05. G. GOLF – RHINO VETERANS

JAI

HIND

07.D.GOLF

COL MANI GAHATRAJ NARRATES ON LEGENDS OF ASSAM REGIMENT

The Legends of the Assam Regiment

Col Mani K Gahatraj (Retd)

(Legends who directly or indirectly touched my sensibilities and enriched my life in more than one way)

Lt Col WF Brown DSO, OBE

Major W Felix Brown of 8 Punjab Regiment was posted in Chitral, on the banks of Chitral River in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, NW Province, now in Pakistan. In May 1941, upon receiving orders to join 1^st Battalion the Assam as the Second in Command for its raising, he had loaded his car and driven straight across the Indian plains to Shillong, camping out at night by the road side. Hot, hungry, thirsty and tired Maj Brown was ready for action within 5 minutes of arrival in Shillong. He was the strength behind the Commanding Officer during the raising days and operations that followed thereafter. Just after 6 months he took over the command of 1 Assam on 27 Dec 1941 in Digboi as Lt Col Howman was posted out to higher HQ. He commanded the battalion for 3 years throughout the Second World War that included bloody battles of Kohima and Kharasom followed by pursuit of Japanese forces southward across Burma. He was killed by a Japanese sniper’s bullet in Zigon, Burma on 3 Jan 1945 in the middle of battle field when he was leading his battalion against the Japanese stronghold. As described by Maj Sidhiman Rai, MC, C Coy Commander, who was next to Lt Col Brown, the sniper’s bullet had entered Lt Col Brown’s chest at the 2^nd button of his shirt. He had died instantly. He had commanded the battalion through the thick and thin of the battle-fields during his entire command of 3 glorious years where he had earned the DSO and the OBE. The tragedy of Lt Col Brown was that he was to hand over the command of the battalion after reaching Shwebo in a few days and from there on proceed on leave to Scotland after 11 years of absence from home. RIP great Gaon Bura, the real father of the Assam Regiment.

Citation for OBE: Lieutenant Colonel William Felix ‘Bruno’ Brown (see left), being appointed to be an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) with this citation:

For the first 3 months after the Burma Army withdrew from Burma, Lt. Col. Brown with his Battalion was holding the Outpost Line along the Burma Frontier North and South of TAMU with patrols operating as far forward as the Chindwin. It was a most trying time – Morale was at low ebb as a result of the withdrawal from Burma, refugees in the last stages of exhaustion were coming through in hundreds, communications were precarious, rations were short and difficult to get out to forward troops and weather conditions could hardly have been worse. In spite of all these difficulties Col. Brown by his resourcefulness, determination and unfailing cheerfulness inspired his men to carry on and thereby enabled a constant watch to be kept on the KABAW Valley. On more than one occasion Lt. Col. Brown personally led successful raiding parties to round up villages harbouring enemy agents. His initiative, determination and devotion to duty was of a high order.

(Courtesy: The Soldier’s Burden http://gmic.co.uk)

Lt Col EHM Parsons, DSO

It was a great honour and life time opportunity to spend great quality time with the legend, Lt Col EHM Parsons. It happened in 1972 or 73 when I was on leave in Delhi and staying with my sister and brother-in-law, Lt Col Shishupal Ranpal posted in AHQ. After visiting ARC, Lt Col Parsons was in Delhi and staying with my sister while I, being on leave, was “detailed” to show him around the capital city. The transport allotted was brother’s-in-law Lambretta. It was a great learning to spend such quality time with the legend and he told me many accounts of his command from 28 Feb 1945 to 20 June 1947. He narrated as to how he joined the battalion in Singu coming as he did from 2^nd King Edward Eighth own Gorkha Rifles. He had taken over from officiating CO, Lt Col Ayub Khan who reverted back as 2 IC in his original Major’s rank. With obvious Interest I asked him about his association with the later President of Pakistan Ayub Khan, he told me that his interaction with the future President was just about 2 months and added that Major Ayub Khan was a good officer but keen to get back to his original Punjab Regiment. Accordingly, Maj Ayub Khan was posted back on promotion to take over the command of 14^th Punjab, his old regiment. After 3 days togetherness riding pillion as I showed him around Delhi, he returned back to England. Before leaving he thanked and presented me with a brass Khukuri paper cutter which adorns my study-table even today. After more than 40 years later, while designing the third volume of the Regimental History, I selected his combat photograph inspecting a 1 Assam column during his command somewhere in Burma. After commanding 1 Assam through the battle fields of Burma for two and half years and through the transition of India from British rule to Indian democracy, Lt Col EHM Parsons handed over the command of the battalion to the first Indian officer, Lt Col MS Chopra on 21 Jun 1947 and left for England. He, however, did briefly returned to visit the Regimental Centre and his old unit 1^st Assam as well as 3^rd Assam at Binnaguri in1982, when Lt Col JS Rajkumar was the CO,

Lt Col Sidhiman Rai, MC (1 Assam, 2 Assam 3 Assam and first Indian Inspector General of Assam Rifles)

The legend was one of the founding fathers of the Assam Regiment as he was transferred from the Gorkha Regiment to 1 Assam on raising of the battalion in 1941. Then Major Sidhiman Rai was with the battalion throughout Second World War. A hero of battle of Kohima and Kharasom he was awarded Military Cross for his sterling bravery in the battle of Kohima whereas the coveted medal was pinned on his proud chest by Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, the Commander in Chief.

My personal experience with the legend, Lt Col Sidhiman Rai- my most memorable meeting with the legend was 15 June 1970. After commissioning into 5 Assam on 14 June 1970 I rode my IMA cycle to No 1 Mohini Road to meet a seek the blessings of the legend. He received and congratulated me with a firm handshake and as we sat down with tea, he told me in clear and crisp words, “many congratulations and welcome to the Assam Regiment, but remember your life as an officer begins now. Remember these three points, 1) start preparing for Defence Services Staff College from Today; 2) Never take loan, taking loan is like cycling downhill while paying it back is like cycling uphill; 3) Know your men in detail, live with them, take care of them, play with them but when they go out of discipline be strict with them, hiss like a snake but don’t bite them”. These three simple advices from the legend became my guiding beacon of life in the Assam Regiment and I was able to do my staff college only because the seed was planted by Lt Col Sidhiman Rai on that fateful day.

Col Sidhiman Rai’s Citation for Military Cross:

Sidiman Rai was also awarded a Military Cross for his prowess as a company commander, and his citation describes his grasp of tactics and his leadership ability:

This officer was in command of a company sent out to reinforce a small recce patrol which had made contact with the enemy at MOL HE. His task was to delay the enemy advance as much as possible thus giving the garrisons at JESSAMI and KHARASOM time in which to complete their defences as far as possible. He made contact with Lieutenant D.E.L. Jones’ patrol on the 22 Mar 44 and handling his company with great skill time and time again repulsed heavy enemy attacks. On several occasions he laid ambushes which resulted in heavy Jap casualties. He continued to delay the advance until 25 Mar 44 when a particularly heavy attack from three sides caused his company to be dispersed. Collecting them again at a previously detailed rendezvous some 5 miles to the rear, he laid several more ambushes causing severe losses to the enemy and delaying them for a further day and a half, after which he skilfully withdrew his company to JESSAMI. Throughout the period 22-27 Mar 44, this officer displayed calm courage, leadership, determination and devotion to duty, of the highest order which was an inspiration to all who served with him.

(Courtesy: The Soldier’s Burden http://gmic.co.uk)

Major Hranga

A senior veteran of the regiment from Mizoram, Major Hranga later joined NEFA administration as a senior beaurocrat. After retirement as a top beaurocrat he had setelled down in a beautiful farm near Barapani during the late 70s. I remember Lt Col Shishupal taking me down from Shillong to Barapani farm of Major Hranga, biking down as we did on my good old Yezdi. I did not know much about his farming even then but his place was a nature’s beauty and importantly his home brewed beer was delicious.

Padmashree Brig BC Pandey:

One of the tallest legends of the Assam Regiment, Brig BC Pandey was fondly nicked named Papa Pandey within the regiment. He was a soldier’s soldier, diehard officer of the old school and super human being to the core. My first meeting him was in 1976 during the Golden Jubilee of the regiment at Assam Regiment Centre, Happy Valley Shillong. His radiating personality and piercing voice would make his presence felt wherever he was. Papa Pandey was someone who was born to be dynamic leader of men with a forceful and towering personality that other people would look at him with awe and inspiration. He was no back bencher trying to be humble and hoping for others to find his greatness; he was everywhere sending a kind of vibrant ripple to the environment, waking up people, engaging them with his forceful talk and piercing eyes. He was like a super star that just had to make impression on everyone and anyone.

In 1956 as the Commandant Assam Regiment Centre (8 Sep 1955 to 17 Sep 1958), Lt Col BC Pandey had conducted the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru across ARC. There is a photograph of him introducing Sepoy Duongulie to the PM somewhere near the office complex where officers are seen lined up for introduction to the PM. This old black and white photograph speaks volumes about papa Pandey’s leadership quality that he would project an achievement of Sepoy to the PM of India. There is another photograph of him. After retirement he had joined Border Security Force and it is he who was responsible for establishment of now famous BSF Academy in Tikenpur. During 1971 Indo Pak war, he was super active with BSF Operations in the East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. There is a photograph of him briefing the Chief of the Army Staff, General (Later Field Marshal) Sam Manekshaw somewhere in East Pakistan. I understand it was for his supreme service to the nation during his tenure as BSF top gun that he was awarded Padma Shree.

Brig Pandey was already retired when I met him in 1976 but his presence and super activity seem to have had no impact on his retirement. He had been the Colonel of the Assam Regiment from 24 Nov 1962 to 14 June 1970 and as ex COR, his forceful, powerful and inspirational speeches during Sainik Samallen, Bara Khana and Officers’ Mess Functions were legendary. Later, during the Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1991, Officer’s Mess Dinner Night papa Pandey conducted a full ensemble of Brass & Pipe Band symphony with full attention and admiration of then COAS, Gen SF Rodriguez and a mesmerised group of officers & ladies. He used to attend as many battalion Raising Day celebrations as he could manage from his ever busy schedule. Even at an advance age, living alone in Ghaziabad, papa Pandey used to organise lavish lunch get-togethers for serving & retired Regimental Officers in Delhi with boundless generosity and magnanimity. Later, as he aged further he moved to an Ashram and breathed his last on…

Gen SK Pillai, PVSM: (3 Assam, commanded 1 Assam, GOC 14 Division, Military Attaché USSR & Mongolia, GOC 10 Corps, Deputy Chief of Army Staff & Director General Infantry, Colonel of the Assam Regiment, Author, Unique valour-History of the Assam Regiment and Associate Editor of Faultlines, a journal on Conflict Resolution)

Lt Gen Sushil Pillai joined the Assam Regiment in 1955 after graduating from Joint Services Wing (JSW) & Indian Military Academy. An aluminous of defence Services Staff College he was also served an instructor in the Indian Military academy. Later he was 2IC in 3 Assam in Fazilka from where he received his promotion and posted to take over 1 Assam in Sikkim. While in Defence Services Staff College, he met most beautiful and gracious English Lady Jane who was teaching in a school in Ooty. It was followed by a whirlwind romance that culminated into marriage and happy life ever after.

An intellectual with vast reading and learning, Gen Pillai was a true professional, intelligent, sharp officer and gentleman to the core. He was a compassionate human being who left no stone unturned in helping the environment. Anyone could approach him anywhere with an issue and he would give his full attention and deeply get involved with the person to understand and solve the problem. He did that all his life. As the Col of the Assam Regiment, he ensured that justice was done to the valour and sacrifice of 2/Lieut Rajeev Sandhu of 7 Assam resultantly he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous), the first ever in the Assam Regiment. A humble man at heart, as a 10 Corps Commander he never used pilot siren and had banned it throughout the corps sector. Visiting 6 Assam as Colonel of the Regiment, he would just walk up the officer’s mess for dinner after dismissing his staff car and pilots. After retirement he had settled down in his hometown Trivandrum but would often travel to Delhi & North East for the monographs he was writing for the government of India. In one his trips to Delhi, he rang me up and desire to lodge with me in my humble one bed room temporary apartment in Pragati Vihar, Lodi Road. True to his simplicity and humility he took my bedroom only on my insistence, else he was planning to sleep in the divan of the small bedroom.

Another major contribution he made to the Regiment was the History of the Assam Regiment, Second Volume (1947-2002), titled Unique Valour, a 464 pages coffee table book with numerous maps, illustrations and photographs. It was his single handed personal work after research, interviews, studies and much travelling between his home in Trivandrum and ARC, Shillong.

In his intellectual pursuit post retirement, Gen Pillai wrote two papers on Nagas & the Mizos for the Government of India for which he had to spend much time, effort, resources as also frequent travelling to Delhi and the North East. Later he was also nominated as a member of the Arun Singh Sub Committee of Kargil Review Committee. He was also a member of a study group on the North East under Ministry of Home affairs.

Till the end of his illustrious life, he was an active member patron of environment protection NGO in his home town Trivandrum. Lt Gen Sushil Pillai breathed his last in Trivandrum in…….

7. Lt Col RBJ Snaize, VSM (2 Assam & commanded Assam Rifles & 119 TA)

One of the most prolific professionals of the regiment while his handsome demeanour and forever perfect turnout would put Hollywood hunks to shame. For someone who came from an illustrious Anglo Indian family of Bangalore, found his lady love in the form of most beautiful & graceful Mrs Snaize. Nicknamed Bob, he was a true officer of the old school who fought for injustice for a fellow officer to the point of using his physical force to the defaulting officer. He paid the price with a demotion and yet rose like a Phoenix to command an Assam Rifle Battalion as well as 119 TA Battalion while receiving VSM for his extraordinary services to the nation. In the later years after retirement, he championed the cause of retired officers and became the founder member of AREOA (Assam Regiment Ex-Officer’s Association) connecting all the willing retired officers of the Regiment while maintaining a link with British Ex Officer’s Association. In the days of no internet he laboriously churned out AREOA News Letters regularly filling it with precise information on Retired officer’s well being. He was also running a NGO, MYRADA and driving all over North East. With all the above work besides managing the family estate he was on the roll in spite of suffering from a serious ailment that needed yearly or bi-yearly blood transfusion. He never left his passion and laced it with the usual quote of his evening rum pegs, every day, year after year, as the world changed around, Bob Snaize stood tall, one mile stone to another with never missing glass of rum in his hands and a cigarette between his fingers. Lt Col Bob Snaize rode to the sunset with head held high as a true officer and gentleman and a true Rhino. Bob loved his subordinates and could go to any extent to protect their respect. At ARC when the SL QM [ name not given] insulted a young officer , he walked into the QM’s office and thrashed him. And at the GCM he openly said that he had done it and will do it again. He was punished severely but the hierarchy set aside the punishment and he was later promoted to command an Assam Rifle Bn and also was awarded VSM for his otstanding services.

