This is not a book but just a collection of articles written over several years. It may also seem strange that a Pongo is writing about the Navy. Though we have started moving towards Theaterisation, these writings have nothing to do with it; it’s just the continuation of the pre-NDA dream of joining the Navy.
To have the good fortune to be an active participant in an epoch-making event like the liberation of Bangladesh is an honour and privilege not shared by many. The good fortune to survive and live to record and tell the tale is the privilege of only a minuscule minority. This work comes from the desk of one such participant who saw it unfolding in front of his own eyes. Decorated for his gallantry, the author was one of the Company Commanders of 4 GUARDS (1 RAJPUT) that was tasked to cross the mighty Meghna River and charge towards Dacca. The author had the privilege of flying in the very first helicopter that crossed Meghna on the fateful evening of 09 December 1971. This is the first-hand story of one of the most audacious operations undertaken in the history of military aviation. The success of this very operation enabled the Indian Army to achieve that, incidentally, had not been planned in the first place. This is a treasure trove of some very rare and unique first-hand accounts from the senior-most officer in the Corps area of operations to the cutting edge subunit commanders. There is no parallel work of this nature in existence as on date.
The soldierly faith is quite different from the more prevalent worldly faith. For a soldier, the Country comes first always and every time. Read the way such a faith is nourished and observed in the bet forces. The readers will also come across some real-life stories as these pertain to the faith.
4/5 GR (FF) was first raised on 15 March 1941 at Abbottabad, fought WW II in Burma Theatre, were awarded four Battle Honours and Theatre Honour ‘Burma 1942-45’. After the WW II Battalion was disbanded in December 1946 and was re-raised on 1 January 1963 at Dehradun. Right from the time of its re-raising till date, Battalion participated in the 1965 War (J & K) and 1971 War (East Pakistan). Conducted First-Ever Heliborne Operation of Indian Army at Sylhet on 7 December 1971, resulting in the surrender of Two Infantry Brigades (202 & 313) of Pakistan Army on 15 December 1971 to the Battalion, 26 hours before official surrender at Dacca on 16 December 1971. Awarded Sylhet as Battle Honour and East Pakistan as Theatre Honour. IPKF Operations in Sri Lanka (1987-88) brought added laurels to the Battalion. During CI Ops in Nagaland (1971, 72-73), Assam (Op Rhino-1997-98) Battalion had prize catches of insurgents. An operational stint in Bhutan, UN Peace Mission Congo and five tenures in LOC/LAC environment, including worlds highest battlefield; Siachen(2009). The Battalion also topped sports/professional events at National and Command level; Khud Race, Boxing Football, Shooting, Archery etc. In Oct 21 won Gold Medal in Prestigious Cambrian Patrol Competition held in Wales(UK) amongst 95 competing Nations Youngest in the Regiment crowned itself with glory with bravery, honours and awards. Best tribute to the Battalion; Brigadier S A Hassan Pakistani Garrison Commander Sylhet; ‘If this Battalion (4/5 GR(FF)) was not there, we would have fought for at least another 10 days’. No wonder the Battalion has started third-generation legacy; Grandfather- Father- son, in the Battalion. Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly. (Shaquille O’Neal) 4/5 GR (FF) was first raised on 15 March 1941 at Abbottabad, fought WW II in Burma Theatre, were awarded four Battle Honours and Theatre Honour ‘Burma 1942-45’. After the WW II Battalion was disbanded in December 1946 and was re-raised on 1 January 1963 at Dehradun. Right from the time of its re-raising till date, Battalion participated in the 1965 War (J & K) and 1971 War (East Pakistan). Conducted First-Ever Heliborne Operation of Indian Army at Sylhet on 7 December 1971, resulting in the surrender of Two Infantry Brigades (202 & 313) of Pakistan Army on 15 December 1971 to the Battalion, 26 hours before official surrender at Dacca on 16 December 1971. Awarded Sylhet as Battle Honour and East Pakistan as Theatre Honour. IPKF Operations in Sri Lanka (1987-88) brought added laurels to the Battalion. During CI Ops in Nagaland (1971, 72-73), Assam (Op Rhino-1997-98) Battalion had prize catches of insurgents. An operational stint in Bhutan, UN Peace Mission Congo and five tenures in LOC/LAC environment, including worlds highest battlefield; Siachen(2009). The Battalion also topped sports/professional events at National and Command level; Khud Race, Boxing Football, Shooting, Archery etc. In Oct 21 won Gold Medal in Prestigious Cambrian Patrol Competition held in Wales(UK) amongst 95 competing Nations Youngest in the Regiment crowned itself with glory with bravery, honours and awards. Best tribute to the Battalion; Brigadier S A Hassan Pakistani Garrison Commander Sylhet; ‘If this Battalion (4/5 GR(FF)) was not there, we would have fought for at least another 10 days’. No wonder the Battalion has started third-generation legacy; Grandfather- Father- son, in the Battalion. Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly. (Shaquille O’Neal)
