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LT COL ARIBAM BHOGENDRA SHARMA,
1, DOB: 01 09 1940, DOC: 27 Sep 1963
6A (on raising Apr 64-75)
7A( ” 1 Jan 76-83 )
6A as CO (84-87)
- Areas served during above:
- 6 A- Shillong:. Till Nov 64, 82 MS,Manipur (Jul-Oct 65) Arunachal:Dec 64-67, Ramgarh Cantt (69-70)
Burdwan,WB 70-71,Binnaguri 71-74, Jammu-75,
Lko -84-87
b)7A-Tamulpur Raising till78 incl trg RBA,Bhutan
Nagpur -82,J&K 82-83
4) Names Regtl COs served with.:
Brig T Sailo,Lt Col Pratap Singh,Col DBMal,Lt Col
MS Behl, Brig VSBajwa AVSM, Lt Col BS Bhalla,
Brig GSKhimta, Col Gurdip Singh,Col J.S. Raj kumar, Brig P Shivpuri, Brig Ramanan,Col SS Tomar,
- Appnts Held:DAA&QMG,Inf Bde, AQMG Comd HQ Asst Dir,DSC,Comd HQ, Adm Comdt,Secunderabad, Trg offr,ARC&RBA (Bhutan)
- War/ISDuties/Disaster Mgt :
- 6A deployed on IS Duties at 82 MS Manipur Jul-Oct 65.After 3 months mov to take op role during 65 ops.Cease fired.Unit mov back to Arunachal. During this ISDuties Maj CD Soi, Lt Col GS Sandhu, (later comd 4 A) were C &A Coy cdrs respectively.
b)Sec IS Duties under Brig VSBajwa,AVSM at Burdwan, WB, against Naxals. 2 rif coys Comd by Maj NMPradhan & self were depl independently.at Kalna &Katwa respectively.
,,7) Family Details: 3 daughters.Married ,hale & hearty.
- Self Pic :
- Hobbies/sports/Extra Curr: played all games reasonably well. Preferred games: Hockey,athletics,Swimming,squash,volley ball, golf, Played golf in services repres Southern, Eastern & Central
Comds. Now playing golf 2/3 tlmes a wk. Spl mention — Late Col JSRajkumar ,Col Rattanjit Singh ,Nk Shrikant (Retd Hony Capt)&myself won 4 Corps Tps competition 66-67.(4×100 relay)Spl prize given by Corps Cdr Lt Gen Khanna
- Pres Occupation: Remained occuied playing golf,help wife on domestic wks& most importantly Relaxation/sleep.
- 12) Place of Settlement: Tri Cities Panchkula,Haryana.
12) Interesting Anecdote : Jul1971.Unit was at Binnaguri. Simmering talks on imminent war.CO 6 A Brig VS Bajwa detailed me to go inside East Pak & earmark Coy loc n bn hq
In d area 15-20 km.In civvies,arms carried hidden n only sec cdrs I n 29 Nks/L/Nks entered East Pak at 6-30am from West Dinajpur Tac mov in unknown enemy area was very slow n risky. Knowing prevailing condition, CO gave me Carte Blanche .We could not spot human bieng We finished lunch ,recce,earmarked loc shown to all sec cdrs.Time was almost 3 pm.This time speed was faster than onward journey.At 5pm we still to cover 1/3 distance left .Was really worried.Finally I could see someone 50 mtr away.Depicting a very harmless/friendly nd appr him to talk .Listened quietly,agreed to what I said. Finally he went back & came with an MP (Awamy League)with 5/6 armed body gds.He volunteered to give dinner for all &primary school nearby to spend the night. Surprisingly ,within 30 m all items ie rice,degchi,dal ,firewood etc in place .We kept chit chatting till dinner was fully cooked & ready to eat.10-30pm 4/5 armed gds to help our boys on sentry duties arr.We ,after disturbed sleep,ready to move back to border from where we entered. M P also came to see us off .To my utter surprise, I saw all nearby empty meadows were planted with cut bamboos to not allow heptrs land as I told him to do so. With my sincere heartfelt thanks we left & reached unit loc by lunch time. Succinctly , have tried to cover the long interesting unforgettable moments.
I MISPLACED HIS DAUGHTER’S NAMES . SOMEONE PL HELP !!!!
MAJOR ADISARE 4 A 2 A 14 A
WAITING FOR WRITE UP
THIS ALBUM IS GOING TO GO INTO THOUSANDS OF PICTURES. CAN A TECHY RHINI OR TECHY RHINOCUB HELP ME TO ANCHOR IT. rhinoveterans have put up their hand CONTACT rhinoramanan@gmail.com 26 JUN 2020 .
LT COL C B THAPA 5 ASSAM
COL SHIV DARSHAN SINGH PATYAL 4 ASSAM
15 ASSAM
COL KISHAN SINGH FATHER OF COL RATTANJIT SINGH . MATERNAL GRAND FATHER OF BRIG C D SINGH
AN ODE TO COL KISHAN SINGH BY BRIG CD
COL SHISHUPAL RANPAL DEFENDER OF FAZILAKA
HE WAS THE FIRST DIG OF MEGHALAYA HOME GUARDS
HEAD HUNTERS G B 1 COL YP SINGH SM BEING DINED OUT JOLLY GOOD FELLOW BY COL K S SANDHU AND GANG.
COL JASON PETER VSM HEAD HUNTER
ANOTHER HEAD HUNTER . GOD LIKES GOOD PEOPLE. HE TOOK AWAY TEJ KISHEN BAGATHI AT A VERY YOUNG AGE . MISS YOU BAGATHI
SK SHARMA
OUR DEAR GHOSU
SERVES THE TROOPS OF NE AFTR RETIREMENT ALSO
MAJOR KUTTY COOTS BLESSINGS
MAJ J S RISHI WITH HON DALAI LAMA.