8. Lt Col Shishupal Ranpal (3 Assam)

An alumni of king George’s School, Jhelum (undivided India), 4^th course, 1949 batch Lt Col Shishupal Ranpal was also an alumni of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (1964 batch). An officer and gentleman of the old school, Shishu, as he was fondly called by his peers was a lethal combination of professionalism, gentlemanliness laced with a subtle sense of humour. He stuck to his battalion 3 Assam and commanded his troops from section to the battalion level as a true professional Rhino. On one hand he was like a boy next door to his troops but commanded with an iron hand wearing velvet gloves while loved by his officers, JCOs and men alike as they related to him like someone their own. He was a Boxing Blue of IMA and as also a swimming champion from KG Jhelum days. It was Lt Col Shishupal Ranpal who Christened 3 Assam’s nickname as Phantom Third during his command from 1968 to 1972. The Battle of Fazilka that was fought by the Phantom Third with grit and determination under his command. The set back and loss of territory was not because of the command of the Commanding Officer or the fighting power of his men, it was because of the higher ups policy of having the battalion occupy a Ditch cum Bundh frontage of 16.5 km with 18 vulnerable bridges while three of his rifle companies were deployed in a covering position head of the main defences. Lt Col Shishupal Ranpal’s innovative ideas and cool professionalism stood like a rock even in the face of a disastrous deployment policy. One of the most meticulous professionals, he had a unique flare for writing crisp notes and presentation and was known to lace it with a wry sense of humour. Post retirement, his love for the boys manifested by providing employment to large section of Regiment’s veterans in Meghalaya Home Guards and later in his own Security Agency, which now his eldest son Venu has taken it across pan India. He rode to the sunset earlier than many of us would have liked but even till the end, I know personally that foremost in his mind was welfare of his family, friends and above all the people of the North East.

9. Lt Col Amrik Singh Malhi (4 Assam & commanded 5 Assam)

No Infantry Officer would be worth his name and rank if he doesn’t remember with awe and gratefulness his first commanding officer. Whatever be the equation, the first commanding officer will always hold a warm corner in the heart of an Infantry officer (exceptions do not prove the rule). So is the equation I have with Lt Col AS Malhi who was the first commanding officer of my life as in an infantry officer. From 10^th Course JSW, Lt Col Malhi was a thoroughbred old school officer and a gentleman. Flamboyant to the core he lived his life and commanded his troops as a generous and benevolent feudal lord albeit with grace and style. One fine summer evening in Hyderabad as a newly commissioned second lieutenant, I knocked at his residence to call on him. He welcomed me, ushered me into his elegant drawing room and seated me in a sofa. He walked up to his bar in the drawing room and poured dimple scotch and soda in a two beautiful crystal glasses chilling it with generous cubes of ice from the crystal ice pale. We clinked our glasses and drank in a manner that I felt at ease with him and completely forgot the almost tyrant screaming CO the same morning. I observed that he was always in foul mood in the mornings up to around 11 am as he would scream at anyone who happened to be in front of him, however, come lunch time and he would be his jovial self. Evenings, he would be almost like a second lieutenant’s pal as he would talk, drink and joke with us youngsters. Years later, when I asked his about his foul moods in the morning he explained to me with a smile that it was a put on anger. He told me that he deliberately flared up with anyone who appeared in front of him during the morning hours as that was the time for everyone to be in his action station. As such if anyone was hanging around the office complex then the person was not at the appointed place of duty. The conduct of Lt Col AS Malhi as a diehard commanding officer during the Battle of Chamb has been chronicled in the Regimental history books. He was daring and a quick decision maker and knew the battle field as the back of his hand as such he was able to intricately monitor the situation and conduct the battle to the battalion’s best advantage. A legend in his own right Lt Col AS Malhi will always be remembered by the history as the man who stood and fought the might of the enemy’s armoured thrust into his temporarily held form bas battalion position in Chamb.

10. Brig Prakash Shivpuri (4 Assam, Raised & Commanded 7 Assam)

Commissioned into 4 Assam in 1964 as also raised 7 Assam with great success in 1976-77, Brig Shivpuri is a definition of a true professional officer combined with down to earth simplicity. His shuttle sense of humour laced with piercing witty one liners towards selective target audience was entertaining as well as fearful. Never missed PT and games parade in his life and by doing so ensured that nobody dared miss these parades too; Brig Shivpuri was liked and loved by all ranks. One of the easiest senior officers to serve with that when he was the CO 7 Assam, we the youngsters used to look forward to his returning back from leave. Standard Operating Procedures for War & Peace written by Brig Shivpuri during his command of 7 Assam is the bedrock of Operations, Training & Administration for an infantry battalion. He commanded ARC from 1987 to 89 as a true professional and put the ARC team back on a winning streak in football, hockey and boxing, basketball beating the formidable 58 GTC. It was Brig Shivpuri who initiated the ARC Gymnastic team that won many Army and National trophies.

[Note as Founder of the site i felt embarassed to publish any comment on me. But i could not do injustice to Mani Gahatraj . So here it is few lines on me. Mani thank u and Rina . ]

Professor Dr Brig Visvanathan Ramanan (4 Assam & 7 Assam)

An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College Brig Ramanan is one of the few highly qualified officers of the Indian Army. He is a Ph D, M Sc, MBA, LLB (Hons) DHRM, DCA, LMIMA (Patron Gyanodhaya Slum Children School, serving the slum children since 20 years, the deaf and dumb since 1995, the mentally retarded since 1995. His website- https://www.faujimapreading.com; www.gyanodayaschoolmhow.com www.sunraysramanaeasyramayanam) www.faujimilitarylaw.com

One of the most prolific, talented and storehouse of knowledge, Brig Ramanan is a gem amongst the officers of the Indian Army. A die hard Regimental officer and highly motivated pro-Infantry, he is a lethal combination of boundless knowledge, high energy level and a ceaseless hard worker focused towards true well being of his beloved Assam Regiment and humanity.

Commissioned into 4^th Battalion the Assam Regiment, Maj Ramanan joined the new raising of 7 Assam in January 1976 as the designated Second in Command. With knowledge, drive and determination he was the “go to right hand man” of the Commanding Officer, Lt Col P Shivpuri. With great combination of the CO & 2IC the battalion hit the ground running and soon enough the battalion was up and about while the regimental institutions were blooming. His ways of working was a ceaseless whirlpool of multiple activities and multitasking young officers and JCOs with clear aim, method and time bound results. At the same time, he would leave no stone unturned towards the welfare of his young officers while adopting their personal problems as his own. His boundless energy and research work in 7 Assam was rewarded with Foreign Service Medal for all ranks of Indian Army across the canvas who served in under joint training units with the Royal Bhutan Army

My first encounter with his was at the Indian Military Academy on the eve of my passing out and joining 5 Assam. On temporary duty in station his welcome address and short and crisp and spirited motivation talk to the three of us joining the Regiment is still etched in my memory. The second meeting was in the summer of 1970 in Army School of Mechanical Transport, Faizabad where he was a senior instructor as I a student. Our relationship of Guru-Shishya (Teacher -Student) started then, endured over the years and continues to thrive to this day when he is 80 plus and I 70 plus. Magnanimous as he is, just 3 weeks ago as the nationwide lock down started he presented me with beautifully designed private website as a reward for my writing work. In my random Anecdote chapter in the 3^rd Volume of the Assam Regiment History, The Indomitable Rhino Warriors of India’s North East, I have fondly described Brig Ramanan as, “Loving, Caring and affectionately Annoying Second in Command”, I guess it say it all.

Brig Ramanan left 7 Assam to command his original battalion 4 Assam thereafter he commanded a Brigade in the North East. All the while his quest for knowledge and hard work manifested as a military lawyer of repute, representing and winning many complicated cases towards the relief and benefit of all ranks of the Indian Army. Post retirement, he settled in Mhow, MP and immersed himself in multifarious tasks of mentoring young officers preparing for the Defence Services Staff College, opening Assam Regimental websites, email groups plus never-ending humanitarian social work. He has been mentoring educational institutions, adopting orphans, travelling within and beyond India spending quality time with his children and regimental officers. Typical of his boundless energy, in the midst of such multifaceted whirlwind life, Brig Ramanan researched, wrote and published 4 volume of Manual of Military Law. As if that was not enough, he has recently designed and fabricated a comprehensive web site for the Assam Regiment Veteran Officers fraternity. Having lived through a Teacher Student relationship with the legend past 50 years, my personal opinion about him is that he is a deeply religious man with boundless energy that he would feel tired and old if he did not multitask himself 24X7. Kudos to Rhino Ramanan!!

Lt Col Martin Khongmen (3 Assam & commanded 8 Assam)

Hailing from an illustrious Khasi family of Shillong, Marty, as his peers fondly call him, is an epitome of old schools officer and a perfect gentleman. His role in the 1971 Indo Pak war in the battle of Fazilka as A Company commander along the Sabuna Distributary is most memorable n the history of the Phantom Third. As the battle progressed and the enemy gained a foothold in the main defences, ditch cum bund, the Commanding Officer ordered him to move his company from the Northern flank to the battalion Hq area to plug a dangerous gap threatening the battalion Hq. Major Martin carried out the most professional and tactically sound move of his company by stealth in the wee hours of the morning deployed his company plugging the dangerous gap and saving the day for the battalion. The move was an epitome of professionalism.

In another instance he paired up with Sub Thangnawna, 9 platoon commander and attached to A Coy to assist in bringing down enemy snipers. Major Martin was the spotter and Sub Thangnawna was an ace shooter. An enemy sniper had been inflicting several casualties to own troops and he had to be shot down as soon as possible. Crawling along the communication trench, Maj Martin used a unique method of placing a Cap FS atop a long stick moving it slowly along and above the communication trench fooling the enemy sniper. Expected a shot rang out and the target Cap flew off the stick. All the while Sub Thangnawna was scanning the trees along the bund with his rifle cocked and ready to fire. The very Instant the sniper fired at the cap, another rifle shot cracked and the lifeless body of the enemy sniper fell off the tree just about 100 feet away. Seeing that there was blood-stain on the left shoulder of the JCO, Major Martin moved closer to the JCO to inspect the wound and found that the enemy’s second bullet had grazed the shoulder narrowly missing the collar bone. After administering first aid dressing, the two hunting partners congratulated each other for a well accomplished mission. Citations for the JCO along with other deserving soldiers were initiated and recommended but sadly, did not come to fruition.

Lt Col Martin commanded 8 Assam from 1984 to 1987. He took over command in Apr 1984 was preparing to move the unit to a HAA in the Eastern Himalayas. While handing over the charge of the unit’s Op Area responsibility to a relieving unit’s Adv Party Commander, the unit was placed under 48 hrs’ notice to move out for IS Duty. The new CO had to immediately recall the Adv Party on their way to the Eastern Himalayas. Two days later the unit moved out on “white-hot rails” to the “Land of the Five Rivers”. Thanks to Brig KK Sood, VSM, who relentlessly pursued to locate the unit’s Adv Party and directed them to return and join the unit. Miraculously though, when the advance party “chugged-in” into the station the battalion “chugged out” from the same railway station and it tok much communication and efforts to get the advance party back.

As the CO, it was a little disadvantage to Lt Col Martin to face not so known troops as he had spent his entire regimental life in 3 Assam. However, his dynamic leadership, and “boy next door attitude” as a North Easterner the battalion loved him with loyalty and professional skills. According his command in Op Blue Star in Punjab was a tremendous success. As a result of stellar role of 8 Assam under the command of Lt Col Martin Khongmen in this operation, Capt AK Thapliyal and Hav Mungam Anal were deservingly awarded Sena Medals and two other soldier-rhinos were awarded the COAS Commendation Cards. Capt Thapliyal, who was wounded in this operation and was transferred to ASC after medical down gradation, was 8 Assam’s First Blood.

Upon retirement Lt Col Martin Khongmen tirelessly worked with Lt Col RBJ Snaize, VSM in shaping and maintaining the AREOA (Assam Regiment Ex-Officer’s Association) while keeping in close contact with retired officers and their families in India and UK. To this effect Lt Col Martin Khongmen regularly published and distributed AREOA newsletters amongst the veterans. Unfortunately, the AREOA was discontinued by the Regiment in an effort to make way for larger Regimental organisation which did not happen. Post AREOA, Lt Col Martin is deeply involved in pan-India socio-evangelical work but remains an active member of Rhino veteran’s fraternity.

Lt Col MS Sharawat (5 Assam)

A die hard professional with a brute force if need be, Major Sharawat showed his true professionalism, grit and diehard determination as a true infantry officer during the battle of Chhamb in 1971 Indo Pak War, when he carried out one of the quickest and most successful counterattacks ever recorded in history of warfare. As an ex Armoured Corps person, he drove one of the supporting tanks leading the counterattack and destroyed the enemy causing many casualties. His approach to training and peace time work was rough and to the point and like all great infantry officers, he was loved by his command. Endowed with rough sense of humour he has that rare ability to laugh at himself and often asked us juniors to crack jokes about his ways. The bond with his second lieutenant is so strong that even today, after 49 years of the epic battle he telephones me on 3^rd Dec every year to reminiscence about the Battle of Chamb wherein I was the first casualty. The bond [never?] lives forever.

Major JBS Makin (5 Assam)

“Jangi” as he was fondly called by our Commanding Officer, Lt Col Malhi, had rejoined Fighting Fifth after a stint as Instructor in the Indian Military Academy. My fond memories of Major Makin started when I had just joined the battalion in Hyderabad in July 1970 and was lodged in a tent adjacent to the barrack of the troops. One evening I heard a motorcycle roar and stop next to my tent and came face to face with major Makin. He told me, “young man, get ready, I am taking you home for dinner”. He took me to his beautiful home presided by his most beautiful and gracious wife, Mrs Makin. He poured me whisky with soda and ice while gracious Mrs Makin served excellent and sumptuous dinner with hot “Phulka” from the gas chula and the best in the world chiken curry to boot. Then again, later, after few months, I staggered back to the officer’s mess after almost 24 hours nonstop admin task in the Division Marathon Race, he called me to the bar and poured a stiff whisky with chilled soda and ice saying, ‘Mani I know you are very tired and sleepy and you deserve this. He taught me the nuance of gentlemanly drinking’. Major Makin was an officer and a perfect gentleman who was professional and treated his juniors like his own brothers. It was in the battle of Chamb, when the enemy attacked his company in overwhelming strength, he fought like a tiger, rallying his men and took a burst of machine gun straight on his chest. Rest in peace my brother.

