Rin Mutiny: 1946 (Reference and Guide for All)
BISWANATH BOSE
NORTHERN BOOK CENTRE\ NEW DELHI
ISBN 81-85119-30-9 The...
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Rin Mutiny: 1946 (Reference and Guide for All)
BISWANATH BOSE
NORTHERN BOOK CENTRE\ NEW DELHI
ISBN 81-85119-30-9 The publication of this book has been financially supponCd by the Indian Council of Historical Research, and the responsibility for t.'iCTacts stated, opinions expressed or conclusions'reachedis entirely that ofthe author and the Indian Council of Historical Research accepts no responsibility for them.
o 1988, NORTHERN BOOK. CENTRE, NEW DELHI No part of this publication can be reproduced inany-forin or by any means without the prior written permission of the publishers. Price : Rs 205.00 Published by Northern Book Centre, 4221/1, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi-l 10 002 Photocomposed by S.P. Electronics, Darya Ganj and Printed at M/s. Swatantra Bharat Press, 423, Esplanade Road, Delhi-llOOO6.
Why this name? THE TITLE ~RIN Mutiny 1946' is surely the most befitting one as it signifieS" clearly that the book is on the subject ROYAL INDIAN NAVAL MUTINY 1946 although the christening of the book was not liked by. some politically conscious persons whom-!he Author failed to oblige. Among many reasons, the i~portant ones are the following. : (i)
The Defence Department maintained that the 'Mutiny' was not, political movement for achieving th'e freedom of the country and for that matter the conduct of the Naval Ratings who mutinied was termed as 'Flagrant Misconduct~ Now, of course, they have changed . their decision on public pressure.
(ii)
The legitimate dues of the Ratings were.forfeited.
(iii)
All service credits due to them were also
(iv)
The then British Empire complimented the Ratings by calling them 'Mutineers~ and the Ruling Party (Congress) seconded it. The. latter have changed their mind under compulsion.
(v)
Last but not the least, the le(t forces in the country, more particularly .the Communists though supported the cause and effect ·of the 'Mutiny' and helped· and actively co-ordinated to end the British Rule in India in the very beginning of the Mutiny, seemed indifferent later on.
withdr~wn.
In all fairness, it was, therefore, felt that the title of the book be rFtained in its present form. The author apologizes to those who demurred to its naming as it is, but this could not be helped. Now, the story is beset here for the readers to judge its merit. BISWANATH DoSE
Forewor4
.HAVING GONE through the manuscript, I find the story of RIN revolt of the year 1946, as exhiiarating as the sage ofthe Indian National Army under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The title of the book may be justifisble,.as the navy then was the Royal Indian Navy under the British. But, in fact, it was a revolutionary struggle by patriotic naval personnel who were inspired by the glorious example of the INA. What the INA did on the Burmese front, the Royal Indian Navy did at Bombay and other places in the name of NetajL The British historians have always been reluctant to acknowledge the national efforts for independence. They called the first war of independence of the year 1857 as sepoy mutiny. ·They branded the revolutionary actions of the Ghadar Party during the First World War as sedition by some extremists. Siplilarly, the British Broadcasting Corporation (B.a.C.) rightly dubbed by Netaji as Bluff and Bluster Corporation-or in Hindi - Behuda Bakwas Corporation (~~4'fq7l.:a"')used to describe the fight by the INA as fight by the Japanese. Kohima had been captured by the INA on its own. But the Britishers would have the world believe that it was captured by the Japanese forces. They even described Netaji as a traitor. In fact, Netaji has been one of the three greatest revolutionaries of the century, namely V.I. Lenin, Mao-Tse-Tung (Mao Zedong) and he himself. What a distortion of history which is always iridulge.d in by conquerors and the many losing struggle by others is always termed rebellion. Asimilar atiempt by the Britishers branding the 1946 revolution by the Indian Navy is not going to convince the world historians-muc)lless Indians. The revolutionaries had taken possession of 80 ships out of 100 stationed at the Bombay Port and had hoisted national flags on them with pictures of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Every patriotic Indian will appreciate the effort of the autJ:tor in portraying the true picture of that revolution. He deserves encomiums for that. He has given all the requisite particulars to make it a historical narration. The revolt was not confined to Bombay only, but was an all India affair at different ports in the country.
The glorious example of the INA inspired not only tlie Indian Navy, but also the Indian Army. It is no secret that on the eve of the·trial of INA Officers, the British Officers had conducted a secret ballot of army personnel and about 80 per cent or more had voted against those trials. . The IN A had shaken the loyalty of the Indian Ariny and the Indian Navy with the result that British imperialists were convinced that they could no mor~ rule overIndia. The RIN revolt of 1946 was a major factor in hastening the process of independence. Otherwise, they might have been required to face great disaster like the other imperiali&t.powers such as France, Portugal, Holland and Italy had to face. The British being a little progressive among all other imperialists decided to liquidate their empire by quitting the most precious jewel of the British Empire, namely India, while other imperialists .had to eat the humble pie at the hands of their colonial sUbjects. The British proved wiser than die-hard imperialists and they hastened to pass the Indian Independence Act 1946, ultimately leading to complete independence. If the national leaders had not intervened in the naval revolt, It might have been a gr.eater struggle for freedom on a national scale, much larger than the struggle of 1857, as now th~re would have been no elements to side with the Britishers. A major catastrophe was avoided due to intervention by national leaders and the hastening of independence by the Britishers. The British empire was. strong enough to face any number of civil disobedience or satyagraha movements. But when they saw the very basis of their empire crumbling, namely the loyalty of the defence forces-they thought that discretion to quit was the 'better part of valour. The author .needs no introducti.on to the generations that went through the ordeals of the Quit our brave freedom fighters, India movement. But the glorious history. namely RIN revolutionaries must be known to succeeding generations and from this point of view, the book is of historical importance. The author's name was a household name in those days who hoisted the national flag with Netaji's picture on H.M.I.S. Talwar as one of,the foremost leaders ofthe RIN . revolt or mutiny as some may choose to call it. Although ihe' Central and some other Provincial Governments \ made efforts to rehabilitate the IN A personnel, yet nothing was done to rehabilitate RIN patriots, who now have been recognised as freedom fighters. But that is a small consolation in view of the fact that our Governments failed to undo the injustice done to them. In the matter of rehabilitatins INA personnel, the then Congress Ministry of the former Central Provinces and Berar (now Madhya Pradesh) led by Pt. Rilvi Shankar Shukla and Pt. Dwarka Prasad Mishra was the foremost in the country inasmuch as about four hundred INA men were absorbed in the Home Guards and many others were absorbed in the Police, Medical and Agriculture Departments. In our State there was no problem of rehabilitating RIN patriots. But other Governments left them to their own fate to be forgotten after a generation. This is a story written by a person who has been a victim of such neglect not only by the government, but by the
'0'
society in general. Not only this, but also their legal dues from the Government were forfeited. . I do ·,hope that the book will be of interest to the readers in general and students of history in particular. The author deserves ,congratulations on re~ealing a'glorious facet ofour freedom movement. Jai Hind!
P.K. TARE Chief Justice (Retd) M.P. High Court Chairman, M.P. Law Commission Freedom Fighter.
2 August, 1984 Jai Hind Niwas.
Pachpedhi.,
.
JABALPUR (M.P.) 482 001
Acknowledgements
My SINCERE.thanks to all those who assisted me in writing and compiling this book directly or even indirectly. I apologize to those whose names might have been dropped by mistake in a slip-shod way and surely unintentionally. I am grateful to those who have readily consented to publish portions where the context seemed to warqmt. I am deeply moved by the efforts of Dr O.P. Nagpal, a Professor in lndore Christian College, Department of Political Science, who was very much after my 'Jail Diary' and did everything possible to see that all hidden facts about "RIN Mutiny" are disclosed to the intellectuals and general public for them to know better the background of India's attaining full and complete Independence. Dr N agpal had also written a piece on the topic of RIN Mutiny published in the Independence Number of "Dharmayug" a Hindi Weekly in 1970 titled "Bharat Mein British Raj Par Antim Nirnayak Prahar-Nou Sainik Kranti"greatly acknowledged by readers. I too could not ignore him. It is to that gesture of orderliness and tenderness that I owe the survival of so many early records. Even, so many interesting records and pieces disappeared unnoticeably. Reading them in turn reminded me of many things and the past events which I could not recapitulate otherwise. I have tried to remedy some patches with notes depicted from foreign and Indian Newspapers, quite frankly speaking. I gathered whatever pieces of news I could see lying about in an accumulation unsystematically, and arranged them chronologically and datewise. I have tried to answer the volleys of questions from the commoners as well as the intellectuals, which' were put all these years, and my narration, I believe, will satisfy 'all those who might have similar questions to ask. It will not be out of place to mention the good names of A.B. Roy of National Library (Reprography Section), India Office Library & Records, in London, British Museum Newspaper Library, Sisir K. Bose of Netaji Research Bureau and a fleet of mutual friends whose help was ready-made and spontaneous. Let me also express my profund gratitude to my learned friend Girija K. Mookerjee, Chairman, Centre for American & West European Studies, School of International Studies; Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 1, India for the enormous trouble he took to go through the manuscript and for the valuable advice and improvement effected by him as also for his agreeing to send a most heartening Prefatory Note (Preface) which he had kindly promised to write for the book, but, to my utter dismay, he passed away in U.S.A. very accidentally.
xii
He wrote : "I hope you will do everything possible to make it a very interesting book RIN Mutiny hastened our Independence by many years". I boldly confess that quite some important and noteworthy materials could not be made handy to the readers as they were not available. readily. However, these may be included in the next or a revised edition no sooner the papers and documents are within my reach and easily accessible and the situation demanded as such. My heartfelt gratitude remains with the ICHR officers and the publishers and printers whose names have to be mentioned in the appropriate place as bound by law. Considerable labour was undertaken by New Dawn Studio, Clacutta 6, India in touching up the very old and faded away photographs and for supplYIng the prints therefrom. Two of my shorthand students who held Bachelor Degree in Commerce namely Debasish Ghosh and Sushen Basak had also assisted me by taking down notes in shorthand and typing out the additional or revised pages as and when the occasion demanded when the book was almost in its final shape. Last but not the least a mention may be made of Dr G. Adhikari and Sri Chinmohan Sehanabis of the CPI for lending the two books on the subject published by PPH, Delhi, and one by B.C Dutt, for my study and reference. I am grateful to the students of Karl Marx University, Leipzig in German Democratic Republic for their sending me photostat copies of the newspaper clippings as also for its English translation made by Mrs U. Mitra, Secretary, and Mr Heiko Bels, Director of Max Muller Bhavan at Clacutta on my request. AUTHOR
Words of Appreciation (A Brief Summary)
THE EDITOR, Paschim Banga Patrika (Bengali Daily) Calcutta (now defunct) thanked the Author in his, letter for an outstanding piece and' published the same 'Bharatiya Nou Bidroha' in its issue SunsJaY, 14th Kartick, 1355 B.C. (Bengali Era) (1948).
