AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 17 of 61 mention. For the uninformed, one of our batteries (18 Fd Bty) got us our Battle Honour "Gazala". In a fierce anti tank encounter the Panzers came a cropper thanks to the valour and relentless strikes of the "Thambis". Needless to say that this action proved to be the turning point of the campaign which saw the 8th Army march to ultimate victory. I thought I should mention this to set the record straight. I am desirous of contributing a few prizes for the picnic planned for Jan 20. Shall get in touch with the organisers in due course. Mohan Barathan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I had a word with Mohan Barathan this morning and explained that no specific Indian Arty units were mentioned on the walls of the memorial. However I had failed to include the following; Apart from Corps of Royal Indian Engineers KGVsO Bengal Sappers and Miners QVO Madras Sappers and Miners Royal Bombay Sappers and Miners N Viswanathan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEFIROGA The unit I had the honour to command has an organisation called SEFIROGA (Seven Fd Regt Old Gunners' Assn) under whose aegis many veterans and some serving personnel, including officers meet every year at Guruvayur. The unit sends a few JCOs and men (and financial assistance) for the get-together. Its a great occasion when we all meet in an informal atmosphere, exchange ideas, recount our experiences, enjoy each others company, get updated about the latest information on what’s happening in the army in general and the unit in particular, and remember the 'good ole days'. The organisation is 19 years old and is a entirely organised by a committee comprising of retired jawans and JCOs.I have had occasion to attend many of these get togethers and have always found it most enjoyable and rewarding. SEFIROGA has a fairly large corpus funded entirely by contributions from all ranks which is duly audited every year. There have been occasions when some very needy families have been rendered some financial and medical assistance. You will be happy to learn that most of those who attend (approx 200 to 250, including families) are considerably well off which is evident from the way they dress, travel and contribute. The special lunch that is served is a sumptuous affair paid for by those who take part. A group photograph is taken before