Subhash Chandra Bose: Collector's Edition Includes Documentary Film - Subhash Chandra Bose - Between Gandhi & Hitler by Hugh Toye

by Hugh Toye

Subhas Chandra Bose, 1897-1945, Indian statesman.

Genres: History, Biography, India

Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Colonel Hugh Toye, OBE was an officer of the British Army. In 1940 he was a student at Queens' College, Cambridge when he joined the Territorial Army Medical Corps. He served briefly in France with a Field Ambulance Unit, then was evacuated back to the U.K. Subsequently commissioned in the Royal Artillery, Toye was posted to India in 1943. While in India, he was an intelligence officer whose job it was to track Subhas Chandra Bose, the leader of the Indian National Army. Toye also spent some time in Burma, reporting on the situation at the time of the death of the Burmese nationalist leader Aung San in 1947. Later in that year he returned to the U.K., where he attended staff college. He served in various posts in Hong Kong, London and Cyprus. In 1960, as a Lieutenant-Colonel, Toye was posted to Vientiane, Laos as military attaché. In 1962 Toye was posted to SHAPE in Paris. This was followed by two years as a research fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford, where he earned a Ph.D. He was promoted Colonel in 1968, and after a posting to SEATO in Bangkok, served in New York as Defence Adviser to the British Mission at the U.N. Colonel Toye’s final posting before his retirement from the Army in 1972 was as Military Attaché at the British Embassy in Washington D.C.

Reviews

[Shailesh Dhume · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is quite an interesting read for anyone wanting an impartial view on Subhash Chandra Bose and also the Asia chapter of WWII. The author also keeps it crisp and to the point. The only point where the book fails is to get behind the public persona of Bose. It sticks to the facts and ends up being dispassionate in one way its failure as well as success

[Shameek Mookherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is important since this comes from British Army Intelligence Officer, who writes on the INA and its Supreme Leader, the revered Netaji Subhas Bose.
Its an biography of the Leader, who was a rebel as we all know. Stood his ground, challenged the political behemoths within the country and made international arrangements for India's freedom.
Though the book believes in the Air Crash theory of Netaji's death which is now effective debunked, coming from the other side, this book is an humane account of the INA, its contributions and its Supreme Commander, who by himself was never less than a phenomena and still shines like a star in the Indian Imagination.
The readers will have definite accounts of the INA, how it was raised, the failures and the success during the Netaji era.

[Anurag · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacklustre

Very slow , the details of the Japanese collaboration was unwanted and made it a slow read, the stay of Bose in India was described very shortly and a lot could have been covered .

[Neel Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Subhash Chandra Bose: The Springing Tiger
Author: Hugh Toye
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House (2005)
Total Pages: 384
Reviewed By: Neel Preet

Hugh Toye's remarkable title, "Subhash Chandra Bose: The Springing Tiger" is a significant contribution to the genres of biographies, autobiographies, and Indian history, offering a multifaceted exploration of a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence. Toye's study is valuable on several fronts. Firstly, it sheds light on a relatively under-examined aspect of World War II, focusing on Bose's activities and alliances during this global conflict. Secondly, it provides a nuanced analysis of Anglo-Indian relations during a crucial period, offering insights into the complex dynamics between the coloniser and the colonised.

Finally, the book presents a compelling study of the emergence of a new kind of leader in Asia, exemplified by Bose himself. Toye does not merely recount the events of Bose's life; he brings him to life, portraying his idealism, his fiery nationalism, his astute political manoeuvring, and his undeniable arrogance. This portrayal makes Bose a complex and compelling figure, driving the narrative with absorbing interest.

However, the book's significance extends beyond a biographical account. Toye uses Bose's story as a lens through which to examine broader themes of European-Asian relations. The book compels the reader to re-evaluate traditional understandings of this relationship, prompting a serious rethinking of historical interactions. This re-evaluation, in turn, fosters a deeper understanding of contemporary events and potential future developments.

On top of that "Subhash Chandra Bose: The Springing Tiger" is not just a historical record; it is a work with profound implications for understanding the ongoing evolution of global power dynamics and the shifting relationships between Europe and Asia. It encourages readers to move beyond simplistic narratives and engage with the complexities of history to better grasp the present and anticipate the future.

