Monday, November 16, 2015

War and Remembrance

PHOTO PROMPT – © J Hardy Carroll

My dearest beloved, I do not know if I will make it back home to you and the little one.  This last week we have witnessed horrors undreamt. Even Guruji’s rendition of the great war of Mahabharat had not prepared me for this carnage.  

Yesterday the sky was black with smoke and only a few houses remained standing.  Of the rest nothing was left save their charred shells.


 The young major sahib died in my arms this morning.  He asked that we not to visit him soon but in these times who can promise anything.  Remember me with no regrets.
***
Written for Friday Fictioneers. Word Count : 100

Right so I am definitely going to be the last entry this time.  Hoping that it gets accepted by the link.
Last Wednesday was Remembrance Day.  This year 11 November marks the 97th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18).  Over one million Indian troops served overseas, of whom 62,000 died and another 67,000 were wounded. In total at least 74,187 Indian soldiers died during the war.

The experiences of the many Indian soldiers who fought in the first world war, that has just been digitised by Europeana 1914-1918 and the British Library.

To read contributions by the other Friday Fictioneers click here

7 comments :

  1. Dear Subroto,

    The timing and the photo elicited many such stories. Very well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    PS I always enjoy history.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was that time of the year. Should written it earlier but had no time. Thanks for your comments Rochelle, I am glad you liked it.

      Delete
  2. Good story, Subroto. Many people doubtless don't realize how many Indian soldiers fought with the British during the Raj. My husband's uncle, an Indian officer, fought hand-to-hand combat in the Burma jungles alongside the British and Gurkha soldiers. Well done. --- Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True, a million troops served in that war but not many are aware of their sacrifices. Thanks for your comments Suzanne, I am glad you liked it.

      Delete
  3. Such an interesting piece of history, and a moving tale. Good story.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Some of these soldiers had no choice in a war they did not understand, but they still gave it their all. Thanks for reading and commenting Mick.

    ReplyDelete