A Royal tribute : Book Review
A ‘Royal’ Tribute – History of 5th
Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry (5th MLI), 1800 to 2005. By Major General
(Retd.) E D’Souza, PVSM. (ARB Interactive 2005)
A ‘Royal’ Tribute is the bench mark book for all regimental histories. Fortunately, the publishers have bounded it with hard cover as the 750 odd pages hold amazing levels of details; certainly a soft cover would have burst out. The author was with the 5th MLI since 1943. He served the regiment as the Colonel from 1969 until he retired in 1977.
The book includes a special message by current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC. Gen JJ Singh commanded the 5th Royals before he was appointed COAS.
The Battalion since its birth in 21 Dec 1800 has seen action in Mesopotamia, Persia and Italy in both he world wars.
In free India, the 5th MLI proved it mettle while defending Jammu and Kashmir in 1948. The Battalion participated in the battle of Zoji La. Subsequently the battalion proved its mettle by beating back a Chinese incursion in 1965. Major General (Retd.) E D’Souza was commanding this battle. The 5th Royals were deployed in both western and northern fronts against two different enemy countries in 1965. Subsequently the Battalion participated in the Bangladesh liberation war. The unit won Battle Honor of Suadih. The 5th
There are pictures, diagrams or maps for all major events. They are rare. Some are never seen before. It’s a treat for any historian or enthusiast. Royals were later in Srilanka as the part of Indian Peace Keeping Force. The unit saw a lot of action against the militants of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE). Winning Honors and Awards is habitual for the unit.
The book is again a treasure trove for a historian because of the details like names, ranks, locations etc and etc. Enthusiasts can skip this.
For military enthusiasts, there is ample. Every operation and skirmish is detailed. Did you know that the Chinese lost 15000 men out of which 500 died of hunger and cold, even before the hostilities with India started in 1962?
The battle of 1971 and the deployment in Sri Lanka are covered comprehensively. It also has day by day account on the Indian Peace Keeping Force deployments.
What does a Battalion do in the peace time? The book offers excellent insight into a battalion’s activity during rest phase. I admit its not exciting thing to read but it helps understanding the training phases of the armed forces. Take for example, Exercise Tri Shakti . 5th Royals were instrumental in forming the strategies and tactics for the genesis and future of Indian Division sized Air Assault in 1986. The lessons have been useful in Srilanka, air assault conducted in 1990’s for re instating the head of State of Maldives. Maldives a tiny Indian Ocean country was taken over by militants.
The cost in India is Rs 650 (US 20 $ and UK 15 Pounds) per copy plus normal bank charges (Rs 20 if within India) for outstation cheques. The cheque should be mailed to the Unit made out to ‘PRI 5 Maratha’ and the
postal address is 5 Marataha LI, C/O 56 A P O. Shipping cost extra.
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