l_HistoryProject_Class-10-A_Roll no-16.pptx

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1. Saptorshi Mandal Class 10-A Roll no: 16 The Forgotten Colonial Contribution during the SECOND WORLD WAR.....

2. INDEX : SLIDE 1- Details of the Student SLIDE 2- Index or Content SLIDE 3- Introduction mentioning about WWII SLIDE 4-Contending parties of WW2 and reason for India’s involement in the war SLIDE 5,6,7--- Contribution of Indian Soldiers in the WWII SLIDE 8,9,10-Japanese bombing in Calcutta SLIDE 11,12,13,14-- Areas in Kolkata severely affected during the War SLIDE 15-- Picture Collage SLIDE 16,17- Other places of Kolkata where bombs were dropped SLIDE 18-Operation Creek by the British SLIDE 19, 20- Untold stories of Indians during WWII SLIDE 21- Conclusion SLIDE 22,23-Acknowledgment, Bibliography

3. Introduction To World War II (1939–1945) World War 2, often referred to as WW2, was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved many of the world's nations, divided into two major military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. WW2 emerged as a direct consequence of unresolved tensions from World War 1 and various political, economic, and ideological factors. Causes : Several key factors contributed to the outbreak of World War 2. One significant cause was the aggressive expansionist policies pursued by Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler , and fascist Italy, led by Benito Mussolini . These countries sought to increase their territories and influence through military conquest. Originating from deep-rooted political tensions, territorial ambitions, and unresolved grievances from World War I, the war was triggered by Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 . This act of aggression prompted a series of alliances, declarations, and military campaigns, dividing the world into two opposing factions: the Allies and the Axis Powers.

4. Contending parties of the WW2 WORLD WAR 2 United States Allies Axis United Kingdom Soviet Union China Germany Italy Japan Reason for India’s involvement in WW2: India became a part of World War II primarily due to its status as a British colony at the time. When Britain declared war on Germany in September 1939, India, as a part of the British Empire, was automatically drawn into the conflict. As part of the Allied Nations, Indian sent over two and a half a million soldiers to fight under the British flag, to fight against the Axis powers. All over the world, the Indian troops fought with distinction in Europe against Germany and Italy, while they fought against the Japanese in southeast Asia, even defending India against a Japanese invasion. Additionally, India's involvement in the war had political dimensions. There were various political movements and leaders within India who saw the war as an opportunity to press for greater autonomy or independence from British rule. The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders, demanded that Britain grant India self-governance in return for its support in the war

5. Contributions of Indian soldiers during WW2~ During the early stages of the war, India's primary contribution was in terms of providing manpower and resources to support the British war effort. Indian troops fought alongside British forces in several campaigns, including the North African campaign, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. . India was one of the largest volunteer of armies in the world during WW2. Over 2.5 million troops were contributed by India and many lost their lives in the process 1.Burma Campaign: : Indian soldiers played a crucial role in the Burma Campaign, fighting against the Japanese forces. They engaged in intense jungle warfare, battling challenging terrain and harsh conditions. The Chindits were special operations units that conducted long-range penetration operations deep behind Japanese lines. These forces led by included both British and Indian soldiers. Indian troops formed a significant portion of these units and played a vital role in disrupting Japanese supply lines and gathering intelligence. During the Battle of Imphal and the subsequent Battle of Kohima in 1944, Indian forces defended the region against the Japanese invasion, with the outcome being a decisive Allied victory. The Battle of Meiktila in 1945, in which Indian troops played a crucial role, was a turning point that led to the liberation of Burma. Indian soldiers provided essential support services, such as medical assistance, transport, and communication. They played a crucial role in evacuating wounded soldiers, setting up field hospitals, and providing medical aid in challenging conditions.

6. Contributions of Indian soldiers during WW2~ North African Campaigns: Siege of Tobruk : Indian troops formed a significant part of the Allied garrison at Tobruk , a strategic port in Libya. They held out against German and Italian forces for several months in 1941, providing a vital defense and ultimately contributing to the success of the Allied counteroffensive. Battle of El Alamein :The soldiers participated in the decisive Battle of El Alamein in Egypt in 1942. They fought alongside British and other Commonwealth forces under General Bernard Montgomery's command, playing a vital role in the Allied victory that halted the Axis advance in North Africa. Middle Eastern Campaigns: Iraq and Iran Campaigns : Indian soldiers were part of the Allied forces that fought against Axis-aligned regimes in Iraq and Iran. They played a role in securing oil fields and crucial supply routes, ensuring the flow of resources to the Allied war effort. Syria-Lebanon Campaign : Indian troops participated in the campaign to liberate Syria and Lebanon from Vichy French control in 1941. They fought alongside Australian, British, and Free French forces, contributing to the successful Allied campaign.

