Lt Col Mike Tickner (retd) – “A Head Ache and a Heart Ache: the Indian Army at Partition.”
Much has been written about the political, social and economic events surrounding Partition, but the division of the Indian Army rarely receives more than a passing reference. From 3 June to the 15 August 1947, 400,000 officers and soldiers were reorganised into two new armies and in many cases travelled hundreds of miles to a new barracks and often a new country. Stores and equipment had to be divided between the new armies and a redundancy scheme run for British officers and those Muslim soldiers who did not want to go to Pakistan. This was achieved while attempting to maintain law and order across a sub-continent on the verge of civil war.
While Partition may be India’s and Pakistan’s darkest hour, it remains the Indian Army’s finest hour. Amidst the bloodshed, they remained steadfast, impartial and willing to give their lives to save civilians of all communities. This is a last testimony to their professionalism and loyalty.
Mike Tickner has had a life long interest in the Indian Army especially the North West Frontier, the Burma campaign and the immediate post war period. He regularly speaks to military and civilian groups, clubs and museums, writes the occasional article and has led battlefield studies to the Far East, most recently to Singapore.