"BIDROHINA81iU, Azad, Asaf Ali Couple, Jinnah, Liaquat. Ali Khan, Massani, Ranga Ruikar; Kamaraja NadaJ;', Dange, Ranadive-, Khare and many many others .p~ticipate in the talks of rights and wrongs? What did they say and discuss about? Why is the true history of our freedom's struggle still incomplete and difficult to write? All these and further questions will find the clear and correct answers in this book, written after a thorough research and obtaining most valuable materials from so many friendly countries. The author believes that the readers will find it near a reference book. Any B.B~C.
suggestion or criticism by the readers will be welcome. Let the choice be theirs.
"The RIN episode has opened an altogether new chapter in the history of the Armed Forces of India'~ Jai Hind!
JAWAHARLAL NEHRU
.
Fig. \-Author's RIN identity card issued in 1943.
CHAPTER 1
I. The History of RIN Mutiny: 1946Last Phase of Freedom Struggle IT SEEMS obvious that the mutiny which took place as far back as 1857 is the doyen of all mutinies held in India subsequently. There have been, record shows, many short-lived mutinies of the British Air Force and Navy· comprising Indian flying and sailing personnel. We know the sepoy mutiny in 1857 which spread all over India with particular emphasis to Meerut ·in U.P. and Barrackpur in West Bengal and all Indians, particularly those branded revolutionists drew inspirations from the soldiers' SUdden upsurge against the foreign yoke. Consequently, there have been clandestine cell of underground activities all over the place from North to South pole and 'Anusilan Samity' as also the 'Jugantar Party' broke through and spread this fragrance among the burning patriots more specially the youths and students. Britishers chased them, but they were growing from strength to strength and spread over in several branches. They broke the well guarded British armouries at Chittagong and took the arms and ammunitions to fight against the British Rule then.
Formation of INA
Rash Behari Bose, however, became a naturalised Japanese citizen in 1923, learnt Japanese, married a Japanese girl (daughter of a restaurant owner), joined the "Indian Independence League" in 1924 and "Pan Asian League" in 1926 and organised IN A in 1942, composed of 50,000 officers and soldiers who bad surrendered to the Japanese in Singapore, In Oct. 1943 he handed over tlie leadership of the League and the INA to Subhas Cha~dra Bose. Subhas proclaimed the Provisional Govt. of Free India in October 1943 .and had won recognition from as many as eight sovereign States. At one point of time, we saw Rash Behari Bose's "Indian Independence League" in Japan fully dedicated to the same cause, i.e. Independence for· India. This unit led by Bose was handed over to Netaji as its Supremt.
2
RIN MUTINY: 1946
Commander which transformed to "Indian National Army" in course of time. Th.ere has been a lot of misunderstanding and confusion among the Indian masses for no fault of Netaji but for the camouflaging and wrong propaganda vacillated through press, radios and similar other mass media of the opponents. The clever British people propagated that Netaji was instigating foreign powers like Japan and Germany to take over the country's helms of administration, which was deliberately wrong both in letters and spirit. Jalianwalla Bagh massacre in Amritsar (Punjab) by the British with the help of their agents was another proof of repression committed on the unarmed civilians. In this mass uprising many noble persons laid their lives as martyrs. To suppress their demand the British rulers did not even spare the women and children, the kiths and kins of the martyrs from mass killings. After that there have been many stray cases of mass agitation in India. The people were becoming more conscious politically and did not stop. Beilgal, as we all know, was the centre and pivot or Headquarters of the revol.:ltionaries. The ideas formed in ~he minds of the Indian leaders, whl.ch, the previous day, was thought of in Bengal, took complete shapes lat~r in their planning the blue-prints in Bengal for launching the freedom struggle all over the country. In this fight quite a few renowned foreigners also extended their helping hands and supported the mass movements to break the shackles of slavery. In some places, however, the rulers cowed down the flow of mass agitation, temporarily though. . . Then, the news of Subhas Chandra Bose's disappearance from his CalCutta residence where he was indisposed while leading a prisoner's life .shook the entire British administration,and almost every Indian became ..• more and more interested in the affairs. and· activities of this great and noble son of Bengal. It will not be proper to say that Bengalese did not give him adequate support as the rest of India did. Netaji was, and stilt is, in the heart of all Indians, including those who. opposed him. Netaji's stop over at Kabul was another episode which has been described by his one time associate Bhagat Ram Talwar in his book and writings; Netaji and his activities already became a legend, but we witnessed the dawn and the sunrise after a short spell of time. The writer remembers his seeing the press reports with the banner headlines "Subhash Chandra's Radio Btoadcastto the Nation from Berlin". The readers will now realise how and in what esteem the Indiaps held Netaji and worked for the success·of his Mission because it would not have been possible for Netaji to reach Geririany more particularly during the Nazi regime without the support of his own countrymen. The two confidants-Sisir K. Bose (his nephew ·and now the Executive Director Of Netaji Research Bureau) and Shantimoy Ganguly (of Bengal Volunteers) accompanied him from
THE HISTORY OF RIN MUTINY: 1946
3
one place to another in private motor cabs and carried the news and messages of Netaji for the Indian people. The INA was formed. The wirter kept a vigil on the news of Netaji and his future activities though he was in his teens even after his joining the Navy (which has been described in this book in another chapter entitled "The Author'). He was taken amiss by his colleagues anticipating that he might have come frem the same clan of Boses (which means a next of kin or having a close relationship) though partly ·they were right in a wider sense; . 'Memoir' Besides, the other people with whom he made close acquaintance while in the RIN also thought in the same line till the matter. was clarified by the writer himself. However, he was held in high esteem by all undeservedly. This is only a personal memoir of describing things with frank but fair opinion in the extemporal writing and/ or wit.hout making any intentional lapses or a damage to one's pr:estige and is absolutely 'non-prejudicial'. It has become all the more necessary to publish here in. this book some personal letters or comments or excerpts from many collections which the author possesses without which a proper illustration could not have been possible which may be judged and realised by the readers in jts proper perspective. General Mohan Singh of the INA (a defector from the British Army Officers Cadre) was entrusted with the task of raising the Army Unit, recruiting for INA trained hands of Infantries who already changed or likely to change their allegiance towards the British. He was successful. Lakshmi Menon (Sehgal) headed the Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the INA comprising patriotic Indian women to fight the British, side by side, Genl. Bhonsle, Genl. Shah Nawaz Khan, Col. Habib-ul-Rahaman, Col. P.K. Sahgal, Col. Gulzara Singh and Col. G.S. Dhillon, were the other officers and most trustworthy persons of Netaji. Lately, Mohan Singh, Shah Nawaz Khan were found dubious in the public eyes. And of the Azad Hind Government the names of two Ministers: (1) S.A. Aiyar and (2) Debnath Das were circulated widely in the RIN ships and establishments. then. When the tempo sought up, the intellectuals from the RIN went all out to establish contacts with all or any of these persons of the IN A secretly and some appeared somewhat successful. They were even successful in carrying messages for the Indian people and a letter from Netaji himself to his elder brother Sarat Chandra Bose. Netaji's Message In Netaji's message, it contained that all Indians serving the then British forces viz. AiroForce, Na~ and Army should now join their hands with
4
RIN MUTINY: 1946
their aliies or in other words support the cause and action of the INA and drive out the Britishers from our Motherland without any loss of time. His messages were printed and distributed among all intellectuals and burning patriots then serving the RIN and through them it spreap all over the shore establishments and ships in India and abroad. Indians serving the British Army and Air Force also got the leader's messages, lately though. As explained here, RIN boys, were already busy in keeping themselves in full preparedness for a direct action against the British administration in India (when Pakistan was not even in their dreams), and we all witnessed the resultant action. The' sailors tried to establish contacts with Netaji but all their attempts failed. Then they tried to contact the INA Officers, but, here again, they were not successful as almost all of them were taken into British custody for summary trial at the Red Fort in Delhi. Therefore, there was hardly any time left for complacency or wait for the leadership to come from the political parties. Quite some of the sailors who took the, leading part, did not like anyone else to lead the, RIN Mutiny save and except Netaji which created another problem in continuing the strike (Mutiny). Quoted from B.C. Dutt's "Mutiny of the Innocents": (pp. 61/62) as under:
INA Trial "The new's of the impending trial of the Azad Hind soldiers naturally made "the ratings restless. Conditions inside the Barracks made the situation worse .... " "A group of determined men tried to make use of this situation for the cause of the country's liberation from foreign occupation. I was one of them. We came froth widely different regions and religion backgrounds. Some were from the, Punjab, and still further North. There were also men from the South, they belonged to Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh families. The years spent in the Navy had made them - the ratings of the Royal Indian Navy -Indians". A colossal amount of time has laps-ed and with it plenty of salted water of the seas has poured in with the complacency of the nation builders and the people at large. One could easily imagine how things have lost their images in so far as many celebrated' personalities passed away or counting their days for their heavenly abode. If is, therefore, felt extremely difficult task to recapitulate the past and going back to as many as 40 long years. Consequently, there may be unintentional lapses of omissions in writing this part of the history which is considered to be the golden chapter or that the readers will consider it as a 'Memoir' ofthe .author with the historical background envisaged by the writer himself.