7. Italy Campaign : Battle of Monte Cassino : Indian soldiers were part of the Allied forces that fought to capture the heavily fortified German position, the Monte Cassino Abbey. Western European Campaign : Indian troops participated in numerous battles and campaigns across Western Europe as part of the British Indian Army. They fought alongside British and other Allied forces to liberate territories from Nazi occupation, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany itself . Indian troops also played an important role in other battles , such as the Battle of Arnhem and the Battle of the Bulge. Air Force and Naval Contributions : Indian personnel also served in the Royal Indian Air Force and the Royal Indian Navy during the war. They played significant roles in supporting air and naval operations, including protecting supply lines and conducting aerial reconnaissance Contributions of Indian soldiers during WW2~ Battle of Monte Cassino

8. Japanese Bombing in Calcutta: The Japanese bombing of Calcutta, also known as the " Calcutta Blitz ," was a series of air raids conducted by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force during World War II. The bombings occurred in 1942 as part of the Japanese offensive in the South-East Asian theater. 1 st Raid : It was on the night of December 20, 1942, that the first officially recorded attack by Japanese bombers took place. The Mitsubishi G3M and G4M bombers bombs all over the city and areas of  Dalhousie Square, Mangoe lane and Hatibagan were some of the areas that were directly affected by the attack. The raid mainly focused on the port area, the docks, and industrial facilities, including oil tanks, warehouses, and railway yards. The Japanese planes also targeted the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) airfield at Dum Dum. The attack caused extensive damage to infrastructure, resulting in the destruction of oil tanks and warehouses and the disruption of rail lines.

9. 2 nd Raid - December 24, 1942: Four days after the first raid, the Japanese launched a second attack on Calcutta. This raid was part of a series of attacks carried out by the Japanese on various cities in British India. The objective was to disrupt Allied operations and spread fear among the population. This raid targeted the same areas as the previous attack, aiming to inflict further damage on the city's industrial and logistical capabilities. While the scale of the second raid was smaller than the first, it still caused significant damage to the port facilities and disrupted the city's transport network. The first main personnel The fightback:   When the Japanese ‘ Sallys ’ — a code name for the bombers attacked Calcutta for the first time, two Hurricane squadrons.  took over the air defence of the city. Wing Commander John Anthony O’Neill intercepted three Japanese bombers on the night of December 23 and damaged one of them. He bettered his performance the next night by intercepting 10 ‘ Sallys ’ and destroying one of them.  A 21-year-old flight sergeant, Arthur Maurice Owers Pring , also accomplished the heroic feat of annihilating three ‘ Sallys ’ in a matter of minutes in January 1943. With a much-needed boost of morale, Flight Officer Charles Crombie soon had also shot down one more enemy bomber, while severely damaging another. Arthur Maurice

10. IMPACT OF THE SERIES OF BOMBING: By the year 1943, Calcutta was a defenceless city. Spitfires and Baeufighters — both fighter aircrafts relied on heavily by the Royal Air Force were redirected towards Chittagong. The Port Inferno: Japanese bombers unleashed their fury upon the city's vital port area. The night sky erupted into an apocalyptic scene as bombs rained down relentlessly. Explosions echoed through the streets, casting an bright glow over the city. The oil tanks, towering structures that held the the region's fuel supply, became infernos, belching out dark plumes of smoke that choked the air. Flames danced ominously, illuminating the surrounding devastation. The deafening crackle of burning warehouses mingled with the cries of anguish from those witnessing their livelihoods crumble into ash. Destruction of property and life :The bombings resulted in civilian casualties and widespread panic among the population The destruction of infrastructure, particularly the disruption of oil supplies, hampered British war efforts in the region. The destruction of warehouses and storage facilities in Kolkata led to shortages of essential goods and commodities. The disrupted supply chains and damaged infrastructure caused delays in delivering goods to the market. This resulted in price fluctuations, scarcity, and economic setbacks, affecting businesses and consumers alike. Many industries and businesses were destroyed or severely affected by the bombings, leading to significant financial losses. The bombings necessitated a period of rebuilding and recovery in the aftermath of the war. Efforts were made to restore trade infrastructure, repair transportation networks, and revive business activities. The city and its traders demonstrated resilience and adaptability, gradually recovering from the impact of the bombings and working towards restoring trade operations.

