AFVOA Newletters of Year 2004

Page 138 of 153 The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, “They’re bells”. Saint Peter said, “you may pass through the pearly gates” . The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women’s panties. St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, “And just what do those symbolize?” The man replied, “They’re Carol’s” You can not prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building a nest in your hair. ~ Chinese Proverb For Valour 78. Lt Gen PS Bhagat was the only Indian Commissioned officer to win the highest gallantry award during World War II. 2 Lt Premindra Singh Bhagat was born in Mussorie on 14 th October 1918. he was commissioned on 15 th July 1939, into the Royal Bengal Sappers and Miners. 79. Bhagat was serving with the Regiment in Abyssinia on 31 January/01 February 1941. During the pursuit of the enemy, he was commanding a section of his field company detailed to accompany the advance mobile troops in Bren carriers. For four days and over a distance of 55 miles, 2nd Lieut Bhagat conducted and supervised the clearing of 15 Italian minefields. As speed was essential, he worked at high pressure each day from dawn to dusk. On two occasions his carrier was blown up, his company ambushed and had one of his eardrums punctured, but he carried on work relentlessly. His coolness and persistent disregard for danger and fatigue was phenomenal. For this act of bravery, with total disregard for his personal safety, he was awarded the Victoria Cross which was presented to him on 10 November 1941, at New Delhi, by the Viceroy Lord Linlithgow. He was also mentioned in dispatches. 80. He continued to serve and rose to the rank of Lieutenant General and retired as Central Army Commander. When he retired he was the only person who had the unique