World War 2 -
Career History
Early Voluntary Activities
During
his studies, he actively engaged in voluntary activities. From October 1936 to
November 1939, he served as a Cadet in the 2nd Battalion of the Calcutta Volunteer Training Corps (CVTC) under the Indian Territorial Force
(ITF). At the same time, he pursued a bachelor’s degree at Kolkata Islamia
College.
Beginning of Professional Life
The untimely death of his uncle and mentor, Dr. Sobhan, forced him to
leave his studies and join Bengal Fire Services in Kolkata. In late 1939, he
became the first Muslim officer to serve in the Fire Service, as recalled by
veteran officers of the time. He worked in this role until late 1941. However,
with the war intensifying near Burma's border, he found the firefighting role
unfulfilling. During that period there were some Japanese air raids in Kolkata
where civilian areas were torched. He had to fight the fire and was determined
to tackle the root of it rather than putting it out. It seemed that the challenges
were not enough to fuel his wider vision.
Joining the Indian Pioneer Corps (IPC)
The British Colonial Army during that period was running short of
manpower to fill in the gaps of soldiers to fight the advancing enemy. The main
focus was to tackle the Axis advance in West Africa and Europe. They were in a
hurry to recruit young, educated persons as Emergency Commissioned Officer. To
build up a supporting force to support the fighting force the Army raised the
Indian Pioneer Corps.
Answering the call to serve in the Army, he joined the Emergency Commission
Service under the Colonial British Indian Army and entered the Officers’
Training School in Bangalore on 8 January 1942. Remarkably, even before
starting formal training, he contributed to recruiting for the IPC. A retired
IPC veteran recounted being recruited by him on 10 January 1942 at Khidirpur
Army Recruitment Centre, Kolkata, while he was still in civilian attire. This
indicates his early involvement in IPC operations, even before receiving formal
military training.
The IPC primarily recruited physically capable individuals from Bengal and
specially East Bengal to support wartime logistics, such as building roads,
bridges, airfields, and bunkers. These men, often drawn from working-class
backgrounds, were also equipped with weapons when emergencies demanded direct
engagement. Due to the economic conditions owing to the war there was mass
unemployment and young youths thronged to join the IPC. Receiving his commission in the Corps of Infantry on 8 August 1942,
Lieutenant Ghani became instrumental in organizing and leading these
half-trained soldiers. His leadership skills were well-suited to the demands of
the time, earning him trust from both his men and his commanders.
War Service: The Burma Campaign (WWII)
Lieutenant Ghani served in various capacities on the war front from 9
August 1942 to 15 July 1946, spanning operations east of the Brahmaputra River
and later in Akyab under the Southeast Asian Command (SEAC).
East of
the Brahmaputra River (24 April 1943 – 3 March 1945)
During this time, the region faced relentless Japanese advances and
Allied reverses and withdrawal from Bruma. Significant battles such as Imphal,
Kohima, and Meiktila in the north, tested the resolve of Allied forces. The
brutal jungle terrain and close-range combat made this campaign one of the most
challenging in military history. Employed as Adjutant &
Quartermaster of IPC Groups and Commanding Companies in IPC units, Captain
Ghani played a crucial role in ensuring provisions and logistical support for
frontline operations.
He had the opportunity to traverse the entire Chittagong Hill tracts during
that period which still bears the paved tracks made during that period to carry
logistics and for troops movement. While His responsibilities included
construction of supply routes, ensuring supply to front line troops, building
critical infrastructure, and occasionally defending positions alongside his
troops. His leadership and organizational abilities were vital in maintaining
the morale and effectiveness of the Pioneer Corps under harsh conditions. I
would like to mention that during his deliberations in the Provincial assembly
as Member of the Assembly in 1956 after almost 12 years he informed the
Provincial Assembly that there was huge deposit of hard rock in the hill tracts
which could be extracted for construction works also other mineral resources
which could be extracted.
