Title: Nightrunners
of Bengal
Author: John Masters
Publisher: Ballantine
Pages: 331
Content: John Master’s collection of
writings is centered on the period of British India
during the 19th century. This book is a fictional account of a
Captain (of the fictional 13th Rifles, Bengal Native Infantry)
dealing with the shock and challenge of the great Indian mutiny when the Army
of Bengal revolted against the British. On a macro level, it reveals the
institutional and societal ignorance that resulted in one of the bloodiest
periods of British/Indian history. On the micro level, it sheds a clear light
on unit loyalty and understanding and the key factors in leadership that
transcend the traditional officer/soldier relationship. For the junior officer
it serves to emphasize what is critical to understanding and maintaining
command of native troops. For senior officers it reinforces what are some of
the key factors in Eastern culture that soldiers look for in their commanders.
Master’s experiences as a Brigadier in the Chindits (Burma)
during WW2 and his insights into the Native Soldier are lessons to be studied
as we continue our operations in Africa and Afghanistan.
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