Lt. Gen. Jack Jacob was born in Calcutta and commissioned into the Indian Artillery in June 1942. He saw active service with his regiment during World War II in the Middle East, Burma and later in Sumatra. He graduated from the Gunnery Staff Course in the UK and later did the Advanced Artillery and Missile course from Fort Sill in the USA. During his 37 years in the Army he commanded infantry and artillery brigades, the Artillery School, an infantry division, corps and finally Eastern Army. He was Chief of Staff, Eastern Army during the critical period prior to and during the operations for the liberation of Bangladesh, being awarded the PVSM for his pivotal role' there. He retired from the Army on 31 July 1978. Jake', as he is popularly known, writes and lectures on international affairs and defence related matters. \n