Major Ashok Suri (5 Assam)

A friend, a brother and a senior officer, that was the relationship I had with Major Ashok Suri. Although much senior, he treated me as a friend and a younger brother from Day one. Later, as the war deployment started we lived in the adjacent bunkers, he as the QM and I as the MTO and Officer in charge Mine Laying. We were very close and often drove down to Jammu on one pretext or the other, mostly for local purchase. I still remember, on 3 Dec we had just returned from Jammu when I received a call from the Adjutant, Capt Ranjan Das asking me to report to the battalion HQ ASAP and start laying mines. I got into my battle rig, picked up my carbine and magazines and drove off in a RCL jeep. However, before leaving Major Ashok Suri hugged me, shook a firm handshake and said good luck Mani. As I drove off I looked back and saw him waving at me, I waved back. That was the last I saw Major Ashok Suri. On 5 Dec Major Ashok Suri was leading a convoy of 3 ammunition trucks to the battalion when the convoy was strafed by enemy aircraft near Chamb Bridge. Major Suri was hit by a bullet on the head that penetrated his steel helmet and killed him instantly. Rest in peace my brother.

Capt Kalyan Singh Rathod (5 Assam)

What can be said about a young Captain who led his men to the pinnacle of ultimate glory but he was never glorified except in the hearts of his brother officers and family. In the Battle of Chamb when his platoon defended locality was becoming untenable with enemy armour and infantry surrounding and closing in, Kelly as I called him, ordered his platoon to stack all their LMG ammunition and grenade in front of his firing trench and withdraw. When his close buddy refused to go he fired near his feet and told him to go, now or else he would shoot. Left alone, as the enemy kept advancing, Capt Kalyan Singh Rathod kept firing the LMG and as the enemy got closer, he lobbed all grenades at his disposal. His last radio transmission to the Commanding Officer was a crisp, “Sir we are badly encircled, the enemy is very close and we are firing at the advancing enemy, I cannot speak to you anymore, let me kill as many enemy as possible”, “Sir you can hear, I am throwing grenades at the enemy” and then his final words, “Sir I am no more, I am no more”. That was Capt Kalyan Singh Rathod who was one year senior to me but insisted I call him by name, so I called him “Kelly” and he loved it. It was the same Capt Kalyan Singh Rathod who backpacked for 60 days across the labyrinthine North East India visiting towns, villages and homes of the troops of the Assam Regiment during his first annual leave. De-facto, Kelly was the first back packer of the Assam Regiment.

Capt Hmingdailova Khiangte (5 Assam)

A thoroughbred diehard Fighting Fifth Officer, Capt Hmingdailova Khiangte was Anti Tank Officer as the Battle of Chamb commenced at 8 pm on 3 Dec 1971. As fate intervened he had to take over the command of Charlie Coy on 4 Dec as its company commander, Maj NP Singh had to be evacuated due to battle fatigue. As such it was Capt Hmingdailova Khiangte who commanded C Coy throughout the battle of Chamb till he successfully organised a deliberate withdrawal of the company along with the rest of the battalion East of Tawi River early morning 7 Dec 1971. It was also Capt Hmingdailova who knocked out a Pakistani tank with a RCL gun from his company location. After the war he left the Army and joined Mizoram Police wherein he rose to the rank of Inspector General. After retiring from the police force he joined politics and rose to be a cabinet secretary with additional charge of shaping the state‘s hockey game. Ironically, not many know but during the 2012-15, there were two cabinet secretaries in the Mizoram Government, Capt Hmingdailova from 5 Assam and Lt Col Zosangzuala from 4 Assam. It is besides the point that Padma Shree Brig T Sailo, AVSM, 4 Assam, was the Chief Minister of Mizoram for two terms while Col LC Sailo, SM, 1 Assam, was a minister later in the same government.

2^nd Lieutenant Michael Athing (5 Assam)

One of the most spirited, die hard thoroughbred Fighting Fifth Officer who joined the battalion immediately after the 1971 war. Always smiling and laughing Michael as we called him was ready for action anywhere anytime. He was a great asset to his company commander when the battalion was deployed along the IB in an eyeball to eyeball contact. As a Short Service Officer he left the army and joined the civil service in his home state, Manipur.

Maj S Kipgen, SM (2 Assam)

Hailing from Manipur, “Kippy” as he was known amongst his friends was a sports-man par excellence. Serving as instructor at NDA he had led the Academy football team to many victories. Back to his battalion 2 Assam Major Kipgen was a company commander during Indo-Pak war 1971 and the battalion was deployed in Uri Sector of J&K. On 9 Dec 1971 while rescuing a jawan from the minefield, Major Kipgen stepped on a mine and lost his leg. As a true sportsman, even with prosthetic leg Major Kipgen shot up to fame as a great golfer. After taking premature retirement from the service he joined politics in his homeland. Unfortunately he was shot dead by militant in his home.

Lt Col MP Ao (5 Assam, 7 Assam and 119 Infantry Battalion (TA)

A true infantry officer to the core, a gentle soul and a perfect gentleman, Lt Col Meluram Prohlad Ao is one of the most meticulous and systematic officers of the Regiment. One of the finest company commanders both in 5 Assam & 7 Assam, the methodology of his command is something that needs to be written and followed by all infantry officers. A rather quiet person but can burst out with surprising clarity of sardonic humour.

Lt Col Ao as Second in Command of 119 Infantry Battalion (TA) proved to be a great asset to the CO and the unit. In his unique way he could liaise with any army or civil establishment, even the MES, where he could work wonders for the unit. His liaison with the state govt departments, the Forest (Social Forestry) as well as the Agriculture Depts, where varieties of tree saplings were planted, a fish pond was created in the unit area.

Post retirement he was employed with NEEPCO, Shillong, as a security officer under the aegis of Capt B Borgohain (4 Assam). After his termination of contract, Lt Col Ao devoted his free time to strongly assist and support his local (Shillong) church. In between, he kept abreast with the local “gupshup” of regimental veterans and attending customary get-togethers with our Centre and Rhino units in Barapani. He shuttled between Shillong his provisional summer Capital and Mokokchung/Kohima/Dimapur and Guwahati very frequently.

Lt Col SR Das (5 Assam & 14 Assam):

A pleasant, always smiling War Adjutant of Fighting Fifth, Capt SR Das was the de-facto backbone of 5 Assam before, during and after the Battle of Chhamb in 1971 Indo Pak War (Op Cactus Lily) in the Western Front, Chhamb Jaurian Sector. Under the Command of Indomitable Commanding Officer, Lt Col AS Malhi, Capt Ranjan Das was the formidable Adjutant who stood like a rock behind the CO and managed anything and everything as a true Rhino professional in the battalion, be it operations, Administration or Welfare. A cool and unflinching in grave crisis, Capt Das did not hesitate to rush back to get the stranded ammunition convoy from Tawi Bridge after its Convoy Commander, Major Ashok Suri was killed in action by enemy aircraft firing. When the chips were really down and the withdrawal order could not be communicated to the companies in contact, the Adjutant left his safe bunker and rushed to the company through enemy held areas under enemy fire and got the company safely out through systematic withdrawal. However, when he walked back to the battalion HQ to collect his personal belongings from the Adjutant’s bunker he found that the place was already occupied by enemy forces. He had to trace back his footsteps most cautiously and join the withdrawing company. His account of the Battle Chhamb, as seen and experienced by him through the thick and thin fog of war has been most explicitly and pragmatically written by him as it appears in Chapter 9, page 219 of the “Third Volume of History of the Assam Regiment, The Indomitable Rhino Warriors of India’s North East”. Besides, he has also written 35 pages of complete battle account and submitted to the archives of the Regimental History. Lt Col SR Das is the final word and final authority with hundred per cent knowledge and first-hand experience on every aspect, every corner and every post of the Battle of Chhamb, fought gloriously by 5 Assam that earned the Battle Honour for the battalion. He is a thoroughbred professional with high sense of humour coupled with humane approach to the environment.

As young officers we became instant friends and spent many beautiful moments in the battalion, officer’s mess bar while not forgetting the frequent sojourn to battalion bania wet canteen for samosa & Jalebi sessions. Ranjan, as most of his peers fondly called him, has been in love with the troops of the Regiment, so much so, that one fine morning in Hyderabad, he marched to the Adjutant’s office and announced that he wanted to change his name. Upon questioning by the stern and rather serious Adjutant, Capt Arun Lakhani as to what his new name would be, Ranjan stood erect and proudly announced that he was very emotional about his troops as such his new name would be “Lahlinglova Hmingdailova Ranjan Das Khiangte”. The adjutant said, “Get out”. Dejected that his new name was not approved by the Adjutant Ranjan narrated the incident to me and thereby I decided to call him by his new name that I do so till date, even after 50 years. Ranjan used to be the life of any party in the officer’s mess and his jokes on Major Sharawat are legendary. Even Major MS Sharawat, a tough, no nonsense, die hard professional senior company commander would enjoy Ranjan’s jokes on himself and would often ask Ranjan to crack more such jokes. With Such awesome officers as lifelong friends, life in 5 Assam was beautiful and memorable. Once, before the war, in a fine and cold Sunday morning in Akhnoor, we were walking back to the officer’s mess by the bank of Chenab River after a game of tennis. The CO, Lt Col Malhi asked Ranjan, “I heard you are a good swimmer, so jump”. Ranjan, without a second thought, removed his clothes and jumped into the fast current and freezing cold water of Chenab and swam to the other side, all black and blue. Such actions of dare devilry define the true soldierly character of Lt Col Lahlinglova Hmingdailova Ranjan Das Khiangte.

Post retirement Ranjan worked in Escorts as Chief Security Officer for many years and made Faridabad his home with his graceful wife. As always he lives a super active life deeply involved in the Assam Regiment and social work. However, whenever we meet during Regimental get-together, Ranjan’s old Major Sharawat jokes are still as fresh as dew drops on green leaves

CLICK BUTTON FOR FIFGHTG FIFTH GOLDEN JUBILEE

MAJ ASAMANJAYA GHOSE

Asamanjaya Ghose was a RIMCOLIAN and my course mate. He was ex NDA with sharp memory. NDA introduced him to RUSSIAN lang. We reported to ARC together along with prem puri and jbs makin. Both prem makin joined 5 A on 1 jan and i left for 4 A on 17 feb. Ghose was too sharp to be understood. He was madly in love and married her as 2 Lt. Both from bubaneshwar. Then when chineese course volunteers were sought he joined pachmarhi on a 2 year course and topped it. He worked with wireless units for decoding chinesse messages . He was an expert. Later after a short tenure in unit he was posted as GLO AF Stn Barelly. I was G2 ops 14 div and he would come to spend time with me. We had done JC together. I motivated him to sit for staff college. He finished his preparations with such speed that i already a psc could not catch up to him. In the mean tine he got an offer from UN and he resigned and joined at USA. From US he was posted to France when the locals told him that he could make money a lot teaching english. So both husband and wife started an English academy and did well. Later i learn he moved to bangladesh. His wife is still in paris and apart from English she teaches culinary art. My daughter while she went to paris spoke to her but could not meet. One son i think is in mumbai. An excellent brain too sharp for us to understand him.. NEVER FORGET IF A SECOND LT FROM RIMC NDA IMA COULD NOT SETTLE DOWN IN KHEL HE MAY NOT BE THE ONLY ONE TO BE BLAMED. LAST KNOWN CONTACT Ghose, Asamanja 101 rue Condorcet 92140 Clamart Tel: 01 47 56 27 19 (Hindi, Bengali, Chinese)

BLESSINGS TAGRA RAHO RAMANAN

DR LT COL B S GURUNG

Lt Col ( Dr ) BS Gurung

BS Gurung, DOB 10 MAY 1941, DOC 16 DEC 1967.

2 Spouse Veena Gurung.

Commissioned into 4 ASSAM joined unit in Jan 1968 at Varanasi.

Units served.

4 ASSAM Jan 68 – Jan 71 at Jindra and Kharu J& K HQ 123 mtn Bde Jan 71-74 GSO 3 Int.

ARC 1974 – 76.

4 ASSAM 1976 – 80 at NEFA and Faija bad.

10 Assam Rifle 80 – 82 at Mokokchung.

4 ASSAM 82 to 87 at Punch, Barrackpore and Manipur.

28 Mtn Div Pro unit Nimu Ladhakh 87 – 89

919 Pro Bikaner 89 – 90 .

Retired 16 September 1990.

OP Lily. War with Pak in East Pakistan. After fall of Dhakka air lifted to DNB ready for attack on Lahore.

Ceasefire declared.

IS DUTY in Barouni Bihar: Op Bluestar.

COs in regimental service. Lt. Col. GS Sandhu. Lt Gen Ranbir Singh. Brig. Surrey and Col. AS Malhi. LT Col SK Sharma. Brig V Ramanan. Col. KK Subba. LT Col RK Shahi Maj Gen AK Hukku.

Awards – COAS COMMENDATION CARD.

Family – Self wife, son

Vivek Gurung and daughter Mitali Gurung.

Hobbies singing and instruments playing

Achievements after retirement.

Did BA, MA ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY, MA HISTORY. PhD in Philosophy of Ecological Dharma.

After Retirement worked in carpet export house as Manager in Jaipur.

Chief Executive khodeys botting plant in Nagpur.

Manager Adm Binani Cement at Pindwara.

Taught English and History in Jain Vishwa Bharti University Ladnun Rajasthan

Since 2009 I am doing nothing except attending workshop when invited by university.

LT COL GURBAX SINGH

What a splendid story of grit and determination. Legendary! Cavalry – Airforce – ASSAM Regiment It is the story of the Second Commanding Officer of 4 ASSAM, Lt Col Gurbax Singh penned by his son Brig Dhanao. LT COL GURBAX SINGH 27 Aug 1918 – 30 Dec 2010

Born on 27 Aug 1918 in a middle class Farming / Army family in a small Punjab Village Ropalheri (Tehsil Kharar), Lt Col Gurbax Singh was the youngest of his three siblings (one sister & two brothers). His parents were very hardworking and God fearing people. His Father S Kartar Singh had served with Patiala State Forces and with Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. His mother Smt Bachan Kaur was a very religious, kind, generous but a strong lady.