SOME ANECDOTES
ANECDOTE NO 1
Vinayak. 2 ASSAM
MY FIRST DAY WITH SECOND TO NONE!
I was commissioned into the great paltan 2 Assam Regt on 24 Dec 1982. After the 20 days leave of 1982, I joined ARC, Shillong around 14 Jan 1983. The first day in ARC will be described at a later date. We completed our mandatory familiarization and were dispatched to our respective units in end of Jan 1983. The journey up to New Delhi was comfortable as the reservations were done up to there. Beyond that up to unit location was a unique experience. Tinsukhia used to take almost 48 h to reach New Delhi so I was dressed in a comfortable lungie and kurta. The train I boarded at about 0800h was a day passenger train. Those days we used to have military compartments. This train did not have a first class – the authorized class of travel, so the coolie put my luggage in the military compartment. I had only two items – the big black NDA trunk and a newly issued hold-all. I reached Ambala around 1400h. I asked the tuck shop fellow to give me a cup of coffee. His immediate reaction was to remind me of my South Indian roots and ask me to change my choice of beverage to tea. I reluctantly agreed. I reached Chandigarh at about 1800h.
I was wondering if I have to get down at Chandigarh or Chandimandir. I asked one of the co-passengers if the train stopped at Chandimandir – the given NRS. He said yes. I got down at Chandigarh only to have a glass of water and loiter around. I did not find anything special. It had started getting dark.
Chandimandir is an awe inspiring name. I had tried to find out about it but in vain. Everyone told me about Chandigarh especially Sector 17 but nothing about Chandimandir other than a casual “it’s a Cantt”. I reached Chandimandir railway station around 1930h. There was only one coolie on the single platform, he refused to help. I took down my two items of luggage and looked around. The station wore a deserted look almost from a horror movie scene.
You all must be wondering, why did nobody come to receive me on the railway station?
Well, just read on.
I went to the Station Master’s office with the luggage for assistance as directed by the movement order. His telephone was out of order. I could hear the sound of a movie running in the small movie hall next door. The old man sitting in the rickety chair announced happily the departure of the train I had arrived in, changed the large levers in his cabin and then rang the bell hanging just outside his cabin. I realized he was all in one in this station called Chandimandir. He told me with a very big smile that the unit is just 5 mins walk from the station. I asked him if there was a cloak room to keep the luggage. He said I could use his office as a cloak room. His all in one status was further strengthened in my mind.
I changed into a pant and shirt and started on foot to find the would be love of my life – The Second to None.
The ups and down in the track to the unit vanished. The jungle looked like a lovely garden. With every single direction I got from most of the soldiers I came across, I was growing more and more sure of the fact that, this indeed was my destiny and I was made for this. I reached the Officers’ Mess in a trance. It looked like a palace to me. It indeed was my own palace, and shall remain so forever.
The first person I met was Sheoprasan. He very politely told me that they were all waiting for me since morning. He told me that even now someone was waiting for me and guided me to the bar. The first two officers I met were Capt Nagraj (on TD from the first Khel) and Capt Sudhir Chawla. They were sitting on tall bar stools which made them look very tall and me small. Although they shook hands, they never introduced themselves, so I asked for their names. They told me to find out. I cursed myself for not asking Sheoprasan.
I was asked what my poison was. By then, I had started liking BK. So I was given a large BK. My first ‘wining in’ had begun. Then Capt Chawla asked a very unusual question as to why didn’t I get down at Chandigarh. He then went out and told somebody on telephone to return as I had already reached the Mess. That reminded me of my luggage left at Chandimandir and told him that I need to go and get it. Capt Nagraj took a paper from the barman, scribbled something and told me to sign it. It was an authority letter for collection of my luggage.
That evening was Capt Nagraj’s and Capt Chawla’s night. They kept on filling my glass and asking questions incessantly.
-Who raised the unit? – I knew.
-When was it raised? – This is going to be a cake walk.
-Who is the present CO? – This is so easy, I thought.
-Who is the Adjt? – This is soooo very easy. Capt S M Singh had briefed me quite a bit despite his busy schedule.
-What is the trophy on center table? – I obviously did not know. By then I was one down, so went to check what it was. The moment I touched it, there was a blast of volleys in the bar. Nagraj bellowed:
“You never touch the silver.”
The first lesson of my Army life in appreciating any trophy or piece of art, I had learnt that evening. This stood me in good stead in making friends with a great artist Late Alhaj Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Wani of “Suffering Moses” fame, much later in life.
-Who am I? – Someone asked. I was two down, but I think I guessed it right. Benny Sir it was.
-What is his choice of music? – How the hell should I know that?
-Who is this singer (an LP was played)? – How the heck would a KPP (Kanya Putri Pathshala) product know what Phil Collins sounded like?
-What are you interests? – Reading, philately and numismatics. This is my forte, I said to myself.
-What books do you read? – Leon Uris (preferred author of those days) and anything that comes my way, I replied.
-Which is the latest novel? – QB-7.
Everyone was asking me questions of his own preferences.
Capt Chawla asked me if I listened to radio. I told him that I generally listen to BBC.
BBC? – who is New Delhi correspondent? – I knew it for sure – Mark Tully. Later we learnt to debate on which correspondent was more correct in his assessments.
Then came my immediate senior 2/Lt N R Lama in full uniform. He was waiting all this while at Chandigarh railway station for me along with the band party, that too since 1000h in the morning. Neither did I know that someone was waiting for me at Chandigarh station nor did Lama Sir know that I would be moving around in a lungie-kurta and would continue ahead to Chandimandir. He forgave me instantly.
I think I passed the biggest exam of my life that day.
I saw the most closely knit family bonding to the hilt in that short duration of two hours or so. I was extremely happy to be a part of this elite team. I knew for certain, if I had to face bullets ever, with this great team I would always be safe.
That evening, I inculcated the principal trait of an infantry officer – the spirit of camaraderie.
Tagra Raho!
Vinayak.
