A POPPY FOR SGT SIDHU -----Sometime in 2012, I received a Poppy for Sgt Devinder (David) Sidhu. My fathers cousin, a man who had died (KIA) before I was born. Here is the picture and letter pertaining to David, whose plane had been shot down by the Germans on a mine laying mission off the coast of Denmark in 1944. The four engined Stirling bomber (W7513) was lost with the entire crew on board. The plane and its seven crew were never found. Devinders name is on Panel 147 of the Runnymede Memorial in London which I had visited a few years back. The Memorial commemorates the tragic loss of 55,573 young Bomber Command airmen in the Second World War and was unveiled at a ceremony in Green Park, London on 28 June 2012. The Queen had unveiled a nine foot high bronze sculpture depicting seven (unknown) Bomber Command aircrew. The ceremony ended with a flypast by five RAF GR4 Tornado bomber aircrafts followed by a flypast by Lancaster Bomber, PA474, which had dropped poppies over Green Park as a message of remembrance for the 55,573 Bomber aircrew lost. And that is how I received a Poppy for Sgt Sidhu!

WHY WALK THE EXTRA MILE?? The new tax rules appear to be introducing tax on the pension of disabled soldiers and battle casualities! I think the nation, bureaucrats and politicians are losing perspective here -- we are throwing out the baby with the bath water in our haste to address the problem or to justify this extremely harmful step taken by the govt. If misused, punish the offender, but do not grind the chaff with the grain. Unfortunate. Let me explain. Dis-ability pension broadly can be classified under two heads. First--Battle casualities with a disability component (you are no longer SHAPE1) and injury is attributable to operations or is sustained in an op as such. You may continue to serve with acceptable disability or may be boarded out. Second --your disability is attributable to military service. Depending on your disability, you may continue serving or be boarded out. Hyper tension, fracture or paralysis in a MT accident, hip dislocation in a Divisional wrestling or hockey match, barrel premature injuries including loss of an eye in arty or armd corps field firing or loss of one finger during grenade throwing. or loss of hearing being a gunner (sic !!) Hithertofore the privilege was given to such an injured soldier to have exemption on his 'entire pension' after retirement. Disability pension is in any case given after you retire. So the normal service component as well as the dis-ability component of the pension was exempted in the IT Act 1961. This was as a token by a grateful nation to an injured/wounded soldier for his service to keep the citizens of India and their children safe and comfortable in their home and hearth. The GoI, through the Finance Bill 2026, has moved to legislatively override the current protections regarding Disability Pension. Now by amending the Income Tax Act itself, the Government intends to restrict the tax exemption solely to personnel "invalided out" of service, thereby making Disability Pension taxable for all personnel retiring on normal superannuation or taking premature retirement (PMR). On an earlier ocassion too the taxation of disability pension for superannuated soldiers was attempted via Circular No. 13/2019. The Supreme Court had stayed this because a mere administrative circular cannot override established pension rules. The new legislation gives exemption only for those personnel whose service was cut short specifically due to disability, and who were boarded out before completing their terms. The disability element will now be treated as "Salary/Pension Income" and the entire pension of disabled dolfiers is now taxable because you chose to continue serving your nation despite a dis-ability, a prosthetic, a tin leg or one eye. Rules will apply to Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) also. Now coming on to 'logic' for such privileges. What is the logic for ESM to avail CSD services? You have had your time. Enjoyed the CSD and cheaper liquor during service. Do civilians get it?? Why should it continue once boots have been hung?? What about IT exemption for decorated soldiers ( ESM)?? No logic-- or is it a cheap welfare measure?? Just because some 'looked down' central services have Non Progression Allowance, should the military start hankering for the same? Whats the logic?? Should politicians have multiple pensions for every time they are elected? My dear sirs the list is long. Without looking for a confrontation with anyone here, let me say that this bill is toxic, regressive, poisonous and against the ethos of a nation standing by its soldiers. It is an emotive issue for many of us. As a young officer I and another pilot had (risky-- but an error of judgement by hot, highly motivated and gung-ho fliers) taken one extra soldier while evacuating from Sonam. Flying at the edge of the flight envelope you make it at times and at times you dont. We crashed. One soldier died on the spot. One soldier became a quadriplegic. I had head injuries. Spinal fracture. Frost bite on my hands. My flying ended. After retirement I was entitled to tax exemption on my entire pension-- like other soldiers who were battle casualities. Because of such priveleges I would do it again for the nation and service without fear. I am astounded ( and pained) when I see a binary discussion on IT exemption for soldiers in this cat. Being a part of the Battle Cas whatsapp gp, let me tell you that efforts are already underway to garner sp of MP's, top bureaucrats, politicians, opposition party members to throw some sense in the govts proposal. Hopefully, it will have the support of the military hierarchy. Ever thought which soldier will go over the hill in Kargil; or walk that extra mile or enter a minefield if a nation does not care for its own!!

