NJ Ravi Chander

I grew up listening to stories about World War II from my uncles, granduncles and grandparents who served in the war. My paternal uncle Major P Sampangi Raju’s unit, 12 Field Company of the Madras Sappers, was among the first to go overseas and distinguish itself on the battlefield.

In October 1939, the 12 Field Company joined a combat unit in Egypt. The soldiers’ versatility and adaptability were evident as they built camps and hutted accommodation and initiated defence works. They took part in the encounter with the Italians at Sidi Barrani and were engaged in water supply, track repair, mine lifting and obstacle demolition. The operation in Sudan, as part of the Fourth Infantry Division, highlighted their adaptability. They provided long-range reconnaissance patrols and did mine and track construction. They participated in the fighting that led to a spectacular victory over the Italian forces and the capture of Keren.

Major Raju was awarded the Indian Order of Merit for his exceptional courage, initiative, skill and devotion to duty in detecting and destroying minefields during this operation. Later, he was decorated with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal. The MEG Museum and Archives in Bengaluru showcase his medals.

On one occasion, Major Raju and a fellow soldier were riding atop an armoured tank with its hatch open when they came under heavy enemy fire. My uncle dived into the mouth of the tank headlong and escaped with his life. But his mate, who jumped in with his leg down, didn’t survive after being shot in the head.