The Man Who Bombed Karachi - A Memoir

by S.M. Nanda

The Man Who Bombed Karachi is the inspiring story of how a childhood fascination for the sea led an outstanding officer to rise to the pinnacle of India's armed forces. It gives a glimpse into life in the Royal Indian Navy, with a dramatic rebellion by Indian sailors against their British superiors, and traces its evolution into an organisation that is today a force to reckon with globally. Most of all, it is an insider's authentic account of the inventive naval strategies that led to one of India's biggest victories in war to date.

327 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Rupin Chaudhry · Rating 4 out of 5]

He who is first to be on the offensive will retain the edge.
This is fascinating read about the genesis of Indian Navy and its progress intervened with the life and times of the author. The finest part was the author’s desire to be in offensive posture in the Indo-Pak 1971 war. The dissidents, the plannings and all activities that went on to script the most studied and respected Naval tactic is the most enjoyable part of the read.
A must read for defence analysts and history enthusiasts.

[Vikram Ketkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers his entire life and career. I was specifically interested in the naval actions of 1971 which are covered but possibly in more detail in some other book. Admiral Nanda had a very accomplished life and this book covers it all in a pleasant style. It does through some interesting anecdotes, but it is mostly a recounting of all the events. As per his writings, Admiral was quite progressive and forward-thinking. His clarity about going on the offensive in case of commencement of hostilities was very refreshing.

[twinkle sheoran · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book particularly comes to me as a disappointment as the writing style is not something I loved. It looked like a casual conversation with your friend where you give in unnecessary details and stories.

This being said, the way the events of ‘71 were described gave another good perspective of the war. The book could have been shaped better with respect to story telling.

[William Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir recounts the career of Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda, a former Indian Navy Admiral and Chief of Navy Staff. It provides insight into the development of Indian Navy and its strategy subsequent to independence. It also details the navy's role in the 1971 war with Pakistan.

[Armaan Garg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the development of the Indian Navy, its struggles, its growth, and the competition it faced from the Army. He glossed over the titular event - the bombing of Karachi. But still a must read!

[Sanjay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book delving into the historic moments of the Naval Acts of 1971 war. Provides an insight about the mindset of the forces, situations and government of that time.

[Ajitabh Pandey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admiral Nanda is famous for leading Indian Navy during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Under his leadership the Indian Navy is known to cripple the Pakistan Navy at Karachi harbour and sinking one-third of the Pakistan fleet. During the 20 odd days of the war, Indian Navy was the de-facto rules in Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal and played a crucial role in surrender of Eastern Command of Pakistan armed forces (approx 93 thousand uniformed soldiers, biggest since World War II).

This book is an auto-biography of Admiral Nanda, who is also known as "The Man who bombed Karachi". His strategy of using missile boats to bomb the Karachi harbour has become a text book case study for military strategist and was even surprise to Russians from whom the missile boats were purchased. The Russian Admiral admitted they never though that the missile boats can be used in this radicle manner.

Admiral Nanda has taken us through his journey on how he started his carrier as sailer and later joined Royal Indian Navy which eventually became Indian Navy after India's independence from British.

This book gives us a glimpse of the struggle he has to do in order to build the Indian Navy as we know of today. After his retirement from Indian Navy, Admiral Nanda was the CMD of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and was instrumental in making SCI a profitable venture for the Govt of India.

Worth reading by every Indian.

[Debayan Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into the workings of the Indian Navy from the horse's mouth. Well written and fast paced.

[Gautam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in Indian Military, especially the Indian Navy and the 1971 Indo-Pak war.