Talk on Indian Soldiers in the Second World War in the East
Dr Robert Lyman assesses their importance at Ealing Green Church
Indian infantrymen in Burma, 1944 (IWM)
March 30, 2023
The next meeting of the Ealing Branch of the Historical Association takes place on Tuesday 11 April, 7.30 pm at Ealing Green Church, The Green (W5 5QT).
Dr Robert Lyman, writer and historian, is to give a talk on the subject ‘A War of Empires: The Importance of the Indian contribution to the Second World War in the East’
Dr Lyman believes The Indian Army’s contribution to victory in the East in the Second World War has not been properly appreciated. It is sometimes seen as a mercenary army, greatly expanded to meet British needs, which was taken into war against India’s will.
He will tell of how this army of 2.5 million, the largest volunteer army in the world, played a crucial role in the defence of India against the Japanese and Japan’s ultimate defeat. In the process, it was transformed from being an army of the British Raj to that of an Indian Raj. By 1945 it had become a truly national army, serving an emerging nation increasingly conscious of and confident in its own destiny, and fighting for its own defence and prerogatives, not for those of a rapidly declining and soon-to-be history British Empire.
Dr Lyman is a Research Fellow at the Changing Character of War Centre, Pembroke College, University of Oxford. After finishing a twenty year career in the British Army in 2001, he has published widely on the Second World War in Europe, North Africa and Asia. He was the BBC’s historical adviser for the VJ commemorations in 2015 and 2020 and is a regular contributor to documentary films on aspects of the war. His latest book, A War of Empires: Japan, India, Burma & Britain 1941-1945 (Osprey: 2021), has received positive reviews.
Non-members can attend the talk for a suggested donation of £5 with no charge for students.
You can become a member of either the national organisation (which includes local membership) for £65 per year (£43 concessions) or a local member for just £15 a year. You will then receive regular emails or newsletters about the association’s activities.
For more details of the association’s programme of talks for the coming season visit its web site.
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