1946 Naval Mutiny at Mumbai
Following events triggered 1946 mutiny.
Jan – Feb 1945 –
There was rising discontent among many officers and ratings. They grew frustrated over poor food, overcrowding, delays in demobilization, and overt racism by British officers
Two cadet officers (among nine emergency commissioned officers) got into argument with British officers at Marine Drive officers mess, Mumbai.
The British objected the way indian officers ate chapatis with hands.
Cadet Officers M.V.D Mohan apprised the British that being an Indian, he knew better, how to eat chapatis. Another cadet complained over quality of food being served to Indians.
Both officers immidiately transferred out to Pune and later on removed from service.
December 1, 1945 –
Talwar
“mess protests”
A group of ratings led by Balai Chandra Dutt defaced HMIS Talwar with nationalist graffiti (“Quit India”, “Inquilab Zindabad”), placed brooms and buckets on masts—an early act of defiance
February 8, 1946 – Abusive conduct by Commander King
Commander Frederick M. King, CO of HMIS Talwar, reportedly used racist epithets like “sons of bitches”, “coolies”, “junglies”, “black bastards”—a key provocation cited in multiple sources .
February 16, 1946 – Food riot
Poor vegetarian food served at Castle Barracks mess in Bombay sparked protests; only a few ratings ate, the rest stayed ashore in protest.
Two cadet officers got into argument with British officers at Marine Drive officers mess.
Similar protests
The Mutiny (February 18–23, 1946)
February 17–18: Ratings at HMIS Talwar refused breakfast/duties, declaring, “No food, no work.” They took over the establishment by expelling officers, including Commander King, and lowered the Union Jack.
Formation of strike leadership: A naval central strike committee was formed. On February 18, Signalman Lieutenant M. S. Khan was elected president, and Petty Officer Telegraphist Madan Singh vice-president ).
February 19–21: The mutiny spread to 22 ships and 12 shore establishments in Bombay and other cities. Ratings hoisted Congress tricolour, CPI red flag, and Muslim League green flags. There were clashes, arrests, and increasing support from civilians.
“No food, no work!”
“A group of 1600 sailors … went on strike … shouting slogans: ‘No food, no work.’”
British response: British forces—including Royal Navy ships, army, and Gurkhas—were deployed. Indian Army units like the Maratha Regiment were reportedly reluctant to fire on Indian ratings. Eventually force and negotiation were used .
February 22–23: Public support peaked with a Bombay general strike. The British regained control by February 23 after promising to negotiate and not punish collectively .
Prominent Individuals
Indian Naval Ratings & Leaders
Balai Chandra Dutt: Early instigator who staged graffiti protests at HMIS Talwar, arrested in December 1945 and again involved in organizing the mutiny.
Signalman Lieutenant M. S. Khan: Elected leader (president) of the strike committee on February 18, 1946
Petty Officer Telegraphist Madan Singh: Vice-president of the strike committee alongside Khan.
British Officers
Commander Frederick M. King: Commanding Officer, HMIS Talwar. His racist reprimands provoked major backlash .
Flag Officer Arthur Rullion Rattray (Rear Admiral): Flag Officer Bombay; visited Talwar twice during the mutiny—once on February 18 and again later—to negotiate.
Captain Inigo‑Jones: Named replacement for King; his reputation as the “butcher of the RIN” further inflamed tensions .
Grievances & Demands
Key demands by mutineers included:
Better quality Indian food at shore/barracks.
Equal pay and allowances with Royal Navy.
Faster, age-based demobilization.
Retention of personal kit.
Punitive action against racist officers (e.g. King).
Release of INA and political prisoners, withdrawal of Indian troops from abroad, national leadership in decisions
Aftermath & Impact
British suppression and inquiry: The mutiny ended with conditional surrender; a committee of inquiry was set up.
Legacy: Viewed as one of the final cracks in British rule—leading to accelerated decolonization. Approximately 7 sailors and 1 officer died; hundreds of civilians also killed during related riots; about 476 ratings discharged.
Early protest leaders
Balai Chandra Dutt
Dr M V D Mohan
M. S. Khan
Madan Singh
British officers
Commander Frederick M. King
Used racist language, triggered mutiny. British negotiator
Rear Admiral Arthur R. Rattray
Attempted to pacify and negotiate British replacement
CO Captain Inigo‑Jones
Viewed as harsh disciplinarian
This incident—beginning within the officers’ mess, communications school, HMIS Talwar—escalated quickly into a widespread naval revolt that shook Bombay and other naval stations. It underscored systemic discrimination and contributed to India’s momentum towards independence.