His excellent personal conduct and exemplary character led the College Principal to declare him as These qualities would continue to be the hallmark of Abrar Husain for the rest of his eventful life.

On 8 December 1941, Japan invaded Malaya and rapidly overran the British forces, who surrendered on Singapore Island on 15 February 1942.

The Japanese separated Indian officers and men from the British and subjected them to intense propaganda and pressure to join the Japanese-sponsored 'Indian National Army' (INA).

Led by their gallant commander, the group remained defiant despite severe privations and cruelty of their Japanese captors.

For his exemplary conduct, personal bravery and strength of character, Lieutenant Abrar Hussain was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The fact that he was an infantry officer and yet had been entrusted with the raising of an armoured formation, speaks volumes of the esteem in which he was held by the Army High Command.

It was here that his strength of character, calmness and indomitable spirit provided the inspiration to his outnumbered and outgunned troops, who stood firm in the face of overwhelming odds.

Some of the fiercest tank battles since World War II were fought on the Battlefield of Chawinda but every attempt by the Indians to breakthrough was foiled.

In the words of General KM Arif, who was then a staff officer in 6 Armoured Division: By 22 September, the war would end in ceasefire.

On 16 April 1975 during retirement, General Abrar suffered a stroke which paralysed the right side of his body and impeded his speech.