Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw MC

Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw had a military career marked by numerous historic firsts and exceptional achievements. He holds the distinction of being the first officer of the Indian Army to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. His illustrious service spanned over four decades and encompassed five major conflicts, beginning with his early years in the British Indian Army during the World War II. He was among the first batch of cadets at the Indian Military Academy, famously known as “The Pioneers.” His first significant combat experience came during World War II, when he served as a Captain with the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment in Burma in 1942. In February 1942, during the fierce Battle of Sittang Bridge, he demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership while fighting against the Imperial Japanese Army. Despite heavy casualties, including the loss of nearly half his men, he led a daring counterattack with remarkable determination. His leadership played a crucial role in securing the strategically vital Sittang Bridge for the Allied forces. During this intense engagement, Captain Manekshaw was severely wounded by a burst of light machine gun fire, sustaining grave injuries to his abdomen. His bravery deeply impressed his commanding officer, David Cowan, who commanded the 17th Infantry Division. Believing that the young officer might not survive, Major General Cowan pinned his own Military Cross ribbon on Manekshaw’s chest, remarking, “A dead person cannot be awarded a Military Cross.” The gallantry award was later officially confirmed when it was published in the The London Gazette on 21 April 1942. He was evacuated and treated by an Australian surgeon, and after a long recovery, returned to active service.

Following his recovery, he completed the prestigious staff course at the Command and Staff College in Quetta and later served as an instructor. He rejoined active operations in Burma with the 12 Frontier Force Rifles and was again wounded in action. Towards the end of the war, he was entrusted with the critical responsibility of overseeing the rehabilitation of approximately 60,000 Japanese prisoners of war. He executed this complex task with exceptional efficiency and discipline, earning widespread appreciation for maintaining order and ensuring humane treatment without any untoward incidents. In the years following independence, Field Marshal Manekshaw played a key role in shaping the newly formed Indian Army. Serving in the Military Operations Directorate, he handled vital planning and administrative responsibilities during the turbulent period of partition. He also accompanied V. P. Menon to Srinagar during the signing of the Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh. Additionally, he contributed to the planning of Operation Polo in September 1948, which led to the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Field Marshal Manekshaw’s finest hour came during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, when he served as the Chief of Army Staff. The conflict began on 3 December 1971, following preemptive air strikes by the Pakistani Air Force on Indian airbases. Demonstrating exceptional strategic acumen, FM (Then General) Manekshaw devised and executed a comprehensive military plan to operate simultaneously on both the western and eastern fronts. The war concluded decisively in just 13 days, culminating in the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani troops and the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. True to his values as a professional soldier, he ensured that all prisoners of war were treated with dignity in accordance with international conventions.