Southeast
Asian Command (SEAC)
(Akyab Operations: 4 March 1945 – 15 July 1946)
The campaign in Akyab was marked by some of the fiercest battles of the
war. Captain Ghani and his Pioneer Corps units moved south to support these
efforts, often fighting alongside regular troops. The severity of jungle
warfare in these mountainous regions continues to be studied by military
historians as a testament to human endurance and strategy.
During this period, he most likely encountered key figures like General Slim
and possibly General Messervy, who were instrumental in turning the tide of the
war. Captain Ghani's service highlighted the critical role of support troops in
ensuring the success of frontline operations.
Reflections on War and Brotherhood
The war profoundly shaped his worldview, exposing him to the devastating
impact of famine, socio-political upheaval, and the harsh realities of ethnic
divisions within the subcontinent. Despite these challenges, he witnessed the
camaraderie and resilience of the Pioneer Corps soldiers. The bonds formed
during these life-and-death situations created a brotherhood that extended
beyond the battlefield, lasting long after the war had ended.
Forged
in the Fires of Battle
Just as a blacksmith hammers hot iron into a sharp sword, the relentless
struggle on the battlefield forges a soldier into a skilled warrior. The
battlefield serves as a soldier's training ground, instilling values of esprit
de corps, loyalty, and adaptability to outwit adversaries. Soldiers of the
Pioneer Corps, despite lacking formal training, honed their combat skills
during campaigns in eastern India and Burma. These experiences transformed them
into battle-hardened fighters, comparable to the so-called martial races of the
subcontinent.
A Vision
Sharpened by Circumstance
The core soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment emerged like sharpened
swords; their abilities refined by the harsh realities of war. Captain Ghani,
deeply aware of the socio-political turmoil and the likelihood of partition,
was determined to establish a military presence for East Bengal in the national
army. If partition had not occurred, he planned to advocate for a Bengal
Regiment within the Indian Army.
Partition
and Its Consequences
By late 1946, the time of partition of India was still uncertain. The
widespread communal riots and violence of exterminating each other hastening
its inevitability. The resulting division led to immense suffering, as millions
were killed or displaced in search of refuge there was mass migration from both
the divides. Captain Ghani’s foresight and leadership kept the hopes of his
troops high and ensured that a military foundation was laid for East Bengal
amidst this chaos.
The
Elements to form Military force from East Bengal
After the cessation of hostilities in World War II around mid-1946,
Pioneer Corps combatants began reporting to various centres for demobilisation.
It was during this time that Captain Abdul Ghani, serving as Adjutant of the
Pioneer Corps in Jalna, India, identified a unique opportunity to formalise the
creation of a separate regular fighting unit from the war-hardened Pioneer
Corps soldiers.
Motivated by a strong sense of duty towards his under command and the
camaraderie of his "Band of Brothers," he envisioned fulfilling his
dream of creating a dedicated fighting force or Infantry Regiment. Captain
Ghani’s wartime experience, leading and training soldiers in battle, made him
uniquely qualified to judge the abilities of these combat veterans. With this
vision, he actively recruited, trained, and prepared soldiers to form the
foundation of this new legacy.
Collaboration
During the War
During the critical periods of the war, all supporting forces worked
together to repel the enemy. Captain Ghani, whether serving as Quartermaster,
Adjutant, or Company Commander of the Auxiliary Indian Pioneer Corps,
frequently interacted with senior commanders. According to Late Major General
R.A.M. Golam Mukhtadir, "Taj, your dad used to share tea breaks with
General Messervy during the Burma Campaign." Although General
Mukhtadir himself did not participate in World War II but he was part of the
East Bengal Regiment and heard tales of the war from Pioneer Corps veterans who
had joined the new nation. Such narratives enriched the regiment's legacy, and
it was not uncommon for a commander to share a moment of camaraderie, such as
enjoying tea, with his troops amidst the rigours of battle.
Bold
Initiative for a New Fighting Force
As the forces began withdrawing from the frontlines and returning to
their barracks before the partition of the Indian subcontinent, Captain Ghani
proposed a visionary idea. As Adjutant of the Jalna Pioneer Corps Centre, he
expressed to the Centre Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel R.R. Morrierty of the
Baluch Regiment, his desire to form a separate Infantry unit from the Pioneer
Corps soldiers. Recognising the potential of these experienced combatants, the
Commandant approved and encouraged Captain Ghani to select suitable soldiers
for the new regiment.
