The 1971 war between India and Pakistan led to the creation of Bangladesh. All major wars on conclusion lead to a series of books dealing with the military history, battle accounts, memoirs and political analysis. The was over Bangladesh has similarity produced a whole body of literature and like a law of physics, more books and fresh research would continue to grow. This book is thus one unique addition. The operations of IV Corps of the Indian army which were undertaken from the eastern borders of the erstwhile east Pakistan during 1971 are lessons in operational art and campaign planning. Firepower and manoeubre are the two basic building blocks of tactics. Firepower of medium guns of the artillery is the ultimate form of fire support. But without good troops o firepower or manoeuvre can be of any worth. This book weaves manoeuver can be of any worth. This book weaves together a tale of grass root soldiering through the eyes and experience of a subaltern with his men in painting a unique picture of the history of the war in Bangladesh. The memoirs also take into account a comprehensive range of literature by India, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and foreign authors on the regimental histories and battle accounts of the war to authenticate the events. Probably for the first time in history, India was instrumental in the birth of a nation. This book records one such impression an historical analysis. It gives an insight on what was the peak period of professionalism of the Indian army. It also has appendices on various aspects such as the history of one of the finest units of the mountain artillery which revives the aura and tales of the mountain gunners and gives refreshing insights on the Burma campaign. Besides professional militaries and its readership in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries, the book would be of interest to the war veterans and also the younger generations and academics as a unique study of military institutions and ethos of that era.
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