On this day, during the Second World War, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag for the first time at Gymkhana Ground (currently Netaji Stadium) in Port Blair. He announced that the island was the first Indian territory independent of British rule.
Japan, which was supporting Bose in his war against the British, had captured the island from the British.
Netaji had arrived on the island the previous day and had been received by the Japanese admiral at Port Blair. He had been greeted very warmly.