FROM MY BONES : Memoirs of Col. G.S. Dhillon of the Indian National Army (Including 1945 Red Fort Trail)

A historian’s perspective of an event differs from the more intimate subjective view of a participant in the event. In the book, Col. Dhillon, who today is the only survivor of the historic Red Fort trial of 1945, records his experiences that contributed so signally to India’s Independence. Col. Dhillon was one of the three accused of the famous INA trial that began on November 5, 1945 at Red Fort and was charged with waging war against His Majesty the King Emperor. The trial marked a significant turning point and Col. Dhillon along with his two colleagues became symbols of India fighting for freedom. In the present volume, Col. Dhillon narrates his experiences of INA and the nostalgic memories of the trial. The story told in the book is not the history of INA. The narrative is of the events which concerned the author or were to his knowledge in connection with his duties and status in the movement. It is more a historical account of his actions. In the words of Dr. Joyce C. Lebra, Col. Dhillon’s memoirs reveal to the reader his unshakable principles, patriotic dedication to the cause of independence, courage under fire, historical sense, and his humanity and sense of humour, just as in his struggle, they contributed so vitally to India’s independence. Col. G.S. Dhillon was born at Algon on March 18, 1914. He attended the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and was granted regular commission in the Indian Land Forces of the British April 1940. After the British surrender of Singapore on 15th February, 1942 to the Japanese, he joined the LN.A. founded by Gen. Mohan Singh. Towards the end of 1944, Netaji gave him the command of 4th Guerrilla Regiment also called the Nehru Brigade. His Regiment distinguished itself in the battlefield. After the war he was tried in the 1st INA Trial at the Red Fort from 5th November to 31st December, 1945 along with Colonel P.K. Sahgal and Maj. General Shah Nawaz Khan.