MY FIRST DAY WITH SECOND TO NONE!
I was commissioned into the great paltan 2 Assam Regt on 24 Dec 1982. After the 20 days leave of 1982, I joined ARC, Shillong around 14 Jan 1983. The first day in ARC will be described at a later date. We completed our mandatory familiarization and were dispatched to our respective units in end of Jan 1983. The journey up to New Delhi was comfortable as the reservations were done up to there. Beyond that up to unit location was a unique experience. Tinsukhia used to take almost 48 h to reach New Delhi so I was dressed in a comfortable lungie and kurta. The train I boarded at about 0800h was a day passenger train. Those days we used to have military compartments. This train did not have a first class – the authorized class of travel, so the coolie put my luggage in the military compartment. I had only two items – the big black NDA trunk and a newly issued hold-all. I reached Ambala around 1400h. I asked the tuck shop fellow to give me a cup of coffee. His immediate reaction was to remind me of my South Indian roots and ask me to change my choice of beverage to tea. I reluctantly agreed. I reached Chandigarh at about 1800h.
I was wondering if I have to get down at Chandigarh or Chandimandir. I asked one of the co-passengers if the train stopped at Chandimandir – the given NRS. He said yes. I got down at Chandigarh only to have a glass of water and loiter around. I did not find anything special. It had started getting dark.
Chandimandir is an awe inspiring name. I had tried to find out about it but in vain. Everyone told me about Chandigarh especially Sector 17 but nothing about Chandimandir other than a casual “it’s a Cantt”. I reached Chandimandir railway station around 1930h. There was only one coolie on the single platform, he refused to help. I took down my two items of luggage and looked around. The station wore a deserted look almost from a horror movie scene.
You all must be wondering, why did nobody come to receive me on the railway station?
Well, just read on.
I went to the Station Master’s office with the luggage for assistance as directed by the movement order. His telephone was out of order. I could hear the sound of a movie running in the small movie hall next door. The old man sitting in the rickety chair announced happily the departure of the train I had arrived in, changed the large levers in his cabin and then rang the bell hanging just outside his cabin. I realized he was all in one in this station called Chandimandir. He told me with a very big smile that the unit is just 5 mins walk from the station. I asked him if there was a cloak room to keep the luggage. He said I could use his office as a cloak room. His all in one status was further strengthened in my mind.
I changed into a pant and shirt and started on foot to find the would be love of my life – The Second to None.
The ups and down in the track to the unit vanished. The jungle looked like a lovely garden. With every single direction I got from most of the soldiers I came across, I was growing more and more sure of the fact that, this indeed was my destiny and I was made for this. I reached the Officers’ Mess in a trance. It looked like a palace to me. It indeed was my own palace, and shall remain so forever.
The first person I met was Sheoprasan. He very politely told me that they were all waiting for me since morning. He told me that even now someone was waiting for me and guided me to the bar. The first two officers I met were Capt Nagraj (on TD from the first Khel) and Capt Sudhir Chawla. They were sitting on tall bar stools which made them look very tall and me small. Although they shook hands, they never introduced themselves, so I asked for their names. They told me to find out. I cursed myself for not asking Sheoprasan.
I was asked what my poison was. By then, I had started liking BK. So I was given a large BK. My first ‘wining in’ had begun. Then Capt Chawla asked a very unusual question as to why didn’t I get down at Chandigarh. He then went out and told somebody on telephone to return as I had already reached the Mess. That reminded me of my luggage left at Chandimandir and told him that I need to go and get it. Capt Nagraj took a paper from the barman, scribbled something and told me to sign it. It was an authority letter for collection of my luggage.
That evening was Capt Nagraj’s and Capt Chawla’s night. They kept on filling my glass and asking questions incessantly.
-Who raised the unit? – I knew.
-When was it raised? – This is going to be a cake walk.
-Who is the present CO? – This is so easy, I thought.
-Who is the Adjt? – This is soooo very easy. Capt S M Singh had briefed me quite a bit despite his busy schedule.
-What is the trophy on center table? – I obviously did not know. By then I was one down, so went to check what it was. The moment I touched it, there was a blast of volleys in the bar. Nagraj bellowed:
“You never touch the silver.”
The first lesson of my Army life in appreciating any trophy or piece of art, I had learnt that evening. This stood me in good stead in making friends with a great artist Late Alhaj Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Wani of “Suffering Moses” fame, much later in life.
-Who am I? – Someone asked. I was two down, but I think I guessed it right. Benny Sir it was.
-What is his choice of music? – How the hell should I know that?
-Who is this singer (an LP was played)? – How the heck would a KPP (Kanya Putri Pathshala) product know what Phil Collins sounded like?
-What are you interests? – Reading, philately and numismatics. This is my forte, I said to myself.
-What books do you read? – Leon Uris (preferred author of those days) and anything that comes my way, I replied.
-Which is the latest novel? – QB-7.
Everyone was asking me questions of his own preferences.
Capt Chawla asked me if I listened to radio. I told him that I generally listen to BBC.
BBC? – who is New Delhi correspondent? – I knew it for sure – Mark Tully. Later we learnt to debate on which correspondent was more correct in his assessments.
Then came my immediate senior 2/Lt N R Lama in full uniform. He was waiting all this while at Chandigarh railway station for me along with the band party, that too since 1000h in the morning. Neither did I know that someone was waiting for me at Chandigarh station nor did Lama Sir know that I would be moving around in a lungie-kurta and would continue ahead to Chandimandir. He forgave me instantly.
I think I passed the biggest exam of my life that day.
I saw the most closely knit family bonding to the hilt in that short duration of two hours or so. I was extremely happy to be a part of this elite team. I knew for certain, if I had to face bullets ever, with this great team I would always be safe.
That evening, I inculcated the principal trait of an infantry officer – the spirit of camaraderie.
Tagra Raho!