[Omar Nizam · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Book Review: "Subhash Chandra Bose: The Springing Tiger" by Hugh Toye - 📚🇮🇳🐅

The story of the lesser known "Indian Theatre" during the Second World War is synonymous with the story of Subhash Chandra Bose and the freedom fighting unit he helped to create out of captured British-Indian soldiers, known as the INA (Indian National Army.)

Bose's legacy is that of a fiercely patriotic man who allied with the Axis Powers - Japan and Nazi Germany - as a means to an end, i.e. to forever rid India of British colonial rule.

Bose's political ideology is also juxtaposed with that of Mahatma Gandhi. He is quite clearly the Malcolm X in the story to Gandhi's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, given that he was willing to achieve full independence by any means necessary.

Tragically, Bose's charisma and powers of oratory were not enough to make up for a lack of military experience and a frustratingly mundane supply chain of logistical support to turn the INA into a world beating fighting unit.

To this is added frequent desertions in the INA and a lack of genuine support from wealthy Indians living abroad to fund the war effort, thus leading to a sad, sad ending for Bose's life and political career.

The book does a comprehensive job at capturing all the important moments. But a bit more editing - such as the inclusion of maps - would have made the journey even better for the reader to follow, as much of the terrain in pre-independent India and Burma is not always readily familiar to the casual reader.

As such, the book is rightly deserving of a middling score.

My rating: 3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Abhinaya Dutta · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a well researched book, it offers more than a sneak peek into the INA efforts towards freeing India. It has details of operation and battle strategy planned by INA along with the authors own perception about Netaji's mental build-up to the INA operations.
What it lacks is a lucid description of the war. Absolutely no maps in the book makes it hard to visualize the strategy and have an accord with the author about the futility of the strategies so described by him.
There is a forced impartial tone, as the author criticizes the INA governance but fails to discern the popularity of the government among the Indian diaspora in South East Asia.
At the end it does compel the reader to think about INA and its Netaji from a different perspective.

[Paridhi Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book in detail explores the life of Subash Chandra Bose and offers insight to the readers. From admiring Vivekananda to living in harsh conditions, Bose's life showcases his determination and how he stuck to his goal. He made international relations with different countries but never allowed India to be danced at their tips.

The language was simple and easy to understand with a consistent flow maintained overall.

The best part was the author's perspective about him where he highlights the good and weak points. Bose and his INA will always remain in the reader's heart.

[Z Nudharunnisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book

A must read book for all Indians who want to know and understand with how much hardship we have got freedom. This book is a much required for millennial generation who want to know history of S.C.Bose.

[Alok Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading describing life and struggle of Subhash Chandra Bose giving impartial view from a British intelligence officer.

[Yogi Saini · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Awesome book to read the struggle about Indian freedom fight. A balanced approach by author in spite of he being part of British intelligence service and Mr Bose was their number 1 enemy.

[Akash Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dense in the beginning, but a good read overall. Addresses various facets of Bose's personality based on his actions and writings.

[Arunayan Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of Subhas Chandra Bose is depicted from another perspective by the author.

[Niladri Chatterjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, 4 stars because many of the facts weren't covered about him

