by: Lt. Gen. JFR Jacob Publisher: Manohar Publishers & Distributors , Price: Rs.400 , Pages: 276
The campaign for the liberation of Bangladesh was short and swift, spread over some thirteen campaign days, conducted in riverine terrain highly suitable for defense. The author describes events leading to the creation of Bangladesh beginning with the Pakistan Army's crackdown in East Pakistan on 26 march 1971, to the outbreak of full scale war following the Pakistani bombing of indian airfields in the west on the evening of 3 December 1971 and the subsequent military operations leading to the surrender of Pakistan eastern Command. Outlining the evolution of the strategy of the campaign, he details the selection of thrust lines using subsidiary dirt tracks that bypassed centers of resistance and opened up axes of maintenance later. The objectives selected were communication centers in relation to the geopolitical heart - Dacca. A concise account of the execution of the campaign is given. He highlights the role of the Mukti Bahini and the great contribution they made towards the liberation of their country. he describes the pressures exerted at the Security Council and the Pro-Pakistani stance of China and the USA as well as giving a first hand account of the negotiations and the signing of the instrument of surrender. The author draws lessons from the political and military aspects of the campaign and highlights the lack of clear directives both political and military and the ad hoc higher command set up for war. The lessons of 1971 have yet to be learnt. This book will be of interest to general public, armed forces, staff and war colleges and all those concerned with the business of war. Lt Gen Jack Jacob was born in Calcutta and commissioned into the Indian Artillery in June 1942. He saw active service with his regiment during WWII in the Middle East, Burma and later in Sumatra. He graduated from the Gunnery Staff Course in the UK and later did the Advanced Artillery and Missile course from Fort Hill in the USA. During his 37 years in the Army he commanded infantry and artillery brigades, the Artillery school, an infantry division corps and finally Eastern Army. He was chief of Staff, Eastern Army during the critical period prior to and during the operation for the liberation of Bangladesh, being awarded the PSVM for his pivotal role there. he retired from the army on 31 July 1978. "Jack" as he is popularly known, writes and lectures on international affairs and defense related matters.
The book is available from SOUTHASIA BOOKS, Box 502 Columbia MO 65201; FAX: 573-674-8124 , PH: 573-474-0116 The campaign for the liberation of Bangladesh was short and swift, spread over some thirteen campaign days, conducted in riverine terrain highly suitable for defense. The author describes events leading to the creation of Bangladesh beginning with the Pakistan Army's crackdown in East Pakistan on 26 march 1971, to the outbreak of full scale war following the Pakistani bombing of indian airfields in the west on the evening of 3 December 1971 and the subsequent military operations leading to the surrender of Pakistan eastern Command. Outlining the evolution of the strategy of the campaign, he details the selection of thrust lines using subsidiary dirt tracks that bypassed centers of resistance and opened up axes of maintenance later. The objectives selected were communication centers in relation to the geopolitical heart - Dacca. A concise account of the execution of the campaign is given. He highlights the role of the Mukti Bahini and the great contribution they made towards the liberation of their country. he describes the pressures exerted at the Security Council and the Pro-Pakistani stance of China and the USA as well as giving a first hand account of the negotiations and the signing of the instrument of surrender. The author draws lessons from the political and military aspects of the campaign and highlights the lack of clear directives both political and military and the ad hoc higher command set up for war. The lessons of 1971 have yet to be learnt. This book will be of interest to general public, armed forces, staff and war colleges and all those concerned with the business of war. Lt Gen Jack Jacob was born in Calcutta and commissioned into the Indian Artillery in June 1942. He saw active service with his regiment during WWII in the Middle East, Burma and later in Sumatra. He graduated from the Gunnery Staff Course in the UK and later did the Advanced Artillery and Missile course from Fort Hill in the USA. During his 37 years in the Army he commanded infantry and artillery brigades, the Artillery school, an infantry division corps and finally Eastern Army. He was chief of Staff, Eastern Army during the critical period prior to and during the operation for the liberation of Bangladesh, being awarded the PSVM for his pivotal role there. he retired from the army on 31 July 1978. "Jack" as he is popularly known, writes and lectures on international affairs and defense related matters.
The book is available from SOUTHASIA BOOKS, Box 502 Columbia MO 65201; FAX: 573-674-8124 , PH: 573-474-0116 |