Those were times when few children went to school, Lt Col Gurbax Singh, motivated by his parents, did his Matriculation from Khalsa High School, Kharar in 1932. He used to walk 10 Kms (one way) for his school from the Village. By now his elder two brothers were already serving with Royal Deccan Horse Regiment (RDH) and the Regt was then in Poona. He was a bright & hardworking student. With a desire to study further, he was sent to Poona to his brother. He took admission in ‘Deccan College’ in Apr 1932. Unfortunately, he could not cope up with the high standard of education (as compared to what he studied in Punjab) and left the college to get enrolled in RDH. There he was found under weight and was rejected. During this time RDH moved out from Poona to Quetta and he was left alone, but, did not wanted to go back to the village. To support himself he took a small temporary job in ‘Hadapsar Paper Mill and Ordnance Depot Kirkee’ on daily wages of Re 1. He used his spare time to learn typing & short hand. Since this was a temporary job he was advised by his seniors to look for a permanent job, which he got in ‘3 Coy Indian Hospital Corps’ as a clerk & storekeeper on 30 Oct 1934, with a salary of Rs 14 + Rs 22 as DA per month. Here he excelled in his training. With an aim to become an officer, he passed his ‘English First Class’ and ‘Indian Army Special Cert’, both mandatory for entry into IMA. Seeing his performance he was recommended by his CO, Lt Col R Foot and up the chain by the Army Cdr, Maj Gen S Pope for IMA. Being from a Service Corp AMC, he was now attached with 5/14th Punjab Regt as a Bye Cadet for Combatant Military Training. Lt Col Bonam Carter, the CO of the unit took very keen interest in his training. But to his bad luck, his entry to IMA was rejected by Army HQ on technical grounds that the Medical Corps personnel are not permitted for Trg at IMA for Regular Commission & that there was no precedence on this. He was very disappointed and sought transfer for RDH to make himself eligible for entry to IMA. Comdt RDH (Lt Col FBR Tinley) was happy to take him as his elder two brothers were now Jemadars (JCO’s) in the Regt.

In the meantime WW II broke out and he got an opportunity to apply for Emergency Commission – but – his Sqn Cdr in RDH (Maj JA Wardle) did not forward his application and told him that “the RDH cannot be treated as a stepping stone for success elsewhere”. During the period he did Horse Riding training at 2 IACTC, Lucknow. Years passed and his Sqn Cdr Maj CR Hill, who was very sympathetic to him, recommended his name for Trg as a JCO cadet to Comdt Lt Col WB Perse, who promptly agreed. On 15 Apr 1942, he was sent to 47 CAV which was at Poona for six months for this Trg. From there he did his ‘Armament’ and ‘D&M’ courses at Ahmednagar – both courses he got QI grading. During this period a Camouflage School was being established at Kirkee for which there was a need for an English speaking JCO instructor. He was posted there and taught aspects of camouflage especially with reference to enemy aircrafts.

He again applied for Emergency Commission but the application was rejected. God had his own way to help – the Comdt of the Camouflage School (an IAF Offr) was very impressed by his knowledge, sincerity & dedication. When he came to know of his struggle to become an officer, recommended him for Emergency commission into Air force. He was sent to SSB Jabalpur where he was the only candidate selected for Flight Cadet, out of a batch of 40. Flight Cadet Gurbax Singh joined IAF on 03 Aug 1944 at the ‘Parsee Orphanage Poona’ for trg. He was declared the 2nd best cadet and the Nawab of Pataudi (Hony Air Commodore) was the Chief Guest at the POP. Later he was sent to Jabalpur Air Base for flight training on Corner Aircrafts. From there he was posted to Ambala as an Acting Pilot Officer where he trained on Harvard T-6 and later flew Hurricanes. He had done near 80 hrs of flying, when bad luck struck again.

Like they say, ‘God puts some people through more rigorous tests in life’ – he started having medical issues while flying above 20,000 ft. He was to be medically boarded out – but – was given an option to revert back to the Indian Army. With a never say die approach, he opted to be reverted back to the Army. By now his name and story had spread and the Senior Officers were sympathetic towards him. A Brig (British Offr) at Saharanpur interviewed him and approved him for Short Service Commission into the Army. He was sent to OTS Bangalore on 07 Feb 1946 for training (from an officer in IAF and now back to Army as a cadet – what luck). At OTS he was the oldest cadet with the next 10 yrs younger to him. He writes that he was treated with lot of respect by all the staff at OTS and even took a few classes for them.

Finally he was commissioned into The ASSAM REGT on 13 Oct 1946 and reported to the Regt Centre at Shillong. He was the First person in and around his village to have got commissioned as an Officer in the Indian Army and there was lot of jubilation with sweets being distributed.

From the Regt Centre he was sent for Junior Leaders Course at MHOW and on his return was appointed as the QM and promoted to Capt in Jun 1947. The country faced its biggest challenge of Partition and a lot of British and Muslim Offr’s left for Britain & Pakistan. In Jul 1948 he was granted permanent commission. Always eager to perform, he then took on himself the challenge of passing the entrance exam for Defence Services Staff College, for which he had only one chance to appear. While he was attending the JC Course (JC-6), the staff college results were declared and true to his belief he had passed (surprisingly his own DS at the JC Course could not make it). He attended DSSC-4 when Gen Lentaigne was the Comdt and it was the first Joint Service Course (Aug 1950 – Jun 1951). After the course he was posted to HQ Pathankot Base as Staff Capt Q. Finally on 06 Feb 1954 he was posted to 3 ASSAM Bn which was at Muzafarpur and later moved to Ferozepur. He was ‘C’ Coy CDR when the Hussainiwala – Bela incident took place with the Pak Rangers in 1955. C Coy was also part of the flood relief in Punjab in Sep-Oct 1955 when Ferozepur town was in severe danger from the flooded Sutlej River. He was awarded COAS Commendation for his devotion during the floods. In Sep 1956 he was posted to 8 ASSAM RIF which was located at Imphal. In 1958 he came back to 3 ASSAM and later in Oct 1961 was posted as DQ 166 INF Bde located at Dalhousie. He was now over-age for Comd of a regular Bn, but seeing his career profile, a special dispensation was given and he took over Comd of 4 ASSAM Bn on 10 Sep 1963 as the 2nd CO after Lt Col T Sailo (later CM Mizoram). The unit was at Hyuliang(NEFA) and he led a very happy team till Jan 1967. Before his retirement on 27 Aug 1968 he served as AQ Jalandar Sub Area. He felt he was too young to retire so he took re-employment in BSF in Aug 1968, where he was first the Comdt Trg Centre at Hazaribag and later Commanded 53 Bn BSF at Naoshera during the 1971 war. He finally hung his boots in 1973. It’s important to mention that he was blessed with six Children (two Daughters & four Sons). His vision made him shift his family from his village to Chandigarh for the education of his children. He motivated all his sons to join the Army and they all went through NDA (Maj Gen Mohan Singh, Engrs; Late Col Sohan S Dhanoa, RAJ RIF; Col Jagmohan S Dhanoa, Armd Corps; Brig Manmohan S Dhanoa, VSM, 11 GR). One of his daughters got married in the Army (late Brig AS Poonia, VSM, JAK RIF) and the other was married to an architect who later retired as the Chief Architect of Chandigarh (Sarabjit Singh Sandhu). In the centre page of the DSSC Coffee Table book there is a photograph with a title ‘Six Owl’s in one family’ – as all are PSC. Everyone is retired now. He lost his dear wife on 29 Dec 1993 due to Brain Hemorrhage and finally he departed, peacefully in his sleep, on 30 Dec 2010 leaving a permanent void in the family. What a journey In his hand written memoirs he winds up the Good Army life with a statement –I quote “After a day’s hard work you could simply walk into the Officers Mess & shout ‘Koi Hai? – one Whisky please’ and you drown your worries with ‘Ek aur Whisky Maro’.

Late Col Samuel Gatphoh

Born on 25 July 1939, in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, Col Samuel was and remains an inspiration to many.

He joined the IMA in 1959 and was commissioned into 4thAssam Regiment and joined under Brig T Sailo.

Col Gatphoh was the first officer in his time from the state to join the IMA and also one of the youngest officers to undergo the JC course at MHOW in 1962.

He served in many battalions and commanded the Assam Rifles battalion. He was a part of the Bangladesh Ops as the Mukti Vahini Force. He was also a part of IMTRAT to Bhutan on deputation.

Col Sam, as he was fondly called, was born into a middle class family. His father was in the Post and Telegraphs department. His sister was an educator and is married to Capt (retd) DC Sud of 4th Assam Regiment.

His younger brother, Maj W.E Gatphoh was in the Bihar Regt and also fought the 71 war against Pakistan. Incidentally, his brother in law Capt William Phillips also served as an officer in 3rd Assam Regiment.

Col Sam was popular amongst his friends and officers due to his jovial nature and straightforwardness. He loved hosting and attending get-togethers.

He is survived by his wife and two children. Other inputs and facts can be added by his colleagues and friends and will be appreciated

GLIMPSES OF GLORIOUS JOURNEY

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

GLIMPSES OF GLORIOUS JOURNEY

BIRTH and EARLY YEARS OF MY GROOMING

I, Col. Bhupendra Kumar Gandhi, @ BK/Bee Kay was born on 25 November 1945 at Khanewal (now in W. Pak). After partition, my family migrated to Moradabad (UP) in 1947 where I did my schooling and college from Hindu College.

Post which I, Joined NCC, Junior Division in 1961 and Senior Division in 1963; represented, UP State NCC Contingent in Republic Day Parade at New Delhi in 1964 (Photo attached).Passed NCC ‘C’ Certificate which proved celestial blessings since, I was granted, six months antedate seniority in the Army. Also was a keen sportsman and an athlete in School and College. Captained School Gymnastics Team. After the gruelling selection process I was selected to Represent Agra University (with affiliation of nearly 100 plus colleges) Football Team in 1965. And in Athletics, I held record in 5 and 10 miles run events in college.

DONNING UNIFORM

Two movies, namely, HUM DONO & HAQEEQAT left indelible impact on my psyche. Consequently, much to the dismay of my revered Parents’ desire of my becoming a Doctor; I changed my goal to becoming an Army Officer. I pursued my goal and succeeded in Joining SSC-4 (NT) Course at OTA, Chennai (erstwhile OTS) in May 1967 and got Commissioned into 2 Assam on 02 March 1968 (Photo attached). Along with me, PKB Barua 1 Assam, VS Negi 3 Assam, John Sampth 4 Assam and KA Gray 6 Assam, also joined the Regimental bandwagon. Majs CD Soi and P Shivpuri and Capt TS Kanwar our GURUs at the Academy crafted and chiselled us, into shaping our destiny to become worthy Rhino officers.

I felt honoured and privileged to be welcomed to the Regiment by none other than the Legendary Papa Pandey, The Col and Col RK Kurane, Comdt ARC (Copies attached).

JOINING RHINOS FRATERNITY (FEROZEPUR INNING)

On 16 Mar 1968, I reported in the unit at Ferozepur and was privileged to be introduced to a galaxy of spirited Senior Rhinos in Lt Col PS Lama (CO), Maj SD Dasgupta (2I/C), Majs S.Kipgin, VL Ruata, JS Rishi, JS Antal, BB Lyngdoh , Capts VV Moghe, KD Ghai, Kanyal, KK Narang, PC Gupta, KB Sahi, SB Rai, KS Thapa (Adjt.), Gurnam Singh (SL-QM), 2/Lts SY Kulkarni and PS Gill.

I was posted to D Coy under Maj Kipgen and instructed to collect my baggage from the Officers Mess, remove my pips and join the boys in coy lines as Sepoy B K Gandhi. It was a rude shock to me, as I was not mentally prepared for such a format of initiation/training. Initially I felt very uncomfortable with the idea of staying with the men and following their daily chores for SIX WEEKS. However, I had no option but to obey the Command. During this period, I was taught and performed duties of Pay NK, Langar Cdr, Pl Hav, CQMH and CHM in Peace Station and later for two weeks in Fd. Firing Trg. Camp at Harike (Amritsar) where in Coy Langar day in and day out, it was Fish Curry/ Fish Fried, hunted down by the boys skilfully using Mosquito nets from the nearby distributary. On successful completion of training with Rhinos, I as 2/Lt B K Gandhi was finally dined in, in the Field Officers Mess at Harike. In retrospect, I felt this format of initiation of YOs in all units is a great experience in to the life and minds of the men. In retrospect, I feel this would be an apt practice to adopt for the YOs joining in, throughout the Indian Army.

During 1969 -70, we were joined by Majs TS Kanwar, IBS Cheema and Capts Jaspal Singh, Gora Ray, BS Oinam, SSTomar from staff / ERE, while SS Bhullar, CS Nair, Pramod Kumar, BJS Khandpur, JS Duggal and Bir Singh from the Academies. Lt Col Lama was like father figure and a strict disciplinarian. In 1969 we were deployed in Khem Karan Sector for construction of field defences on Valtoha and Marimegha drains (DCB) and I was doing IO duties (an officer personally picked by the CO, I suppose). Interestingly albeit, as IO, I never got a chance to travel with CO in his Jeep. For most part of our stay there I and Int Hav with maps, binocular, SMC and thermos hanging around our necks could be seen running behind and chasing the CO Jeep (CHOTTA TANK nicknamed by Maj Dasgupta) on bandh/service track.

Capt. Thapa and I represented unit Football Team in 7 Inf Div Championship and lifted the Trophy for three consecutive years. Later, I Captained 7 Inf Div Team in Western Command Football Championship at Damana (J & K) in 1970.

In Jul 1969 Lt Col Jasbir Singh, a handsome, young and extremely soft-spoken officer took over reins of the Khel. The concept of Bde Combined Officers Mess was introduced in 1969 and we were allotted 16^th The Mall as 29 Inf Bde Officers Mess in the company of officers from 5 Sikh LI and 7 JAT. It was here that we were privileged to host Gen Sam Manekshaw, COAS over a dinner, during his first visit to the station after taking over as Chief sometime in 1969 (Photo attached).

I dare say that I was handpicked as IO from 7 YOs then posted in the unit, by the CO who loved and groomed me and looked after me. I earned my SECOND PIP from the hands of Lt Col Jasbir Singh in Mar 1970. Soon, the most talked about figure of the Regiment, Papa Pande paid us a visit. I found him to be an officer with great oratory skills, outstanding leader and a motivator par excellence.

URI INNING

On completion of our eventful peace station tenure, the Unit moved to J & K and reached Uri on 10 Aug 1970. After reaching Uri, I was moved to take over Seb –Santra post from 7 SIKH LI. However, within a fortnight or so called to the Bn HQ personally by CO for planning, preparation and leading the FIRST LRP of the bn for 10 days. This is when I EARNED MY THIRD PIP. After successfully leading the LRP, I was informed by my CO that Brig Wadke, Cdr 161 Inf Bde had personally nominated me as Instructor at the DIV / BDE COUNTER INFILTRATION SCHOOL at Mandir Buniyar, near Rampur. I reported at the school in Sept and was privileged to train one Coy of 2 Assam under Maj SB Rai at the school. By the time I started honing my instructional skills and earning Instructor Allowance, a Princely sum of Rs 50/ pm, I received my posting to HQ 66 Mtn Bde (in Field) as GSO 3 (Int). I was dined out from SECOND TO NONE, on 05 Feb 1971.

In about Three Years of my Association with 2 Assam, I had the privilege of serving under one of the finest COs, Lt Col Jasbir Singh who was a rare breed of Army Officers whom I admire for his quality of an excellent human being who NEVER lost his calm and composure even under great stress. I was fortunate to have served under him, in formative years of my career. I owe a lot to SECOND TO NONE for grooming and preparing me for What I AM Today.