[Shivraj Kukna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A impartial take on Netaji without deification of him. The author’s role in investigating Bose as British intelligence officer adds to credibility.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Springing TItger – A Study of Subhas Chandra Bose by Hugh Toye- The genuineness of the description of World War II in Japan to Burma sector can be established from the fact that the author was High Toye was in the British Intelligence and was authorised to interrogate the Indian army personnel who had crossed to the Indian National Army lead by Subhas Chandra Bose. A foreword to the book has been written by Philip Mason, who was Secretary to War Department in India. The story is about the formation of Indian National Army. On 15-02-1942 at Singapore about 48000 army men who had survived from the British forces at Malaya surrendered to the Japanese Army. In the captivity of Japan, about 20000 army men were already there. More than half of the surrendered army men about 60000 consisted of Indians. During captivity about 25000 gave allgience to Indian National Army. Provisional Government claimed to be a National State under Subhas Chandra Bose. In British, that act amounted to waging war against the Crown. Indian soldiers changed side in an outburst of national feeling – to fight for the independence of the nation from British yoke. Indian National Army was the brain child of Japanese Major Iwaichi Fujiwara who was head of Japanese Intelligence F Kikan. Fujiwara first contacted Indian Major Pritam Singh Dhillon then contacted Captain Mohan Singh of India Independence League. The aim was to use the Indian force to fight along with the Japanese Army in the war- Dec 1941 Jan 1942. Captain Mohan Singh ultimately found that using Indian troops was just propaganda and he withdrew, thus he was taken in custody while the troops were sent to Prisoner of war camps. Ras Behari Bose held the command of India Independence League and on arrival of Subhas Chandra Bose in July, 1943 the command was transferred in a ceremony. In 1942, Japan had lost the battle of Midway in Pacific ocean, still the war between the Axis and Allied Powers was going on in full swing. After meeting Hideki Tojo, Japanese Prime Minister, Netaji Subhas got an assurance for military and other help from Japan for the League. He organised a meetings with the Indian population for fighting the British to free India at Singapore. His movement was supported by the Indian population financially and was youth – young men and women enrolling in the Indian National Army. Thus Indian National Army was constituted with the help of Indian soldiers. Bose delivered a motivational speech on 4th July, 1944 at Burma which was attended by soldiers and public attracted further support. His slogan “Give me blood and I will give you freedom” evoked response from all. Provincial Government of Azad Hind was formed which was recognised by Axis Powers of Germany, Japan, Italy, Croatia, Nanging, China, Burma, Phillipines. Currency, postage stamps, Court and Civil code were produced. War was declared by the Provincial Government and INA took apart in Arakan, Imphal, Kohima. Rain came and disrupted the attacking forces. First, the food and arms supplies could not move second the army were stationed could not move. Commonwealth forces counter attacked inflicting loss of INA and Japs.The forces returned back to Burmese territory and fought battles at Meiktilla, Mandalay, Pegu, Nyangyu and Mount Popa. The Commonweath army won battle at Rangoon. Some troops surrendered under Lt Col Loganathan. The remaining troops retreated with Bose of Malaya and Thailand. Japan refused to surrender under the conditions laid under the Potsdam Declaration by the Allied Forces on 26 July, 1945, therefore, on 6 and 9 th August, 1945, USA dropped Atomic bombs are Hiroshima and Nagasaki towns. Ultimately Japan surrendered. The INA prisoners were repatriated to India and some tried for treason. Netaji died in the air crash of Japanese heavy bomber at Formosa now Taiwan on 18 August, 1945. The book is a historical document narrating the spirited fight by an army with scant resources and arms for its independence from foreign rule.

[Dhirendra Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice account of one of perhaps India's most patriotic-and-competent package. SC Bose was perhaps taken away to an extent, by the huff in which to finish things. But given the scanty resources and technology that he could ask for in such trying times, the effort was by any measure, unparalleled and becoming of a son-of-the-soil.

On the concerns and challenges that would plague India after independence, his idea of a 20-year-old dictatorship to begin with which would then make way for democracy, could have gone a long way in shaping India's future. A growing majority, even on today's date, does not know how and where to piss and potty, forget anything else. A responsible, 20-year-dictatorship could have helped restore some of these handicaps at the least. Well, hopefully!

I salute this son of the nation. Jai Hind!

[Aditya Ganjoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story from British perspective of the rise and fall of one of India's biggest and most ambitious freedom campaign, lead by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

During WW2, while British Police of Calcutta keeps an eye on the ex Mayor's residence at Elgin Road, what they dont realise is that he has left India long back, and has already raised his own Army of British Indian PoWs in Europe, with the support of Adolf Hitler! And slowly he alignes all the Axis Power leaders to raise a 50,000 jawan Army to get his motherland free. A story of strategy, vision, committment, courage and most important- patriotism of one of India's strongest statesman ever. Highly recommended!