Ablaze in a Blizzard

The Casuality Train. "Operation Ablaze"the code word for the April May 1965 Army movements continued till Aug and for the fresh offensive in Sep 65 was named " Op Riddle" The casuality train from Pathankot started late night with out light as war was going on full swing, including intermitent Air raids. It is something strange to travel in a 2nd world war type train with war wounded soldiers. The train reached Delhi on the 3rd day and was waiting in the platform as they were not permited to get down.

The military hospitals in Delhi were over flowing with casualities. Casuality trains from Amtirsar and Ferospore had come earlier and were unable to be accomodated. So the authorities decided that the Pathankot train would be diverted to Lucknow. The train left Delhi for Lucknow. Ganesan was a walking wounded casuality and he had no belongings, not even another pair of dress as everything was with his unit. On reaching Lucknow they were received a heroic welcome by the senior military officer and were accomodated in the military hospital. Ganesan purchased some essentials from military canteen and kept it in a towal. Since the hospitals were unable to handle the heavy casualities it was decided to send soldiers on sick leave especially those who do not require immediate medical attention. Ganesan's name came in the first list and he was asked where he would like to go.Ganesan, hails from a village and how he can spend leave with a plastered leg..He wanted to go to Pathankot to his military unit.Authorities refused that as war is still going and he will have no alternative but to go to his village. Ganesan was discharged with 6 weeks sick leave and reached Madras on 15 Sep. contd....