Partition of India million became homeless. However, many argue that the British were forced to expedite the Partition by events on the ground. Once in office, Mountbatten quickly became aware that if Britain were to avoid involvement in a civil war, which seemed increasingly likely, there was no alternative to partition and a hasty exit from India. Law and order had broken down many times before Partition, with much bloodshed on both sides. A massive civil war was looming by the time Mountbatten became Viceroy. After the Second World War, Britain had limited resources, perhaps insufficient to the task of keeping order. Another
RMS Viceroy of India out at Shieldhall Wharf, Glasgow, began on 8 January 1929. "Viceroy of India" was finished in P&O's traditional colours: her hull black with a white band, her boot topping red, her upper works and lifeboats buff, her large vents black, her small vents buff and her two funnels black. During fitting out she was damaged amidships by Donaldson South American Line's cargo ship , which was trying to dock in poor visibility. However, by 17 February "Viceroy of India" was ready for sea trials, on which she averaged . She was completed in March 1929. "Viceroy of India" was Britain's