THE HISTORY OF RIN MUTINY: 1946
5
The days of 1944- i 945 or even ea;lier were the days ~f activities of Netaji and his devoted followers (Indian National Army). There was not a single day when the news of Netaji or his men did not hit the news headlines. Netaji spoke from Berlin and the radio did broadcast his speech and conveyed the message for his countrymen in India. There may be some persons who have heard his voice and they may also explain how they felt listening to'his message delivered to the Nation! 'Netaji' & 'Jai Hind' Chosen by Indian Nationals in Germany
We know how Netaji came to Tokyo in Japan and then to Malay to declare and establish the provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government). "Netaji" the reverend title was conferred on Subhas Chandra Bose by the Indian Nationals then in Germany who also chose "Jai Hind" for using'it as mutual salutation for each other whenever any two Indians met. Netaji's submarine voyage to Singapore was another sensational story whichM.R. Vyas (former M.P., Rajya Sabha), who worked as Secretary to Netaji narrated in the Maxmuller Bhawan at Calcutta some years ago. Col. Abid Hassan who escorted Netaji in the submarine in the long 90-day voyage ):lad also narrated the most difficult time that Netaji spent in the submariI~e and how he was able to reach the destination by overcoming all odds and hazards. Hassan also narrated an incident which took place in the INA camp when the Sikhs and Hindus differed to take food prepared by Muslim cooks imd the unique solution setforth by Netaji himself, i.e. by mixing up all foods prepared by different communities with different religious faith; which all ate. Netaji then taught them the lesson that there was no difference at ali,no matter whoever prepares the eatables good for health and clean. "{hey were satisfied with it which helped them to unite and fight to achieve the common goal. K.K. Bose who had been to Germany for higher studies also narrated in this meeting how he and the other scholars, then in Germany, were able to meet l'tfetaji and worked with him in the formation of INA Regiment with the Ind'iails residing in Germany and for their complete military training. All such news were hinted to the Indian Sailors by t,he IN A men whom they cai>tured them from Singapore and Rangoon camps of the INA and the news ventilated from mouth to mouth and spread all over the country. It will not be out of place to mention here that all this had a direct impact for the sailors becoming unruly and come to the rescue of all IN A brethrens at the time of need. High dissatisfaction for sufferings among all ranks and files in the RIN for the "press and demand work" policy of the British Naval Officers was brewing and the agitators encouraged the compatriots to push through their demands timely at this most opportune moment. Thus the situation was very much favourable to the ring leaders
6
RIN MUTINY: 1946
in the RIN who were all out and frantically hunting for the news of Netaji and his men or associates. Recruitments & Life in RIN
It would be worthwhile to discuss about -the life in RIN as also of the quality of boys recruited for the remotest training. Recruitment in RIN was very restricted. It largely depended on the recruit's health, age, education, family status and environment. Physical test, written test and minute screening were essential. Overcoming all such tests and barriers successfully one could qualify himself for the recruitment and ,special training which was rather tough for mediocres. The training period was extended up to one full year. During this training period more than fifty per cent boys/recruits reportedly fled away from the training Centres and the remaining withstanding all hardships and training were being sent up to different shore establishments and warships. For each and every individual,training at seal sea service was essential as otherwise promotion could not be had of. The relationship between a trm.nee and his instructor must be brotherly and cordial. But the instructors, mostly Indians, hailing from Punjab, Sind and Chittagong as also a few Britishers from Royal Navy, were very rough and extremely harsh towards the trainees. They always reported against each trainee to their superior officers, responsible for each Division who in turn reported the same to the Commanding Officer of the establishment. Each establishment comprised different watches, such as Blue, Red, White, Green, etc. and/or Blocks called A,B,C,D, and so on. The food offered to the trainees was not edible.· Those who complained of bad food were not in good books of the instructors and officers .. Rationing System
The entire rationing system in the RINwas nothing but a flop. For the new entrants, there had been nothing but 'the most ordinary morning tea with· breakfast (two reddish sliced bread roasted or unroasted with slight butter), lunch (a simple square meal with rice or hand-made bread called 'Chapati' and pulses or dal or mutton curry), afternoon tea and supper with the day break (same as provided during lunch) meant for an Indian soldier then while they were held Or lodged in Army barracks after recruitment. Thereafter when -the new recruits were sent to the Naval Training Establishments they were being asked about their choice of ration to be marked in the service records of every individual. There had been three classes of the ration, e.g. (i) 'ER'-English Ration which meant for mainly officers and Europeans and/ or the privileged class among the
THE HISTORY OF RIN MUTINY: 1946
7
ratings, the Anglo Indians who preferred it. Under this 'ER' group they were given everything offered -to other groups with additional quantity of beef, bacon/pork or mutton,cheese/custard, butter, condensed milk, ftuits, cigarettes, tinned fish and also tinned fruits, porridge, biscuits, cakes with big size loafs and best q\lality of rice plus teal coffee, drinks, cold drinks, etc., (ii) 'IR'-Indian Ration which meant for the majority of the ratings (Hindus "and Mohammedans) which included ordinary rice or bread/,Chapati' with mutton curry (sometimes beef also), ,Pulses, sliced loaf with butter or jam or jelly, tea., biscuits; etc. The quality being substandard or bad and not edible, (iii) 'VR'-Vegetable Ration which was preferred by the ratings who were orthodox caste Hindus (Brahmins) or whoever liked vegetarian food. which included ordinary coarse rice or breadj'Chapati' with pulses, vegetable curry, sliced loaf with butter or jam or jelly plus additional loaf; sugar, milk, fruits, tinned fruits, tea, biscuits, etc. Salary incentives were not up to expectation; Dress and Uniforms supplied to the trainees were insufficient and so required daily washing to keep pace with" tidiness and discipline in the rank and status, essential in RIN. During those days of British rule in the country, Navy was held on to a lofty position among the defence forces as being called the Senior Service and hence should" be respected by all. Seamen Ratings Duty
The overall supremacy in RIN of the seamen ratings cannot be denied considering their importance in all spheres of sea life and the duties allotted to them, such as: (i)
Boatswains Mate for carrying out daily routine work of the ship or establishment by blowing Boats.wains pipe with different and intermittent sounds for each order like "All hands to cook's galley"; "C.O.'sl Captains round"; "Light Ofr'; and so on and so forth. Boatswains Mate should accompany the Officer-on-duty or the Chief Petty Officer in all matters like inspection of dresses/ clothings/kits/lockers/beddings, etc. He should report to the Duty Officer. (ii) Gun Captain was vested with full power of manning the guns and its crew. Incharge of gun deck at the time of 'Action Station' or in emergency. Lookout duty was also allotted to a seaman rating.
Coxswain was the Captain of Boat (Sailing or Motor Boats). Incharge of Oresmen manned" by "all seamen ratings. Quarter Master I Helmsman Duty was also allotted to seamen ratings. Regulating and maintaining discipline was the prime duty of the seamen ratings. Besides this, greasing and upkeepment of weapons,knots and" splices, blocks, ship's rigging,
8
RIN MUTINY: 1946
masthead! guards and sentry duty, compass reading, navigation, upkeepment of cables/wires/ropes, log book entries, lead line for measuring the sea depth in fathoms, chipping and painting of ship sides, holestone and all alike were the part and parcel duties of seamen ratings. Seamen belonged to administrative branch (called Upper Deck ratings) while the stokers belonging to engineering bi'anch (called Lower Deck ratings). The seamen ratings in the discipline stream were specialised in handling all sorts of weapons, including big and sophisticated guns, quarter master's duty, navigation and sailing of ships. Ratings from this. wing would be summoned to take full command of the ship in case of emergency or when the vacuum was created by sudden death of the Captain (C.O.) as also the next officer in command. Therefore, they were taught the lessons of visual signalling, telegraphy as also light signalling (including pistol fire signalling and morse code signalling) during their training. Educated seamen therefore kept themselves aloof from the ratings of other branches in RIN. Their movements were also restricted. They were consider~d hard core sailors in the Navy under British rule. Therefore, they had full supremacy over other branches ·nonetheless important. Other branches consisted of Gunnery, Submarine Detectors, Torpedomen, Shipwrights, Cooks, Stewards, Topass (sweepers).
