Author: J Francis
Pages: 140
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9789382652175
Size: 6*9
Publication Date: August 2013
Price: 250/-
Description:
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About the Author
Col J Francis was commissioned into Maratha Light Infantry in June 1969 and retired in May 1997. During his service besides regimental and staff jobs, he was instructor at the Indian Military Academy, Junior Leaders Wing, Infantry School and Defence Services Staff College Wellington. Before he retired, he raised a Counter Insurgency School and was responsible to train all the units which were inducted into J&K.
Advance Praises for the Book
Colonel Francis has done yeoman service to the army and to the nation by compiling this labour of love that describes important episodes of the Indian Army in wars and in warlike operations, briefly but in sufficient detail to keep the reader fully engrossed. The book is much more than history; it is about the actions of gallant officers and men of the Indian Army; their indomitable spirit; their unmatched bravery; and above all their sacrifices for the nation, which in many cases snatched victory from near hopeless situations.
The book contains details of all important wars and warlike operations fought by the Indian Army after Independence. From the saving of Jammu & Kashmir in 1947-48, when the army was fully engaged in dealing with the violence of the Partition and dividing itself in to two entities, one each for India and Pakistan; to the 1962 War that was an overall debacle, but where our troops fought ferociously in many places and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy; to Pakistan's getting a bloody nose in 1965, even as the Indian Army was in the midst of a major reorganisation; to the glorious history-making victory in 1971; and finally the Kargil War of 1999 where a highly adverse operational situation was converted to victory on account of the bravery of our young officers and soldiers.
The author has also included the Indian Army's operations in fighting insurgents; its contributions in various parts of the world operating under the aegis of the UN; and the manner in which Pakistan was upstaged in Siachen.
I must also commend him for honouring our two Field Marshals, both outstanding soldiers and leaders.
This book is for both the youth of the nation, nay for all citizens; as well as for rekindling the interest of all who wear military uniforms or have donned them in the past.
Francis, thank you for this gem that was needed, not only for remembering the heroes of the Indian Army but also for enthusing the lives of our youth who may emulate the sacrifices of these gallant men when they find themselves in similar situations.
Lt Gen (Retd) Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff, Army Commander Western and Army Training Command, Founder Director Centre For Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). President War Wounded Foundation, International Fellow at United States War College
This is a book of inspirational sketches of a remarkable group of soldiers. Their life is an example for future generations of the Indian Army. This is the first publication of its kind and is a collector's item for soldiers and civilians alike. With best wishes.
Lt Gen (Retd) V R Raghavan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM
Col Francis has written a fascinating and an educative account of the heroics of our esteemed predecessors in the Indian Army since Independence. These stories highlight the valour and character of those who have established themselves as role models for the generations to come. The Book covers a mix of stories covering all theatres which pertain to all Regiments in its scope. Very absorbing and easy to comprehend, Col Francis has lucidly painted the tactical picture and described the terrain in a concise graphic mode. Highly recommended for the students of Military History and Junior Leaders. The Book needs to be translated in to the vernacular, in order that it serves as a 'Bible' to all Young Officers and Junior Commissioned Officers and Men.
Lt Gen (Retd) Milan Naidu PVSM, AVSM, YSM
Member Armed Forces Tribunal, former Vice Chief of Army Staff and Army Commander, Army Training Command
I am indeed very happy to go though the short stories as penned by Col Francis in a story telling manner to evince the keen interest of the readers. History records events of bravery, supreme sacrifice and valor since immemorial times. I am amazed by the patience and interest of the author to collect the data, validate it and present the literature to the reader in an easy and an extremely interesting manner. His enthusiasm to collect the stories has already borne fruits by the simplicity of the literature and capturing each event as true to its occurrence, which will certainly be read by the Armed Forces in particular and the Civil Society by and large, if they are able to lay hands on. At the outset, Francis, deserves our sincere appreciation.
We are living in interesting times overshadowed by the market forces. The world and the Indians are no different in particular are besotted by Money Power. Gone are the times when most Indians sent their first born to the Armed Forces, particularly from North India. Today the Armed Forces are relegated to third or fourth choice of the youth. This makes us sad. These stories will certainly propel the young minds to the Armed Forces.
These stories will also rekindle the passion of the Army in particular and then the two sister services as well. These men not only portray the indomitable spirit of human kind, the incredible courage, supreme sacrifice and valor, but also speak volumes of the ingenuity, determination, perseverance, and the leadership of the Exceptional Order. Finally these stories remind us of the courage displayed by the Army truly to our motto "Service Before Self" and that too at the very cost of their dear lives.
We are proud that we belonged to the Forces, these men once represented.
Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Hamid Shahul AVSM, VSM
National Citizen Award, Former Chairman, Airports Authority of India and Seniour Instructor,
In this book, Col Francis has tried to trace the trails of valour & professional commitment, created by the Indian Army. The narration, of prevailing situations, events and personal acts of gallantry, included in the book is by no means all-inclusive, but it definitely includes most of them that have significantly impacted the outcome of the battles in particular & the wars in general. He has brilliantly cut out voluminous tactical fat from the narration and has conveyed the essence, with emphasis on the importance of the acts & events as well as the aspects of unparallel bravery and boldness displayed. His 'Story Teller' format has been very successful in converting 'Bland History' into fascinating and emotionally moving stories, without, in any way, compromising on the facts. My compliments to Col Francis for paying such a soldierly tribute to his 'Brethren in Arms', who considered no price too great or no act too difficult or dangerous while safeguarding the dignity and honour of their service or the country.
Major General (Retd) SP Kapoor VSM
Former GOC of a Division (in the same area where he fought 1965 War)
and Member, State Consumer Commission UT Chandigarh
A refreshing and well researched compilation of inspirational stories of combat, underlining the legendary courage and spirit of sacrifice for which the Indian Army is well known. This is a valuable reminder of the tremendous efforts of our gallant soldiers to safeguard our territorial integrity and national interests whatever the odds. The episodes are narrated in a short story format and make for gripping reading. Spellbinding and motivational in content, this book is truly un-put-down-able.
Brigadier (Retd) Mohan Barathan
Veteran 1965 and 1971 War
It was my pleasure going through the Short Stories from the History of Indian Army written by colonel J. Francis. It is very well thought out concept that chronicles history in a manner that engages the reader, looks at events past in a personal narrative and pays homage to the brave, who having made the supreme sacrifice under excruciating circumstances signal a shining memory in the annals of combat history. This book has enough material that can be read one after the other at a time of one's choosing. For young men and women of this generation to understand how the armed forces function and upholds the concept of 'last man last round' in the battle field are not just stories but real-life happenings.
N Sathiya Moorthy
Director, Observer Research Foundation (Chennai Chapter)
