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A Series of 8 Books published by Pentagon Press, New Delhi. The series originally published in 1950 s by Ministry of Defence, describing the contribution of the Indian Armed Forces during the Second World War, was out of print for a number of years. It has now been reprinted by Pentagon Press. The series of eight books showcase the saga of heroism of Indian Army and its contribution during the epoch-making war. The series include the following titles: · India and the War · East African Campaign 1940-41 · The North African Campaign · Expansion of the Armed Forces and Defence Organisation, 1939-45 · Campaigns in South-East Asia 1941-42 · The Arakan Operation 1942-45 · Campaign in Western Asia · Post-War Occupation Forces: Japan and South-East Asia When World War II began in 1939, the Indian Army s strength was about 200,000. By the end of the war, in August 1945, it had become the largest volunteer army in history, rising to over 2.5 million men. Serving in divisions of infantry, armour and a fledgling airborne force, they fought on three continents in Africa, Europe and Asia. In Ethiopia, the Indian Army fought against the Italian Army; in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia against both the Italian and German Armies; and, after the Italian surrender, against the German Army in Italy. However, the bulk of the Indian Army was committed to fighting the Japanese Army, first during the actions in Malaya and the retreat from Burma to the Indian border; later, after refitting and training it was at the forefront for the victorious advance back into Burma, as part of the largest army the British Empire ever formed. These campaigns cost the lives of over 36,000 Indian servicemen, while another 34,354 were wounded, and 67,340 became prisoners of war. The Japanese advance in Asia had reached its furthest point and was halted in battles fought on the territory of India itself, at the Battle