HMIS Talwar' Those belonged to communication branch, Writers, Pay & Stores (Supply Dept.), MediCal & Engineering branches were also educated fully trained in their professions-matriculates, intermediates and B.A.~s.· Many of these ratings were politically conscious and were staunch patriots. This was proved when quite a number of ratings from the communication branch in HMIS Talwar revolted which has become a legend in the history. They were staunch followers of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The~'made thenstrategy in line with Netaji's INA movement and sought the leadership directly from Netaji or his real followers in the then Congress party which was the largest political entity in India then. The young boys opened dialogue of direct participation in the country's struggle for full independence as also freeing their comrades on hunger strike. Perhaps, this was the hardest blow that the Britishers received during their long tenure of administration in India. Therefore, there was no other alternative left to them to quit and relinquish all power to Indians. The commencement of hunger strike in Talwar had emerged giganti&:. 21 (p.6)
RIN strike spreads to head quarter in Delhi""'; Widespread sympathy for Naval Ratings-Bombay students declare Hartal Tomorrow-Return to barracks ultimatum by Flag Officer
Banl}er Headline, Feb. 22 (p. 1)
Naval' & Air Re-Inforcements for Bombay-General Lockhart takes charge of commanding-Flag Officer's ultimatum-Strikers reply-Attlee's statement in Commons-British paratroops in Karachi
Feb. 22 (p.:!5)
Firing is Over Dock area - ~~N Ratings defy orders-Ships fire at Dockyard:Situation quiet at Night-Attempts"t Settlement
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RIN MUTINY: 1946
Feb. 2S (p.l)
Jawahar Rushes Post-Haste to Bombay-Sardar disapproves students' Hartal-Says delay hinder peace restoration -Urges authQrities to withdraw Military-Call to ~orKers to go to work
Feb. 27 (p S)
Jawahar demands public inquiry into Bombay Tragedy-Reply to C-in-C's Broadcast Speech - Role of armed men· in freedom struggle-Sardar Patel warns them who misled people
Banner Headline. Feb. 28 (p.l)
(Photographs of meeting in Chowpatty, Bombay) City Backs Leaders Demand for Justice for Navy men-RIN strike leaders segregated! 300 riten in Mulund Camp -Action taken in Lonavala & Jamnagar also
"Hindusthan Standard" Feb. 20 (p.l),
British Cabinet Mission to IndiaRecommendation of Independence
Feb. 21 (p.1)
Naval Ratings Demands fulfilledDecision to provide better food-Strikers asked to return to barracks ---: Military Pickets placed around establishments
Banner Headline, Feb. 22 (p.l)
Indian Sailors in Revolt-Six hours battle with British Troops-Grave turn in RIN men's strike in Bombay-20 ships captured-Government rushing strong Naval & Air Re-inforcemertts_ -Cease fire on both sides after conclusion of truce
Feb. 23 (p.1)
British paratroops in action at Karachi -Royal Artillery & Indian Sailors Exchange Shells-Strikers in Hindustan surrender-Occupation of vessels begins-Crew arrested
Editorial, Feh.. 23 (p.4) Feb. 24 (p.l)
Unrest in RIN No Victimisation of RIN Personnel Cin-C's assurance to Maulana Azad
BOLD HEADLINES IN PRESS
Banner Headline, Feb. 24 (p. 5)
"The Pioneer"~Lucknow) Feb. 19 (p. 2) Feb. 20 (p.l)
Editorial, Feb. 21 (p. 4) Banner Headline, Feb. 22 (p.l')
"The Statesman"
123
'Government censor~d RIN affairsAsaf AIi's Motion passed by 74 to 40 votes-Charge of Racia) Discrimination 1000 Naval Ratings on Strike
Wild & Violent Outburst .by RIN Strikers at Bombay-British officers and men attacked-US Flag pulled down & burnt RIN Strike Naval Mutiny in Bombay & Karachi
Feb. 23 (p.l)
Mob Fury Grips Bombay-British Troops in action-Repeated Police Firings-Shops looted-Post Offices Burnt-Bank broken open 18 dead and 25U injured-RIN men accept Patel's advice to surrender unconditionally
Feb. 23 (p.l2)
RIN strike situation mishandled in beginning-Mr' Asaf Ali seeks discussion in Central Assembly-President admits opposition leaders adjournment motion
,Feb. 26 (p. 5)
Days of The British Rule in India numbered
Feb. 28 (p.l 0)
Congress to defend RIN strikers if put on trial-Nehru's press conferenceIndia will prefer peaceful solution of her problems
Feb. 20 (p.l)
RIN ratings strike develops into hooliganism-Mob violence in Bombay streets-British soldiers assaulted
"The Tjmes of India B~riner Headline,Feb. 20 (p.l)
Editorial, (p.6)
Brutality against loyal troops-Council of State rejects plea to withdraw INA cases Military Strikes (Dwelt mainly on the discontent in allied armed forces and more particularly the RIN & RIAF)
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RIN MUTINY: 1946
Feb. 21 (p.l)
RIN Mutineers return to establishments-AuthoHtfes ultimatum to ratings-40 arrests-Ratings on 'Akbar' strike-Detention cell set on fire-Ratings strike in Bombay
Feb. 21 (p.7)
Assembly motion move-RIN strike in Calcutta-Ratings demands-American reaction to burning of flag
Feb. 21 (p.l)
Widespread hooliganism in Bombay -Demonstration to sympathise with RIN Mutineers
Feb. 22 (p.l)
RIN Mutineers' reported surrender of arms- Vice-Admiral Godfrey's stern warning-strikers train guns on cityRe-inforcements to curb mutinyRoyal Navy. Units for Bombay-No 'hartal'in city today-Mr Vallabhbhai PateI's appeal-Panic caused by Fort clash
Feb. 22 (p.7)
Gun battle in Bombay castle barracks -RIN Mutineers Raid ArmouryEight casualties-Armoury seizedR.I.A.F. strike-Apology to U.S.I.S. -Congress concern over situationPeace appeaho citizens-Government will never give in- Vice-Admiral Godfrey's warning
Banner Headline, Feb. 23 (p.l) . Over 700 casualties in Bombay riots(Two Photographs of Burning Tram Cars & Post Offices shown)-RIN Mutiny ends-Ratings Decision-Mr Vallabhbhai PateI's advice accepted. Feb. 23 (p. 5)
Demands of RIN & RIAF personnel for higher pay-Official statement in Assembly.
Feb. 23 (p.7)
Mob of 30,000 set upon Picket at Lal Baug-Pitched battle at Bhendy Bazar.
Feb. 25 (p.!)
Sub-head: into Grievances
Ratings
Misled-
Inquiry
BOLD HEADLINES IN PRESS
Feb. 25 (p.8)
125
Inquiry Into Naval Ratings StrikeWar Secretary's Statement in Central Assembly-C-in-C's earnestness in ending discrimination Sub-head :No VictimiSation-Govt. ofIndia's Policy
Banner Headline, Feb. 26 (p.l)
Heavy Toll of violence in Bombay city (with photographs of burning flames)
March 15 (p.l)
Hunger strike by RIN ratings at . Mulund Camp-20 ratings reluctant to eat-HMIS cheetah Ratings strike again in support of the undertrial ratings at Mulund Camp
VI. Press Reports-Indian & Foreign INDIAN "Amrita Bazar Patrika" (Calcutta) Feb. 23 (p.l): Jinnah Offers Services - Appeal to call off Strike M.A. Jinnah, President of the All India Muslim League in a statement on Friday has offered his services unreservedly for the caus~ of the RIN men to see that justice is Hone to them: He appeals to the men to call off the strike and to the public not to add to the difficulties of the situation. Jinnah add that on his return to Delhi about the 8th March he will take up the question directly with Viceroy and do all he can in the matter. Following is the text of Mr Jinnah's statement: "The Press reports that the RIN strike at aombay has taken a very serious turn and that the ratings in Calcutta and Karachi have gone on strike, have caused serious apprehensions. Newspaper reports from various parts of India, and particularly from Bombay, Karachi and Calcutta show that the RIN men have soItle very just grievances and it has been made clear by them how deeply they are affected by these grievances and how they genuinely feel hurt about their present position. No civilized Government or responsible men in this country can treat their feelings and grievances lightly. I offer my services unreservedly for the cause of RIN men to see that justice is done to them. If they adopt constitutional, lawful and peaceful methods and apprise me fully or what will satisfy them, I give 'them my assurance that I shall do my best to see that their grievances are redressed. I appeal to all the lUN men not to play into the hands of those who want to create trouble and exploit those on strike for their own ends. I urge upon them to restore normal conditions and let us handle the situation, which will surely result in their welfare and will be in their best interests. I, therefore, appeal to the men of ~IN and to the ratings to call off the strike and to the public in general not to add to the difficulties of the situation. Particularly I call upon the Muslims to stop and to create no furthe·r trouble until we are in a position to handle this very serious
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sit\lation. If we fail to make the autho·rities understand and meet the just demands of the RIN men then it will be time for us all with perfect unity axn«ngst ourselves to force the hands of the Government if they are.not re.a~onabie.
I hope my advice and appeal will not fail. On my return to Delhi about the. 8th~f Match, I shall take up the question directly with the Viceroy and shall do all I can in the matter." Issue Feb. 25 (p.8) : Revolt Against Tyranny - Bombay Disturbances Views it : Attlee's Statement Severely Criticised
How U.S. Press
N~w York, Feb 24 -
The Bombay riots were still featured on the Front Pages of New York's Sunday Newspapers, but only the 'New York Times' gave athree-column head. The New York Herald Tribunes leader said: the basic causes of the riots are to be found in the political and social revolutions which are under way through the orient where the men with brown and yellow faces are striving to free themselves from the domination of the white men. To only a minor degree are the riots the result of famine or Communists desire the inclination or Mr Attlee to put the blame on them. Mr Attlee's statement in the House of Commons was not a well-considered portrayal and did not make the case for the British nearly as good as it could be made; Despite the close friendship of America and Britain, there would be strong criticism here of attempt to maintain status-quo in the empire. The first Coinmunists Party reaction to the Indian riots was reflected in a "Daily Worker" editorial today, which termed the'mutiny and riots as an Indian celebration of Washington's Birthday "by another revolt against the tyranny of British Imperialism in London." New York "World Telegram" led its front page with the Indian Mutiny developing several columns to detailed dispatches from the scene. The Foreign Editor of "Scripps -Roward Chain of Newspapers, Mr William Philip Simms, discussing the significance of the Indian revoit, asserted that the British Empire today faces the greatest peacetime crisis in its history. The long-delayed showdown between Great Britain and India is now at hand and its repercussions will be found round the globe. London regards Indian settlement as vital to world peace. For that reason no less than three British Cabinet Ministers are being hurried to that countFy-something without a precedent. A Foolish Act
Striking pictures of the recent Bombay·riots were published on 21st Feb. in the American Magazine 'Life' one of the most .widely read periodicals in
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RIN MUTINY: 1946
the Unitec( States. Devoting two full pages to its iliustrated commentary on the disor.d~rs, 'Life' asserts: "The moment the compromise had time and again been postponed in India, the moment of actual revolt came a little closure last month. In Bombay, the· birthday celebration in honour of the Late Subhas ChandraBose boiled over into a great riot. Like many riots its starting spark was struck by foolish act quite undeserving of history. " Another widely circulated American Magazine 'News Week' devotes over two columns of its Foreign News Section to Indian matters, giving prominence to the Bombay rioting. (Reuter & U.P. of America). Issue Feb. 25 (p. 4), Editorial: By the Way It is good that Mr Jinnah has at least realised the advisability of the Government .of India dropping the. Indian National Army Trials. The public will view this sudden transformation in the League Leader's attitude with no little interest. The refusal of the C-in-C to fully ·remit the sentence passed on Captain Abdur Rashid seems to have worked the change. Had he joined his voice in the:.countrywide demand for the abandonment of the °INA trials from the very beginning, Government of India would have been effectively impressed. That it should take a pinch in his own shoes to convince him of the unfairness of the INA trials is a pity. .
Issue Feb. 26 (p.8) ': How Moscow Look at Sailors' Rising in India- Colonial People Hungry for New Way of Life. London, Feb. 24 ~ Moscow Radio tonight referred to the "Sailors' uprising" in India and described it as an indication that people under Colonial Yoke were hungering for 'new way of life'. The Radio made a vigorous plea for ~he application of UN Charter to enSlaved people .... The world press is suddenly full of news of the uprising of sailors in India and the strange situation in Egypt. Latest report say that the uprising has been crushed. But the very fact that it took place at all.is eloquent especially if you look at it in connection with the general situation in India. "You do not have to be philosopher or a profound student of colonial policy to see that the people of India do not want to return to the old way of thingso Tpey want a new way of life. But they are coming into conflict with stubborn attempts to turn everything into the old channels." (N. B. : In the Modern History of India written in English by Soviet Authors in'Moscow, a reference to RIN Mutiny could also be seen The Author) .