EMERGENCY RATIONS AND SURVIVAL PACKS In my military flying, there was only time when we had opened the aircraft survival pack. Many moons ago, I and Maj RI Bhandari got stranded overnight at Gumri while on way back from Kargil to Srinagar. We hit bad weather, low cloud base, strong winds, poor visibility after T/O from Kargil but homititis made us keep going, all the while decending lower and lower to remain under the cloud base. Those who are familiar with that area would know that from Kargil onto Gumri and thence to Zojilla you fly along a narrow longish valley with high mountains on either side till you hit Gumri. A few minutes ahead of Gumri there is a place where high tension wires are strung across this narrow valley. Normally quite unmistakable and low unless you too are low, flying in bad visibility with snow/white out conditions affecting your perspective. That day we had arranged for all these conditions. We flew low over Gumri peering ahead because we knew that once Zojilla was crossed, it was all clear, a free fall to Baltal and then on to base. Suddenly, to our unpleasant surprise we saw the HT cables dead ahead-- we were that low over the snow. And Zojilla seemed to be lost between the snow, horrizon and sky. Both of us were shaken and with not many words exchanged we backtracked 180⁰. No point in going for that steep plunge over Zojilla to Baltal. Gumri it would have to be. So we flew 'low- slow', circled and landed bang in the center of the small and isolated BRO outpost. A small det really, not more than ten men and all were there to greet us. Aliens from outerspace that dark, extremely cold afternoon with low clouds and snow all around. We were welcomed with a hot mug of tea and biscuits.They told us that when they saw the chopper circling low over the camp they had realised that ' heli ko koi dikkat hai'. I recollect they had a huge (ancient) HF radio set for comns with whatever. Through their channels a message was passed to the Corps HQ and to our Sqn that all is well and the aircraft has landed at Gumri. Bad weather. Twilight soon approached and the JCO insisted on us occupying his small room in the only TRS hut in Gumri. A couple of blankets were rustled up. A bukhari lighted specially for us. And-- can you imagine a 'barakhana'!! With their limited amount of fresh- tomatoes, onions, eggs; and rum--the BRO personnel laid out a lavish spread for us as we all ate together. The hospitality of these men was truly humbling, these hard working men who saw choppers going to and fro over their camp every day. But then the actual story is about the 'survival pack'. The one we see under the pilot/copilot seat everytime we fly out. Neatly packed and sealed in that canvas type waterproof saddlebag, almost WW 2 vintage looking. So after we had our tea that day, Ravi Bhandari said 'lets open the survival kit'. I wonder how many aviators are really aware of what all it contains. That was the only time I opened a survival kit -- I remember there were toffees, fish hooks and line, chocolate, a small compass, medicines, ( morphine ?? not sure), water purifier tablets and a reflector to indicate own position. Plus a couple other small packets and items. Wonder if there are any changes in the contents now?? Anyways, we ate the toffees and chocolates. And on returning back the next day we informed the engineering offr that 'one survival pack' had been opened. For necessary action. And yes, on my next sortie to Leh, I had carried along a bag of fresh tomatoes, onions, a dozen eggs, some green vegetables and a bottle of rum. A quick landing at Gumri, rotors running, thankyou mouthed, thumbs up and off we went !!