Captain Ghani began organising and transferring these selected soldiers between
Avadi and Jalna to prepare them for their post-war roles. The soldiers were
grouped into two company units, 1256 and 1407, which would later be retained in
the post-war Indian Army. At that time, the partition of India was imminent,
but the name of the new nation had not yet been declared.
Role of
Leadership in Post-War Transition
As preparations for partition accelerated, the British government worked
to reorganise the divided national armies. General Sir Frank Walter Messervy,
who had played a key role in the Burma Campaign, first as a brigade commander
and later as a Major General leading the 7th Division, was appointed as the
first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. Captain Ghani’s initiative
aligned with these broader efforts to establish and strengthen the newly
created military forces his vision and determination laid the foundation for
what would become a significant contribution to the formation of army in would
be East Pakistan.
Move to
Dhaka, new Capital of East Pakistan
With the date for India’s partition announced, preparations were in full
swing to relocate over 1,500 troops from Jalna to Dhaka, the capital of East
Pakistan. Captain Ghani, stationed in Jalna since 31st March 1947, worked
tirelessly until end of August to organise the newly named Pakistan Pioneer
Company 1256. Incidentally his young wife Begum Asiya Ghani was in Jalna
when all these reorganisations were taking place. He took over the command of
the 1256 Pak Pioneer Company on 2nd September 1947 at Jalna.
Late in the first week of September 1947, the large convoy of troops carrying
train departed Jalna; first moving to Madh Island Cantonment in Mumbai. The Company
had to wait for final movement orders from Pakistan Army. Although Captain
Ghani, with his wife hoped to visit some sacred sites in India but on 5
September 1947, directives from Pakistan Headquarters arrived, instructing
immediate movement to Dhaka. On 7 September 1947, the convoy set out on its
journey to their destination, Dhaka.
Career History
Early Voluntary Activities
During
his studies, he actively engaged in voluntary activities. From October 1936 to
November 1939, he served as a Cadet in the 2nd Battalion of the Calcutta Volunteer Training Corps (CVTC) under the Indian Territorial Force
(ITF). At the same time, he pursued a bachelor’s degree at Kolkata Islamia
College.
Beginning of Professional Life
The untimely death of his uncle and mentor, Dr. Sobhan, forced him to
leave his studies and join Bengal Fire Services in Kolkata. In late 1939, he
became the first Muslim officer to serve in the Fire Service, as recalled by
veteran officers of the time. He worked in this role until late 1941. However,
with the war intensifying near Burma's border, he found the firefighting role
unfulfilling. During that period there were some Japanese air raids in Kolkata
where civilian areas were torched. He had to fight the fire and was determined
to tackle the root of it rather than putting it out. It seemed that the challenges
were not enough to fuel his wider vision.
Joining the Indian Pioneer Corps (IPC)
The British Colonial Army during that period was running short of
manpower to fill in the gaps of soldiers to fight the advancing enemy. The main
focus was to tackle the Axis advance in West Africa and Europe. They were in a
hurry to recruit young, educated persons as Emergency Commissioned Officer. To
build up a supporting force to support the fighting force the Army raised the
Indian Pioneer Corps.
Answering the call to serve in the Army, he joined the Emergency Commission
Service under the Colonial British Indian Army and entered the Officers’
Training School in Bangalore on 8 January 1942. Remarkably, even before
starting formal training, he contributed to recruiting for the IPC. A retired
IPC veteran recounted being recruited by him on 10 January 1942 at Khidirpur
Army Recruitment Centre, Kolkata, while he was still in civilian attire. This
indicates his early involvement in IPC operations, even before receiving formal
military training.