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Situation in Egypt After speaking of the disturbed situation in Egypt, M. Victorov added "there is fighting in Indonesia. There is a strained atmosphere in Greece and there are disturbances in India, Egypt, Celebes and Jamaica. On reading the great documents drawn up during the war, the average man will say to himself: "These historic declarations clearly define the principles which, if put into practice, avert the' present disturbances and satisfy the aspirations of Nations including those who dwelt under the Colonial Yoke." Issue March 3 (p. 4): Soviet Press on RIN Uprising Leading To Disturbances ,
Rotten Economic State
(From Patrika's London Office), Thursday, Feb. 28 - The first Soviet comment published here concerning the Indian Naval Strike appeared in 'Red Fleet'. An article 'by M. Mikhaelov reviewing the events says 'the sailors' mutiny which was widely spread by the population, demonstrates now that a tense and serious situation has arisen in India. No small parts have been played by the. extra-ordin.ary oppressive economic state of the country whose population has been reduced to poverty. Agriculture is going through a sharp crisis and industrial production is decreasing. The uninterrupted disturbances throughout India testify to the growing activity of the Indian masses in their endeavour to obtain Independence. The .Moscow Radio today broadcasted a review of International Affairs by the Newspaper 'Izvestia' stating that public attention during the past week had been focussed on events in India and Egypt. (Manchester Guardian news reports on the Indian situation were also quoted.) (Anti-British tone in, Moscow Radio reported by The Times, London, was also resented). The two Russians P. Sastitko and: D. Baikhukh have written a book on "The Talwar hoists the Flag" recently published by Nauka Publishers which contains the deeds of valour of RIN ratings. The two writers have dwelt at length abollt the sacrifices of the ratings for India's liberation and their joint venture irrespective of castes and creed symbolising a United India under Congress, League & Red Flags. "The Bombay Chronicle," (Bombay) Feb. 20 (p. 5) : Mrs Asaf AIi Supports RIN Strikers Demand - Appeal to Congress, Labour & Student Organisations ·to lend Moral Support Bombay Feb. 19 (API), Mrs Asaf Ali commenting on the.RIN ratings naval strike urges the strikers not to permit un-coordinated and spontaneous action to mar the otherwise disciplined move they have made for the removal of their grievances.
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iUN MUTINY: 1946
She .says almost 15,000 naval ratings of the RIN units in Bombay have struck work and refused to eat canteen food since SumJay evening. Their demands are essentially legitimate. Theyhave insisted that !he inequalities in the scale of pay, allowances and food as between the RIN and RN should cease. They have protested against appointment of British Officers and their insulting and insufferable behaviour towards the Indian personnel in the Navy. These service conditions and economic demands are quite naturally not affected by the high tension political climate today. At least young Indians in the services are no. ionger prepared to submit sheepishly to the hectoring and swearing of their British rules. Be that as it may, I earnestly hope that the strikers will not permit un-coordinated and spontaneous ·action to mar the otherwise disciplined move they hav~ made for the removal of their grievances. Solidarity and discipline are the first essentials of success in all collective action of this nature. They must formulate their demands precisely and conduct their struggle with dignity. Care should be taken to eschew injury to person or damage to property in this connection. The naval ratings must conduct negotiations through their respective Ship Committees viz. their Central Naval Strike Committee. The naval authorities should note that. Need of Support Atthe instance of the representatives of the strikers, I am giving them this advice. I am sure that the Congress and the Labour and the student organisations of Bombay will extend their moral support to their legitimate demands. It is the first occasion when such an overwhelming number of seamen have undertaken collective action with such effects. Firmness, discipline and unity on the part of the strikers and the pressure of public opinion should last in a successful of this spontaneous strike. . Issue Feb. 20 (p.6) : Naval Ratings cause Commotion in City - March in Procession and Shout Slogans A wave ()f panic swept across the Fort and Colaba areas this morning when a large contingent of naval. ratings in battle dress, invaded the localities in naval lorries and took law and order in their own hands. British soldiers in uniform were chased and manhandled; foreign firms like Kodak, Lawrence & Mayo, Evans Fraser, Favre Leuba were compelled to close down for fear that their shops' might be smashed up otherwise. Britishsoldiers chased !>y naval ratings were seen running across Hornby Road and rushing into the nearest buildings for refuge. Soldiers who sought refuse in Kodak, were dragged out and manhandled. It is learned tha~ the men helped themselves to a few Gameras which were lying about
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131
handy. Some of the incidents which were noticed were: Show cases belonging to the offices of the USOWI was smashed and burnt on Hornby Road opposite White away & Laidlaw. Some Union Jacks are also learnt to have been made a bonfire of. Superintendent Hughsonand two Police Officers are reported to have been assaulted, Cars driven by Europeans came in for a fair share of the attention off the strikers. They were stopped and made to shout 'Jai Hind''. or 'Subhas Bose ki Jai' ~nd allowed to go in any direction fancied by them. The cars were quite often speeded along with a parting kick. Certain Military mail bags containing letters are learnt to have been torn up and contents scathed on Hornby Road. Tram tracks opposite Regal Cinema were set on fire after a liberal sprinkling of kerosene oil... ..... At about 1 p.m. the van arrived at the RNO Distributing Authority Office near Town Hall. The speaker on behalf of the strikers appealed to his followers to maintain perfect non-violence. Their grievances had nothing to do with community or c~ste. Whether they were Hindus or Muslims, they were all one in maintaining unity and discipline. He also stated that their grievances had been placed before the members of the Working Committee of the Congress and he had no doubt that they would guide them on right and proper lines. A European Sergeant on Hornby Roadwas assaulted with a hockey stick. The policemen were also injured while interfering. They were removed to the G.T. Hospital. Two other police men who were injured at Colaba were removed to the St. George . Hospital. The white ensigns from all the ships and establishments were hauled down; 'Jai Hind' posters were pasted onNotice Boards and Lorries. In the afternoon lorries full of Navy men drove around the Fort area having tricolour flags and shouting anti-British slogans. It is reported that the strike has spread to the following Depots: W.T. Workshop at Dockyard, Signal Station at Dockyard, Remote Control Office, Navy Wireless Receiving Stations, Colaba, ships in the .harbour, in the docks, Castle, Fort and MTE Barrac).cs al)d the HMIS Assam.
/ivote -
(HMIS Assams the most leading Indian Corvette-type ship liaisoni'ng between Castle Barracks, Signal School at Colaba HMIS Talwar, Shore Establishments, ships at the breakwater and the ships at anchor as well as the Signal Stations, to which the Author belonged at the time of Mutiny, was dry-docked though was fully armed and equipped by the heroiC ratings (crew) and not on Sea as reported.)] Scenes in Bombay Harbour
In the Bombay harbour a demonstration could be heard clearly from the sh~ aboard at least two ships riding at anchor. Incessant shouting of men
aboard at least one of the vessels was heard clearly, while sailors on the
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RIN MUTINY: 1946
shore said that the tooting of whistles aboard two crafts was. spelling out in code the words 'Quit India'. Ships' bells could be heard clanging "The Talwar is not really a ship. It is a land installation for Training". The marchers shouted slogans and names of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Mr Jinnah according to their personal politicalloy.alties. They shouted that they were not treated as well as Britons in the Navy. . Aruna Asaf Ali to Speak on RIN Strike Under the auspices of the Indian Ex-Services Association, a public meeting will be held at Chowpatty at 6.30 p.rh. tomorrow (Friday) to sympathise with the strike of the Royal Indian Naval Personnel. -Mr Purushottamdas Tricumdas, the Chairman of the Association will preside and Aruna Asar Ali will address the meeting. Congress Workers Support RIN Strikers At a crowded meeting of a Ward Congress Workers held at the Ward Office on Wednesday, a resolution was passed unanimously supporting the demands made by the personnel of the RIN and extending moral support to their strike. The workers appealed to strikers to be disciplined and requested the public to extend their sympathy and support to the strikers. StrikeColllmittee Call to Men The Central Naval Strike Committee has issued the following statement to the Press: "It has been brought to the notice of the Committee that the men are on strike in all establishments and ships are perturbed and annoyed over the action of the authorities in calling the Indian Army Personnel and armed PC'lice to guard and surround their barracks and ships. The Committee feels that the action of the authorities is provocative and totally unwarranted. Very naturally fears have' been roused in the minds of the striking men that this is an attempt to isolate them and prevent them from having any access to food from outside, wh.en food inside is impossible to obtain or constitute of unedibles ........ " Miss Susheela Madiman, Joint Secretary of the Bombay Students Union writes: "The demands put forward by the Central Strike Committee pn behalf of the 20,000 naval ratings, who have struck work and have refused to eat canteen food, are just and must be supported by all. A strong public agitation must be built up to support the Navy men to ensure that tl-teir demands are conceded and there is no victimization and the vindictiveness against them. Students must play the leading part in building this agitation. To express our firm solidarity with our brothers in the Indian Navy and to ,;upport them in their fight, the Bombay Students Union called upon all
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'1.33
city students to observe a complete and. peaceful strike on Feb. 22. The B.S.U. earnestly appeals to the Students Congress and the Muslim Students Federation to join hands with us·on this issue and help in making the students hartal and demonstration a grand success".
Strike in Naval Head Quarters New Delhi, Feb. 20 (API) - The strike fever affecting RIN men in ,Bombay and Calcutta has now spread to New Delhi. About 80 ratings of HMIS India Naval Head Quarters, mainly Telegraphists and Signalmen, struck work this evening. It is learned, their Commanding Officer tried to persuade them to forward their grie\lances through their officers and to rejoin duty immediately but with the exception of four or five men, they refused to do so. .
Aruna Asaf Ali's Advice to all Naval Unit Poona, Feb. 20 (UPI) - About 1,000 strikers of the Lonavala Naval Unit were present at the Lonavala Station this morning when Mrs Aruna Asaf Ali passed through the station on her way to Poona. The strikers are reported to have told her that they would continue hunger strike until their grievances were redressed. She advised them to contact the Bombay leader of the Naval Strikers. Regarding their demand for the release of Politicians, she asked them to leave the matter to the Leaders which would be taken up in'the Central Assembly soon. She informed them, the Bombay strike of RIN ratings wa~ going on peacefully:and asked them to work with solidarity and discipline without committing any act of violence. Issue Feb. 22 (p.S) -
Not Mutiny but Unity :
Karachi, Feb. 21 (API) - The slogan 'Not Mutiny But Unity' among Indian soldiers was seen inscribed in an Indian language in H M IS Chamak. A high ranking naval officer is expected to arrive here this afternoon from Delhi. His Excellency the Governor of Sind has been apprised of the situation and the local naval autho,rities have already had discussions with him on the matter. Issue Feb. 22 (p.S) : "A Message was sent by Mutineers to Ships in stream directing all British Officers to quit ships and asking any Indian Officers who wish to join the Mutineers to do so. At 11.30 ships were reported to be firing with small arms at Dockyard. a, signal was made with the approval of the Flag Officer Commanding. RIN. directing all officers to leave their Ships".
