I was a junior officer in the administrative branch of Headquarters Supreme Command of the Azad Hind Fauj at Singapore when I was selected as one of the three officers to escort a detachment of Rani Jhansi Regiment from Singapore to the battlefront in North Burma.

It was a hazardous journey across three countries, Malaya, Thailand and Burma. Chances of bombardment from the air, due to the air supremacy of the British were high.

The journey, ardous and under trying conditions, took 40 days with the train (goods wagons) moving at snails speed at night with complete halts during the day.

During the halts utmost care was taken to camouflage the wagons as a precaution against air raids. The wagons would be dispersed and positioned at a distance from each other.

What was most remarkable and praiseworthy was the zeal and spirit of sacrifice of the girls. Though thousands of miles away from their home and hearth, kith and kin and facing an uncertain future fraught with risks, their enthusiasm did not wane.

Their voice had thunder and when in unison they shouted" Netaji Zindabad", the thunder resounded miles away.

No less was the enthusiastiac participation of the local population of Indian origin who thronged the various halting places in hundreds to congratulate and encourge the girls going to the battle front, fighting for the freedom of their Motherland. We were all through carrying a wagon load of food, fruit and other gifts given so lovingly by the local Indian populace.

Before moving to the actual battlefront, we came to be stationed at a place called Mamyo in central Burma about 60-70 miles in rear to the fighting lines.

I, in the advance headquarters of the supreme command of the Azad Hind Fauj and the detachment of Rani Jhansi Regiment in hutments close by.