The 7th Light Cavalry was the first regiment to be upgraded to T-72 tanks in early 1979. Since it was the latest equipment then, every tank was treated as our most top secret and lethal weaponry. The Regiment was to undertake its field firing at Sri Bhadaria Lathi ranges near Pokhran in Rajasthan in the winter of 1979. All top brass of the army was to witness the efficacy of the tanks. The Regiment was in full “battle readiness”. Commandant Lt Col Kamaljit Singh had rehearsed the whole drill many times over. The Division and Brigade Commanders had also reached the spot of action a day earlier.
I had just finished my gunnery course on the new tanks so was promptly placed as the firing point officer. Meticulous as he was, the Commandant had tasked every officer, JCO and other ranks what to do, so much so that perhaps even the number of breaths permissible every minute for each individual were specified.
The lecture-demo was at one place at the ranges and the firing demo was further away. The concrete platform at the firing point was being used to place a half-open three-tonne lorry operating as a control tower for firing and seating of VIPs. The tanks were placed ahead facing the targets. I was also the technical officer of the Regiment then and was quite rattled by the shortage of batteries for three-tonnes in the regiment since all the vehicles were pressed into service that day. Smart as I was, I asked that technical JCO to remove the battery of the firing control three-tonne for another vehicle.
Tank and the twist
D-day was a clear day thankfully. I was placed at the firing point, the Commandant was ready at the lecture venue and the rest of the regimental officers including the Division and Brigade commanders were at the helipad at Pokhran 30 km away. All jeeps which were in pristine conditions were sent to the Pokhran helipad as No1- No 5 backup for visiting VIPs. Only one jeep which was in a run-down condition was placed for an emergency at the lecture venue.
I was taking a stroll around the tanks and checking up last-minute details when I saw two choppers approach the firing point and hover around. I looked at them curiously and waved out as I saw the pilot put out his hand. One of the choppers came in much lower almost at tree-top level and I realised the pilot was signalling to me to move the firing control three-tonne from the concrete standing.
The vehicle couldn’t start as there was no battery, so I shouted for the crews on the tanks and along with them pushed the three-tonne to a corner. The chopper landed and I saw the COAS, the Vice Chief and the Corps Commander climb down from the chopper. I didn’t know how to react.
Soon I collected my wits and saluted the Chief and mumbled,“Welcome to 7th Cavalry,” General Krishna Rao didn’t pay much heed to what I said, but then “Subalterns are supposed to be seen and not heard.” After taking a good look all around Gen Rao asked me “Where is everybody?” I replied, “Everyone including the GOC has gone to receive you at the Pokhran helipad.” He again said, “Are we in the wrong place? Aren’t these the ranges where we have to witness the firing?” I didn’t know what to reply so first I said “No” and then “Yes”.
The runner informed me softly that the CO was on his way to the firing point so, with a great feeling of relief within, I told the Chief “Sir, the Commandant is on his way here.”
The Chief looked at three-tonne standing in the corner and asked me, “Why didn’t your three-tonne start?” I thought fast of what excuse to cook up but none came to my mind and I said, “Sir, it has no battery.” All of a sudden, they smiled. Lt Gen Puri asked me, “Who is your technical officer?” I said, “Sir, I am.” He replied with a wink and a wide grin, “Smartness doesn’t always work. I too have been the technical officer of my regiment.”
Tank-full of confusion
Meanwhile, the Singh was informed by the Risaldar Major that a chopper had landed at the firing site. An enquiry was made on the landline as to who has landed? The operator informed that it was the Chief and senior officers. He jumped up and shouted for the jeep but only the rundown jeep driven by Challu Ram reported being the only one available.
Relying little on the expertise of the driver Lt Col KS decided to drive himself with Challu sitting by his side. He reached the firing point in good time. (Later in the evening driver Challu Ram related to me, “CO sahib bari tezi se aye sahib, raaste mein mere ko samajh nahin aya vo baar baar speed up Challu kyon keh rahe the, kyon ki gaadi to woh khud chala rahe the.”)
I had just finished my gunnery course on the new tanks so was promptly placed as the firing point officer. Meticulous as he was, the Commandant had tasked every officer, JCO and other ranks what to do, so much so that perhaps even the number of breaths permissible every minute for each individual were specified.
The chief told the Commandant “Sorry we landed at the wrong place, but let’s go in your jeep to the lecture site.” The words sank in with great disbelief. Here was this run-down jeep with a weather-beaten repaired canopy and how would it seat all the Generals! Before I could say anything Lt Col KS said “Sure.” Lt Gen Nimmi Puri being the junior general was made to sit on the rear seat of the jeep and before the Commandant could get into the rear seat the Vice Chief took on the wheel and the Chief sat beside him and our CO was left standing out.
Not to be beaten by circumstances I suggested to the CO to get in through the window in the canopy at the rear of the jeep. I am sure the CO wouldn’t have tried it in the last 15 years of his service but we pushed him through. The jeep moved forward, Challu ran cross-country behind.
Rest of the events went off like clockwork, the Chief was very appreciative of the whole thing, but I am sure Singh couldn’t have forgotten this demonstration in a hurry.
— The author was a member of the Haryana Legislature