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RIN MUTINY: 1946
"Forum" News Weekly (Owned and Edited by Late Joachim Alva), Bombay Issue Feb. 24, 1946: Naval Mutiny There is no storm in the Bombay Seas, but the local Indian Navy men are intent upon creating ode in the city. Monday morning saw about one thousand ratings of HMIS Talwar refusing to take food or to work. Their demands may well keep the authorities aghast. (Please see Chapter 'One. 'Charter of Demands,) .• Dockyard Signal staff ratings, Dockyard Workshop ~atings and works of the WT Works.op, Signal Station at the Dockyard,- Remote Control ~f the Navy Wireless who receive the station Colaba had also. struck in sympathy with their Talwar brothers. The strike has further spread to mention only a few places to the Ships at Anchor, the Castle, Fort and MTE Barracks and even HMIS Assam (Note: the Ship which the Ailthor .belonged to) on the Sea: The ships are ringing with cries of 'Jai Hind' and anti-British slogans. Posters and 'Quit India' signs bedeck the wails of the otherwise sombre ships. The Union Jack has yielded the privilege of flying in free air to our National tri-colour. Whe-n the FOB went to enquire about the strikers' grievances the latter: greeted him with shouts of 'Jai Hind' and he just refused to make a statement to anyone except the National Leaders. The Strike resulted in the di!!location of all cables, communication between India, England and Colombo. Raw foreign ratings had to be imported to save the situation. Pandemonium On Thursday, the Fort area was the scene of Pandemonium at the wildest. The -strikers marched through the streets, shouting slogans in lorries and on foot. Thousands of them dotting for nearly half an hour they were the Monarchs of all they surveyed in the Hornby Road area. Tommies were chased and made to seek shelter in whatever handy place. Europeans driving motor cars were haulted and allowed to pass after, getting a 'Jai Hind' greeting-returned with a parting 'Scornful kick! Foreign firms had to close down for fear of danger to their property at the hands of the strikers. Even the poor 'stars and stripes' fluttering outside the US OWl, all these days was pulled down and burnt. The local yankee officials are making a diplomatic issue on this incident at Washington. In spite of an apology from one of the leaders of the 'naughty' sailors, Union Jacks were also cast to the flames. An European Sergeant was consulted, so also was a G.!. who escaped through his jeep. All this was the result of most rude and unscathing behaviour on the part of the British Officers· drunk with colour prejudice. Notable are the vile words of the COI;nmanding Officer
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King, now·transferred, namely 'Sons of Coolies and Sons of Bitches' ! The strikers have demanded an Indian Commanding Officer. . Aruna Asaf Ali in a statement appealed for moral .support from Congress, Labour and Students Organisations for the strikers, who, she added, should conduc~ their struggle with 9iscipline and dignity. She herself intends to conduct the matter further. The BPCC, while exploring the hooliganism on Tuesday, has given their support to the strikers. S.K. Patil dis"losed that negotiations were going on. in Delhi with higher authorities on the initiative of the friends of the Congress in the Imperial Capital. The Members of the Working Committee have been informed about the grievances of the ratings. A Graver Turn
On Wednesday, the representatives of the strikers from several naval establishments and ships discussed policy and programme' on the decks of the Talwar. It was decided to put the demands before the Flag OffiCer, Vice-Admiral Godfrey. The latter, in true bureaucratic style, issued an order asking the ratings to return to their posts by 3.30 p.m. In the afternoon a regular r,ound-up of the mutineers started - with police, military and Presidency Magistrate going around the city. Meanwhile, the Sailors had determined to carry on the struggle with discipline. On Thursday, incidents similar to those of the 1857 Mutiny were witnessed in the Town Hall area. An armed battle between the ratings and the military with handgrenades, machine guns and bullets went for nearly whole of the morning. The HMIS Narbuda took the lead in threatening return of fire of the authorities shooting from the shore! Vice-Admiral Godfrey in a broadcast to the 'prodigal sons' said "I want again to make it quite plain that the Government of India will never go into violence. To continueihe struggle is the highest folly.' When you take into account the overwhelming forces at the disposal of the Government and which will be used to their utmost even if it means the ,destruction of the Navy". Ceasefire
In the afternoon at about 4 p.m. a peace party, conslstmg of Leading Signaller Khan, President of the Central Strike Committee, S / Lt. S.S. Chowdhury, Lt. Inder Singh and Hatim Darbari went into conference with the strikers inside the barricaded barracks. A temporary agreement was reached whereby two of the officers captured by the insurgents were 'repatriated'. Firing had ceased. The strikers Tribunes' and Brig. South Gate, Officer Commanding, Bombay put their heads together in search of a solution. -But they never reached one ...:..- the authority wanted complete surrender on the part of the. rebels.
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RIN MUTINY: 1946
"Thursday night saw looting and burning in sympathy with the Mutineers, Ration Shops, Post Offices, Military Lorries and every other scanty item was inclu.ded in the lis! of the crowd that went about at dead of night, shouting, running in a wild way. The May & Baker Show Room at French Bridge was clean broken open and was most systematically reheved of the drugs and the glass plates. Even sign posts and street lamps were sent 'off duty'. The Fire-brigades receiving street fresh alarms within six hours. Peace making ventures came to naught and statements to the Press from " either side were galore. The fracas continued on Friday morning with buses and trams idle and the mobs going about in processions large and small bent upon forcing a hartal. Flora Fountain area was tense with action - the mob had declared a regular war or whoever sought to represent the ruling power, be it the cop, the tommie or the Sahib! Armed troops are sitting tied over every strategic corner. Casualties deter not the rowdies who are enjoying their time with brickbats and stones. The heart of this huge commercial city with all the shops and offices closed down and dotted with numerous fires of military trucks in blaze, presence of the dreadful ~spects of a crematorium. It is reported that over 20 have now been killed while nearly 300 were injured and more than 165 sustained bullet wounds. The whole episode is yet making history with the choice between the Congress leaders and naval authorities for a peaceful and just settlement are in "the offing. (Few issues carried some Pictures of the Mutiny and further reports also.) "Hindusthan Standard" Calcutta Issue Feb. 20 (p.1) British Cabinet Mi~sion to India (BANNER HEADLINE): Recommendation of Independence-Pandit Nehru's Demand on British" Government-Need of Unrestricted Powers for Constituent Assembly Allahabad, Feb 19: Commenting on reports that Lord Pethick Lawrence, Secretary of State for India and other British Government officials might soon come to India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said that such a group might help in filling in the details of arrangement for independence. but the first "requirement was "recommendation and proclamation of India's right to full independence ..... " "India must draw up her unelected representatives without any interference from outsiders ..... " "Pandit Nehru was convinced that Pakistan, as demanded, was harmful to all concerned, but even though Pandit Nehru constituted, if some areas "wanted to break away there would be no compulsion to retain them, but this must be made clear by a Plebiscite of those areas on a definite and precise issue."
Note- It may be recalled that there has been a strong reaction in the country" when the British diplomatic move was made public and among
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those who spoke or debated in the Central Assembly or publicly in sympathy and support to the cause of RIN Mutiny were Prof. N.G. Ranga, M.R. Masani, Asaf Ali, Sarat Chandra Bose, M. Sufedar, Satyanarayan Sinha, Sasanka Sanyal, Debendralal Khan besides many others. Issue Feb. 20 (p.5): RIN Ratings on Strike-Complete Confusion in Bombay-Calm Restored after Two .. ours of Violence Some of the naval lorries which went round the city asking the strikers to observe discipline and non-violence bore the letters I.N.N. (means Indian National Navy). The Congress tri-colour flag was also seen flying on the bonnet of some of the lorries. [(Note-A photograph was also published on p. 5 in issue dated Feb. 22, which shows the sailors on the lorry in a jubiiant mood while a few police officers standing as silent spectators. But in British-owned English dailies, the photograph was captioned as the sailors were arrested by the Police which is a deliberate lie.)] Issue Feb. 20 (p.5): State Council on INA Trials New Delhi, Feb. 19 - The Council of State today rejected by 23 vote.s to 13. V. V. Kalikar's resolution recommending the withdrawal of the pending INA Trials and the unconditional release of the INA Officers and men.
Note As we all know, INA personnel's unconditional rele1,l,se was one of the items in the RIN Mutineers Charter of Demands. (HS issue Feb. 22 as also "The Times of India" .issue of same date carried the same RIN Ratings demonstration photograph) Issue Feb. 21 (p. 5): Rating Dismissed Bombay, Feb. 20- Leading Telegraphist, B.C. Dutt of HMIS lalwar. Bombay, who was put under close arrest has been dismissed' after a summary trial by his Commanding Officer for disciplinary offence. He has been sentenced to be dltgraded t9 aTelegraphist and to bedisniissed from service. Dutt was arrested for sticki~g' bills on the walls of the Talwar and writing 'Jai Hind" and 'Quit India' when Vice-Admiral J.H. Godfrey, the Flag Officer Commanding\ RIN, visited the establishment. (API)
'Note - The people were taught to salute each other with 'Jai Hind' which echoed from Talwar through B.e. Dull (Balai DuH) the only unrivalled leader to the rest of India now. This is most important. .
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Naval Wireless Disrupted-Calcutta Ratings Strike continues Naval Wireless Communications from Calcutta to New Delhi and Bombay have been partially disrupted by a strike of Indian Navy ratings at the HMIS Hooghly base barracks called in sympathy with the RIN ratings walked nut in Bombay, Commodore Hughes Hallett of the Bay of Bengal said yesterday: "They have no special grievances against me. The demands put forward by them yesterday have been sent to the authorities in New Delhi." The demands are reported to be release df arrested ratings in Bombay, postwar resettlement and speedy demobilisation' and no,~victimisation of the strikers. RIN Ratings Qn strike at Behala numbered about 300. , Yesterday was the se9'O'nd day of their strike in which no officers are involved. The strikers were peaceful and were being seen every day by their establishment Commandartts. Issue Feb. 21 (p. 5) : Reaction in India on British Government's Decision to send the 'Cabinet Mission' Sarllt Chandra Bose New Delhi, Feb. 20 : "The decision of the British Government is certainly wise from Britain's point of view. Whether it will prove wise from India's point of view remains to_be seen"..... . "India has not had in the past a very happy experience of Commissions and Missions. It is difficult therefore to say much at this stage about the present Cabinet Mission. ~f the present Mission starts discussion with leaders of Indian Nation on the basis of recommendation of India's right to independence, undiluted and undefied, the discussion will, I believe, prove to be fruitful. If -the, Mission talks about 'steps to be taken to p,romote ~arly realisation of full as Government in India', then, I am afraid, it canh~t and will not proceed very far. ,,"Those words namely, 'early or progressive realisation of full as Government in India have already become odious to India. Lord Pethick Lawrence has suffered for his political opinion in the past and I hope he will not fail to appreciate the view point of those who in' India suffered for their political opinions." The Congress President, Maulana, Abul Kalam Azad said that the proposed visit to India of the British Cabinet delegation was a wise decision which would be appreciated by the country. He had no doubt about the sincerity of purpose of Sir Stafford Cripps; He believed that Sir Sta.fford's'ptesence would be helpful to India's case and he would be happy to rri.eet hi~again after an interval of three years.
