India in Action, A Collection of Pictures by Anthony Gross, Official War Artist

Publishing details not stated. 20 pages. Rectangular booklet - c.17.5cm by 24cm (A58F)

There is no date of publication given, but the introduction of LS Amery refers to him as the Secretary of State for India, and he held this position during the Second World War (1939 to 1945)

From the introduction by the Right Hon. L. S. Amery, Secretary of State for India: I am glad to contribute a foreword to this catalogue of pictures by Captain Anthony Gross, illustrating “India in Action”

Captain Gross, from the end of 1941 until June 1943, had exceptional opportunities of seeing India’s Forces in action. He spent the best part of 1942 in the Middle East: and saw units of the Indian Army during the time when they played their famous part in the Batile of El Alamein. In January 1943 he arrived in India and spent six months in Eastern India. He spent many weeks with Indian and British Regiments there and saw the greater part of the Arakan campaign. This summer, he again visited formations of the Indian Army in the Western Desert. His wide range of pictures cover, therefore, the activities not only of Indian troops but of British formations fighting alongside the Indians, in two important theatres of war.

India’s part in this war has not only been in the line of battle. In factories, workshops, and on the fields of that great sub-continent, India’s contribution has been notable, and as the war against the Japanese develops India will play a yet more vital part in the final overthrow of the Axis.

Captain Gross's interesting and original pictures emphasise, it seems to me, two important things: the first is the comradeship in arms of Indians and Britons fighting together, born not merely of common experiences and hardships in this war, but of the long and high traditions of the Indian Army. The second is the stern nature of the conditions, both in desert and jungle, in which these British and Indian comrades have to fight. In the common cause of Freedom noteworthy pages of history are being written.

The condition of the booklet is generally ok. The covers have several scuffs and blemishes, areas of colour fading and discolouration, and creasing and wear along the edges and corners, but the staple spine is intact and all pages are intact and bound.