Ablaze in a Blizzard

The Command Report-6 It was almost 3 years after Ganesan came on poting and hence due for a transfer. At that time Tamilnadu Govt issued a circular that all those who were allotted plots under Tamilnadu Housing board scheme should build the house within 3 years failing which the allottment would be cancelled. Ganesan was having a plot at Annanagar but not built the house. He was afraid that the allottment may be cancelled. So he wrote a confidential letter to AHQ explaining the reasons whether he could be posted to Chennai. The commandant of CME was at AHQ at that time . so he immedietely posted Ganesan to Chennai as DCWE under CWE chennai. At the same time 4 ER was ordered to move to Arunachalpradesh as 5 Mountain Div Engineers. The advance party to 5 Mtn Div was to move shortly. With out any consideration CO 4 ER appointed Ganesan as advance party commander and ordered him to move to Arunachalpradesh. Ganesan was with wife and children, so he asked for 10 days leave to dispose the family. But due to urgency this was denied and the family left for Chennai with an escort and Ganesan left for Aruachalpradesh.

Going as advance party commander is certainly a honour as he will represent the Regiment in the new location and will display the image of his Regiment.5 Mtn Div was guarding the chineese border at high altitude and lot of defence works were going on. Many places were not covered by road and one has to walk 2-3 days to reach the camp. Ganesan enjoyed this role and as he was physically very fit kept on moving from one point to other continuously. The outgoing Engineer Regiment was very happy so also the GOC of 5 Mtn Div. The main body of 4 ER came after three months. Meantime AHQ asked explanation of CO 4 ER as how an officer under orders of posting was sent as adv party commander. Ganesan came forward and gave explanation as he was associated with the Regiment for a long time, he voluntered to go as adv party commander. This had impressed the CO very much. After the Regiment settled the CO relieved Ganesan to go on posting to Chennai. Before leaving he invited Ganesan for a special and personal dinner. At that time he said that with in a year he is likely to be posted out and in his opinion Ganesan will be most likely to take over on promotion. If that happens, Ganesan should put his first signature with this pen, telling , he presented a pen to Ganesan. Ganesan thanked everyone and left Arunachalpradesh. Ganesan was third senior officer at that time in the Regiment. Whose ever is approved for promotion will claim to be CO 4 E R.No one can say what will happen. More....