ANECDOTE 2
COL MANURAJ SINGH GB 2 ASSAM . I CALL HIM DESERTER !!! HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST CAPTAINS I SERVED WITH AND RAN AWAY TO CIVIL STREAM !!!
LOVE U MANU AND ANJU BLESSINGS
ANECDOTE 3
Dear General Saha,
While Commanding 15 Corps, the Kashmiri Awam who were enamoured by your professional acumen and impeccable conduct, honored you with the sobriquet of a,” PEOPLES GENERAL .” However, in my wisdom and personal capacity as a Regimental Soldier I value your services to the Indian Army and the Assam Regiment as, SECOND-TO-NONE. Today on the eve of your superannuation after highly professionally successful, rewarding and illustrious career of 38 years and 3 months with the Army, as your First Company Commander it is my proud privilege to pip you with the sobriquet of,” A GENERAL OF THE RHINOS, FOR THE RHINOS AND BY THE RHINOS.”
Your contribution to the Assam Regt. will be etched in the Golden letters and go down in the annals of the history of the Regt as unparalleled feat. Due to your dedication, commitment and untiring efforts, the Regt. has scaled the dizzy heights of success and glory in all conceivable fields of the Army life.
During your Colonelship you have left no stones unturned in ensuring that the Assam Regt received the distinguished status in the uppermost echelons of the Infantry Regiments of the Army. Your passion for the Regt. has charged up not only the serving Rhinos, but Veterans and families as well. We all feel proud and elated to be member of this elite Regt. Your devotion to the Regt has inspired the spirit of Regimentation in every rank and file and ignited an intense desire of maintaining the numero uno position, no matter at what cost. Because of my frequent interaction with the serving and retired Rhinos and visits to a number of Khels, I am witness to a perceptible and remarkable transformation of 360 degree in the standards and charged up competitive spirit of all our units including ARC. Your commendable and laudable initiatives are before all of us to experience. You are a leader who epitomizes true spirit of the Assam Regt.
Your Mantra, ” BADA REGT, BADA SOCH, BADA KADAM,& BADA NAAM” shall live on forever and serve as source of inspiration to the future Rhino Generations.
I shall be failing in my individual capacity if, I did not mention about Mrs Soma Saha, who as the First Lady of the Regt. played her sterling role with alacrity and grace in abundance. I have had the privilege of knowing her as a young lady wife of then Capt Subrata Saha, posted as Instr. at IMA, Dehradun She has been indeed a great support and source of strength and inspiration behind the scene to General Saha, whom I lovingly christened, Suby when he joined us in 3 Assam at Ranchi. Soma has been a picture of poise and role model for other Regimental ladies to emulate her.
Neena, Dhruv, Payal and Ritika join me in wishing GeneralSubrata and Mrs Soma Saha a very happy retired, but even more active life full of challenges in the coming days.” A Soldier Never Retires, He Just Pauses To Spruce Up And Continues With His Journey.”
We wish you both, dear Somesh and Shikhar all the happiness, good health and God Speed in the years to follow
Tagra Raho,
Bee Kay
ANECDOTE 4 COL BK NAIR
I joined 9 Assam on new
raising some time in 1981. Had the privilege of working with following officers.
(a) lt Col Mukerjee
(b) Maj A M Lawate
(C) Maj S B Rai . He is no
more. Died in Siliguri.
(d) Maj Rai Singh .He is
also no more.
(e) Maj Ashok Malhotra.
He is settled in Delhi.
(f) Maj Pradip Vij. He later on commanded 4A also commanded a Bde and now settled in Delhi.
(g) Maj VK Sharma. Commanded 3 Assam and settled in Delhi.
(h)Capt Bawa. Commanded 9A& 5A and also commanded Assam Rifle Bde.
(J) Capt Bipin Bhalla SM
(k) Capt Suresh Ghorpade. He also commanded 9 Assam.
(l) Capt Arun Harge .
He commanded a Assam Regt Bn and also Bde.
(M) Capt Arun Ahuja. He was a SS officer. He left the Army and joined the banking sector .
(N) lt Ramalu. He became med cat and got transferred to ordinance . Became a Brig and on retirement settled in Secunderabad .
3. On my second stint with 9Assam I was the 2lC and the CO was Col Subimal Ganguly . He was from Guards. When the Bn moved to field I had to leave the unit. Col Ganguly is settled in Calcutta .
4. I also had a tenure with centre. That details later please . Tagraraho.
ANECDOTE 5 ON RAMANAN BY A PROFESSOR
1. Samaj Seva – Pichhale bees salon se jhuggi ke bachchon, anaath, divyaang bachchon ke lie seva kar rahe hain
2. Vanchit bachchone ke lea nish shulk GYANODAY school chalaa ne men jude hain
3. Retirement ke baad pachees saal shiksha kshetr se jude hain aur anek shiksha sansthaon ki sthapana kiya / nrideshan kiya / paramash samitiyon men rahe Mandha budhhi ,Mook bhadir andha vidhyalay se jude hain
4. M Sc, MBA, Ph D [ Management ] LLB (Honours) aur Ministry Of Defense se DCM aadi upadhi praapt
5. 1962 men ASSAM REGIMENT men commission hue aur North East Tribal troops ke saath kaam kiya
6. Sena ke front par tainaaat javanon ke lie Map Reading ke Vishay par apane anushandhaan ke adhar par mobail learning par adharit course vikasit kiya
7. Commission hone ke din se aaj tak nirantar map reading padhaya hai
8. Staff College aur Army War College se post graduation paaye. Aur War College men professor bane. Abhi tak Fauji officeron ko nish shulk padathe hain
9. Arunachal, Assam, Eastern Bhutan, West Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, J & K, Punjab Rajasthan borders and in UP, HP, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh aadi sthanon men rahate hue 31 varshon se adhik ki sevaen dii
10. Apna bn 4 Assam Command kiya. Sikkim West Bengal men Dy Cdr ka kam kiya. Brigadier bankar high altitude area men aur insurgency men do brigade command kiya
AN IMPROVEMENT A DAY
ANECDOTE 6 BRIG NS SURREY
Very sad to know passing away of Brig. NS Surrey.