THE GLACIER SORTIE

Long back sometime in 1987. I and Mike (Mad) Periera were on a temporary detatchment at Base Camp from the Srinagar Sqn. Mike from 19 Flt and I from 30. The AOC Srinagar base and our sqn CO as well as our respective flt cdrs were probably happy that both of us (more applicable to Mike, less to me) were 'away' for a month or so. It was 'normal' everyday flying in the Glacier, we have all done it. Recce, inducting/ de-inducting soldiers, carrying batteries, radios, sometimes ammunition, Kero, food, letters, cas-evacs and a few shoots thrown in (it was pretty hot those days)---- So one day as we landed back, low on fuel, with Mike grumbling about the weather and blaming me for the tense 8 minutes of 'red light on' flying (it did not matter that I was the junior pilot, that I was not the captain, that I was on the left seat and that I had no control over the weather-- but all that was not relevant to Mike ofcourse) we found the Base Cdr (who was also the CO of the Bn 'inside') waiting near the helipad. He had received a radio message that the body of one of the Bn soldiers who had disappeared in an avalanche a few weeks back had been found near his post. Near Siala I think. Could we bring him to BC for his last rites. Ofcourse we could; and we would. A quick coffee, TRS, refuelling and we were off. The soldiers at the destination were waiting. The body was wrapped in a White shroud, probably torn from a para. Seemed a rather large bundle. And stiff as a board, pardon me. It took a couple of soldiers with some difficulty to lay him at the rear, seats folded. Along with him were loaded his kit and some personal effects, rifle etc. The starboard (captain side) cabin door could be locked, but the feet of the 'package' prevented the port door, behind me, from being fully closed. No problem, I was leaning back and holding it close, keeping it fairly flush. I knew if I left it, the downwash/ slipstream could wrench it free and it could hit the tail rotor. About 10 minutes after take off we recieved a call requesting that we pick up his brother whose company was deployed at one of the posts near Kumar. As happens in infantry bns, both brothers had enlisted and joined the same bn. Twins as we learnt later on. So with a slight diversion, we made an approach to the helipad nearest the post. In the surreal White expanse, horrizon barely discernible, a couple of soldiers in ghostly White uniforms, Cortina's and Koflach boots were waiting. They helped a soldier with his rifle and a bag to clamber aboard. A tight fit, no seats. He crouched, half sitting, half standing. We took off with me sitting partly twisted to the left pulling the cabin door closed, Mike flying. I noticed the soldier getting agitated and trying to undo the shroud. He would move from one side to the other trying to rip the cloth. My efforts to talk to him over the engine noise and to calm him had no effect. He would stare at me blankly. All this while I was facing the rear sideways, holding the door handle while Mike was flying looking ahead and not trying to look at what was happening at the back. Anyway, a few seconds later the soldier managed to uncover the face of his brother. I caught a glimpse of the dead soldiers face, still imprinted in my mind and it was then that his brother lost it and started sobbing, shaking his head and shouting incoherrently. I remember him repeating; 'mein maa ko jaake kya batuan ga, bhaiyon ki jori toot gayi--'. And then he started hitting his fists on his face. All I could do was to reach out and path his shoulder in my efforts to calm him. Mike yelled over the intercom, 'be careful, he may jump out'. In any case I would not have been able to hold him if he had decided to push open the cabin door. By now we were on finals to BC and we saw the CO, SM and a bunch of soldiers waiting at the helipad. It was with some relief and sadness we saw his unit soldiers take charge, unload the remains and take away the still sobbing soldier. Some incidents of service flying remain deeply etched in ones memory. This was one such incident.