FIRST OUTING ON STAFF (OP CACTUS LILY)

In mid Feb 1971 I reported at Binnaguri, a nondescript Military station in W Bengal. On arrival I was informed that the Bde was deployed in OP CACTUS LILY (Operations against Naxal Movement) in Kolkata and my HQ was located at Barrackpore. Next morning, I was issued with my personal weapon and put on train from NJP to Kolkata. After crossing Ganges in a steamer since Farakha Barrage was under construction then and boarding another train to Sealdah Station, I finally reached Bde HQ at Barrackpore.

On 24/25 Mar night, I was the first officer to receive messages from Barasat/Bashirhat BSF Post and 6 GUARDS Coy Cdr that two deserters with their personal weapons from East Pak Rif (EPR) had surrendered to them. This episode later became a clarion call for UPRISING IN THE EAST PAK and kept me on my toes for the next two days for posting messages/clarifications in writing and on phone calls right up to AHQ, Delhi. Subsequently, armed /unarmed desertions were pouring in from all over E PAK which subsequently gave birth to Mukti Bahini (MB) and Mukti Fauj (MF). BY Apr end our HQ moved to Siliguri with 1, 6 and 8 GUARDS and deployed in the Siliguri Corridor from Siliguri to Cooch Behar. Employing MF and MB elements as guides, all the three units made ingress up to 25-30 Km each in Bhajanpur, Patgram and Bhurangmari Enclaves in East Pak. The period between Apr and beginning of Oct. was gainfully utilised in conducting raids on Pak posts and their installations and keeping them under constant mental and physical pressure to break their morale. However, the orders for our units were, no use of Artillery / Mors and also units will ensure, no wounded/dead soldier(s) is left behind, at any cost. While the units engaged in such operations did suffer a few casualties; but they ensured no dead or wounded was left behind by them in the true spirit of camaraderie.

INDO-PAK WAR: OP CACTUS LILY (E) & GRANT OF PRC

In mid Oct 71 our fmn moved to Balurghat Bulge and remained poised there till commencement of INDO-PAK War on 03 Dec 1971. Our Bde advanced along PHULBARI-CHARKHAI-BHADURIA-PIRGANJ-MITHAPUKUR axis and captured the Northern most Cantonment of RANGPUR on 16 Dec. 1971. I was witness to a number of dead and wounded on both sides, strafing/bombing by fighter planes throwing vehicles, men and materials up in the air and bombardment by Arty Guns. There were highly inflated figures of presence of enemy, their vehicles and armament at certain localities which led to refusals to launch attack, till they were egged on by higher ups for going into action.

Lot of coaxing, cajoling and motivational talks over the Radio Set had to be made before some units finally went in for the attack on thinly held enemy localities. Later, after the operation, there was reporting of inflated numbers of dead enemy, cooked up stories of acts of bravery and gallantry in the face of stiff resistance from the fortified and entrenched Enemy; with an eye on staking claims on medals of all hues. By mid Feb 72, the fmn was de-inducted to Binnaguri, where I completed my eventful and professionally rewarding inning and above all earned my PRC before being posted to EST No. 22 (SFF), in fd in Dec 1973. After relinquishing command Brig Sharma under whose astute and bold leadership, 66 Mtn Bde had made tangible gains during the war, wrote a beautiful DO letter conveying his gratitude and sincere thanks to me (Copy attached) for our Memorable Association in WAR.

Those days 6 Assam was also located in Binnaguri under Lt Col VS Bajwa and I became a regular invitee to their mess / unit functions. This provided me an excellent opportunity of meeting almost all officers of 6 Assam posted in the unit.

POSTING ON DEPUTATION and GRADUATION TO MARITAL STATUS

In Jan 1974, I reported at HQ ‘D’ Sector, SFF (SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE) at DUMDUMA and within 3 days moved by Helicopter to Wallong, an Air Maintained Post. I had the privilege of commanding two coy of Tibetan tps there till Dec 1974. Later during the better part of 1975, I was nominated as Leader of 2 classified Missions which were successfully led by me in Arunachal Pradesh in snow bound areas. These Missions were planned and executed under the aegis of IG,SFF and I got a couple of opportunities to visit SFF HQ at Delhi for briefings and debriefings. Later I was recommended for the coveted VSM, but wasn’t lucky enough.

On 01 Dec 1975, I earned my cherished PARA WING after successfully completing last jump at night which was preceded by 4 day jumps time, spread over 4 days, at Sarsawa, near Saharanpur. The jumps of course preceded by gruelling three weeks training under SFF & IAF Instructors.

Then came another date to remember, 19 Jan 1975 when I got engaged to Ms Neena Maira and married her on 29 Dec 75 (the Day I graduated to be a Married and More Responsible MAN), at New Delhi (Photo attached). After my marriage I was rewarded, unofficially albeit and moved to TAWANG which proved as a plum FIELD posting where, I could smuggle Neena and stayed there with me from Jun 1976 to Jul 1977. During this period, I was very fortunate to meet a number of very warm and affectionate officers of 4 Assam commanded by Lt Col SK Sharma and located at Tenga Valley/Baisakh /Nuranang.

REJOINING RHINOS, SETTING UP HOME & BECOMING A PROUD FATHER

Finally, after 7 years and 3 back to back field tenures, in Jul 1977 I was posted to 3 Assam under Lt Col SD Dasgupta at Ranchi. Our old bonhomie of 2 Assam days was evident when Lt Col Dasgupta himself came to receive us at the Rly Station and honoured by making us travel in CO No 1 Jeep while he himself rode along on his Royal Enfield. In 3 Assam, I served with an excellent team of Officers in Majs Gurdeep Singh, 2I/c, Khongmen, SD Roy, KD Ghai, S Ramalingam, SN Pradhan, NK Kalia, Capts Som Datt, KA Gray, VS Negi, PS Dhillon, BS Judge, MS Kauchhur, MC Pradhan, HS Tamber, Vinay Kumar(SL-QM), AK Rai, NR Singh, 2/ Lts M Hye, MD Kutty, Gurcharan Singh, SK Behura, S Saha and SJS Sandhu.

Within two months, I was appointed as Adjt and enjoyed working and learning staff work at the Unit level; under Lt Col Dasgupta with whom I had an excellent rapport since Ferozepur days. He was very kind hearted and approachable. The entire team of PHANTOM THIRD officers were blue blooded Rhinos, very supportive and cooperative. A special mention of Capts Ken Gray and late Virender Negi, who after the parade would invariably come to my office and hurl choicest of adjectives on me, every day (TRUE TO THE SPIRIT OF COURSE MATES!!!). Later the baton of Command was passed on to Lt Col BK Khullar in early Dec 1977. He brought good experience, knowledge and spirit of Regimentation. The Unit went through a couple of outdoor training and exercises at different levels.

In Dec 1978 while I was undergoing ISOC at Pune, we were blessed with a cute, chubby and big-eyed bundle of joy, our elder daughter Payal on 20 Dec at Mumbai. Back in the unit, I was promoted and earned my FIRST SALAMI SHASTRA SALUTATION. I handed over charge of Adjt to Capt BS Judge and took over D Coy Cdr. Capt HS Tamber, 2/Lts Gurcharan Singh, Subrata Saha and SJS Sandhu joined D Coy in 1978-79 and we won practically every competition including Champion Coy Banner. Maj JR Mukerjee also joined the Khel sometime in 1978-1979. I had the honour to lead our Unit Contingent at Kolkata in Feb/Mar 79 in a Ceremonial Parade for Awards Presentation Ceremony by the COAS.

A special mention to Lt Gen Subrata Saha who is known for his professional brilliance not only in the Indian Army, but also in the higher echelons of Govt., Academia, print and Electronic Media. As his First Coy Cdr, I am indeed proud of my Coy Officer.

AID TO CIVIL AUTHs (ACTION PACKED EVENTS)

The Unit saw a lot of actions in 1979 from Apr onward. Aid to Civil Authi in Jamshedpur, to quell communal riots that had erupted on Ram Navami Day. We saved innocent lives of minority community. This was followed by Revolt by a CISF Battalion at Bhubaneswar in Jun, where we along with 4 Sikh were rushed to avoid any bloodshed and persuade the unit personnel to surrender. We surrounded their Campus in the hours of darkness and at day break, CO designated me for making fervent appeals on loud hailer to the agitating personnel to surrender. After a daylong appeals, tough negotiations and persuasion with their leaders we succeeded in taking control of their Armoury and disarmed them. As soon as we completed this Op, we learned that Local Police Personnel at Puri were up in Arms against their own Officers and threatening to disrupt famous Annual Rath Yatra. My Coy plus strength was rushed to Puri and in conjunction with Civ Adm and DSP Puri, we controlled the situation and also ensured successful conduct of the Annual Rath Yatra. In Aug 1979 the Unit moved to Joshimath/Malari in field.

TENURE IN THE VALLEY OF THE GODS

At Joshimath, fortunately 6-7 of us were permitted to keep our families under tin sheds make shift rooms with heavy cladding of condemned blankets and Bukharis to provide relief from severe winter. The unit, however was located at Malari, about 60 km from Joshimath. In general, the entire area had a number of tourist destinations such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hem Kund Sahib, Valley of Flowers etc and would attract all the Big Wigs from across the country, including likes of The President (Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy), PM and RM (Indira Gandhi), Shivraj Patil, (RM), COAS (Gens OP Malhotra and KV Krishna Rao) etc. Therefore, the Bde was nick named as TIRATH YATRA BDE.

A considerable amount of our time and resources were employed regularly, in organising conduct of these VIP visits. We were joined by Capt (Dr.) Sharat Johri as RMO, while 2/Lts Arun Kumar, GK Rai, KK Tripthi, SK Behura and Mani Ram Pankaj were posted from Academies. Lt Col BK Khullar posted out in Apr 1980 as Instructor JC Wing, Mhow and Lt Col JS Rajkumar, a go getter, fun loving and a straight forward Rhino, assumed Command of the Unit. During my stay with the unit in this area, I travelled extensively, on duty/LRP from West to East from Gangotri, Harsil and Tehri, Lapthal, Barahuti and Dharchula.

ASTRA SHASTRA GURU (Weapon Trg Offr) TENURE (OTA, MADRAS)

On 2 Nov, 1981 after celebrating 36^th Raising Day and professionally rewarding and memorable Regimental tenure with PHANTHOM THIRD, I left the Unit on posting to OTA, Chennai as WTO and Instr. (Class B). The tenure at the Academy was professionally highly enriching and enjoyable. Transforming nearly 1500 young civilians into very fine leaders, was a life time experience. In addition to my appointment, I was entrusted the duties of Adjt for 3 months and GSO1 (Coord) for 1 month concurrently, which earned me the sobriquet of ‘THREE IN ONE’ from GCs.

BACK WITH THE RHINOS

In Jan 1984 I was posted to 10 Assam at Alwar. The unit was out in Rajasthan for a Div / Corps level exercise. Col SK Sharma with whom I had the privilege of meeting soon after 1971 War in Bogra/Binnaguri and later as CO 4 Assam at Baisakhi in 1976 / 77, offered my services to Cdr 20 Inf Bde for BM duties since the incumbent had been attached for a CoI. After successful completion of the exercise, the unit returned to the Stn in Mar/ Apr. In 10 Assam, I had the privilege of serving with a very fine and a well-knit team in Majs SW Lepcha, NK Kalia, RK Sharma, Ram Chander, BS Shekhawat, Capts KDK Singh, Amarjeet Singh, RM Bhatnagar, VN Bari, MS Sahota, SK Sharma, Hari Ram and George Jacob and Capt (Dr.) SK Shrivastava (RMO).

OPs AT TALWANDI SABO and DELHI

By end May 1984, the situation arising out of militancy in Punjab had deteriorated and the unit moved to Bhatinda district for impending Operation Blue Star. The unit successfully conducted this Operation on 6 Jun in Talwandi Sabo and recovered a huge cache of arms and took surrender of a few hard-core militants, without firing a shot (Photo attached).Recommended for Award yet again luck did not favour me. The unit returned to Alwar and celebrated belated Raising Day in the Stn. Night 30/31 Oct came calling for the unit to move to Delhi at a very short notice for deployment in OP SHANTI in Delhi, with a view to controlling the situation arising out of assassination of Mrs Indira Gandhi, PM. Immediately on arrival at Delhi, the unit was deployed in some of the most sensitive and worst affected areas of Janakpuri, Uttam Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Tilak Nagar, Najafgarh etc. The unit did a commendable job there and controlled the situation from any further escalation. With utmost impartiality and tactfully handling the grim situation, we won over hearts of one and all before returning to Alwar after about 10 days.

MOVE TO MY OLD HUNTING GROUNDS

In Jan 1985 I, led an enhanced Advance Party to 5 Mtn Div/190 Mtn Bde (Tawang) to relieve 26 Punjab. Those who have served in areas around Tawang would be well aware of the extreme cold climatic conditions with heavy snow fall in Jan and the following months. We took over all the Defence Works and assets virtually buried under thick blanket of 5-6 ft snow at the altitude ranging from 12 to 14K Plus altitude. Our Bn HQ was located at Khirmu and the Unit Advance Party did a commendable job in transforming the entire area. An EPIP tent for our CO as his residence cum Office was erected displaying highest standards of tent pitching and using innovative ideas for providing comfort, protection from cold and privacy. This tent virtually became a MONUMENT TO RHINOS INGENUITY for CO 26 Punjab, officers and PBORs who would walk through it while still under preparation, with admiration of the superlative skills of our boys. Later, the Rhinos used their skills to recreate new officers and PBORs living. QG, Stores, Offices and Officers Mess. At Khirmu we were joined by 2/Lts Rajagopal, BJ Das, AP Singh from the Academies and Capt (Dr.) Acharya, RMO transferred from 26 Punjab.

No sooner the unit settled down in the new environment, Col SK Sharma was posted out and the Founding Father of the Tenth Khel Col MS Jamwal was posted in for his second command tenure in 1985. Col Sharma was fearless and bold CO, who would stand up for his subordinates even against all odds. A highly spirited Regimental Officer, he was. Personally, I enjoyed very strong bonds of camaraderie with him. I met Col Jamwal for the first time and soon together we enjoyed an excellent rapport, understanding and strong bonding. In him, I found a straight forward and upright officer. Under Col Jamwal the unit participated in Bde/Div level exercise on attack in HA. The unit also constructed field fortifications at 13 -14K ft altitude. During the visit of Lt Gen KB Mehta, GOC 4 Corps we successfully conducted a live demo on Defensive Battle at Coy level. Col Jamwal happily completed his eventful second inning in early Aug 1986 and Col NK Kalia assumed command at a time when Sumdorong Valley clouds were building up. I had personally known Col NK from 2/Lt days when 2 and 3 Assam were located at Ferozepur and Fazilka respectively during 1968-70. Later, we served together in Ranchi (3 Assam) & Alwar (10 Assam). He was gem of a person, soft spoken, kind hearted with immense warmth and positive outlook. A Rhino to the Core and a TSC Qualified officer. I received him at Tulung La, overlooking Sumdorong Valley where the unit had been deployed.

