two big tents pitched at the far end of the compound – marked “Barbers Shop”.

Here about 20 chairs each were placed in (a) circle and behind each chair stood a barber ready with his clipper for operation. We hardly sat down; the brutes mercilessly gave us such a close crop that it was impossible for anyone to recognise us. No sooner the barbers were through with their operation, the soldier again appeared from somewhere and ordered us to move to the Quarters Masters Store, at the double. Here we were issued with clothing, equipments etc. Having collected our stores, again we moved at the double to (the) Bookstore. After this we were left to ourselves by the soldier. What surprised me most was not only the rough and rude behaviors of the soldier, but frequent use of filthy and vulgar slang’s.

I had picked up a few during my association which I managed to get rid off after a long time.

The first Assamese Muslim Pilot in the RIAF

It was in April 1943 Sonaka came from Bombay on his annual leave.

In early March I received information from RIAF Headquarters asking me to join their Basic Training Centre in Poona. Since I was the first Assamese Muslim to join the RIAF as a Pilot, my photo appeared in the Assam Tribune. My colleagues in the A.R.P gave farewell party. Sonaka returned from Assam at the end of his leave and both of us together left for Bombay. Hoontika, Noquika and others came to see us off at the Howrah Station.

Throughout our long journey we remained quiet, deep in our respective thoughts. On reaching Victoria Terminus Bombay we found Sonaka had a day before joining and had two days to report at Poona. We moved into a Hotel and Sonaka took me around to see important places in Bombay. Next day we took a taxi and went to the Naval Dockyard. The great steel door opened and Sonaka in his white naval uniform briskly walked up to it, looked back once to wave me good-bye and disappeared.

I felt a little pang in my heart and felt as if the giant gate had just swallowed my brother. I returned to the hotel feeling very lonely.

Following day I again reached Victoria Terminus and put my luggage in a Second Class compartment in Poona Mail, Most unexpectedly Sonaka turned up to see me off. When the train steamed out he kept waving his hand as long we could. When I could see him no more I had tears in my eyes for the first time.

Post-Matriculation – Lillooah and outbreak of World War II

After appearing in Matric in March 1941 I too left for Lillooah. Second World War started in September 1934. In 1940, Sonaka after passing his Matric joined the Royal Indian Navy as a Boy with HMIS Bahadur. Thus he became a Sailor which was my childhood dream, and ambition. I joined Govt Commercial Institute, Calcutta as a first year Commerce student.

In December 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbour in the Pacific and within a few months captured the Philippines, Indo-China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Java and Burma. We used to see lot of troops movement all rushing towards Assam and East Bengal to prevent Japanese Imperial Army invading India. Taking advantage of the precarious position faced by the British Govt, Mr. Gandhi leader of the Indian National Congress declared his “Quit-India” movement in August 1942. But Qaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah told his followers not to listen to the Congress and called upon all Indian Muslims to face the threat from Japanese and help the Govt.

Sonaka came on leave before he was assigned to HMIS Jamuna as Leading Signalman. I was much impressed to see him in Naval Uniform and his fluency in English, which I was lacking although I was a College student. This gave me a few sleepless nights pondering over how to improve English. After some deliberation I came to the conclusion that I must follow Sonaka’s footstep…but should I also become a Sailor?

The answer was not forthcoming. In the meantime I joined the Air Raid Prevention (A.R.P) Organisation in Howrah as a Telephone Operator. After training I was posted to Lillooah Reporting Centre. At this time a cousin came from Assam for his interview at the Fort William for Viceroy’s Commission (V.C.O) but was rejected. I enquired as to why he did not apply for Kings Commission being a graduate. He explained as it was difficult to become Viceroys Commission Officer it was not so easy to become Kings Commissioned Officer. I was not satisfied and told him if I ever join it would be as Kings Commissioned Officer. He laughed at my high and what he thought to be “fruitless ambition”. I did not like his remarks and made up my mind.

Soon after that I saw an advertisement in The Statesman for young people between 18 and 21 years to join the Royal Indian Air Force (R.I.A.F) as General Duty (G.D) Pilot. While going to college I used to see fighter planes landing and taking off from Red Road at the Maidan. The young pilots walking on Chowringhee Street with wings on their breast pocket thrilled me. I got necessary prospectus and application forms. Without consulting my brothers I sent my application to District Magistrate, Howrah.

The D.M. Mr.Hartley called me for an interview. I was then officially less than 18 years old so he asked me to apply later. But I was quite adamant and requested him to forward my application. Seeing my enthusiasm he forwarded my application to Divisional Commissioner. I was sent for by the Divisional Commissioner Mr.S.K.Haldar I.S.S at Cinsurah, who was a friend of Father. The board found me suitable but in view of my age deferred me till I attained 18 years of age in January 1943.