THE LIMITS OF INDIVIDUAL DISSENT IN A HEIRARCHIAL MILITARY SYSTEM

THE LIMITS OF INDIVIDUAL DISSENT IN A HEIRARCHIAL MILITARY SYSTEM One of the most common questions posed to retired military officers, who comment on institutional reforms (and don't we all love to give our two bits) is : "Why didn't you speak up when you were in service?" It is a fair question on the surface, but it often overlooks the unique realities of military life and the nature ofhierarchical organizations. Unlike employees in large public-sector undertakings such as the railways or ports or an ordanance factory, members of the armed forces do not have unions, associations, or elected representatives empowered to negotiate with the government on their behalf. There is no recognized body that can collectively bargain, challenge policies in court, organize protests, or force the establishment to engage in dialogue. Or announce a strike!In such a system, an individual officer—even one motivated by genuine concern for the institution—has limited ability to influence policy through public dissent. Within and without. Rocking the boat has its consequences. Careers often end prematurely. As the saying goes: "𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏; 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆." An individual who chooses to challenge the system from within often risks becoming a symbolic figure rather than an agent of meaningful reform. While colleagues and many officers may privately admire the courage, the practical outcome is frequently predictable: the officer pays a personal or professional price, the institution absorbs the shock, a replacement is appointed, and the system continues largely unchanged. The episode becomes a footnote rather than a turning point. This is not to suggest that change is impossible. Rather, it highlights the importance of collective influence. In our organisation, significant reforms in operational, administrative, welfare or personnel matters are more likely to emerge when senior leadership speaks with a unified voice. Historically, in the military, a three star command rank is the minimum amount of brass which can influence a change. The influence of a single mid-ranking officer (colonel/ brigadier/maj gen) is limited; the combined weight of several senior commanders, ☆☆☆ stars and above, is not. History repeatedly demonstrates that institutions respond when respected and senior leaders unite around a common concern. A coordinated stand by senior military leadership on issues affecting operational readiness, national strategy, organisational welfare and status, or national security would inevitably attract attention from policymakers, the media, and the public. Debate would follow, questions would be asked, and the issue would be difficult to ignore. An ironic example, though outside our sphere, exists. In the 1970s, the nationwide railway movement led by a trade union leader who later became the Defense Minister demonstrated the power of collective action. The movement compelled the government to go down on its knees and engage with demands that would have been impossible for individual railway employees to advance on their own. Whether one agrees with the methods employed or not, the episode remains a powerful illustration of how organized and united voices can influence national policy. The military, by design, values discipline, cohesion, and the chain of command. These are essential attributes for operational effectiveness. However, they also mean that meaningful institutional change often depends less on individual acts of defiance and more on informed, collective advocacy by those in positions of influence. The question, therefore, should perhaps not be, "What did you do as an individual officer?" but rather, "What mechanisms exist within the system to enable legitimate concerns to be heard and acted upon?" The answer to that question is far more important to the future of institutional reform than the actions of any single officer. In large hierarchical organizations, courage matters. But collective leadership matters even more.

 NO ONE CAN STOP AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME 

Its like this.

Firstly let us accept that oft repeated  adage that 'no arm or service can win a war by itself'.

So in no way is this article any reflection on the capabilities and combat power of the IAF.

Without the support of the formidable Indian Air Force, the Indian Army just cannot  dream for any operation of war to succeed; even partially!

Secondly, we all know that if turf wars (and one up-manship) can exist between our own arms- they definitely exist and thrive between the three services;

for weapon systems, for assets, for war machines, for finance and for control over all the dimensions of modern warfare to include cyber and space domains, intelligence gathering, the signal spectrum and even physical boundaries in terms of air, space, land and sea-- you name it.

It took a court martial and a world war for the United States Army Airforce (USAAF) to become the United States Air Force (USAF), the world's most powerful  air force. 

Gen Billy Mitchel is today remembered as the man whose 'idea' it was that air power will be a battle winning factor in all future wars. And the man had to sacrifice his career before his  idea was accepted.

 An 'idea' opposed by many till it became a reality.

Post independence we saw our nation fighting four major wars till 1971. We saw the number of Air OP units increasing. We saw the Air OP convert from vintage fixed wing planes to modern jet/turbine engined helicopters (albeit with great initial resistance from the IAF).

Soon the 'idea' of the Indian Army having it's own 'air arm' too saw germination.

Great Britain had already transited from the old Air OP to the Army Air Corps in 1957 and Pakistan soon followed suit in 1958.

But a different struggle was taking place here at home.

 

Once the IAF airpower and strategic reach began growing by  leaps and bounds in the late 70's/early80's, the IAF modified its doctrine to deep strikes, counter air operations, interdiction and air dominance.

 BAS now became a low priority. It was also felt that a multi million rupee aircraft or  helicopter was just  to valuable to lose  flying low and slow over the TBA.