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Asaf Ali, Dy. Leader of the Congress Party, said "Let us hope that it rbeans something real this time, and that the history of April 1942 and of the Simla Conference will not be repeated. This matter of supreme importance both to India and to the peace of the World that India should be sovereign country, equal in status to all the great powers of the world. It is 10 be hoped that it will take the earliest opportunity of pulling her full weight in the counsels of the free nations of the world." R.S. R\likar, President of the All-India Forward Bloc, said in Nagpur on Feb. 20, when the RIN Mutiny was already three days old, that "India is now tired of these foreign Missions and delegations. We have recently witnessed the 'tamasha' (jokes) of the parliamentary delegations. Now the proposed visit of Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and Mr Albert Alexander is nothing but the repetition of the last 'tamasha'....... " "Time is gone when India will be befooled by the high sounding of the old formula. India now demands deeds and not words. The situation in India today is ripe for a revolution and the astute British Statesmen anyhow want to gain time by carrying futile and endless negotiations ..... Our foremost leader, like Sardul Singh Caveeshiar ,Satyaranjan Bakshi, Leela Roy, Jayprakash Narayan are in jail and. with Maganlal Bagdi and Ashti Chimer prisoners still behind the prison bars and in view of the recent severe punishment inflicted on Captain Abdul Rashid, we cannot carry on any negotiation with LordPethick-Lawrence and Sir Stafford Cripps. Unless the British Government forthwith declares on general political amnesty by releasing all detenus, political prisoners a.nd, ali IN A Officers and soldiers and stops the reign of terror which is almost daily being enacted all over India, today at Bombay and tomorrow at Calcutta, we should refuse to carry on any negotiations with the Cabinet Mission whose hands are dyed' with blood of innocent Indians who have fallen victims to firing in Bombay and Calcutta. "Let England first show by concrete deeds that it really means business, otherwise India will no longer be befooled by these visits of the parliamentary delegation and the Cabinet Mission. India stands firm by the 'Quit India' resolution and will not be det1ected from its path by these British delegations. I appeal to Maulana Azad, our Congress President, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sj. Sarat Chandra Bose, Mr M.A. Jinnah,. the President of All-India Muslim League, to fully understand the deep game of British Imperialism which underlies these parliamentary and 'Cabinet delegations and to refuse to fall in the trap for us and forthwith to insist upon' a concrete and definite proof of the sincerity of England before waling into the parlour of subtle British diplomacy." (U PI)
(Note- It may be recaned that the then Forward Bloc was considered as the dissident wing of the Congress founded by iNetaji, when the same
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national tri-colour was being used as its party flag, and that Maharashtra was full with Netaji's supporters at that time. They are the people who offered all help and cooperation without reservation to the naval mutineers even by supplying the flags, Gandhi caps etc.) M.A. Jinnah's (the Qaid-e-Azam) reaction was that his p~r.ty (Muslim League) was definitely opposed to the setting up' of a single Constitution making .body and also to the formation of what is now described as a representative political executive of the Governor-General as the interim arrangement.. ....
There is no need for any justification for the contemplated EXf:cutive Council. The major issue must be decided first and that is the demand of Muslims in India for 'Pakistan', after the principle of Pakistan is accepted, we can proceed to settle the details. There can be and there is no room for compromise of the Pakistan demand of Muslims in India. He expected free and frank talks with the British Cabinet Mission who were expected by the end of March and, he hoped that they will realise the true situation and the realities of the actual conditions in India and satisfy them with the division of Indila into Pakistan and Hindustan, was the only just solution of India's Constitutional problem which will lead to peace, prosperity and happiness of the two major communities and others inhibiting this subject contention." (API) (Note- It was not so, Indian Muslims were divided on this issue of making a division of Pakistan and Hindustan of India. Many top leaders of the Muslim League, including the one in London then either resigned from the party or dissuaded from pressing the demand. Moreover, even when the country was divided, as Jinnah and his, party chose, there was a great killing among the two sections of people, Hindus find Muslims, in both the places Hindustan and Pakistan just to prove that the theory was wrong and ;.vill continue to' be so: This was realised by the Muslims in the Eastern Sector of the erstwhile Pakistan which has since been liberated by mid-De.cember 1971 to be known as Bangladesh and her people Bengalees).
Issue Feb. 22 (p. I): Settlement Talks Fail Karachi, Feb. 21- Naval Comm_odore Curtis who arrived from New Delhi this afternoon is stated to have tried to contact with the strikers for a settlement, and according to the strikers, they are reported to be demanding that all the issues raised in their latest agitation must be conceded before any such talks could take place. The strikers on board HMIS Hindustan are stated to be signalling with the men in other establishments ~egarding the course of action to be taken. The situation still remains tense. Civil Police are searching Indian ratings
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entering or moving out of the harbour area having arms. No Military personnel were sent. near the vessel. (Note -- This issue also displayed a photograph on p. I captioned: "RIN
Sailors in Bombay hoisted a National Flag at the Ratings' Quarters near Alexandra Docks- Below the Jri-colour is seen the photograph of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; further down is seen British Ensign'). . Same
issue p. 5 also carried another photograph captioned: "After a at the Oval, Bombay, RIN sailors are marching peacefully to Talwar, their Signal School with National Flags." me~ting
Issue Feb. 23 (p. 5): Strike at Vizag About 600 ratings of the RIN belonging to H MIS Circar and other units struck work in sympathy with the strikers in Bombay and Calcutta. They marched in a procession with lhe Congress tri-colour flag shouting 'Jai Hind" 'lnquilab Zindabad' and 'Netaji ki Jai' through the main road to the RAF camp. The strikers demanded release. of INA men without trial, withdrawal of Indian troops from Indonesia, equal pay and status between RIN and RN men and better treatment: (API). Keesing's Contemporary Archives (Weekly Diary of World Events 1946-48):
A. INDIA: Abandonment of Indiab National. Army Trials: The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny: Report of Inquiry Commission into Royal Indian Navy Mutiny The Government of India announced on May 2, 1946 that it had been decided not to proceed any further with the trials of former members of the 'INN and that remaining charges against men awaiting trial would be withd rawn, a further announcement of May 3 I, stating that all IN A prisoners except those eadier convicted had been released. The War Secretary, then Philip Mason, had announc~d on February 6, 1946 that approximately II ,000 members of the Indian National Army had been unconditionally released and 27 punished /lfter court-martial (including 23 convicted before the recovery of Rangoon), the sentences including death, transportation of life, and imprisonment. The trial of Capt. Burhanuddin, which had been adjourned pending petitions on the accused's behalf to a superior court (see 782IA), was resumed after the rejection of these petitions, and resulted in his acquittal on charges of the murder of a sepoy but his conviction on charges of causing grievous bodily harm and waging war against the King Emperor. He was sentence'd to transportation for life, the Commander-in-Chief (Field Marshal Auchinleck), however, commuting the sentence on February
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26, 1946 to 7 years' rigorous imprisonment, cashiering, and forfeiture of arrears of pay. Following the serious riots in Calcutta early in 1946 arising out of the trial and sentence of former Officers of the Indian National Army (see 782IA), a Mutiny broke out among ratings of the Royal Indian Navy of February 19, and subsequent days at Bombay and Karachi. The Mutineers, apart from protesting at the Indian National Army trials, demanded more rapid demobilisation, better food, Royal Navy scales of pay and allowances, and action to remedy alleged individual grievances. The Mutiny began in Bombay when 4000 ratings at the shore trainirig establishment TAL W AR calied for disciplinary action against their Commanding Officer, F. W. King, for alleged insulting conduct to ratings, his replacement by an Indian Officer, and the release of ratings who had been arrested for writing INA slogans when Rear Admiral Rattray (Flag Officer, Bombay) had informed representatives of the mutineers that their demands could not be considered locally but would have to be communicated to New Delhi, the Mutiny spread to other shore establishments and to sloops and minesweepers in harbour, 3000 ratings demonstrating in the centre of Bombay, tearing down the Union Jacks, and attacking British Service personnel and other Europeans. After similar disturbances on February 20, Admiral Godfrey (Flag Officer Commanding, Royal Indian Navy) who had flown to Bombay, ordered all ratings to return to their establishments on pain of arrest, it being, however, subsequently decided to grant the men's demands for better food. On Febtuary 21, tbe mutineers seized control of about 20 vessels, including the sloop HMIS Narbuda (Admiral Godfrey's Flagship), raided the .canteens at the" Talware and .Castle Barracks shore establishments and barr.icated themselves inside after trying to gain control of the armoury. Military Guards were obliged to open fire whereupon ships in harbour under the mutineers' control opened fire on the guards with small arms and Oerlikons, later hoisting the 'cease fire' flag and sending armed parties as'hore to raid food stores. During these events Admiral Godfrey broadcast an ultimatum to the mutineers declaring that, whilst all reasonable requests or grievances would be investigated, the Government could not surrender to violence and that in view of the existence of a state of open Mutiny, and in the absence of unconditional surrender the Government would use all the forces at its command to restore order. Subsequently, mutineers in the Castle Barracks admitted a 'peace mission' of Indian Officers and ratings, and on the following day a 'Cen~ral Strike Committee' made contact with Vallabhbhai Patel, the Congress Leader, and accepted his advice to surrender unconditionally, the surrender being made on February 23. Service casualties during this period were as follows: Killed-"2 Royal Indian Navy Officers and I rating;
