A forgotten mateship: Major Chint Singh and his bond with the Australian defence forces

In the crowded annals of World War II, the story of Major Chint Singh IC5802 of the 2nd Dogra Regiment shines as a rare reminder of comradeship across borders.

- Ashish Singh

His life is not only a testament to survival against overwhelming odds but also a tribute to the unlikely friendship forged between Indian and Australian soldiers amid the brutality of war.

At the heart of this story lies the value of mateship—a uniquely Australian expression of loyalty, trust, and mutual respect. For Maj. Singh and his men, it was not merely a wartime sentiment but a lifeline that transcended cultures, languages, and continents. The book Major Chint Singh - The Man Who Should Have Died, written by his son Narinder Parmar, preserves this remarkable tale of endurance and fellowship.

THE ORDEAL IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

One of the most overlooked chapters of the Second World War unfolded in the jungles of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Around 3,000 Indian soldiers were transported there by the Japanese after the fall of Singapore. By the end of the war, only 200 survived.

The rest—nearly 2,800—succumbed to hunger, disease, and cruelty in captivity. They survived on grass, snakes, frogs, and insects. Yet even in these conditions, they clung to military discipline and soldierly honour. Major Chint Singh emerged as one of the few who not only endured but also inspired others. His leadership and strength of character kept a small group of men alive until September 1945, when Australian forces arrived—setting the stage for a bond that would outlast the war itself.

FIRST CONTACT: AN UNFORGETTABLE SIGHT

On 30 September 1945, Lieutenant F.O. Monk of the Australian Army first encountered Maj. Singh and his surviving soldiers. Emaciated but unbroken, they reported to him in perfect military decorum.