Chandigarh loses distinguished veteran

Lt Gen Harwant Singh (retd)

Chandigarh is home to a large number of distinguished veterans, who left a mark wherever they served, both during peace and war. One by one, they are leaving the field. One such veteran, Maj Gen KMKS Barach, died on November 2. His bhog ceremony will be held from noon to 1 pm at the Sector 34 gurdwara in Chandigarh on November 12.

He was commissioned in Deccan Horse (9H) and on the raising of the first cavalry unit after Independence (62 Cavalry), was selected to join this unit. He served as an instructor at the School of Armoured Warfare and Defence Services Staff College.

He commanded a Sherman tank squadron during the 1965 war and was able to hold his own against Pakistan’s Patton tanks. He captured the critical enemy pivotal position of Pogowal in Sialkot sector, which opened the gateway to Phillora. During the 1971 war, he commanded 62 Cavalry with distinction. He will be long remembered by his friends and troops.

Following in his footsteps, his sons joined cavalry units and have done equally well. His passing away is a great loss to the veteran fraternity of Chandigarh and his regiment and family.