We had pitched a separate tent for the CO, but he ensured that our existing bonds of friendship did not come in the way on his being appointed as a CO. On his insistence we, therefore stayed together for a few days in the same tent before, I left the location in mid Aug 1986 for SC Course. Such was the greatness of an outstanding humble Rhino Officer, Col Narendra Kumar Kalia.

BECOMING PROUD FATHER: SECOND TIME

While I was undergoing SC Course at the College of Combat, Mhow we were blessed with a beautiful and adorable younger daughter Ritika on 28 Aug at Delhi where my family was stationed in a separated family accommodation.

POSTING ON GRADE 1 STAFF and PROMOTION

On completion of SC Course in Nov 1986, I was posted as GSO1 (Int), on promotion, to HQ 11 Corps, Jalandhar & I reported there on 26 Nov. I was rather fortunate and felt honoured when Lt Gen Nayyar, GOC himself promoted me by his hands, in his office. In Jan 1987, Operation Trident was launched and soon thereafter, my Col GS left for LDMC and in the thick of OP Trident, I took charge of duties of Col GS (Int). The next two months were a great learning experience of my life and I didn’t know when I was going from or coming back to office. Work till 12 am and reach Helipad at 5 am, 7 days a week, with maps and Sit reps for briefing of the GOC before he took off for visit to the forward areas.

GOD SENT OPPORTUNITY: RAISING OF 15 ASSAM

On 22 Jun, I received one of THE MOST PLEASANT AND CHERISHED NEWS of my life of posting on Forthwith move, for Raising of 15 Assam at Shillong. I am sanguine, all those who had been bestowed in the past with this UNIQUE PRIVILEGE of RAISING a BATTALION would understand and share my euphoria, on being conferred with such HONOUR. I along with my family reached Guwahati on the night of 30 Jun / 01 Jul when it was pouring incessantly. We were warmly received by Capt. Amarjit Singh whom I had known since 10 Assam days and was posted at ARC.

The following morning, I went to meet Col GS Khimta, Centre Commandant and was completely bowled over to find an office of CO 15 Assam had been kept ready, just next to his PA’s office. Such was the magnanimity of Col Khimta who showed us, the standards to be emulated for the new Raising. My Core Team comprised of Maj LS Rana (Offg 2I/C), Capts Atul Bhardwaj (Adjt), Hari Singh Rawat, (QM) Rajesh Singh Bains (MTO- MULTI TASKING OFFR) and Mr Lalit Mohan Kandpal (IO) who was already posted to 15 Assam (ALBEIT, A UNIT WHICH WAS STILL TO BE BORN) from IMA and already reported at ARC. My first SM Kabita Ray whom I had known from our days in 2 Assam and approx 50 PBORS from different units had already concentrated there.

With this strength we worked out our detailed action plan and decided to HOIST THE FLAG OF 15 ASSAM on 15 Jul, date coinciding with the Unit Number. An adhoc Quarter Guard was got ready in a barrack outside the Howman Gate and along the road leading to 58 GTC. Finally, the Auspicious Day arrived and after seeking blessings from the Almighty in Special Church- Mandir service and paying homage to our fallen comrades at the War Memorial, THE FLAG OF 15 ASSAM WAS HOISTED amid the sloganeering of 15 Assam Tagra Raho. This was followed by a Special Sainik Sammelan and Bara Khana for all ranks and a select few guests from ARC and 7 Assam. Thus, History of a Newly Raised Unit was written and its journey commenced. The Raising Day was marked with the mild showers / drizzle throughout the Day and accepted by us as Celestial Blessings. Later, I fondly christened the unit as, ‘ONE FIVE’ which is for Posterity (Photos attached).

In the coming days, other officers, Majs Shiv Darshan Singh Patyal, 2 I/C, Omesh Madan, Pritam Singh Dhillon, Khumenthang Deepak Kumar Singh, Capts Rajneesh Kumar Saxena, Dadul Rinchin Bhotia, Krishna Kant Tripathi, Lts Girish Kumar Bhadauria, Samarjeet Singh, VS Nair (From OTA) and Capt Pratap Singh (SL-QM) joined us. PBORs from across the Regiment had also started trickling in.

We started right in the earnest, checking and updating personal documents, allocation of PBORs to Coys. I shall be failing in my duty, if I did not place it on record that I was extremely fortunate to have been posted with a TEAM OF PIONEERS who were efficient, competent, dedicated, committed and put their heart and soul into laying a very strong foundation of the unit. They all understood my mind and the challenges of a newly raised unit, in a peace station like Ferozepur with heavy concentration of additional tps.

My earlier service with three other units of the Regt, played a significant role in knowing a fairly large percentage of officers and PBORs which helped me immensely in deploying the human resource to the optimum advantage. The unit funds were on shoe string budget. Govt grants were paltry sums of Rs 4000/- for Officers Mess and 1200/- for a JCOs Mess. All ranks in the unit understood the financial resource crunch. Therefore, I garnered their unflinching support in raising funds through various options (Valid/Invalid) available at my disposal, to be able to measure upto every one’s expectation in a station like Ferozepur.

With a view to meeting deadline of Raising, we defined our working hours from PT time till 10 pm on all 6 days of the week with Sunday being half working day. Since within a short span of approx 10 years, our Regiment had grown from 6 to 14 battalions (less 11 and 13 Assam), I was fully aware of the fact, that all the old units had been stretched in providing the requisite man power as per QR laid down by AH/ Record office. Therefore, I instructed my Coy Cdrs that while they must conduct physical fitness screening of all ranks by putting them through BPET, but the rider was NO RHINO WILL BE RETURNED TO HIS PARENT UNIT ON THIS GROUND AND ENTRIES OF MINOR OFFENCES, IF FOUND IN THEIR RECORD. All BPET failures will be given unlimited opportunities to practice and pass the test.

We also became the first ever unit to record all important events of the Raising by VIDEOGRPHY as well as Photography.

Collection Parties under Officers/JCOs were despatched to various Depots for collection of Stores, arms, amn, vehicles and war like equipment. However, due to unprecedented floods almost all over the country in Aug and Sep, Guwahati and Shillong were totally cut off by Rail, Road and Air from rest of the Country which adversely affected completion of the Raising by due date. However, the time available was gainfully utilised in building Esprit de Corps by:

ü Generating spirit of Professional and Sports competition;

ü Honing various drills and procedures & Preparing SOPs;

ü Standing Orders for Peace and War;

ü Completion of personal documents;

ü Building and Strengthening physical fitness standards and endurance; by undertaking speed and long route marches.

With a view to imbibing & further strengthening a sense and spirit of camaraderie; sometime in Sep we organised INTER COY OBSTACLE COURSE COMPETITION amid heavy rain and compulsory for all ranks. This event truly set the stage for strong bonding among all ranks as ONE FIVE and sowed the seeds of ZEST & hunger for winning competitions at the unit/ Fmn levels.

The band platoon was raised with empty ghee tins hung around the neck and beating them with sticks cut and made from local trees. After recession of floods the remaining men, vehicles, weapons, war like stores and equipment had started arriving from Oct onward. With a view to extending support to the new born BABY RHINO; we received generous gifts in terms of cash, trophies, items of utility etc from all our sister units and ARC.

Sometime in Oct, we organised a ceremonial parade and invited Maj Gen HC Pathak, MVC, GOC 101 Area as the Reviewing Officer. By Jan 1988, the unit had received almost all the stores and equipment and was ready to move to Ferozepur under 29 Inf Bde. Our Advance Party, under Maj Patyal had already left for the new location. The unit commenced its move in batches to Jhalukbari Staging Camp and concentrated there by mid Feb. In Jhalukbari, we continued with our training and preparations for various impending sports/professional competitions in the new station.

MOVE TO FEROZEPUR: A PLEASANT COINCIDENCE

Finally, our unit received the longest Military Special Train from Guwahati to Ferozepur arriving there on 10 Mar 1988. At Ferozepur Rly Station we were accorded a befitting welcome by Cdr 29 Inf Bde with COs of 3 Grenadier and 17 Mahar along with Maj Patyal and Advance Party. This was truly a nostalgic coincidence for me, because exactly after 20 years; 15 Assam moved under my Command as CO, to the Same Station, under the Same Brigade and in the Same Barracks; where I had joined 2 Assam as 2/Lt, in Mar 1968.

The unit drills and procedures had been perfected so well at Shillong that the station units and higher cdrs would not believe that we were a young battalion with less than one year standing. We won a few professional and sports competitions both at the Bde and Div levels against older units to prove our true mettle. With conviction I write that it was like, BELIEVING in SEEING, as we raised the bar and displayed the highest standards at every event/function hosted/organised by us, to OUR PRIDE BUT NEGHBOURS ENVY.

The Unit took part in OP AVERT and OP RAKSHAK on the DCB in our Operational Area Khemkaran Sector and faced the FLOODS FURY. In Ferozepur, we were joined by Majs, BN Somanna from 7 Assam, Sudhir Chawla (2 Assam) from 2 Armd Bde, 2/Lts Tejinder Singh Kahlon and Shobit Bahadur Chettri from IMA, while Majs Suesh Chander and Nebendu Kumar Bhattacharya were transferred from GR. All officers, PBORs & ladies who joined the unit subsequently made immense contribution in further raising standards of the Khel from where the PIONEERS Left. My profound gratitude to all the beautiful ladies who played a sterling role, made invaluable contributions & helped in shaping destiny of ONE FIVE.

DONNING ENVIOUS and MUCH AWAITED RED TABS

After being deferred in my earlier promotion board for not being Adequately Exercised (AE); I was approved in Jan 1990 and received Red Tabs from the hands of Brig SC Chopra, Cdr 29 Inf Bde and Maj PS Dhillon, Offg 2 I/C (Photo attached). Sometime in early 1990, I received a call from Gen Pillai, GOC 10 Corps and COR and he informed me that as per Inf. Relief Programme, my unit had been earmarked for move to Manipur.

I was aware of the fact that, since 1966 an embargo had been placed on our Regiment for deployment in Manipur. Therefore, I expressed my curiosity to the COR for this sudden change in the policy. Gen Pillai mentioned, this decision was taken at the MOD and AHQ in consultation with him for lifting the ban and we have to prove ourselves that our Regiment has come a long way and is capable of being inducted in our areas. He expressed, “As your COR I have accepted this challenge and I am placing a lot of trust and faith in ONE FIVE.” Since I always held Gen Pillai, in my highest esteem, therefore, with humility, I accepted his words as his COMMAND.

MANIPUR VIA VAIRANGTE

The unit received Inf Relief programme and accordingly, our Advance Party under Maj Suresh Chander left for Manipur in May/Jun. While the main body arrived at Silchar in Aug/Sep 1990 for onward move to CIJW School, Vairangte for 8 weeks Pre-Induction Training. After successful completion of gruelling training in Jungles of Mizoram, the unit arrived Leimakong under 59 Mtn Bde in early Nov and took over responsibility in OP HIFAZAT from 17 BIHAR at different coy locations. 2/Lts. Flowerson and Pankaj Sharma joined us from Academies. Manipur being our home ground, the boys immediately adapted themselves to the new environment and the CI Grid. The unit performed commendably by establishing a good int network and delivered some tangible results during stay there. We certainly lived up to Gen Pillai’s trust and faith which he had reposed in us.

BID ADIEU TO ONE FIVE- MY THIRD CHILD

My Long, Blissful, Productive and Highly Professionally Rewarding Journey of 3 Years and 10 Months with the Unit came to an end on 30 Apr 1991. Before bidding adieu to ONE FIVE-which I always affectionately referred to as MY THIRD CHILD; I was more than satisfied and delighted to pass on the Baton of Command to my worthy successor Lt Col SDS Patyal who was associated with the Raising of the unit (Photos attached). With conviction, I am proud to say that with hard work, dedication and commitment of all Pioneers who laid a very strong foundation and subsequent GBs and their TEAMS, ONE FIVE today perhaps stands in the Regiment next to 5 Assam only, in overall tally of Post- Independence awards as follows:

1. UNIT CITATION BY COAS 1997-98

2. UNIT APPRECIATION BY NORTHERN ARMY CDR 1997-98

3. UNIT CITATION BY UNIFIL FORCE CDR

4. UNIT CITATION BY EASTERN ARMY CDR 2009-10

5. UNIT APPRECIATION BY NORTHERN ARMY CDR 2013-15

6. UNIT APPRECIATION BY CDR IN-CHIEF ANDAMAN and NICOBAR COMD 2017-18

One Five is also proud to have contributed to the Regiment, The One and Only One Rhino (Born and Brought Up) as GOC-in-C Central Command in Lt Gen (Dr) B S Negi, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, SM, VSM** who was the 5^th GB of the Khel.

POSTING TO ARC: GOLDEN JUBILEE

I was posted as CO Training. Battalion, ARC, Shillong, primarily as a member of the Core Team for the Conduct of Golden Jubilee of the Regiment in Oct 1990. I reported at ARC, around 7 May 1990 and immediately got into action, for the impending challenging task of organising GJ Event under Col RV Subramaniam, Commandant, ably assisted by Col GD Raj, Dy. Comdt. and Lt Col PK Vij, CO Adm. Bn.

In addition, we had a team of very fine and committed Rhinos in Lt Col GS Dhillon, SRO and his Team of Records Officers, Majs Rajan (Edn Offr), KGR Kumar (Adjt), AKJ Nair, Ronny Raj Kumar, AK Singh, PS Bains, S Ghosh, VN Bari, RS Pundir and Capt Prakash Chandra (my SO).

Gen Pillai visited ARC and laid out a road map for the conduct of historic event. He broadly defined responsibilities for planning, preparation and conduct of the Mega Event under the Stewardship of Col RV Subramaniam –

ü Colors Presentation Parade (8 Assam to 15 Assam); CO Trg Bn.

ü Sound & Light Show covering the last 50 years of journey of the Regiment; CO Trg Bn,

ü GJ Dinner CO Adm Battalion.

Time was at premium and Shillong rains were threatening and acting as spoil sport in our outdoor preparations. I along with Maj Rajan got down to the serious business; of searching historical records of the Regiment since the inception days, to prepare an outline draft of the script of the Sound and Light Show. Later, we requisitioned services of a professional from Kolkata, Ms Chanda Bose. And helped her in preparing the initial draft; before further improvement and final approval by Gen Pillai. Then we went onto hire the services of a young, talented and pleasant professional duo – Amit Roy and Rahul Khanna, again from Kolkata for giving final and professional shape to the SHOW. Col RV directed us to extend full support and help to various outside agencies engaged for the impending event. Later he would personally ensure implementation of his instructions in this regard.

