Historical records of the Chinese forces in India are quite rare, and that's why Under the Same Army Flag, a memoir of the veterans, is so precious.

The book, published by the China Intercontinental Press in June, consists of 52 recollections of Chinese World War II veterans who spent their military lives in Myanmar and India between 1942 and 1945.

The publisher says compilation of the book began two years ago. Interviews were conducted by a small group of volunteers, including journalists and college and university students, who were interested in the period.

Chief editor of the book Deng Xian had planned to write a story based on the interviews. Later he gave up the idea and instead decided to publish all the words of the veterans in their original form without making any changes, to preserve the essence of their history.

"The words are plain, but the stories they told are impressive," said Deng, whose father Deng Shuyi was also a member of the Chinese forces in India.

Deng Shuyi's recollection, "The First Man to Join the Army in Chongqing," was also included in the book.

(China Daily August 22, 2005)