Henry Armstrong gives an impromptu boxing lesson to local Indian youth, 1945Henry Armstrong gives an impromptu boxing lesson to local Indian youth, 1945
Calcutta, West Bengal
Photograph by Corporal James W. Guillot
Courtesy of the National Archives at College Park, MD, Still Picture Unit,
111-SC-264-1963-204195-S
U.S. soldiers respectfully remove shoes before entering the Calcutta Jain Temple, 1943U.S. soldiers respectfully remove shoes before entering the Calcutta Jain Temple, 1943
Calcutta, West Bengal
Courtesy of the National Archives at College Park, MD, Still Picture Unit,
208-AA-45-AEF-HH-2
During World War II, American troops shared their pastimes with Indians and learned about the country’s culture and heritage. While on tour entertaining American servicemen, world-champion boxer Henry Armstrong gave Indian youth a few pointers on his sport. U.S. soldiers also enjoyed exploring local sights and observed customs, such as removing shoes upon entering temples or mosques.