And as  armed helicopters gave way to the attack helicopter, progressive militaries of the world realised that 

for the most effective  tactical employment of these helicopters in the battlefield, they were better suited to be with and 'under' the ground forces.

By now we had acquired the MI 24. It was new, it was powerful and it packed a punch. 

Ofcourse it was  later realised that these  huge lumbering 'gun ships' may not survive the intense AD environment of the modern battlefield- - and they definitely did not suit our overall plan to fight a war in the subcontinent.

But it was a new toy and it was something and in those days nothing else was available. The IAF got it but no one could really appreciate as to how it would be used in the TBA, least of all the Indian Army.

 None the less it was strange to see this new toy acquired by the IAF doing practice manoeuvres  and stand-alone NOE flying during the early days with hardly any coordination or joint training with army formations for its battlefield employment. 

Meanwhile as the 'idea' of the Indian Army having an 'air arm' became stronger, so did the resistance from the IAF towards this 'idea'.

But the world had moved on. 

And just as progressive militaries of the world today recognize cyber, space and drone warfare as the ' in ' thing, progressive minds in the IAF, the IA, and the MoD accepted that the  time for the 'idea' of  

the Army Aviation had come. 

It was the  'in' thing!

But you required trained ground crews, EO's, bases, support structure, support equipment, training, ATCO's, pilots, evaluations et al.

The IAF, having accepted the concept did extend a helping hand. The brass in the Airforce and the Army knew that the enemy was not within -- it was without.

And soon the AA came into being.

 Granted it was no easy exercise.

 There were teething troubles, some failures, and many 'I told you so's' (sic).

 But as they say-- nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. 

It took it's time. 

And now with time, it's a much healthier relationship of mutual respect between the AA and the IAF.

 Today the AA has the best machines  the best pilots, its own bases, its own maintenance, support and training facilities and the desired amount of integration with the ground forces.

 And to top it all, it is no longer 'unarmed into battle'. 

Times have changed.

In the end, no one lost. We all won.

The Indian military won.

🇮🇳

A hard fought victory for sure - and many will recognise the original

AH 64  below 

MY VALIANT DAYS

  For some time now I have been reading posts from the 'Valiants' and reminiscing
about my days as a Valiant.

💥💥
Though I generally maintain radio silence (but am on listening watch), I could not resist posting some memories of my days in the unit.

  To begin with, I had joined in 1977 as a 2Lt. I will mention the ranks as they existed at that time. Lt Col Hari Prakash was my first  CO, a perfectionist, no nonsense and a hard taskmaster.  Followed by Lt Col HS Sarna and then Lt Col Ruhil. Maj Kochar was the 2ic and later Maj Bomrah.

  Maj's KK Aggarwal, Vinod Kumar, KG Sharma (late) were the BC's. Later Maj Bisht joined us as did Maj Seghal and Maj HK Kalra (probably the only golfer in the entire Brigade those days).

  Capt Hardeeep Cheema (Para) was the Adjt. A very fatherly figure for us youngsters.  Incidentally, his elder brother was the Cdr 261(I) till he proceeded on retirement. 

  We had 130 mm guns with, if I recollect, Kraz 214 later replaced by 255's.  For local ex (it was fire and move though WW2 had finished long ago), we used to go to Mehrauli and Khanpur area and even camp there. For course shootings we had 6 x 3.7" Hows as trg support eqpt. Course shootings with both calibres were carried out in the local ranges on the outskirts of Delhi..

  For practice camps we used to get a spec train and move to Pokhran which was a lot of fun and Perumal, the waiter used to look after us well in the train. Khetolai, Topchian ki Dhani, Navtala ---and deer hunting by Gypsy and KG Sharma (the ban order had not yet percolated) and venison was not uncommon in the offrs mess.

