Nostalgia, gaiety marks 1 Gorkha Rifles reunion

Officers and men, long retired, got together and shared memories while up to dating each other about their present pursuits. As formal ceremonies got over, it was revelry time at the mess. And the rising of spirits, saw even the ever authoritarian JCOs shed their inhibitions to dance with officers alongside whom they had once fought. The function started with a guard of honour to the Colonel of the Regiment, Maj Gen A R Kumar. This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the regimental war memorial, where tributes were paid to the unknown soldier by serving as well as retired officers.

A sainik sammelan, addressed- in Gorkhali- by the Colonel of the Regiment, the Centre Commandant, Brig S K Bhasin, as well as some retired officers and JCOs followed. A First Day Cover was also released on the occasion.

Felicitating all serving and retired ranks of I GR, Gen Kumar stressed upon the importance of junior leadership and highlighted various welfare measures, including setting up a welfare fund for men of the 183 year old regiment.

Of the 75 retired officers who made it to the reunion, held every fifth year, seven British officers who had served the regiment during pre-independence days were also present. These include Maj Gen Michael Callan, Lt Col Edward Gopsill, Maj John Twells, Capt Peter George Morgan, Capt John Howard Burges, Capt Charles Mc Calla and Lt Frank Travor Morley. They were accompanied by their wives. Some of these officers were coming to India for the first time since the British left India. Eight serving and retired major generals were also present.

As many as 20 widows, including four war widows, one of whom came from Nepal, were also honoured. Gifts and assistance in cash were given to them. A band display, barakhana, "pagal gymkhana" as well as sports and cultural events were organised for them too. A highly decorated regiment, 1 GR was raised on April 24, 1815 at Sabathu located in the Shimla Hills, and has had an illustrious history with campaigns fought across three continents.

In all, 31 Battle Honours, five Theatre Honours, one Param Vir Chakra, seven Maha Vir Chakra, one Kirti Chakra, 16 Vir Chakra, four Shaurya Chakra and 29 Sena Medals, besides other awards, have been won by the Regiment since independence.