On the night of 24/25th December 1942 Japanese Zero fighters bombed Calcutta and Khidderpore Dockyards. Under blackout I rushed my bicycle to the A.R.P Centre when the air raid signal was on. As I got down from my cycle I met Mr. Hartley, the D.M, who was our Chief Warden. He admired my courage and enquired why I didn’t wait for the “all clear”. Without pause I told him that hen it would be too late. He remarked, “No wonder why you wish to become a pilot”.

Although the air raid was negligible, yet it created considerable panic. All education institutes were temporarily closed. I took the opportunity to visit Assam which had by then become the battle front since the Japanese had captured Kohima. I told about my intention to join RIAF as pilot to my sister, who did not like the idea since Sonaka was already in the Navy. However, they did not discourage me. On my return from Assam I received the letter from Commissioner for his interview again. On the appointed date I reported at Cinsurah. There were 15 candidates. Except me all were rejected and my application was forwarded to the final selection board at Lucknow.

During my infancy twice I was down with pneumonia, which left my lungs weak and often I sued to suffer from cold and cough. I was aware of the rigid medical board which I was to face. So I started breathing exercise. My brothers thought I would be rejected by the Medical Board, so why not gain experience at Govt expenses!

In March 1943 I was called by the Central interview Board at Lucknow. When I reached the Secretariat Building there were 25 candidates. The Board was presided by a Major General who was the Area Commander. Here too I was the only candidate selected for the Air force and was told to proceed to New Delhi next day for Medical. On reaching New Delhi I reported myself at the RAF Safdarjang Air Base where I was examined thoroughly by six doctors. It was about lunch time when they finished with me. An RAF Sergeant who was with me all along told me that I could go home and my result would be communicated later. I was not willing to leave him on his words. I asked him if I could leave with some hope. He was quite friendly, told me to wait and went inside the office. After about 5 minutes he came out and said “you are in, Congratulations Sir”. I immediately rushed to the nearest post office and sent a telegram to Hoontika. I spent a few more days in New Delhi in seeing all historical places and then returned to Lillooah.

Life as an Orphan in Assam - Meeting Rosie

We soon realised how cruel people could be towards orphans. With the death of Father and Mother we lost the warmth and affection of our uncles and aunties who displayed their lip sympathies only. Their attitude did not escape our keen, observant but innocent eyes. Being more sensitive than others I suffered in silence.

After our arrival from Calcutta for a few days we were treated quite sympathetically but it did not last long. Since there was no servant in the house we had to do all the domestic works. For me the worse ordeal was to carry on my lap our youngest cousin. He was more fond of me than his mother. As a result he freely urinated on my lap which I had to endure in silence. If I put him down the devil used to scream drawing aunties attention, who did not spare me for making her child cry. For food, we had to eat whatever was placed before us on enamel plates. If we asked for more we received good scolding from our cousin (sister). Since we did not know any Assamese then, we were rebuked for speaking in Bengali which they could not understand.

Uncle got us admitted in Jorhat Baptist Mission School which was very close to our house. Since uncles eldest son was older than Sonaka and was then studying in Class VII, he did not want to us to join the same class although we were promoted and carried transfer certificates from Calcutta. Under the pretext that we did not know Assamese he put both Sonaka and me in Class VI, although there was Bengali (available as a curriculum) in the school. For our maintenance Hoontika used to send Rs. 40/= to Uncle. With this amount we bought second hand books and paid our school fee which was very cheap. At times our maternal Uncles out of pity gave us a pair of shirt and short. We did not have any religious teaching, so we have not learnt to read the Holy Quran for which I have always regretted. To keep us indoor Uncle and Aunty often told us ghost stories which had such adverse effect on my tender mind that at night I could not remain alone. Even (while) going to the bathroom I had to take my little brother. I managed to overcome the fear in 1944 as a Cadet in the jungles of Dehra Dun.

Because of abrupt change in language we could not make good results but managed to get through in 1935. In the final exam of 1936 I failed to get promotion to Class VIII. In 1937 I did well and was promoted but due to some change we took our transfer and was admitted in Jorhat Bezbaruah High School. This school did not have a good reputation but no one tried for us to get admitted in the Jorhat Govt High School although the Head Master Zahiruddin Ahmed was a family friend. At this stage unable to stay any longer with Uncle we shifted to our own house. Our eldest cousin became our guardian and we had a cook too.

