The Indian Air Force came into existence courtesy the British in 1933. At that time it came to be known as the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF). It served as an appendage to the Army and took part in operations against the Japanese Army in Burma during the Second World War.

Sir John Malcolm a Scot who had taken [part in the battle at Mahidpur was entrusted with the task of setting up the cantonment. Hence in 1818 he started the process of setting up MHOW. The importance of MHOW could not be underscored as it was the lynchpin of the Raj’s control over the princes of Central India. Thus the British positioned a pure English manned division- the 5 Division of the Southern Army at MHOW.

The battle took place on the day of Good Friday. The British Join Indian Army gained upper hand over the Ethiopian empire. The casualties were more on the side of Ethiopian empire. The deadly battle took place for nearly two days. The Ethiopian King Tewodros II was fighting a losing battle. Finally, he realized that he was no more going to win. So, he killed himself so as to prevent himself from getting captivated. Thus, the battle came to an end with victory over the side of the British Empire. The British army set fire to many churches and buildings near Magdala. The British also plundered and looted the Ethiopian Empire.

Much has been written about his political development and achievements. Robert MacNamara, then-president of the World Bank, said in his opening address at the first Tun Abdul Razak Memorial lecture that he was envious of the Malaysians in the audience who had walked with the founding father of the nation, whereas he had to get to know the Tunku through the history books.

We said yes and thanked him for the coffee. The Malay boy and I felt 10 feet tall the way Tunku treated us in front of the three rich and powerful guests.

On one occasion the Tunku asked me how I had come to his house and how I planned to return to Tanjung Bungah. I told him I took a taxi and intended to walk to Pulau Tikus and take a bus back.

We are reminded of the Second World War where the absence of a strategic bomber proved a severe handicap for the Luftwaffe. It was like fighting a war with one arm rendered unusable. In turn the Chinese Air Force can hit any target in India with impunity from their bases in Tibet. In addition the Chinese air force has almost 4 times the first line strength of the IAF.

There are excellent Army course at Bengdubi near Baghdogra and a new course has just been commissioned at Bhatinda. The Army has certainly taken to Golf in a big way and we must thank the English for this.