In his passing away the Regt, especially 4 Assam has lost a great stalwart, thorough gentleman and a highly spirited Regimental officer who was loved and respected by one and all.
Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May God give them strength and courage to endure the irreparable loss. RIP Brig Surrey Sir.
Deeply grieved by the passing away of Brig NS Surrey. A great regimental stalwart is no more. Had the privilege to serve under him as a company commander at Attari, Thepura (Pak) and later at Kapurthala. His persona touched all ranks with affection and benevolence. Brig Surrey’s passing away leaves a void for all of us who shared our days and experiences with him. Was fortunate to be with him at ARC recently. Dear Sir RIP.
Our heartfelt condolences to Gitanjali and all family members.
Ashok Hukku and family
It is an extreme sad a news. Brig Narrotam Singh Surrey, AVSM, was an asset to the regiment. MY association with him was very deep and a continuous affair. We liked each other very much. I had visited him when he was at Tuensang as a Commander on my foot march to Tobu a border post , and where ever he was and which ever appointment he was in. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Geetangli and other members of his family. I often talked to him on line. What a sad news!
We have lost a very fine person. Col M S Behl, VSM
ANECDOTE 7 81-82 JAY
ANECODETE 8 KUTTY ON COL DASGUPTA
col dasgupta commanded 3 Assam . in addition to maj coots Kutty his son sent some of the photos.I am attaching some photos of my late father, Lt Col S.D. Dasgupta
CHANDRU NAIR ALBUM
ALL RHINOS ARE REQUESTED PLEASE ANOTATE THE NAMES OF OFFICERS ON THE PHOTO ITSELF WITH AID OF MS PAINT
Our aim is to get maximum names and photos of all those who donned the Rhino badge. few more names from chandru have come . I request all Rhinos to please send as many names as u can recapitulate and photos . KK Narang, JaspalSingh, S S Bhullar, Gurnam Singh(QM)VL Ruata, C S Nair, and KS Thapa There were few more officers in Ferozepur ,They are BS Oinam, KB Sahi, B Lyngdoh, Gora Ray, BJS Khandpur, &JS Duggal to name a few. Sorry I missed out our young CO ,Lt Col Jasbir Singh.
Dear Sir, from COL Rathore
As desired, I am forwarding the details of officers of 5 ASSAM including those who moved out to new raisings:-
- Brig S. S. Chaudhary, the founding father of 5 ASSAM. Later commanded 167 Infantry Brigade at Fazilka during 1971 Indo – Pak war. Currently living at Sector-11, Chandigarh.
- Late Major General Ram Krishan – AVSM. The 2nd GB of 5 ASSAM; commanded 93 Infantry Brigade at Punch, Raised 22 Infantry Division at Bhopal. After retirement died IN 1986 in a road accident in Himachal Pradesh while visiting Mrs. Ram Krishan’s ancestral property. Has 2 sons and a daughter. Mrs. Ram Krishan is living at Noida.
- Late Lt Col A.S. Mallhi; 3rd GB of 5 ASSAM under whose leadership Battalion fought battle of Chhamb -Indo – Pak war 1971 and on earned Battle Honour “CHHAMB” and theatre award J & K. He was commissioned in 1st ASSAM in 1952, moved to 4 ASSAM on raising and commanded 5 ASSAM from December 1968 to January 1975, thereafter he was appointed Commdt. ARC, Shillong. He died in 2017 and unfortunately Mrs. Mallhi also expired within 6 months after his death. His son Brig A. S. Malhi (Retd.) from Core of Ordinance and currently living at Sector-34A, Chandigarh.
- Late Brig I.S. Cheema, commissioned in 2 ASSAM in 1959 and commanded 5 ASSAM from January 1975 to February1978 .He later commanded 8 Infantry Brigade at Bikaner. His elder son was commissioned in 9 PARA (SF) and later moved to Parent unit i.e. 5 ASSAM. Brig. Cheema died of heart attack sometime in 2010/2011.Mrs. Cheema is actively involved in social work and living at Chandigarh.
- Major General P.K. Puri, the 5th GB who joined the unit on raising after commission from IMA. The ex COR (March 1992 to 2000). Now living at Gurugram with Mrs. Mini Puri and the elder son. The younger son is working abroad.
- Lt Col C.B. Thapa, the sixth GB of 5 ASSAM, an excellent sportsman commanded the unit from 1982 to April, 1983.After the unfortunate demise of Lt. Col. Arun Lakhani at Leh he was once again moved to command 5 ASSAM for a duration of 6 months. Later commanded Pro Unit, HQ Delhi area. Currently living at Raipur, Dehradun.
- Late Lt Col Arun Lakhani, the seventh GB who commanded from April 1983 to October 1983. Died of cardiac arrest while the unit was in Chumathang, Leh. He joined the regiment along with Col A.M. Lawate 6 ASSAM and Major General A.K. Hukku 4 ASSAM in 1965. Had a son and a daughter. The son died at the age of 19 years while pursuing B.E. at Delhi. Mrs. Meena Lakhani, a doctor is living at Shantiniketan, New Delhi.
- Lt Col K.S. Thapa, ex 2 ASSAM commanded 5 ASSAM from 1984 to 1987. Unfortunately Mrs. Thapa passed away few years back. Has a son and a daughter. He is currently living at Defence Colony, Dehradun.
- Lt Col R.S. Ver, 6 ASSAM, 7 ASSAM and commanded 5 ASSAM for one year plus. Being in low medical category, he could not move with the Unit to the High Altitude Area in Arunachal Pradesh. Now settled at Canada with his family.
