Raised in late 1941, the 19th was the first 'standard' Indian Division. Its troops were the first to breach the Japanese defence line in Burma and to raise the flag at Fort Dufferin. It crossed the Chindwin in November 1944, driving on to Mandalay and Rangoon during seven months of continuous fighting. The 19th's exploits are graphically described also in John Masters' personal memoir, 'The Road Past Mandalay'.