The End Of The Second World War Heralded The End Of The British Empire

When Japan surrendered in August 1945, the 2nd Battalion were in India. They left on Independence Day, 17th August 1947.

After difficult negotiations with the Indian Congress, Lord Louis Mountbatten, announced the partitioning of India and Pakistan two months prior to Independence. Partition was seen as a better option than civil war but with the hasty withdrawal of British troops, many Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs died. Between twelve and fifteen million people transferred between the two countries.

During its last year in India, the 2nd Bn served in areas around Calcutta, Rawalpindi and the Murree Hills, where they had difficult security duties at a time of unrest and violence. They had to distribute information explaining the partition of India and collect intelligence on reactions to the plans as well as deal with local violence.

British troops began to be removed immediately on Independence. The 2nd Bn was on H.M.T. Georgic, the first troopship to leave.