- Lt Gen J.R. Mukherjee, PVSM, AVSM. Commanded 5 ASSAM for a second tenure. He earlier raised 9 ASSAM and was originally commissioned in 3 ASSAM in 1964. Ex COR held many prestigious appointments during the Army career. Retired as COS Headquarter Eastern Command. Currently living at Kolkata. Has 2 daughters and a son.
- Col Rajendra Singh Rathore, 12th GB 5 ASSAM was commissioned in 1969 while the unit was in Hyderabad. He was member of the Battle Honour winning team. Commanded the unit from February 1990 to April 1993 after which he moved to War College, Mhow as DS JC Wing. Later he was Comdt. ARC Shillong from 1997 to 1999. Currently settled at Jaipur.
- Brig B.P.S. Sandhu, ex 2nd ASSAM, commanded 5 ASSAM as 13th GB. Partly at Bakloh and later at Uri Sector. After the command he was posted to HQ 26 Infantry Division as Col. G.S. and later commanded an Infantry Brigade.
- Col Sant Ram, ex 4 ASSAM and commanded 5 ASSAM at Uri and later at Ranchi. He later commanded his original unit, 4 ASSAM. He is settled at Ambala.
- Lt Gen Subrata Saha, 1978 batch officer, commissioned in 3 ASSAM and commanded 5 ASSAM. He also commanded ARC before taking over the Brigade. Held many prestigious appointments during his Army career. As COR, he worked tirelessly to raise the name and fame of the Regiment. Retired as DCOAS, Army Headquarters.
- Following officers also commanded 5 ASSAM :-
- A) Col Narayan
- B) Brig J.S. Bawa – Now settled at Chandigarh.
- C) Col Deepanshu Sinha
- D) Col Indrajeet Singh – Now settled at Canada.
- E) Col Vishal Jondhale – Still serving.
- Veterans of the Unit – Some of them commanded other units of the Regiment:-
- A) Brig V.S. Bhajwa – Commanded 6 ASSAM during war in Eastern sector in 1971 Indo-Pak war.
- B) Late Lt Col L.R. Das – ex 3 ASSAM posted to 5 ASSAM in 1967. Commanded Ladakh Scouts.
- C) Late Col Sam Gatpho – Posted to 5 ASSAM on raising. Commanded 20 ASSAM Rifle Bn Mrs. Gatpho is living at Shillong.
- D) Late Col K.S. Sandhu – commanded 8 ASSAM. Died in a scooter accident in Jalandhar. Mrs. Sandhu is living at Panchkula, Haryana.
- E) Lt Col M.S. Sherawat – a war veteran, who launched the Counter attack on 05/12/1971 to re – capture Company Defended Loc of the Delta Company at Ghogi in Chhamb sector. Settled at Gurugram. Has two sons and a daughter. Elder son joined 12 ASSAM and the younger one 5 ASSAM.
- F) Lt. Col N.P. Singh – a war veteran, commanded C. Company during war but had to be evacuated on 04th December on health grounds. Settled at Patna.
- G) Late Major J.B.S. Makin, 1962 commissioned officer who joined the unit along with Major General P.K. Puri. A very spirited Rhino, commanded Delta Company at Ghogi (Chhamb) and fought gallantly till killed in en action on 05th Had a son and a daughter; the family is living at Delhi.
- H) Late Col S.K. Hatwal – commissioned in 2 ASSAM, moved to 4 and 6 ASSAM and later joined 5 ASSAM as Second – In – Command before the war. A very able 2 IC of Col A.S. Mallhi. While he was to succeed Col Mallhi in command, however, due to certain regimental constraints, was moved to 2 ASSAM for Command. He died a very tragic death in a road accident when he was Dy Cdr of 71 Mtn. Brigade at Shajahanpur, UP. His Brigade Commander Brig. D.S.R. Sahni (Later Army Commander Northern Command) took responsibility of looking after the family in all possible manner. His three daughters, all are well settled. Mrs. Hatwal is living at Dehradun.
(I) Lt Col P Ao – A 1963 batch officer with excellent leadership qualities and a good human being. During the 1971 war he was Instr. Cl. B, at IMA, Dehradun. Since the unit suffered heavy casualties during the war, he was prematurely reverted to the unit in February 1972. He is settled at Shillong/ Mokokchung, his native place.
- J) Lt. Col. K. Tshering – During the 1971 war he was ADC to the then COR, Major Gen. H.S. Kauchar. He is settled at Darjeeling.
- K) Captain S.S. Sidhu – An EC Officer and a good sportsman. Very popular amongst the troops. After release from the Army he joined ASSAM Rifles.
- L) Lt Col O. Sherpa – Captain of the Bn Shooting team. An excellent soldier, commanded Delta Company after the war. Has a son and a daughter. The son is an IAS officer while the daughter is in allied services (Income Tax Commissioner). He is settled at Darjeeling.
- The martyrs of 1971 war:-
- i) Late Major J.B.S. Makin – OC Delta Company (Details already covered above).
- ii) Late Major A.K. Suri – An excellent hockey player (was OTA Blue in Hockey). During the war he was Bn QM. While escorting an ammunition convoy from Akhnoor AP to Chhamb, was killed in en action at Chhamb Bridge.
iii) Late Captain K.S. Rathod, an officer from Himmatnagar, Gujarat. During war he was 2IC B COY and fought last man last round battle. A very gallant Rhino whose dare devil acts are still remembered.
- iv) Late Captain Giriraj Singh, 1969 batch officer, NDA and IMA Blue in Hockey and Gold medalist in PT Course. He was MMG PL. Commander and during war he was commanding Burejal BOP. On 04th December 1971 at 9 AM, his post was assaulted by en forces and while fighting gallantly, he made supreme sacrifice.
- v) Late 2nd Lt Oliver Wilson, a baby Rhino joined the unit in September 1971. He was an Alpha Company Officer. On 05th December at 9PM, A Company less a Pl was ordered to launch a counter attack at Ghogi. This youngster along with his Pl was ordered to stay back at Singri, the depth Company Defended Locality. On 06th December he at his own initiative decided to move up to join his Company which had gone for counter attack last night. En route he came under a very heavy arty shelling and unfortunately got killed. Son of a retired JCO from EME, was full of josh and Regimental spirit.