The IPC primarily recruited physically capable individuals from Bengal and
specially East Bengal to support wartime logistics, such as building roads,
bridges, airfields, and bunkers. These men, often drawn from working-class
backgrounds, were also equipped with weapons when emergencies demanded direct
engagement. Due to the economic conditions owing to the war there was mass
unemployment and young youths thronged to join the IPC. Receiving his commission in the Corps of Infantry on 8 August 1942,
Lieutenant Ghani became instrumental in organizing and leading these
half-trained soldiers. His leadership skills were well-suited to the demands of
the time, earning him trust from both his men and his commanders.
War Service: The Burma Campaign (WWII)
Lieutenant Ghani served in various capacities on the war front from 9
August 1942 to 15 July 1946, spanning operations east of the Brahmaputra River
and later in Akyab under the Southeast Asian Command (SEAC).
East of
the Brahmaputra River (24 April 1943 – 3 March 1945)
During this time, the region faced relentless Japanese advances and
Allied reverses and withdrawal from Bruma. Significant battles such as Imphal,
Kohima, and Meiktila in the north, tested the resolve of Allied forces. The
brutal jungle terrain and close-range combat made this campaign one of the most
challenging in military history. Employed as Adjutant &
Quartermaster of IPC Groups and Commanding Companies in IPC units, Captain
Ghani played a crucial role in ensuring provisions and logistical support for
frontline operations.
He had the opportunity to traverse the entire Chittagong Hill tracts during
that period which still bears the paved tracks made during that period to carry
logistics and for troops movement. While His responsibilities included
construction of supply routes, ensuring supply to front line troops, building
critical infrastructure, and occasionally defending positions alongside his
troops. His leadership and organizational abilities were vital in maintaining
the morale and effectiveness of the Pioneer Corps under harsh conditions. I
would like to mention that during his deliberations in the Provincial assembly
as Member of the Assembly in 1956 after almost 12 years he informed the
Provincial Assembly that there was huge deposit of hard rock in the hill tracts
which could be extracted for construction works also other mineral resources
which could be extracted.
Southeast
Asian Command (SEAC)
(Akyab Operations: 4 March 1945 – 15 July 1946)
The campaign in Akyab was marked by some of the fiercest battles of the
war. Captain Ghani and his Pioneer Corps units moved south to support these
efforts, often fighting alongside regular troops. The severity of jungle
warfare in these mountainous regions continues to be studied by military
historians as a testament to human endurance and strategy.
During this period, he most likely encountered key figures like General Slim
and possibly General Messervy, who were instrumental in turning the tide of the
war. Captain Ghani's service highlighted the critical role of support troops in
ensuring the success of frontline operations.
Reflections on War and Brotherhood
The war profoundly shaped his worldview, exposing him to the devastating
impact of famine, socio-political upheaval, and the harsh realities of ethnic
divisions within the subcontinent. Despite these challenges, he witnessed the
camaraderie and resilience of the Pioneer Corps soldiers. The bonds formed
during these life-and-death situations created a brotherhood that extended
beyond the battlefield, lasting long after the war had ended.
Forged
in the Fires of Battle
Just as a blacksmith hammers hot iron into a sharp sword, the relentless
struggle on the battlefield forges a soldier into a skilled warrior. The
battlefield serves as a soldier's training ground, instilling values of esprit
de corps, loyalty, and adaptability to outwit adversaries. Soldiers of the
Pioneer Corps, despite lacking formal training, honed their combat skills
during campaigns in eastern India and Burma. These experiences transformed them
into battle-hardened fighters, comparable to the so-called martial races of the
subcontinent.
A Vision
Sharpened by Circumstance
The core soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment emerged like sharpened
swords; their abilities refined by the harsh realities of war. Captain Ghani,
deeply aware of the socio-political turmoil and the likelihood of partition,
was determined to establish a military presence for East Bengal in the national
army. If partition had not occurred, he planned to advocate for a Bengal
Regiment within the Indian Army.
Partition
and Its Consequences
By late 1946, the time of partition of India was still uncertain. The
widespread communal riots and violence of exterminating each other hastening
its inevitability. The resulting division led to immense suffering, as millions
were killed or displaced in search of refuge there was mass migration from both
the divides. Captain Ghani’s foresight and leadership kept the hopes of his
troops high and ensured that a military foundation was laid for East Bengal
amidst this chaos.