Out attraction to Bengal was so acute that in 1940 Sonaka after appearing in Matriculation left for Lillooah near Howrah to stay with Hoontika, who had by then become a charge man in the Carriage and Wagon Workshop and was also married. Babu and Eileen also joined Hoontika. Motika was doing some private business and Noquika had joined the firm of Sir Adamjee Hajee Dawood in Calcutta, they too were staying with Hoontika.

I was promoted to Class X ands being all alone moved to Barbheta to stay with Uncle Manick. One day he scolded me for damaging his radio. It was just a bit too much for me, so without consulting anyone I took my transfer certificate and left for Dibrugarh reaching there late at night by bus. Sister and brother-in-law were happy to see me. When I told them as to why I had come they assured me not to worry. Next day my brother-in-law who was a Seniour Teacher got me admitted in the Dibrugarh Govt High School. This was one of the best school in Assam at that time. The teachers were highly qualified, strict but fatherly towards the students. The school had a good reputation in academic and sports. Looking back I feel that I made a bold but wise decision by going over to Dibrugarh to complete my school education.

I stayed in Dibrugarh for just one year which was one of my best years. Brother-in-law was of reserved natured but kind hearted. He loved me but I was afraid of him. I had good friends who used to ask me or badminton. While going to school and to play badminton I used to see Rosie, second daughter of Mr.Abdullah, Manager, Times of Assam Press. She was also appearing in Matric as a private student. Her charm and gracefulness fascinated me and through my friend Prince I made lot of efforts to meet and talk to her but did not succeed. I kept on admiring her from a distance; sent her my school notes through Prince and in return at times received roses from her which gave me an indication that she too liked me.

Days passed rather fast. Time for our Test Exam came and just before that I was down with Chicken Pox which kept me indoors for nearly a month. I managed to get through the test but during the next three months made a determined effort. I got necessary help and guidance from Brother-in-law and other teachers who helped us in our preparation for exams. Most probably Brother-in-law was aware of my liking for Rosie. He had something to do with our seating arrangements, so by design or mere coincidence I found Rosie very close to my seat in the Examination Hall!!

Though I was not very good in Math’s I passed Matriculation in Second Division and Rosie in Third Division in 1941.

Father’s Death – The family scatters

In 1933 we all went to Rajabari in Jorhat, Assam – our home – for marriage of our eldest sister Saleha Sultana with Dianuddin Ahmed of Dibrugarh. On return to Calcutta after the marriage we again continued our studies in Calcutta. Motika passed his B.A and joined the University for his M.A. Hoontika on finishing his I.Sc joined the East India Railway School at Jamalpur, in Bihar as and apprentice to become Electrical and Mechanical Engineer. Noquika joined Presidency College as and Arts students. Sonaka and myself were in Class VI. Eileen and Babu were in primary classes.

Fathers love and affection towards us made our lives full of fun and activities. Since we were born and brought up in Bengal we could only speak in Bengali and did not know a word in Assamese– our mother tongue. This did not in any way curb our activities as Father always allowed us to do whatever we wanted. I now realise that he did not like to curb our initiatives. One day I met a British soldier on the road and invited him to our house for my birthday. He came and was well received by Father. We learnt to ride cycle by paying two annas for half-an-hour hire charge. Sonaka was very fond of kite flying and he had a large stock of pigeons. We often use to go to the big park to play football. As a matter of fact we all brothers were reasonably good football players.

In 1934 when our lives seem(ed) to be progressing smoothly, Father, who was a diabetic patient, suddenly fell ill with a big carbuncle on his back. He suffered for a few days remaining unconscious most of the time. Whenever for a short while he regained his sense he used to call us by his bedside and look at us speechless but tears rolling down his eyes, for he knew the end was nearing.

Hoontika arrived from Jamalapur. Uncles Badaruddin and Danish Mohammad reached from Jorhat and telegrams were sent to Dibrugarh asking my sister to come. By this time all the Doctors attending to him gave up hope since he had then developed septicemia due to diabetes and that dreaded carbuncle at his back. At last on 14th February 1934 Father also left us for good, thus we all became complete orphans at very tender age without any support or subsistence.

His untimely death at the age of 52 years was mourned by everyone in Calcutta and elsewhere in Bengal and Assam. His ‘janaza’ prayer at Park Circus Maidan was attended by all his admirers from all communities. He was finally laid to his eternal rest at the Gobra Muslim graveyard in Calcutta. The once lively house of ours became a gloomy place. Two day later Baity and Dian Bhinty arrived from Dibrugarh to the empty house. Baity fainted when I told her, as she was climbing up the staircase, that Father was no more with us.