The loss of above officers was very unfortunate and irreparable.
18) Lt Col Y.B. Thapa – A 1970 Batch Officer and a war veteran, got seriously wounded while repairing telephone line at Dalla post, Chhamb sector, Indo – Pak war 1971. One arty shell splinter got embedded in his brain which could not be removed on medical grounds as such he remained low medical category throughout his career. He is settled at Dehradun and practicing homeopathy.
19) Col B.K.Nair – A 1970 Batch Officer and Commander of the Bokan post, A BOP. Faced the initial onslaught of Pak Army. He defended the post gallantly till ordered to fall back at 1800 Hrs. on 04th Dec 1971. His withdrawal along with the Pl from Bokan to main defenses was a classic one as he was surrounded from all sides by the enemy. He also could have come under own fire from FDLs as coming from opposite direction. A spirited & cool headed Rhino who kept his nerves in a most adverse situation. Due to age factor he commanded an NCC Unit and retired. Now settled at his home state, Kerala.
20) Col. M.K. Ghatraj – 1970 batch Rhino, was laying protective mine field on 03rd Dec 1971 in front of Bn Defs at Barsala. While setting out came under heavy arty shelling and was seriously wounded and was evacuated to Field Hospital Jourian on Ni 3-4 Dec 1971. Later moved to 7 ASSAM on raising & commanded 6 ASSAM.
21) Late Major A Hazra – He was the life of the Bn & was groomed personally by Late Major General Ram Krishan. He was popularly known as “Uncle Hazra”. Being an ACC entry he was overage for further promotions. Retired as a Major and died in his village in West Bengal. He wrote Company songs for all Companies in 5 ASSAM.
22) Late Lt Col TC Das – Effective member of the Bn football team as Goalkeeper. He died after superannuation at his hometown in West Bengal.
23 ) Late Captain Narjeet Singh – An EC officer who was the adjt of the Bn while in fd area at Misamari. Very smart & popular member of the team. He participated in Indo – Pak war 1965 in Punjab. After release from the Army, he opened a Rhino sports shop at Hoshiarpur (Punjab). He passed away soon due to cardiac arrest.
24) Late Captain Jia Lal – An EC officer, joined the Bn Army during 1965 & participated in Indo – Pak war 1965. He was released from the Army in 1968 on completion of EC tenure. However, he was recalled post Indo- Pak war 1971 as part of reinforcements for two years. After release from the Army he had setelled at Shimla and died somewhere in 2002/2003. His son, Col K.S. Monta joined 5 ASSAM in 1990 and is settled at Shimla.
25) Col. R. L. Atri – EC officer, hails from Himachal Pradesh & currently settled at Panchkula. His younger son joined Bde of guards (17 GUARDS).
26) Major Atul Bhardwaj – NDA entry, brother-in law of late Brig. B. M. Lal. Left pre maturely & presently working in a company at Australia.
27) Col Alok Sagar – Ex NDA, joined the unit in 1978 performed well as a true Rhino. Late Lt Gen Ranbir, while COR, transferred him to 4 ASSAM however, after Psc & staff appt, reverted to the parent limit i.e. 5 ASSAM. Now settled at Gurugram with his family.
28) Col. RAA Raj Kumar – He joined in 1975 & after initial grooming, moved as ADC to Major General Ram Krishan. On completion of tenure, he moved to IMA as Intr Cl C, later posted to 3 ASSAM .Not very happy in the new setup hence returned to 5 ASSAM. Commanded 20 ASSAM Rif & retired as Adm Comdt, Kanpur Cantt. Post retirement he was working as party of some security organization in Afghanistan.
29) Col. B.N. Somanna – He joined the unit in 1974, a very good sportsman & an excellent leader of men. Unfortunately suffered from a serious health problem. Now settled at Mysore.
30) Col. S.K. Bhattacharyajee – Joined the unit in 1974 moved to 10 ASSAM on raising. Currently settled at Bengaluru & running a children school along with his wife.
31) Late Major K.D.K. Singh – A Manipuri officer joined in 1976 but found difficult to settle down. Later was transferred to 15 ASSAM on raising & finally was boarded out on medical grounds.
32) Late Lt Col D.K. Thapliyal – A good sportsman fitted well in the team. Later he suffered from mouth cancer & died. His son has joined 5 ASSAM.
33) Major Sujuka Rengma – A Naga officer with a strong community mind hence ran into difficulty many times. He is currently settled in Dimapur & involved in a private business.
34) Col Abraham Andrew – A very spirited officer but needed a tactful handling. He shifted to Corps of Int and retired from there. Presently settled at Trichi / Bengaluru.
35) Col K.K. Anil Kumar – A true Rhino in all respects; was ever ready to perform challenging tasks. He was SO to Lt General S. Saha & later commanded a special force in Arunachal Pradesh. Currently settled at Trivandrum. Looking after the regimental veterans in best possible manner.
36) Lt Col Deepak Srivastava – An NDA entry with a technical mind, very popular in the team “Fighting Fifth”. Currently settled at Pune.
37) Col S.K. Tiwari – A 1971 batch officer & a war veteran. He was picked up by Late Lt Gen S.K. Pillai to command 1 ASSAM when the unit was moving on UN Mission. Unfortunately due to certain reasons his tenure was not very successful. He is settled at Lucknow.
38) Lt Col S.R. Das – He joined in 1969 and participated in Indo – Pak war 1971. Later he was moved to a new raising. He is presently settled at Faridabad.