    Lt Anil Kalia was the senior subaltern. Many years later he and I were CO and 21c in another unit and the relationship continued, much to the surprise of  many! Others who served in my time were 2lts/lts JP Singh, Raghavan, Ravi Menon, Unikrishan, Dagar (from Delhi posted to Delhi !), VV, George----

  Capt Sundresan was the OC LRW. Other Capts were Rameshwar Lal, Varma (daddy), Umed Singh Khatri (affectionately known as 'Mess Kesri' in the Stn Arty Mess), Gipsy GPS Chowdhury, Abdul Kader, Chugh, Pradeep Saxena (from Delhi, posted to Delhi !), Vinod Verma (late), AN Sharma and Arul Raj (the famous painter, originally from Bangalore now settled in Delhi I believe), Santokh Singh Bhatia. Capt PK Sharma (an old YO) was posted back just as I left the Valiants. About the same time we had a new capt (IG) posted, I forget his name.

  Capt Deepak Kapoor was the BK Romeo and I was the GPO. Later, when I was Cdr 22 Arty Bde and he was the COAS we spoke of our earlier days in 216.. Capt Balwant was the QM (SL). Originally a TA in 60 Hy before commissioning.

  May have missed out a few names. My apologies (🤗). Memories fade wrt events almost half a century ago.

 *My Quarter Guard Stint* 

I was put into the Quarter guard on the second night of arrival at about 0001 h when I went as 'duty offr'. The guard cdr was Maj KG Sharma (in proper dress of a hav), as I did not have an ID card (it had been 'stolen') and the entire guard did not recognise me as a 216 offr. At about 0600 h I was released by the SM with apologies as some 'mistake" had taken place. Being a fourth generation army offr I knew all about these mistakes ofcourse.

 *The Rock Star*

 Gipsy was a hit in Delhi. His house was in Vasant Vihar. A rock star he was- guitarist and singer. Had a Jawa specially modified in Sanjay Gandhi's factory. They were friends. His single offrs pad had the choicest collection of bikini clad (some without) hollywood actresses and great music.

 *7 Extra Duties* 

Lt Col Sarna once lost his temper in front of the lined up offrs as we stood outside his office for introduction to the new cdr. The uniforms (starched cotton) and the cross belts and Brown shoes of most of the lined up offrs had seen better days. I was the last offr in the line up.

2Lt. 

One star barely visible. Best Tgt. 

He shouted at no one in particular (to incl everyone), and since he was in front of me he added 'give him 7 extra duties'. Well, later Capt Cheema called me to his office and asked me if I wanted the duties spread over or in one go?

"spread over sir".

 He smiled. I may have detected a wink. So I did three duties  in the next two weeks and then to my joy he seemed to have forgotten about the remaining four. Who was I to remind him?

 *The Night Occupation Mishap* 

I think it was in Sept 77. We had a sad incident. During a ni occupation drill, as the Kraz and gun came to a  halt, one of the gnrs jumped out a bit too soon, lost his balance and came under the limber wheel. Fatal. We had a mandir parade a few days later. Ravi Menon will recollect.

 *The Burma Campaign.* 

Maj Bisht had just come back from the staff course. And since the unit had been tasked to give a presentation on the Burma Campaign for the Arty Bde, he was made the OIC for the event by the CO.

We had a small ramshackle two room barrack (offrs sand model and study room) short of  where Manekshaw Center stands today. And 100 yards ahead was our Hockey field (Ravi Menon was a good hockey player) and drill ground. Bang on the turf where this famous Centre now stands.

The presentation was partly a 'play'. I remember Gipsy (sans turban) was Wingate. I was made the IO of Gen Slim and was told to introduce the sand model. It was 1978. WW2 ribbons were easily available in Gopinath bazaar and I had got a couple of them made for the 'actors'. I dont think I was paid for the expenditure (and my pay was a measly Rs 715 per month).

*The Svy Course*

Sometime in 1979 I proceeded on svy course to S of A. And there my IG was late Maj JS Chamba who was a Valiant. His first two  questions were-' did you get pre course trg and is Shankar Patil still the svy NCO?' 

No to both. I did not get any pre course trg and Shankar Patil was the mess hav by then! Another 216 offr (war veteran) in the School at that time was Maj Shah. So despite no pre course trg the Valiant grid was powerful and I came back with flying colours (though I joined aviation much later !!😊).

 *The Coup d' etat* 

This was perhaps 1980. Lt Col Ruhil was taking over the unit from Lt Col Sarna.  It was Col Ruhils dining in. I, Unni, Dagar and Ravi and maybe George and VV were near the bar.