Father did not leave behind much of property except his house in Rajabari. For the marriage of our sister he had taken money from his Provident Fund. So with his death we not only became orphans but also penniless.

Mr. Osman a friend of Father took charge of Motika, Hoontika left for Jamalpur to continue his apprenticeship with E.I Railway. Noquika left for Gauhati to continue his studies at Cotton College. Sister and brother-in-law left for Dibrugarh along with Eileen. Our uncle Badaruddin took charge of Sonaka, self and Babu. We left with him for Rajabari, Jorhat by Assam Mail to start our most difficult period, which in retrospect helped us to face the world boldly. It was the first time we got scattered due to force of circumstances, never to rejoin or reunite together under the same roof.

Mothers death, Fathers transfer to Calcutta

In our house we had a photograph of father in uniform with boots and ‘putties’ along with two Gurkha soldiers on his flanks. It was taken whilst Father was Assistant Settlement Officer in 1916. The photograph used to fascinate me and I often asked him when he would again become a Police Officer! At that age, I was under the impression that Father’s next promotion from Munsif would be Superintendent of Police and my only desire was to see him again in uniform. My brother used to tease me for asking such silly question.

Whilst we were in Sadip. Mother went to Assam to attend our uncle’s marriage along with Baity and Eileen. Mother was expecting a child but due to anemic condition her condition started deteriorating fast. It was our Summer Vacation. Father took us all and rushed to Jorhat. She gave birth to a still born child and her condition took a turn to worse. In her last moment she called each one of us by her bedside, touched our head with tears rolling down her cheek. After desperate struggle she breathed her last in June 1931 at Cinnamara in presence of all her children and dear one. She was buried at Jorhat (she was) only 31 years old.

A few days after her death we along with Father returned to Sandip to an almost empty home. Father was a lonely man and took the extra burden of looking after us – his very young motherless children. Our youngest brother Reza who was then hardly a year old cold not be looked after well. He was neglected by the maid servant and died of double pneumonia in November 1931. In a way it was good that he died so young and was buried in Sandip.

In 1932 Farther was promoted as Sub-Ordinate Judge and posted to Howrah. We moved to Calcutta and lived in a house in Kareya Road. Later we shifted to Momin Manzil, 39 New Theater Road in Park Circus. We got our admission in Kareya High School. Father used to attend his Court in Howrah and travel by tram daily. He encouraged us to join the Cub Movement. On King’s Birthday he used to take is to the Maidan to see the military parade. The brisk movements, discipline and smart colourful turn out impressed me very much. I took more interest as a Cub and got some proficiency badges. In one of our Camp fire the then Bengal Governor Sir John Anderson joined us. We attended some camps outside Calcutta where we learnt cooking, self reliance, resourcefulness and leadership. I became so fond of Cubs and Scouts movements that whenever we went for shopping at Wachel Molla, Dharamtola Street my favourite request used to be Khaki shirt and half pant. This request used to amuse my elders, not realizing that I shall wear khaki for the rest of my life as a soldier.

Schooling and Early Years

The first school that I attended to was in Hooghly, now in West Bengal. It was situated in the bank of river Hooghly. Sonaka and I used to (go to) attend our school on the back of our Khasi maid servant.

It was in Hooghly (that) I was bitten by a dog (which) belonged to the District Judge. Motika who happened to be present hit the dog with his hockey stick. The Judge who was a witness to the whole incident became angry when he saw that his dog was hit by my brother. He tried to scold my brother, who in turn gave (a) very suitable reply (in) justifying his action.

The Judge angrily asked (my) brother whose sons we were, to which very proudly and (in a) most dignified manner gave fathers name and designation. It had desired effect on the Judge who cooled down, started making apology and volunteered to render help to me. Brother politely but firmly refused the offer, took me to the hospital for treatment and on return narrated the whole incident to Father. Father listened to Motika calmly. Next day the Judge walked into Fathers Chamber, apologised to him, inquired (about) my health and commended Motika for his bold step in defending his younger brother.

The second school we all attended was Sandip Cargail High School. The school was a little distance from our house. Our house was situated on the bank of a big tank. Father's Court was near our house and the girl's school close to the court where my sisters had their education.

It was in early thirties. The Bengal Terrorist and Non-Cooperation movements were at (its) highest peak. One day a big crowd assembled in front of our house begging father not to attend his office. Father at first told them as to why he could not accept their request. The crowd having failed to convince him decided to lie down on the ground to prevent him going to the Court. Father was determined. His duty came first, so he just walked over and through them without looking back even once. The crowd dispersed peacefully but later some of them came to beg his forgiveness.