Next, we got down to improvising weapons and equipment of the WW II era by using innovative methods. I visited 222 ABOD, Narangi and brought truck load of condemned Khaki uniforms which were modified in our tailor shop to give an authentic look of that era. Before we commenced shooting of the visuals; we carefully selected various characters from our Rhinos to include Officer, JCOs and OR as War Heroes. The Deputy’s House was earmarked as DC Bungalow at Kohima, a thickly wooded road stretch on upper Shillong for the move of Army Convoys; some field works in the ARC Training area were selected, with the aim to depict areas and activities as realistic as possible and akin to actual terrain and battle field scenes.

Post the preliminaries, we commenced a packed schedule of shooting the film for 5 days which was meticulously worked by the duo of Amit and Rahul. My involvement in shooting and rendering advice on battlefield scenes, in particular was imperative. We finally completed shooting by end Sep /early Oct. Thereafter the production team returned to Kolkata and got busy with editing and giving final touches to the film. During this period our Team Kolkata under Amit Roy composed a beautiful and melodious motivational song for the Historic Occasion “PEECHEY NA HATENGE HUM AAGEY BADHENGAY (2), PACHAAS SAALON SE DESH KI RAKSHA KARTEY RAHEN, KARTEY RAHENGE!” ——- DUSHMAN AAYE TO RHINO CHARGE, AAGE BADHO, SAMNA KARO”. We started playing this song every morning and evening and one truly experienced the perceptible electrified atmosphere in the ARC. It seems, when Gen Pillai heard this Song for the first time in his office at Delhi, he had tears of joy in his eyes. (As shared by Rahul Khanna with me).

While all the above preparations were in full swing; Gen Pillai had meticulously planned a pre GJ event publicity campaign by despatching national, regional level print and electronic media teams to ARC, for interaction and briefings by the Comdt. All Media persons stayed in ARC and taken care. As a token of our love and thanks, they were all gifted items of memorabilia of the NE before departure. Our planned efforts were rewarded and we started receiving much publicity of the impending mega event; via print and electronic media, at regional and national level, prior to the event.

I visited AG’s branch (CW Dte), Delhi in mid Sep to understand and co-ordinate finer points of drills and procedures for the Colors Presentation Parade. The unit contingents had concentrated in ARC around the same time and commenced honing their drill movements under their respective Contingent Cdrs. Simultaneously, the entire ARC was being spruced up for the grand occasion. Rain or no rain; every nook and corner was being painted and polished. The Parade ground was freshly laid with concealed microphones etc, Officers Mess and guest rooms were being prepared for the Jubilee Dinner and guests stay. Lot of events were taking place simultaneously and keeping all of us including our ladies on toes. The atmosphere in Happy Valley was agog and filled with exhilaration. Mrs Chandra Subramaniam and the ladies were equally busy working out minute details of Officers Mess and guest room décor. They were deeply involved in planning and sampling food menu with the chefs for the Jubilee Dinner.

Up next was, taking a call for the selection and preparation of site for organising the grand finale, The Sound & Light Show. We discussed several areas but finally selected LONG RANGE as the best and ideal location for the event. Gen. Pillai, immediately gave his go ahead! It was a gigantic task involving, improving almost 1 km uneven track to a smooth motorable road and setting up an elevated stage next to the firing butt. However, Rhinos with their untiring day and night efforts did a commendable job and prepared the venue to utmost satisfaction of the production team and guests. It was planned that when the guests start arriving at the venue, hillocks skirting on the left of the firing range will be lit up with naked fire for performing different tribal dances by our own troops and their families. We conducted two trials before the final dress rehearsal on 27 Oct in presence of Gen Pillai, who was immensely pleased and overjoyed with the final product.

After nearly a fortnight of contingents carrying out drill practice independently, under their Contingent Cdr; we commenced the Color Presentation Parade practice under Col RV, Parade Cdr and Col Raj, Parade 2I/C, in the last week of Sep / first week of Oct as by then detailed procedure of the Parade had been clearly understood and assimilated by all. Everyone worked hard and spared no efforts to give it their best, during the practice and preparations for the BIG EVENT. In doing so, at times tempers too flew high, but at the end of the day, Happy Valley atmosphere helped us in bringing Happiness to all of us. The final dress rehearsal of the parade was held on 27 Oct and attended by COR. On 29 Oct, everyone’s hard work, dedication and commitment; spread over a month delivered handsome dividends. A flawless parade of supreme standards was presented to General SF Rodrigues, PVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of The Army Staff who in a glittering and solemn ceremony, presented Colors to the proud Battalions (8,9,10,12,14 and 15 ASSAM) in the august presence of several civilian dignitaries, serving and retired armed forces personnel and their families. We received accolades and heartfelt appreciations from one and all, for the stupendous and immaculate show put up by the contingents receiving Colors.

As per GJ Events Programme on 29 Oct 1991, the rich and glorious history of the Assam Regt, spanning over 50 years was to be presented to the august gathering in a concise and compressed manner through Sound and Light Show of 43.5 minutes. It was a flawless show due to commitment and dedicated efforts of all those intimately involved in the planning & preparation. All the guests were spellbound by the SHOW & showered their rich and well-deserved praises on the Production Team and all others associated with this superlative Event. We dedicated success of the MEGA SHOW to our young Recruits, PBORs & Families of the Regt.

Later during the GJ Dinner, I was summoned by Gen Pillai and introduced to the GOC-in- C, EC, Lt Gen Brar (Bulbul Brar) who personally complimented me for putting up an outstanding Historical Event. It was indeed an honour for being a part of celebrating the past laurels of the illustrious Assam Regiment history and creating new memories (GJ Program Posted).

DY BDE CDR: BARAPANI / UMROI CANTT BDE INNING

After a successful conduct of the momentous occasion of GJ of the Regt; I received my posting to HQ 24 Mtn Bde (Barapani) as Dy Cdr. and reported there in mid Mar 1992. The Formation was deployed in OP RHINO and Bde HQ at Naogaon. I served in Barapani till Jun 1996 (Four years and three months) by far the longest tenure in a station. However, one hardly stayed in the station due to ongoing OP RHINO in Assam. We conducted a number of successful operations in the Central, Eastern and Southern Assam to include Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, Jorhat, Cachar Hills (Silchar, Hafflong and right up to Jiribam areas). During my tenure with 24 Bde, I served under three Cdrs, a record of sort. Finally, my long inning with 24 Bde came to end and guess what, I was posted to yet another Bde and in the same appointment.

DY BDE CDR: DELHI BDE INNING

Perhaps, it must be the only example in the Army that an officer after a long inning with one Bde HQ, is posted back to back to yet another Bde HQ in the same appointment. On 7 Jul 1996, I reported at HQ 35 Inf Bde at Delhi on my last leg posting. This was my first and last posting to Delhi and being the only Inf Bde in the Capital City with a sizeable human and material resource available at ones disposal; kept me busy with never ending demands and requests of multifarious nature being received daily right from COAS Office down to a Sepoy. Finally, I performed my last soldierly duty by taking part in two months long outdoor training followed by Corps level exercise from Jan to Mar 1997 in Rajasthan. After 29 years and 9 months long, MY GLORIOUS JOURNEY WITH RHINOS CAME TO AN END on 30 November 1997; when I was pulled out of the Bde HQ premises in a decorated open jeep by officers and JCOs of the Fmn, amid singing of, “HE IS A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW, SO SAY ALL OF US” (Photos attached).

(It may be interesting to note that in all probability, my collective inning of two Bdes as Dy Bde Cdr of 5 years and 9 months must be a sort of Record in The Army).

SECOND INNING OF CAREER: BIRLA CELLULOSIC (AV BIRLA GROUP)

Exactly 5 days after hanging my boots, I received a call from CEO of the above Co. from Vadodara seeking my interest in starting a SECOND INNING by joining a Manufacturing Co. (VISCOSE STAPLE FIBRE PRODUCED FROM THE PITH OF BAMBOO and ECUCLIPTICE TREES) in Bharuch District, Gujarat. Candidly speaking this was a most unexpected but a pleasant surprise for me. Later, he asked me to visit Bharuch for an interview on 10 Dec 1997 at the project site. As planned, I reached the project site and after about two hours of our discussion with Unit Head and VP (HR and ADMIN); the Management offered me the post of Chief (Security and Admin) and issued me an appointment letter for joining with immediate effect. I however, joined the Co. on 19 Jan 1998 of INR 1000/- crore Industry in the project stage. It was a huge challenge for me to transform swiftly to the new ways of working in an Industry. Besides the Plant, the Co. had a Township with 500 Plus Residential Quarters, Guest House, Clubs, Swimming Pool, Hospital, School and Batchelor Hostel, all in the finishing stages and to be Administered by my Dept. Fortunately for me, the Co. was still in project stage and my experience of Raising of ONE FIVE helped me in preparing Policies, Rules, SOPs which later I implemented with full support of the Unit Head.

I am proud to say that discipline in the Co. with nearly 1200 employees was at par with an Army Unit. I was closely associated with tasteful furnishing of all the institutions of the Co. The Co. during my tenure up to 30 Jun 2004, won several awards both at the National and International Levels for Good Practices of a Manufacturing Unit such as, Zero subsidy, No tea break in the plant, No peons in offices, Zero tolerance for late comers etc. I had set a couple of BENCH MARKS in HOSPITALITY, SECURITY and ALLIED SERVICES for all other units of AV Birla Group in India and abroad. With conviction, I write that my association with the Co was a great learning experience of my life. After a challenging but satisfying INNING OF MY SECOND CAREER with BIRLA CELLULOSIC; I and my family decided to make VADODARA as our permanent abode where we finally moved in on 17 Sep 2004.

THIRD INNING OF CAREER: GROUP ONE FIVE SECURITY and ALLIED SERVICES

My association and achievements with Birla Co some what made me wiser, in terms of managing an independent enterprise and I decided to take a plunge at the age of 59 by floating an enterprise, GROUP ONE FIVE SECURITY and ALLIED SERVICES, a PROPRIETORY Firm. I worked on it for nearly 4 months and finally est the said enterprise in Feb 2005. I extensively toured and travelled almost 16-18 hours a day in my car to every nook and corner of Gujarat for the growth of my business and succeeded in widening network of my clients. I am extremely happy to say that more than the extra earnings, it is the satisfaction and pleasure of providing employment to ESM and others through my enterprise which keeps me going strong even now!

ADDITIONAL INNING WITH GOVT OF INDIA: MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MORD).

While I was managing my newly est enterprise, I volunteered to work as an Honorary Member for MORD as NATIONAL LEVEL MONITOR from Sep 2005 to Dec 2010. This assignment besides monitoring Central Govt, funded Schemes for BELOW POVERTY LINE people, involved traveling, meeting Govt officials/Panchayat Members, interacting with beneficiaries and conducting site Audits. Followed by preparing and submitting written reports with photographs to MORD, MP of the respective Constituency and District Collector. In the process, I visited 250 Villages in Maharashtra, MP, Rajasthan (worked under extreme Temperature at 49.2* C in JHALAWAR Distt), Gujarat and UT of Daman and Diu and made valuable contribution in streamlining a number of practices and processes for the Govt. Distt. Admin, Panchayats and Beneficiaries.

MY INTERESTS

Since childhood, I had the penchant for co-curricular activities, which enabled me to regularly participate in School/College Annual Functions be it singing or acting. I carried these interests with me through Army life from the GC days in Academy; to even after my retirement days.

In 2 Assam, it was Maj SD Dasgupta who first initiated me in conducting Sports Events and unit raising day function at Ferozepur. I reckon my reputation travelled with me to whichever Unit/Establishment /Station I was posted. As everywhere I was entrusted the responsibility of conducting Unit Raising Day functions, Regimental Jubilee event, Club events at the Station level and Commentary on AIR for Army Day Parade etc. Even after retirement, my course mates (516 IN NUMBER) nominated me as COURSE COORDINATIOR for the conduct of Golden Jubilee Event of our Course at OTA Chennai in 2018 in which almost 300 of my Course Mates from US, Australia, UK and Germany, their spouses and widows participated.

INTERESTING ANECDOTES

1. WELCOME TO 2 ASSAM VIA 4 JAT

As per teaching at the Academy, I wrote a DO letter to Adjt 2 Assam apropos my arrival by Mumbai-Ferozepur Mail in the morning on 16 Mar 1968. Well before the train moved in at the Ferozpur Rly Stn, I was ready in my starched uniform with Peak Cap and Sam Brown Belt. As soon as the train stopped at the platform, I stepped out of the compartment with excitement for a warm reception by the unit. However, soon my excitement weaned away when I found NO RHINO at the stn, leave alone platform. Fortunately for me my course mate & his 2 I / C from 4 JAT were travelling with me in the same compartment noted my predicament and came to my rescue. I travelled with them to their Officers Mess, where I was served hot tea and breakfast. In the meanwhile, a message had been sent across to Adjt 2 Assam that I was happily welcomed by 4 JAT to the stn. In next 30 minutes or so Capt VL Ruata arrived there with a 3 Ton Lorry and I travelled to 2 Assam Officers Mess while standing in the vehicle holding on to the cross bars to save my starched & ironed uniform.

2. HEIGHT OF MISUNDERSTANDING

I reached HQ 66 Mtn Bde at Barrackpore in mid Feb 1971 and to my utter surprise my Cdr Brig GS Sharma, VrC did not speak with me for the next 3 days. On 4^th day I was told by OC Tps that the Cdr was very unhappy with me because he had seen me wearing Capt’s badges of rank, whereas; my posting order said, Lt BK Gandhi, posted as GSO3 (Int) and TO BE PROMOTED AS CAPT ON ASSUMING APPOINTMENT. I convinced OC Tps that I was already promoted as Capt in Sept 1970 while serving the unit in Uri (in field) and also receiving salary of a Capt, since then. I showed him Casualty Published in the unit as proof to this effect. Once misunderstanding got cleared, I was dined in and welcomed to the fmn HQ.

3. PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE: DRAMA IN REAL LIFE

On 18 May 1976, for the first time after marriage, I was returning to Delhi, with 18 civilian staff from RAAW, IB, SIB etc. as co-passengers by the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) flight from DUMDUMA and at Guwahati Airport we made an official halt. Later while taking off for Delhi, the aircraft suddenly burst into flames. Interestingly, the pilots broke & escaped from their Emergency Exit from the running and burning aircraft on the runway and left the passengers to their fate. We all rushed to the Exit and somehow managed to open the door and using my presence of mind literally in the heat of the moment, I started pushing passengers out of the running and burning aircraft on the runway. It was an emergency as the fire was spreading menacingly and aircraft could have blown up killing all passengers on board. In the process, some passengers broke their limbs too, but thankfully all lives were saved. I was the last but one passenger to jump out of the still running and burning aircraft on the runway but, not before sustaining minor burn injuries on my face and hands. Incidentally, 18 May is celebrated as my SECOND BIRTHDAY within my Family.