The
Elements to form Military force from East Bengal
After the cessation of hostilities in World War II around mid-1946,
Pioneer Corps combatants began reporting to various centres for demobilisation.
It was during this time that Captain Abdul Ghani, serving as Adjutant of the
Pioneer Corps in Jalna, India, identified a unique opportunity to formalise the
creation of a separate regular fighting unit from the war-hardened Pioneer
Corps soldiers.
Motivated by a strong sense of duty towards his under command and the
camaraderie of his "Band of Brothers," he envisioned fulfilling his
dream of creating a dedicated fighting force or Infantry Regiment. Captain
Ghani’s wartime experience, leading and training soldiers in battle, made him
uniquely qualified to judge the abilities of these combat veterans. With this
vision, he actively recruited, trained, and prepared soldiers to form the
foundation of this new legacy.
Collaboration
During the War
During the critical periods of the war, all supporting forces worked
together to repel the enemy. Captain Ghani, whether serving as Quartermaster,
Adjutant, or Company Commander of the Auxiliary Indian Pioneer Corps,
frequently interacted with senior commanders. According to Late Major General
R.A.M. Golam Mukhtadir, "Taj, your dad used to share tea breaks with
General Messervy during the Burma Campaign." Although General
Mukhtadir himself did not participate in World War II but he was part of the
East Bengal Regiment and heard tales of the war from Pioneer Corps veterans who
had joined the new nation. Such narratives enriched the regiment's legacy, and
it was not uncommon for a commander to share a moment of camaraderie, such as
enjoying tea, with his troops amidst the rigours of battle.
Bold
Initiative for a New Fighting Force
As the forces began withdrawing from the frontlines and returning to
their barracks before the partition of the Indian subcontinent, Captain Ghani
proposed a visionary idea. As Adjutant of the Jalna Pioneer Corps Centre, he
expressed to the Centre Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel R.R. Morrierty of the
Baluch Regiment, his desire to form a separate Infantry unit from the Pioneer
Corps soldiers. Recognising the potential of these experienced combatants, the
Commandant approved and encouraged Captain Ghani to select suitable soldiers
for the new regiment.
Captain Ghani began organising and transferring these selected soldiers between
Avadi and Jalna to prepare them for their post-war roles. The soldiers were
grouped into two company units, 1256 and 1407, which would later be retained in
the post-war Indian Army. At that time, the partition of India was imminent,
but the name of the new nation had not yet been declared.
Role of
Leadership in Post-War Transition
As preparations for partition accelerated, the British government worked
to reorganise the divided national armies. General Sir Frank Walter Messervy,
who had played a key role in the Burma Campaign, first as a brigade commander
and later as a Major General leading the 7th Division, was appointed as the
first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army. Captain Ghani’s initiative
aligned with these broader efforts to establish and strengthen the newly
created military forces his vision and determination laid the foundation for
what would become a significant contribution to the formation of army in would
be East Pakistan.
Move to
Dhaka, new Capital of East Pakistan
With the date for India’s partition announced, preparations were in full
swing to relocate over 1,500 troops from Jalna to Dhaka, the capital of East
Pakistan. Captain Ghani, stationed in Jalna since 31st March 1947, worked
tirelessly until end of August to organise the newly named Pakistan Pioneer
Company 1256. Incidentally his young wife Begum Asiya Ghani was in Jalna
when all these reorganisations were taking place. He took over the command of
the 1256 Pak Pioneer Company on 2nd September 1947 at Jalna.
Late in the first week of September 1947, the large convoy of troops carrying
train departed Jalna; first moving to Madh Island Cantonment in Mumbai. The Company
had to wait for final movement orders from Pakistan Army. Although Captain
Ghani, with his wife hoped to visit some sacred sites in India but on 5
September 1947, directives from Pakistan Headquarters arrived, instructing
immediate movement to Dhaka. On 7 September 1947, the convoy set out on its
journey to their destination, Dhaka.