My brother Sonaka was short tempered but frank, whereas I was mischievous. We often used to fight on petty matters. We used to race, climb trees and swim in the big tank in front of our house. Invariably I was the loser but that did not deter my spirit and accept his challenge. Those days Sonaka's ambition was to become (a) Pilot, where (as) I was keen to become a Sailor. Later (in life) we changed our place in selecting our profession.

Family Background

My Grandfather Late Shirajuddin Ahmed died in the year 1925 at the age of 95. I was told that he was in the Police Service of Assam. He had the reputation of being a very strict administrator and a disciplinarian. He had five sons – my father being the second eldest.

My Grandmother was a tall and beautiful lady. Like Grandfather she too was very strong headed. When I saw her in 1935 she had a hunch back, without any teeth but used to read the Holy Quran, at time do her own stitching and used to move about with help of a lone stick revealing her will and determination. She died in 1942 at the age of 102 in her sleep.

Except for my father, all my uncles had inherited the fiery temper of our Grandparents.

Born in 1882, my father Paziruddin Ahmed although possessed the family temper but seldom exhibited (same). He was God fearing, honest, definitely soft hearted and a man of principle. He was very regular in his habits and was always properly dressed. He was loved by all and wherever he was posted he commanded respect from people for his honesty, sincerity and loyalty. He graduated from Calcutta University and his Bachelor of Law (B.L). He practiced law in Jorhat, Assam, for a few years and then joined the Bengal Judicial Service as a Munsif. He was among the first three Muslims from Assam who joined the Bengal Civil Service.

Father had seven sons and two daughters out of his two marriages.

His first wife Ameena Begum was born in 1895 and died at Rajbari in December 1919. I am his sixth child from his second wife.

My mother Nurjahan Begum was born in 1900, hailed from Titabar, Assam, of a Nawab family. She had a very charming personality and was fond of music which we all inherited from her. She was a very affectionate mother to all of us – consequently we never felt that our elders were step brothers or sisters.

This is how we stand in our family.

Abul Khair Shirajul Haque (Motika) – was born at Nazira on 6th February 1910

Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque (Hoontika) was born at Jorhat on 29th December 1912

Abul Kalam Kausarul Haque (Noqika) was born at Netrokona on 16th July 1916

Saleha Sultana Begum (Mehadi Baity) was born in Netrokona on 10th March 1918.

Abu Nasser Ziaul Haque (Sonaka) was born in Titabar on 10th January 1922

Self, Abu Taher Khairul Haque (Ansari) was born in Perozpur, Barisal on the 11th January 1923

Aysha Akhtar Begum (Eileen) at Rajbari

Abu Saeed Shamsul Haque (Babu) at Patia on 24th February 1927

And

Abu Asam Zahirul Haque (Reza) at Sandip on 19th September 1930. He died in 1931 hardly a few months after mother died.

Forward

Everything must have a beginning as well as and end. Similarly with birth there is death. Birth is an accident whereas death is a certainty. In between Allah Pak wants us to carry out His mission in the world, So, before death which shall come, unannounced and all of a sudden, we must constantly look back, see what we have done, (and) how much we have achieved. This review must go on till the end of our mission in this beautiful world which is filled with pitfalls. Therefore before the end one must record all that he has done so that others may get some benefit out of it.

For quite sometimes I was contemplating to compile my biography for the use and benefit of my only son. Since his birth I have been constantly on the move with various assignments and activities. The thought remained in my mind but opportunities would not come in my way until I was posted to Rangoon, Burma in April 1966, as Military Attaché to the Embassy of Pakistan. There too, diplomatic life was so hectic that I had to postpone my thoughts on the subject.

In January 1967, I came to Dacca to attend the Regimental Colour presentation ceremony of the 1st Battalion, The East Bengal Regiment (the Seniour Tigers) by Commander-in-Chief Pakistan Army Gen. A.M.Yahya Khan, H.Pk, H.J. An old colleague and friend Lt.Col M. Rahman, AEC asked me why I should not record about this Battalion I had the honour and privilege to Command during the India-Pakistan War of September 1965 in West Pakistan. Inspired by his urge I started writing the period I commanded under the title "With The Bengal Tigers".

In January 1968 my elder brother Ziaul Haque (Sonaka) along with his family came to Rangoon on a short visit. I showed him the manuscript. His comments were most valuable and inspired by his talk I decided this adventure with the hope that at a later date my son must know who I am, where I came from, how I struggled in my life, what difficulties I had to face etc. In this I sincerely hope and pray that Allah Pak grant me strength, wisdom and guidance to put down all about me.

So, Oh Allah please help me.


Ameen