11. Areas in Kolkata severely affected during the War- During World War 2 many regions of Kolkata were devastatingly affected by bombing by the Japanese air force between 1942 and 1943.The primary target areas were the city's port and industrial areas . Khidderpore Port Dock : Khidderpore Port was strategically important due to its location on the eastern coast of India. It served as a crucial hub for maritime trade and military operations during the war. The port played a key role in the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies for the British Indian Army and Allied forces. Being an important port, Khidderpore was not immune to enemy attacks. The Japanese conducted air raids on Kolkata, and Khidderpore Port became a potential target due to its military and strategic significance. The attacks aimed to disrupt shipping operations and inflict damage on the port's infrastructure.

12. Khidderpore Port Dock: Labor and Workforce : The war had an impact on the labor force at Khidderpore Port. Many men from the port's workforce were enlisted in the military or involved in war-related industries. This led to labor shortages and the recruitment of women and inexperienced workers to fill the gaps led it inefficiency of the various services. Economic Impact: The war had both positive and negative economic consequences for Khidderpore Port. On the one hand, increased shipping activities brought economic opportunities and revenue to the port and its associated businesses. On the other hand, the disruptions caused by the war, such as shortages of resources and disruptions in international trade, also affected the port's operation s. Conclusion: Overall, World War II brought significant changes to Khidderpore Port. It became a critical logistical hub, witnessed infrastructure improvements, faced the risk of attacks, and experienced shifts in its workforce and economic dynamics due to wartime demands.

13. Areas in Kolkata severely affected during the War: 2. The Howrah Station bombing: Howrah Station from the very beginning was one of Kolkata's major railway terminals. On October 20, 1943, a Japanese aircraft dropped bombs on the station, causing significant damage to the infrastructure. Trains and platforms were destroyed, disrupting rail operations for some time.Many civilians were killed during the process. 3. The Park Street bombing : On December 7, 1942 , a Japanese bomber dropped bombs on Park Street, one of Kolkata's prominent commercial and entertainment districts. Several buildings, including the famous Firpo's Restaurant , were destroyed, resulting in casualties and injuries. 3. The Alipore bombing: Alipore is a residential area in Kolkata. During one of the bombing raids, a bomb fell near Alipore Road, damaging nearby houses and causing panic among the residents. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in this incident.

14. Areas in Kolkata severly affected by the war : 5. BLACKENING OF THE VICTORIA MEMORIAL: The air strikes conducted by the Japanese forces during the period of 1942 to 1943 were mostly during the night. Soon, the skies of Calcutta transformed into a battleground. The Japanese invasions did not leave anything which was visible . intact in the city.  To save their dwellings from being hit by the army, people started covering their streets, shops, houses and other buildings with thick black paper. But the major problem laid in covering the Victoria memorial…. The British government took a landmark decision in 1943. They camouflaged the architectural marvel in black by putting a bamboo scaffolding and a mixture of mud & dung to layer it up. Since the British government didn’t want to leak this camouflage plan to the Japanese, they strictly prohibited any kind of photography in the vicinity of the city’s landmarks. Thankfully there was no destruction caused to the Memorial and it was saved from the clutches of the destructive Japanese

15. DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY WORLD WAR II IN KOLKATA: HOWRAH BOMBING BOMBING IN PARKSTREET BOMBING IN KHIDDERPORE DOCK VICTORIA MEMORIAL THE GREAT RAID OF 1943

16. Other places in Kolkata which were affected Kolkata was shattered to ruins after the series of Japanese bombings in 1942. The Mitsubishi G3M and G4M bombers hurled bombs all over the city.The area of  Dalhousie Square, Mangoe lane and Hatibagan were some of the areas that were directly hit by the bombs. December 9, 1942 : The Dum Dum area, which housed the Dum Dum Airport (now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport), was bombed by the Japanese . The airport served as an important allied airfield during the war.The bombing disrupted many air services and caused death of many people. December 20, 1942: This was the most devastating raid on Kolkata. The Japanese forces conducted a large-scale bombing campaign, targeting multiple areas of the city, including Dalhousie Square, Esplanade, Chowringhee , Park Street, and South Kolkata . The bombing caused extensive damage to buildings, roads, and public spaces, resulting in a significant number of civilian casualties.

17. Other places in Kolkata which were affected THE GREAT RAID OF 1943: On December 20, 1942, during the Japanese raids, Kolkata faced one of the most devastating bombings during the war. Around 70 Japanese aircraft conducted a massive air raid, targeting both civilian and military installations. The city's dockyards, gasworks, and railway stations were hit, causing significant damage. The bombing resulted in the death of around 2000 people and injured thousands more. AIM: These attacks aimed to disrupt communication and transportation networks, as well as create fear and panic among the civilian population.