 All 2Lts, Lts, junior (acting) capts.

Away from the bigger brass. In any case we were in awe of the Vir Chakra. Suddenly Col Ruhil saw us and walked towards the bar. 'So, what are you youngsters upto?' 

Maybe I was with one drink too many. Dutch courage. 

'Sir we are thinking of taking over the unit'.

For 5" there was silence. Then Col Ruhill roared with laughter and said-'maybe you should brief me, that's what I am doing these days!'

Well the ice with the new CO was broken.

Must add this. A few months later I was pipped as acting 'capt' by Col Ruhill. 3 years service completed. And within a few months posted out. 

 *R Bty GPO* 

When I joined in 1977, we had plenty of surplus stores.  During the war a lot of replacements had been pushed in terms of manpower (by Arty Centre) and stores (by Ordnance) to make up for losses. TA eqpt, batteries, tele sets, charging sets etc used to be hidden before insps. As a GPO, my stn was the TA store.

 Not to be seen.

 So I spent most of the time with the men. Despite being a Maharatta unit; Sikhs and non Mahrattas also landed up in 216 after the war. Many of the soldiers had wound medals. Patil my opr told me that as he was sitting in the CP a bullet hit his hand holding the tele next to his ear. He lost a finger and the handset was shattered! Close one that.

Chormule, Ingle, Bhonsle, GP Singh, Gawde were the Nos1 with me.

Hav Anand Ubhe was TA hav and Sable, SD Shinde and RD Shinde, Potghun were TA's -- amongst others. 

 Bhintade was SJCO. Suryavanshi was the R Bty BHM (sabh aap se pehle mienay teen GPO train kiye hain). Roshan Lal was the H1 Dvr. Patil was my Opr. Ankush Pawar and Gaekwad were my helpers over time.

Gulzar Singh was a DR (HQ Bty) and Jarnail Singh was P Bty H1 dvr with Ravi Menon. AP Patil was Lt JP's helper or was he with Kalia--- ? JP and Kalia used to stay in the near by ordnance mess as there was a shortage of accn in the Stn Arty Mess.

We had a Sikh AIG ( Harbhajan Singh?) and another one- Ram Asra. The latter was in charge of my YO's pre course trg and we used to go to the ceremonial bty for 25 pdr lessons. Khape was a good boxer and also in the Kabbadi team. Tirupati  was our star BB player. Nalwade was a  wrestler. So was Anand Ubhe.

 *Mien Tehnu Ghassun Marun* 

Loosely translated 'I am going to box you'. Many years later I landed up in 116 Med as the 2ic (Lt Col). This is a story of 116.  Col Kalia (senior subaltern, 216) was the CO. 

As I was getting the regt deployed one cold winter night in Babina rgs, Col Kalia came in his jeep near the svy director where I was standing with the IG (from S of A) and whispered to me that the deployment of P Bty was having some problem. And then he got down from the jeep and began  walking to the RCP with the IG.

I took his jeep as it was the nearest available vehicle, time was short  and told the dvr to get down and  wait there. I drove off to see what the GPO was doing.

After about 30' I returned back. All problems sorted out. Cuckoo Kalia and his dvr were standing like penguins in the  cold, an icy wind was blowing and it was close to midnight. Next to them was the IG. By now the CO was both half frozen and sleepy. Unfortunately his jacket was in the jeep  and I had commandeered it! 

He ran towards me as I got down from 'his' jeep and shouted-'mien tenu ghussan marna'. I grinned at him and suddenly the young IG ran away from there. To cut the story short he later told us 'sir I thought that the CO and 2ic were actually going to have a fist fight'.

*My Dining Out*

  So as the drinks were piled on me, it was my dining out and probably 0ct 1980. Ravi Menon and Dagar were ensuring that my glass was never half empty. Anyway, all good things must  come to an end. It was time for my farewell speech. My rehearsed speech was forgotten, the whiskey had taken its toll. So the speech ended something like this: '--- in the end, on behalf of Col Ruhil, I thank you all for this wonderful evening'.

At that time I was a bit confused as to why my last sentence elicited so much laughter among the offrs and ladies present. One more drink was given to me and thereafter I have hazy memories of being carried to my room.