anyone read Bugles and a Tiger?

C

cognitivefun

Joined
Oct 24, 2004
Messages
1,032
Bugles and a Tiger: A Volume of Autobiography by John Masters

I am just starting it. I bought a used copy on Amazon. Have you read it?

I found this on the web:

A mystic rebel leader who claimed himself as the torch bearer of freedom movement against the "FARANGI" (the Foreigner) called "FAQIR OF IPPI" had his headquarters close by in another valley, nearer to Afghanistan border. He was well protected against British ground operations and unless a major operation was conducted against him he was quite safe. An account of one major operation against him has been given by Brigadier JOHN MASTERS in his book "Bugle and a Tiger". Razmak is at a distance of about 70 miles from Bannu a settled area cantonment and a base for Razmak as well as other smaller troops stations. Movements to and from Bannu were generally conducted weekly. Entire length of road between Bannu (settled area cantonment and Razmak, main garrison in the heart of tribal territory), was protected from any interference by the tribesmen. It was ensured that hostile tribesmen were kept well away. Troops were highly trained and efficient in this drill which was called "ROD" (Road Opening Day), each Battalion trying to beat previous record of "Time Efficiency" in reporting the road "Clear". The units stationed in such garrisons included GURKHAS from Nepal, SIKHS, MUSLIMS and HINDUS of various ethnic and linguistic denominations. There always was healthy competition and each class within a Regiment (Unit), trying to prove its superiority over the others. British Officers enjoyed this harmonious and disciplined competition while playing their full part as members of whatever Regiment they belonged to. They were full of Regimental spirit and they would go to any extent to uphold superiority or prestige of their Regiments.
Click to expand...

from this site
 
Excellent author, excellent book. Highly recommended.

My favourite quotation by Masters (and one which I have been unable to emulate) "Never explain, never complain"


Steve
 
I am just finishing this marvelous book.

At the beginning, we join Masters in a miserable, cold and wet campaign out on the border between India and Aghanistan. Then we flash back to how he got there including glimpses of his school and training.

There are some good khukuri stories here also...along with a trip to the United States on $2 per day, and a battle with the Pathans on the Frontier.

In one of the khukuri stories, a Gurkha has to draw on an officer and he does a quick slice. The officer puts his hand on his neck and says "how dare you draw on an officer?" then he removes his hand and his head falls off :)

In another (less apocryphal) story that Masters witnesses, the Gurkhas sacrifice buffalo and the requirement for good luck is that the head is removed with a single blow of the kukri. He says they used a very heavy long kukri, described in one part as 30", and out of several sacrifices, I think 2 involved the head being lopped off with a single blow :eek:

This is a great read and I recommend it. Masters learned Gurkhali and was in the Indian army where Gurkhas and British were side-by-side, officers and men at equal levels regardless of country of origin. It's neat.
 
"The Road Past Mandalay" recounts his service in WWII. Not as spellbinding as "Bugle", but very good.

Steve
 
Just finished "Nightrunners of Bengal". It's a novel about the Sepoy mutiny of 1857 in India. Written from the English point of view of course, but with an understanding of, and a compassion for, the Indian cause. I couldn't put it down.

Steve
 
I have read it years ago, while living in India. It is very autobiographical and as I remember, gives a good picture of India and the British military in India, as seen and experienced by a young officer prior to World War II. I hope you enjoy the book.

Alexander Wilson
 
ferguson said:
Just finished "Nightrunners of Bengal". It's a novel about the Sepoy mutiny of 1857 in India. Written from the English point of view of course, but with an understanding of, and a compassion for, the Indian cause. I couldn't put it down.
Click to expand...

How would you compare it to Siege of Krishnapur, Steve?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top