4. GUTS OF A LEADER WHEN CHIPS WERE DOWN

In May 1988, we were doing Canal Crossing Training on Gang Canal, near Ferozepur at night by using improvised expedients with complete battle equipment and personal/Sec weapons. All safety measures were instituted as per SOP in presence of Dy Cdr29 Inf Bde before launching the first wave. The first wave of 17 personnel with a variety of expedients was launched after doing the head count. However, only 16 swam across and the 17^th man went missing who was using a balli (Log) for crossing. Frantic search ensued immediately using all resources available with us, for the missing man. The search continued through the night, but in vain. Later, before sunrise, we deployed our teams after every 3 km interval along the canal bank for keeping vigil in case the body is seen floating. At about 9 am, I left the site for Ferozepur and drove straight to Bde HQ to personally report the incident to my Cdr. I walked into the Cdr’s office and reported the incident in detail and the ongoing efforts for recovery of the body. Brig KM Nanda, after listening to me, asked me a direct question, Quote,” WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MISHAP?”, I firmly replied, “SIR I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MISHAP”. He again asked,” but you have your 2I/C, Coy Cdr, and other junior ldrs, what about them?” This time I replied even more firmly, “Sir I am the CO present at the site and my boy has gone missing in my presence, so who else could be more responsible than me?” Unquote. All this while, I was standing in front of the Cdr, he then gestured and asked me take a seat and called for a cup of tea for me. His final words were, “I ADMIRE YOUR GUTS and I SAY YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS INCIDENT”. Later around midday, we retrieved the body of the boy about three km downstream in the canal.

5. COMMANDING OFFICER AS A LOCAL GUARDIAN

My unit was responsible for managing the GOLDEN ARROW OFFICERS INSTITUTE (GAOI), Ferozepur on 6 monthly rotational basis. The Club was very active 6 days a week and had almost 500 members including families. I was ex officio Secretary and Maj BN Somanna (Somu) was my Assistant. On normal days 1 JCO and 17 OR including Armed Guards were stationed in the Club. Saturday was a movie day and as per SOP we had to establish a number of food and drinks stalls for which additional man power used to be drawn from the unit. Everything was running absolutely normal and to entire satisfaction of one and all and on 28 Oct 1989 we hosted last function successfully and thereafter happily started preparing for handing over charge to the relieving unit w.e.f 01 Nov. I returned home after giving SHABASH to Somu and the Team for the Good Job done by them. As I was preparing to go to bed, I received a call from Somu saying that probably one of the armed guards on duty at GAOI was shot at in the club premises. We both rushed to the Club immediately and found the boy in a pool of blood and evacuated him to MH where unfortunately he was pronounced brought dead.

We started investigation then and there which continued for the next 48 hours but without any success of finding the culprit. We were put under intense pressure from higher HQs who were breathing down my neck for producing the culprit immediately. I was instructed to hand over the club staff to Int and FS/LU for further investigation by their interrogators. I requested my higher up that I myself was a trained and qualified Interrogator (ISOC & IFSOC Qualified) and more than that I knew my men well therefore, I should be allowed to continue with the investigations. Unfortunately, my request was overruled by Div HQ. Club staff thereafter was sent to LU under Somu but sent back within 24 hours, without any outcome. Next, I was instructed to hand over the Club Staff to SP, Ferozepur for investigation. Somu took the Club Staff to the office of SP, Ferozepur who asked him to leave the boys there and to go back to the unit. Somu then called from office of the SP, I instructed him that he SHALL STAY PUT WITH OUR BOYS and NOT LEAVE THEM AT THE MERCY OF SP and his men. SP did not approve of Somu staying there and at this juncture I spoke and EXPLAINED TO HIM (SP) THAT AS COMMANDING OFFICER OF MY MEN, I WAS ALSO THEIR LOCAL GUARDIAN and THEREFORE, WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE ANY PHYSICAL HARM COMING TO THEM. The SP, then asked Somu that he could take the men back. Later, with my persistent efforts and some pressure techniques; the culprit himself came forward and confessed before me and enacted the entire episode of the fateful night of 28 Oct 1989. In the end it turned out be a case of accidental shooting.

CONCLUSION. My narrative shall remain incomplete without paying my profound gratitude to all my Commanding Officers, Elders & Seniors (Regimental/Non-Regimental) who groomed me/I worked under them & placed their unflinching trust and faith in me. My sincere thanks to all my Rhino colleagues and Peers who stood with me shoulder to shoulder in all my endeavours. I have made an honest & humble attempt in writing MY JOURNEY, as realistic as possible. However with humility I stand to apologise, in case of any unintended omissions/commissions in names of some Rhinos, their correct rank, events, place, dates & timings of events & their association with me/my association with them. My profound tributes to all the RHINOS (PBORs) and their families who helped me in making my journey eventful and nostalgic. Our Men and Families from the North East are simply amazing & SECOND-TO-NONE.

In the end, I owe my Eventful Glorious Journey of Life to NEENA, my Beloved Wife being a beautiful companion and for bearing with me with a perpetual smile and firmly holding my hand in all our ups and downs all through. I drew immense confidence and received unconditional love, warmth and Big-Big hugs always and ever from our Beloved Daughters Payal and Ritika and also now from their spouses Dhruv and Saurabh respectively. My profound gratitude to my late revered Parents, members of my family, extended family & life time friends who all gave me strength and encouragement and invariably showered their Blessings and Love upon me in MY GLORIOUS JOURNEY.

RHINO CHARGE. TAGRA RAHO!!!!!

REPRESENTED UP NCC CONTINGENT AT RD PARADE DELHI- 1964

GENTLEMAN CADET OTS MADRAS -1967

ON BEING COMMISSIONED TO 2 ASSAM ON 02 MARCH 1968

WELCOME LETTER FROM PAPA PANDEY, THE
COLONEL

WELCOME LETTER FROM COL RK KURANE, CENTRE COMMANDANT

SAM MANEKSHAW, COAS SIGNING 2 ASSAM OFFICERS MESS VISITOR BOOK: FIROZEPUR 1969 FROM L-R 2/LT C S NAIR, 2/LT B K GANDHI, SAM and 2/LT PRAMOD KUMAR

MARRIED TO MS NEENA MAIRA 29 DEC 1975

TALWANDI SABO ‘OP BLUE STAR’ 06 JUN 1984 WITH 10 ASSAM, L-TO-R CAPTS MS SAHOTA, KDK SINGH, SK SHARMA, VN BARI, MAJ RAM CHANDER, MAJ BK GANDHI, COL SK SHARMA, CAPTS HARI RAM, GEORGE JACOB, RAJAGOPAL and VK SHRIVASTAVA (RMO)

RAISING OF ONE FIVE: 15 JUL 1987

L-R 2/LT L M KANDPAL, CAPT R S BAINS, MAJ L S RANA, LT COL B K GANDHI, CAPT H S RAWAT and CAPT ATUL BHARDWAJ

MUCH AWAITED and ENVIOUS RED TABS: AT THE HANDS OF BRIG SC CHOPRA and MAJ PS DHILLON AT FEROZEPUR JAN 1990

SIGNING OFF MY INNING WITH ONE FIVE

ON 30 APR 1991 AT LEIMAKONG (MANIPUR)

HANDING OVER BATON TO LT COL SDS PATYAL

DANCED OUT, WINED OUT and DINED OUT ON 30 APR 1991 AT OFFICERS MESS. “I AM A JOLLY GOOD FELLOW, SO SAID ALL OF THEM…”

MAJESTIC FAREWELL 01 MAY 1991: LEIMAKONG

MAJESTIC FAREWELL: FINAL LAP

SKETCHED and FRAMED

A CARICATURIST’S DELIGHT

FEROZEPUR 1990

DELHI 1997

GOLDEN JUBILEE and BIENNIAL CONF PROGRAMME 28 OCT-03 NOV 1991

COLORS PRESENTATION: ORDER OF CEREMONY 29 OCT 1991

DINING OUT FROM HQ 35 INF BDE OFFICERS MESS,DELHI ON 29 NOV 1997

FAREWELL TO ARMS: HQ 35 INF BDE, DELHI

ON 30 NOV 1997

HAPPILY COMPLETING MY GLORIOUS INNING WITH RHINOS ON 30 N0V 1997

SHE, SHE, SHE SHILLONG MERI HAI: NOV 2016

AT 70 WE MAKE EVEN MORE HANDSOME COUPLE

OUR BELOVED FAMILY: DHRUV and PAYAL, NEENA and BEE KAY, RITIKA and SAURABH

RHINO VETERANS_G

RAHINO VETERANS_G

S.N.	CALLED NAME	RANK/ MRS	FIRST NAME /INITIALS	KHELS SERVED	ADDRESS	CITY	STATE	PINCODE	MOB NO 1	MOB NO 2	LAND LINE	EMAIL ID 1
1	G Fleeton		Ralph				United Kingdom
2	Gahatraj	Lt Col	PS		C/o Dr (Mrs) Gouri Gahatraj Shiv Clinic, salbari, PO-Sukna Dist- Darjeeling (WB),PIN-734225	Darjeeling	West Bengal	734225	7.407.267.912
3	Gahatraj	Col	Mani K	5A, 7A, ARC, 6A	Town House-6,Himalaya Kanya Abhasan Eastern Bypass Road 2-1/2 Miles,Siliguri-734008	Siliguri	West Bengal	734008	9.733.209.841
4	Ganapathi	Shri	G			Madurai	Tamil Nadu
5	Ganapati	Dr	Mishra
6	Gandhi	Col	Bhupendra Kumar	2,3,10,15 A & ARC	Rhino House, B-39, Gokul Society, Vasna Road	Vadodara	Gujarat	390007	9.824.016.451	9.427.313.042	2652250720	colbk.gandhi@gmail.com
7	Ganguly	Col	S	9A	Flat No-j-02/05, awho Bhaskara Enclave VIP Road, Opp Haldiram Kolkata	Kolkata	West Bengal	700052	9.830.303.964	9.007.883.964	033-25742549
8	Garcha	Capt	BS			Mohali	Punjab	160 059	9.855.160.054		2672717
9	Gauri	Mrs	Sahi		W/o Late Maj KB Sahi House No.61,Puberan path, Hatigaon	Guwahati	Assam	781006
10	Gautam	Capt	Jaiswal	9A	H/No 228/63 Chellappa Mudali Street Kosapet Chennai-600012	Chennai	Tamil Nadu	600012	7.299.889.460		442662374 / 04425358266 (O)
11	GD Raj,	Col	VSM	5,6,7,5	Bongrongbasti,Near Khatkhoti Bazar, NH-99 Khatkhoti	Nagoan	Assam	782490	8.811.806.492	9.436.003.681
12	George	Col	Jacob	10A		Trissur	Kerala	680655
13	Ghai	Lt Col	KD	3A & 2A	B-51, Rail Nagar, Jail Road, Lucknow-226012	Lucknow	U.P.	226012			2257444
14	Ghosh	Lt Col	BK	6A & 3A	A 3, Block B, Meadows Square,Noapara, PO : Hatipara Kolkata	Kolkata	West Bengal	700157	9.831.381.831		033-25722747
15	Ghosh	Maj	NK			Kolkata	West Bengal	700019			033 - 2403947
16	Ghoshal	Capt	S	12A	A-701, Bhagawati Complex Plot No-12, Sector-9. Ghansoli	Mumbai	Maharastra	400701
17	Gill	Lt Col	DS	6A		Ludhiana	Punjab	141012	9.872.035.652		0161 - 2452581
18	Giri	Maj	BC	10A		Gurgaon	Haryana	122017
19	Girish	Maj	Chandra Garai		Garai Gas Service 2-3, Plaika Bazar, Mahesh Nagar	Ambala Cantt	Haryana	133001	9.416.025.410		715008022
20	Gita	Mrs	Devi		W/o Late Lt Col Mangal Singh C/o Col Arjun Gupta, 11 Kumaon	Kumaon	Uttarkhand
21	Goswami	Maj	PM		B/71, AWHO Colony, Ved Vihar PO : Trimulgherny	Secunderabad	Andhra Pradesh	500 015	9.177.502.777			majgoswami@yahoo.com
22	Goswami	Maj	Soumasish		(14A) 8, NL Goswami Street Serampore, Hoogly-712201 (WB)	Hoogly	West Bengal	712201
23	Govinder	Capt	Singh		Field Officer, The Punjab Small and Export Corporation, Suranussi, Jallandhar	Jalandhar	Punjab
24	Gowan		Aida		4 Netherton Grovc Chelsea, London		United Kingdom
25	Gray	Lt Col	Ken	3A	245, Phase 2, Def Colony Alto Porvorim, Bardez, Goa			403521	9.975.091.319		0832-3290358
26	Gupta	Capt	RK	12A	Associte Vice President (FMG North India) WIPRO Ltd, 239 Okhla Phase-III,New Delhi	New Delhi		110020
27	Gupta	Lt Col	MD
28	Gupta	Capt	Prakash IAS	2A	59, Radio Colony, Residency Area, Indore Or Human Rights Commission Care Group Office, 2/3 Magistrate Line(Behind Press Club) MTH Compound Indore	Indore	MP	400401	9.425.311.700		0731-2700400-02
29	Gupta	Maj	VD		B/608, Shankar Enclave, Ashok Nagar, Kandivali East	Mumbai	Maharastra	400 101			022 - 28871625
30	Gurbax	Lt Col	Singh		1071, Sector 8C, Chandigarh	Chandigarh	Punjab	160009			0172-2545851
31	Gurcharan	Mrs	Singh			Ludhiana	Punjab	141001
32	Gurdeep	Col	Singh	3A ,6A &14A	Rhino House, 684 Ranjit Enclave,Old Phugwara Road, Jallandhar Cantt				9.878.490.207	9.915.404.625
33	Gurdev	Mrs	Singh			Karnal	Haryana	132007
34	Gurdip	Col	Singh	1A,3A & 14A			Punjab	142026	9.780.666.268	9.888.414.881	01624-222804
35	Gurmit Kaur	Mrs	Nijjar			Jalandhar	Punjab	144001
36	Gurpal	Capt	Singh	1A		Alwar	Rajasthan	302100	9.414.018.361		0144-5120540 (R), 2222781 (Shop)
37	Gurung	Capt	KS	1A	C/o Mrs Kanta Gurung,Bakloh, Bakloh Cantt, Or 50,Gurum Kripa Colony, Kamptee Camp-441001	Chamba	HP	176 301
38	Gurung	Lt Col	BN
39	Gurung	Dr Lt Col	BS		Branch Manager, Gupta Carpet Udyog Ltd, D-228 Tulsi Marg, Bani Park Jaipur	Jaipur	Rajasthan				266689, 2335419
40	Gurung	Maj	DB			Dehradun	Uttarkhand	248001

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