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Wounded- 2 Army, 2 M.H. and I Royal Indian Navy 'Officer and 14 ratings, 13 British and Indian other ranks. Whilst the Congress Party, though expressing sympathy with the mutineers, dissociated itself from their actions, widespread riots occurred in Bombay from February 21-24 when mobs, encouraged by Communists and unofficial Leftist elements of Congress (who called a hartal in defiance of the party's instructions), burned and looted 32 Government Grain & Clothing Stores, 8 Banks, 10 Post Offices, IO Police Stations and a large number of Army Vehicles. Military re-inforcements were rushed to the city and troops and police had to open fire on a number of occasions, 240 people being killed, 1037 injured and about 1000 arrested~ , ,/ In Karachi, some 300 r~tings of the sloop HMIS Hindustan, having refused to take the vessel to Sea if any action were taken against 17 ratings who had gone ashore without leave, also mutinied in' support of the Bombay ratings, the strike being joined on February 21, by another 1500 ratings from shore establishments. On February 23, 'after the Hindustan's crew had refused to obey demands to lay down their arms and abandon ship, the naval and military authorities ordered rifle fire to be opened on the'vessel. After an exchange of fire in which the main armament of the Hindustan and mortars and field guns ashore went into action, the mutineers, both afloat and ashore, surrendered after losing 4 of their number killed and 26 injured. Subsequent disturbances in Karachi, in which the Police opened fire resulted in the death of 6 civilians, while 10 police and 33 civilians were wounded. Peaceable demullstratillns by Royal Indian Navy ratings took place at the same place in Calcutta (where the men concerned returned to duty on the advice of Jinnah, the Muslim League Leader) and in Vizagapatam; similar demonstrations were staged by Royal Indian Air Force personnel in Bombay and New Delhi; while at Jabbalpore, Sepoys of the Indian Army demonstrated on February 27 in support of the Royal Indian Navy mutineers and in protest against the sentence passed on Capt. Burhanuddin. Field Marshal Auchinleck in a broadcast on February 25, 1946 declared that while the ring leaders of the mutiny would be tried individually and those guilty punished, there would be no question of any 'victimisation' emphasising that discipline m~sf be maintained in the armed forces and that legitimate grievances would be remedied. Mr Attlee, in statements in the House of Commons on February 22 and February 26 declared inter alia that none of the claims put forward by the Royal Indian Navy had been advanced before the incidents arose and that the Governm.ent would fully support the attitude of the Commander-in-Chief in India. ' The resort to violence by Royal Indian Navy ratings was strongly condemned by leaders of the Congress Party. Gandhi, in statements on February 23 and 26, appealed for an end to the 'thoughtless orgy of
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violence'; declared that looting, burning of property and insults to Europeans were opposed to the Co~gress concept of non-violence; and said that the mutineers should, if they had legitimate grievances, have looked for guidance, intervention and redress of their political leaders. Speaking at a meeting in Bombay on February 26, both Nehru and Patel while demanding a public enquiry into the ratings' grievances affirmed the necessity for maintaining discipline in the armed forces and denounced the resort to firearms and other means of violence. Investigation by Courts of Enquiry (each presided over by an RIN Officer from an establishment not affected by the Mutiny) into the cases of the ratings who had surrendered commenced on March 1946. It was announced on April 30, that of 312 Bombay ratings whose cases had been completed, 84 had been sentenced to terms of imprisonment upto 90 days, 60 dismissed and 'dismissed with disgrace', 42 discharged as unsuitable and 125 drafted back to their ships. It was announced from Karachi on June 14 that, of the ratings implicated in the Mutiny in that city, 65 had been sentenced for imprisonm.ent for upto 90 days. On July 17, Commander' F.W. King was found guilty by a Court Martial·of neglecting to investigate the complaints of ratings il1lmediately, and ordered to be dismissed from ~he shore establishment to which he had been transferred since the Mutiny' and to be severely reprimanded, the Court found that the charge of using insulting word not proved.
Note- Also see report on Chapter Two 'Enquiry Commission' herein. (The Author does not agree with the report fully. His narrations are given in Chapter Two herein). "The Pioneer" (Lucknow), Feb 20 (p. 12) : Bombays RIN Outburst B.C. Dutt of H,MIS Talwar who was caught writing 'Jai Hind' and 'Quit India' on the saluting base at the time of the visit of the Flag Officer Commanding Royal Indian Navy, and was put under arrest has now been released. Naval Rating R.K. Singh for whose release the· strikers are agitating is still in Arthur Road Jail. . Brockway's Reaction to Navy Mutiny: Tribute to Jai,PrakashNarain London, Feb. 25 - Events of the past few days show that the days of the British rule in India are numbered, declared Fenner Brockway, Political Secretary of the Independent Labour Party (a Socialist Group not connected with the Labollr Party now in Power). Addressing a Conference of the British Centre' against Imperialism last night, Brockway said that when the organised forces in India defy
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orders, the British Raj must realise that in addition to the civilian population, the very armed forces on which it had relied in the past were no longer reliable. Brockway added "Even those of us who are not in the Labour party, feel a general sense of solidarity with the working class movement so as not to wish to denounce the Government of Labour which it has returned. But, just as during the.Boer War, there were Englishmen who declared their feelings of sympathy and solidarity with the Boers, so it is our duty as Englishmen, as anti-imperialists, as socialists to say that our sense of solidarity is now with the Indian people. I believe that we are voicing the sentiments of British troops themselves when we say they do not want to be in the interests of Imperialism against the Indian people." Brockwayadded, "The Conference adopted a resolution pledging, support for subject people in their rising against their oppressors everywhere and declaring that the only way to satisfy their demands was immediate pronouncement of independence, accompanied, in the case of India, by drastic measures to end forthwith the intolerable conditions that have provoked disturbances in Bombay and elsewhere." Brockway stated that the Federation of Indian Associations in Great Britain and the PanAfrican Federation had agreed to co-operate with the British Centre against Imperialism, but refused to seek affiliation. Brockway paid tribute to Jai Prakash Narain whom he described as "Great Living Socialist in -the World today" and compared him to Lenin. Surat Alley pf the Federation of the Indian Association in Great Britain said "Indians may not be identified today· as socialists or communists, but only as nationalists because our main struggle is to see that the British Quit India". K.D. Kumria, Secretary of the Sawraj House, London, said that the Indian National Congress was not a reactionary ultra-nationalistic body, but the greatest anti-imperialist organisation in the world today. It was agreed at the Conference to organise a demonstration to demand Indian Independence and condemn the shooting in Bombay and Karachi." (Reuter)
Issue Feb. 27 (p. 8) : India will not Remain Slave For Ever Madras, Feb. 25 - India will not remain enslaved for ever. We want the British Government to realise that their hold on this country shall not continue. The incidents in Bombay have shown clel,ifly the temperament of the people, observed Asoka Mehta, President of the Indian Students Congress, addre.ssing a huge gathering of labourers today.
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Mehta then referred to the strike by the RIN personnel which, he said, was not for better conditions of service and better wages alone, but it was also political demonstration. He added "the events in Bombay ha~ therefore opened up a new chapter in the history of our freedom movement: He thanked the people of Madras for the expr-essicin of their sympathy and solidarity for what had happe.p.ed in Bombay by observing a complete ..hartal, the like of which, he said, had not been witnessed for a long time. K. Kamraja Nadar, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee also addressed the gathering. (API) "The Statesman" (C~lcutta)' Issue Feb. 19"(p. 5): Attacks on Individual Deplored H.S. Surawardy in a statement says Maulana Azad has tried to give the impression that the Congress was aloof from the Calcutta demonstrations which were got up primarily by some Muslim League and Communist students. He asks whether the Congress President realises and to what public feeling aroused by 'Quit India' slogans and the violent speeches made ·by leaders run amok, have aroused not merely anti-imperialist sentiments but positive personal animosity against Britishers, Anglo-indians and all external signs of foreign culture and civilization such as hats, ties and even Churches ..... . The British are going, but we can clearly see that unless alternative arrangements for taking over the reigns of Government are made before they leave, such things will recur in worse forms ......... Let this also sink deep into the hearts of our countrymen that the war against Jmperialism has to be waged without hatred and animosity against the individual". (API) Issue Feb. 19 Bombay-About 3,000 men from RIN sloops, minesweepers and shore establishments in Bombay today demonstrated, sometimes violently in the heart of the city. For two hours they caused utter confusion and a complete hold-up of traffic at Flora Fountain. Some British Officers and men of the fighting services were attacked. Three British servicemen, four police ,officers and two constables receiv~d injuries. (p. I):
Azad Clarifies the Congress Policy: Final struggle: If H.M.G. fails to honour its pledge
The Congress President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in a statement issued yesterday says that if the British Government failed to honour the September 1945 declaration in letter and in. spirit, the Congress will consider the necessary steps for a final and decisive struggle. The Congress
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decislOn to wait and watch should not be construed as unwillingness to fight...... He particuIiuly appeals to the youth of India to realise the wisdom of Congress Party and obey it as disciplined soldiers ...... The only problem before India today is the iinmediate realisation of the country's independence ...... " Questioned about his opinion on the demonstration being staged from time to '\ime over the INA and the release of political prisoners, the Congress President said "the one supreme problem before the country now is the attainment of independence, and it is not in the interest of the country to waste energy over any other matter for the time being. For the success of our cause, it is necessary that the atmosphere in the country should remain peaceful." Issue Feb. 21 (p. 1): Bombay Ratings Strike: Men returned to their Billets Bombay, Feb. 20 - Shortly after 10 a.m. tonight the naval ratings of HMIS Talwar who were on strike went to their mess to eat, after which they went to their billets. The situation was described by high naval officer as 'all quiet' at mid-night. Naval Police continuing their round-tip of strikers on the streets, arrested more than·40 ratings who refused to· go to their establishments; ..... (p.6):
Third IN A Trial: Reply to Defence Arguments Delhi Cantonment, Feb. 20 - Replying to the defence arguments at the trial by the Third INA Court Martial of Sub. Shingara Singh and J~m. Fateh Khan, the prosecuting counsel, Carden Noad, made the point that the Court 'had to administer the law of India, and that law hold the citizen of British India responsible for any act which was a crime against Indian law wherever accommodated. Carden Noad said "The question for the Court is merely where they. are satisfied upon the evidence that the accused are guilty of the. charges brought against them at this trial." Dealing with the objection of the Defence Counsel that the prosecution had not proved the aims and objects of the INA to show that this body was intended for committing the offence under Section 121 IPC, namely waging war against the King, Noa