John Masters | |
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Born | 26 October 1914 Calcutta, India |
Died | 7 May 1983 Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States | (aged 68)
Occupation | Soldier and author |
Nationality | British (Anglo-Indian) |
Alma mater | Wellington College, Berkshire Royal Military College, Sandhurst |
Genre | Historical fiction Memoir |
Years active | 1933–1983 |
Spouse | Barbara Phoebe Masters (1910–1998) |
Military career | |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service | Indian Army (1933–1947) British Army (1947–1949) |
Years of service | 1933–49 |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Awards | Distinguished Service Order |
Lieutenant Colonel John Masters, DSO, OBE (26 October 1914 – 7 May 1983) was a British novelist and regular officer of the Indian Army.
In World War II, he served with the Chindits behind enemy lines in Burma, and became the GSO1 (chief staff officer) of the 19th Indian Infantry Division. Masters is principally known for his historical novels set in India, notably Bhowani Junction, which was turned into a successful film. He also wrote three volumes of autobiography, which were positively received by critics.