King & Country

During our service to King and Country we experienced some very proud moments which we cherished forever. This is one of mine.

In June 1962 on a cold Wintry afternoon, 'C' Squadron 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment (2 Recce) landed at Lumumbashi Airport, Katanga to an exceptional warm welcome.

At hand to receive us were Senior Officers of the Indian Brigade. When the door of the DC4 opened, the Brass Band of the Rajputana Rifles struck up some military marches.

Led by our OC, Major Asna Sutan we trooped down the gangway and were immediately garlanded, this honour was extended to all Senior NCOs as well. What a fantastic reception! It is moment like this that made one feel so proud of the uniform and the Regiment to which one belonged!!

Some of the senior NCOs with personnel of 16 Cavalry Squadron who were there to greet us. When India was partitioned in 1947, the Army was split up. 16 Cavalry remained in India while 15 Cavalry went to Pakistan. That was how it waas done, by numbers.

Lieutenant Colonel TAN SIEW SOO (Retired)