.
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by Mandeep Singh.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 56 pages. 2025.
A half century of military activity in 56 pages (eight of which are color uniform plates) is about a page a year, so don’t expect a detailed analysis of the Indian Army. Also, the text mostly covers operations, not uniforms and equipment — those are covered per usual in the plate descriptions in the back of the booklet. So, it’s a little bit more New Vanguard than Men-at-Arms.
That said, as you might expect, various skirmishes and wars with Pakistan are covered. The original dividing line between the two countries in Kashmir was left up in the air, or more appropriately, up on the glacier. No end of problems with the British dividing line ending prematurely. And don’t forget China. The line seems rather wavy in the minds of the two countries, especially China. At least Bangladesh was resolved.
However, the big surprise was that India attacked three areas it did not control in the 1947 split: Hyderabad, Junagagh Diu, and Goa. Junagagh was attacked and conquered by the Indian Army Oct. 5 to Nov 9, 1947. Hyderabad was attacked and conquered by the Indian Army Sep. 12 to Sep. 18, 1948.
On December 17, 1961, it was Goa’s and other Portuguese territories’ turn to be attacked by the Indian Army. The governor surrendered on Dec. 19. There’s much more to it than one page of text, but as I noted, this booklet is an overview. Still, I never knew the Indian Army actually attacked Portugal. Learn something new every day.
A typo: The text (p6) calls the territory “Junagadh,” but the map (p5) spells it “Junadagh.” One or the other. It’s Junagadh.
The booklet contains 25 black and white photos, 20 color photos, one color map with five insets, 24 uniform illustrations, and 13 color unit badges.
If you’re looking for a general overview for further investigation, this volume held some nice surprises.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
