Jamshedpur: The Forgotten War Zone - A Crucial Role in Both World Wars

Jamshedpur, known as India's steel city, has a fascinating and lesser-known history as a war zone. Despite its current image as a bustling industrial town, Jamshedpur played a crucial role in both World Wars, supplying essential resources and contributing to military campaigns. Let's delve into the untold story of Jamshedpur's active participation in the wars that shaped the world. Jamshedpur's Origins and Vision: Founded by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, an astute businessman, Jamshedpur was conceived as a model industrial town. Its wide streets, lush gardens, and designated spaces for various religious institutions were meticulously planned. This vision laid the foundation for the future steel city, which would soon become a significant player on the global stage. World War I: A Turning Point for Jamshedpur: When World War I broke out in 1914, Tata's steel mill proved invaluable to the war effort. The steel output from Jamshedpur was redirected towards constructing rails for military transportation, spanning vast distances across Mesopotamia, Egypt, and East Africa. The contribution of nearly 1,500 miles of rail and 300,000 tonnes of steel was acknowledged as indispensable for the military campaigns. World War II: Jamshedpur's Defenses and Contributions: As World War II erupted in 1939, Jamshedpur once again rose to prominence. The steel sheds, water pipes, sleepers, shells, and guns produced in Jamshedpur were vital for the war effort. The steel from this industrial city played a critical role in stopping the Japanese advance into China. To protect the high-value target that was Jamshedpur's steel plant, the British implemented various measures, including setting up bomb shelters and deploying anti-aircraft guns. Ingenious Defense Strategies: Tata Steel devised innovative methods to safeguard its operations. Steel ropes tied to gas balloons were deployed to deter Japanese fighter planes from bombing the mill. Tar boilers were strategically placed throughout the factory to create smokescreens that blended with the chimneys' fumes, providing cover. Factory hooters served as air raid sirens, alerting workers to take necessary precautions. Allied Forces and Accommodations: As the Japanese attacks on Jamshedpur intensified, Allied forces were stationed in the city. However, the lack of proper hotels posed a challenge. Bartholomew D'Costa, an enterprising Anglo-Indian, and his son stepped up to build The Boulevard Hotel using bricks from their kiln and cutlery purchased from a closing-down hotel in Calcutta. This resourceful solution provided accommodations for British and American troops during the war. Jamshedpur's Role in Armored Vehicle Production: During the war, when Britain faced a shortage of Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Commonwealth countries were called upon to contribute. Jamshedpur's Tata Steel played a crucial role in this endeavor. Using Ford truck chassis imported from Canada and armor-plated hulls manufactured by Tata Steel, India produced a series of Wheeled Armored Carriers known as the 'Tatanagar.' Between 1940 and 1944, 4,655 units of Tatanagars were built at the Railway workshop in Jamshedpur, making a significant contribution to the war efeffort Jamshedpur's remarkable history as a war zone is often overshadowed by its present-day identity as an industrial hub. However, its contributions during both World Wars were crucial to the war efforts. From supplying steel for railway construction to producing armored vehicles, Jamshedpur played a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of these global conflicts.