39) Col K.S. Mangat – Commissioned in 1 ASSAM in 1960 and post Indo- Pak war joined 5 ASSAM in 1972. Performed duties of Second – In – Command after Major S.K. Hatwal left to command 2 ASSAM. Settled at Chandigarh
40) Captain H.D. Khiangte – An SS Officer joined 5 ASSAM IN February 1969. A war veteran ; commanded ‘C’ Company in officiating capacity when Major N.P. Singh was evacuated to Command Hospital. After release from Army, he joined Mizoram State Police and rose to the rank of DIG. Later he got involved in state politics and held a portfolio of a Minister. Currently living in Aizawl.
41) Captain Benjamin Kapthurma – An EC Officer joined 5 ASSAM in 1964. Post release from the Army, he joined Civil Services (IAS) and was allotted Bihar Cadre. After retirement he is settled at Mizoram.
42) Late Lt Col. S.I. Jhakhalu – A Naga Officer, commissioned in 1 ASSAM and later posted to 5 ASSAM. ON raising of Naga Regiment, he was posted to 1 NAGA. Post retirement he joined politics in Nagaland.
43) Lt Col Mahabir Singh – A 1967 Batch Officer who was very active member of the Bn Football team. Unfortunately while at Hyderabad he met with a two wheeler accident and was downgraded to Low Medical Category. He was transferred to Corps of Ord in 1971. Presently living at Jaipur.
44) Col L.S. Rana – He joined 5 ASSAM in 1972 and later transferred to 15 ASSAM on raising. He commanded 15 ASSAM in North East. His son is also in Assam Regiment and commanded 6 ASSAM. He is settled at Dehradun.
45) Col. M.B. Saxena – He was commissioned in 5 ASSAM but soon moved out to 8 ASSAM on raising. He is settled in Meghalaya as his better half is from Garo Hills.
46) Col. S.K. Kothiyal – A thorough bred Rhino and a good officer. He is settled at Delhi though he belongs to Dehradun.
47) Col K.S. Monta – Son of a Rhino, Late Captain Jia Lal, performed duties of SO to ex- COR Lt General S. Saha. He belongs to Shimla and currently serving at a place close to Ambala.
48) Brigadier Vikram Raina – He joined 5 ASSAM in 1988 and rendered exemplary service. Later he commanded 4 ASSAM at Barrackpore and on promotion commanded Assam Rifle Sector. He is from J & K and currently serving as Group Commander NCC at Lucknow.
49) Lt Col Anil Suryanvanshi – Originally an Officer from 8 GR, joined 5 ASSAM in 1989. Couldn’t fit well in the team as he could not understand the ethos of the Assam Regiment. Currently settled at Pune.
50) Lt Col Vinayak Jadhav – Joined 5 ASSAM in 1990 and currently settled at Pune.
51) Col J.S. Sharan – Joined the unit in 1989 and is settled at Jalandhar.
52) Captain Surendra Singh – Joined in 1989 but not very comfortable with Army way of life. Took premature retirement and settled at Chandigarh.
53) Lt. Col. K.C. Kharyal – A very spirited Rhino but due to over age he changed over to Int Corps. Belongs to Palampur (H.P.). His current details are not known.
54) Col. M.P. Patil – Joined the unit in 1978; a very good hockey player. Due to age factor commanded NCC Unit and currently residing at Pune.
55 )Details of Rhinos settled at Jaipur (Rajasthan)
- Brigadier P. Shivpuri – 4 ASSAM / 7 ASSAM
- Col R.S. Rathore – 5 ASSAM
- Col R.K. Bhatnagar – served in almost all units because of medical category
- Col Ram Chander – 1 ASSAM / 10 ASSAM
- Major B.S. Gurung
- Major Som Dutt – 3 ASSAM
- Lt Col B.P.Singh – 3 ASSAM
- Captain D.C. Sood – Ex officer after release joined Indian Foreign Services
- Lt Col Deo Nath Singh – 3 ASSAM settled at Bikaner
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Brig J. S. Antal
When higher HQ assessed that the situation required immediate action 12 Assam was ordered to move from Gachham and occupy Lungrola earliest. The unit moved immediately and on 3rd day reached Lungrola with out any acclimatisation.
Enroute we were administratively helped by 9 and 10 Assam. The unit had only one case of high altitude sickness and the boy got alright once evacuated to Tawang. Insistence of Brig Antal on physical fitness helped the unit to achieve this. Chinese probably assessed that a Bde size force was dply in Lungrola due to the class composition of the unit. In first local flag meeting Chinese considered Brig Antal as Cdr Lungrola Bde. Here are some photos of that meeting
Tagra Raho Sir,
I have some Anecdotes, noted in a diary, about either personal experience or as narrated by my seniors in 6 Assam and 12 Assam. About 25 of them approx.
I already sent them to COR Sect on request from his SO.
Can I send them to you, to be uploaded on the web site.
Will send them on receipt of confirmation.
Tagra Raho Sir,
I am forwarding some Funny incidents/ Anecdotes pertaining to 6 & 12 Assam Regt for uploading on the Rhino veterans website.
2. While 6 Assam was in Raipur, old Akhnoor road, Jammu from 1975 to 1978, we used to have Annual FD Firing at Ismailpur Ranges near Bari Brahmana.
During one such FD Firing, after the Firing for the day was Completed, Late Lt Col Rai Singh, then a Capt, went into the ranges for Shikar.
By evening, he came back with a Wild goat, which was cut and distributed in equal quantities to all companies. We enjoyed the wild goat meat in Offrs Mess as well.
The next day the villagers came looking for their missing Saand (Male goat for breeding). Capt Rai Singh immediately took precautionary measures to get all the parts like skin and Head buried.
Since the villagers were enquiring with the Jawans, Capt Rai Singh told them to say that he shot a Deer the previous day.
When they came to the Field Offrs Mess, the Mess waiter Vihito Angami told them – Lagta Hain Saab ne Bakra Mara, lekin Capt Saab bolta Hain Woh Hiran Hain. Phir Hiran hi Hoga.
We had a rough time passifying and compensating the villagers.
RHINO VETERANS_A
TAGRA RAHO