18. Operation Creek by the British INTRO : Operation Creek ( also known as Operation Longshanks ) was a  covert military operation undertaken by Britain's Special Operations Executive in World War II on 9 March 1943 . It involved a nighttime attack by members of the Calcutta Light Horse and the Calcutta Scottish against a German merchant ship, the  Ehrenfels ,  which had been transmitting information to U-boats from  Mormugao   Harbour in neutral Portugal's territory of Goa The attack was successfully carried out, and the  Ehrenfels  and three other Axis merchant ships were sunk, stopping the transmissions to the U-boats. Event: Organized by the Special Operations Executive (SOE), the Calcutta Light Horse regiment was deployed to attack the German ship Ehrenfels , anchored in the Portuguese, hence neutral, Mormugao harbor in Goa, Portuguese India. The Germans had a secret transmitter on one of the Ehrenfels , a freighter that had sought refuge with two other German vessels, the Braunfels and the Drachenfels , in the neutral harbour of Goa on the outbreak of WW2. The Calcutta Light Horse regiment sailed aboard the barge Phoebe from Calcutta to Goa. Upon reaching Mormugao harbor in the night of 9 Mar 1943, the men of the regiment infiltrated the German ship and detonated explosives. When British intelligence received word of the successful destruction of Ehrenfels , it sent an open message to announce that the British was about to invade Goa, which was a bluff. The crews of the other two German ships at Mormugao , Drachenfels and Braunfels, along with several Italian ships also present, scuttled their own ships to prevent British capture.

19. UNTOLD STORIES ABOUT INDIANS: GHAFUR (Battle of keren ): Battle of Ghafur , was fought during World War II in the region of Keren, Eritrea (formerly part of Italian East Africa) between British and Commonwealth forces and the Italian army in 1941 . In the Battle of Keren, Indian troops from the British Indian Army, such as the 4th and 5th Indian Divisions, were part of the Commonwealth forces that fought against the Italian defenders. The battle was a crucial part of the East African Campaign, aimed at liberating British-held territories from Italian control. Indian soldiers faced challenging terrain and determined Italian resistance during the battle. The fighting took place in rugged mountainous terrain, making it difficult to dislodge the Italian defenders from their positions. The battle lasted for several weeks, and despite the challenges, the Allied forces eventually emerged victorious, capturing the strategic town of Keren. Indian soldiers demonstrated bravery and determination during the Battle of Keren, as they did in numerous other battles during World War II.

20. UNTOLD STORIES ABOUT INDIANS: In British India in 1943, a rapidly escalating Allied coal crisis resulted in the lifting of a six-year-old ban on women’s employment underground. Over 70,000 low-caste and  adivasi  (indigenous) women, battling the war-induced Bengal Famine, sustained production levels and prevented the monthly loss of 385,000 tons of coal between August 1943 and February 1946. As an Allied coal crisis rapidly intensified, the famous ‘Bevin Boys ’ were conscripted to British coal mines in 1943.By 1943, an Indian economy strained by the demands of the Second World War was rapidly running out of coal. Few options remained but bringing women back into underground work in mines.   In August 1943, the colonial government in India reversed a highly controversial regulation that had come into force barely six years previously – the prohibition of women’s work underground.  That same year Indian women too went beneath the surface to mine coal. India was one of only two known countries ( the other being Japan ) where women worked below ground. Thus Indian woman had an important contribution of the procuration of coal from the mines. This was completely forgotten by colonial empire. INDIAN WOMEN WORKING IN COAL MINES MINING COAL

21. CONCLUSION   RESULT OF THE WAR : The war ended on 15th August 1945 with the defeat of the Axis Powers by the Soviet forces. IMPACT: T he world was changed forever by World War II, during which around sixty million people had been killed, the majority of them civilians. There were huge losses in the Soviet Union and China, but the country most damaged was Poland. Massive destruction and economic dislocation characterized much of Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and portions of North Africa. The war and its ending also brought about enormous population movements. Countries faced massive reconstruction, the defeated had reparations to pay, and war criminals had to be dealt with. The war also provided new developments in technology and medicine, which transformed post-war life.

22. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to my parents and friends for their support and assistance in the completion of my project. I would also like to thank teachers , for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to work on this project The completion of the project would not have been possible without their help and insights.

23. BIBIOGRAPHY WEBSITES: 1. https://dirkdeklein.net/2018/03/09/ calcutta -light-horse-operation-creek/ 2 .www.wikipedia.com 3. https://www.britannica.com 4. https://www.scoopwhoop.com Sources: Total history and civics Textbook