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Tribute To Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Military Cross

By Col.(Retd) Kaizad B Bhaya

On 27^th June, 2022, which marked the death anniversary of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a wreath-laying ceremony was organized by HQ MG and G Area at the Colaba Cantonment, in Mumbai where tributes were paid to ‘Sam Bahadur’ or Sam the Brave as he was fondly known – one of India’s greatest war veterans of all times.

The event was coordinated by social workers – Perveen Daruwalla and Hoshidar Elavia. Lt. Gen. HS Kalon, SM, General Officer Commanding, graced the occasion, which was also attended by senior Parsi Veteran Officers of the three services, Scouts and Guides of the Zoroastrian Wing. Amongst those present were Jehan (Manekshaw’s grandson) along with Sam’s great grandson, Trustees of BPP and PPP, and other eminent community members. In Ooty, at the Parsi Cemetery, the wreath laying was organized by the Gorkha Brigade

 

Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen Cyrus Adi Pithawalla, AC, VSM (Retd), said, “On the occasion of the death anniversary of FM Manekshaw, I pay my homage and humble tributes to him. FM Manekshaw was a great soldier-warrior and an outstanding military leader. He will be remembered from generation to generation for his qualities of professional competence, decisiveness, absolute impartiality, physical and moral courage and management of men and resources. His contribution to our country in successive wars culminating in the 1971 Indo-Pak War will never be forgotten and his memories will never fade in our minds and hearts. Sir, you have been an epitome of an ideal military leader. We have grown in your shadow. The nation will always remain indebted to you for your contribution and selfless service.”

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was born on 3^rd April, 1914, in Amritsar to Hormusji Manekshaw (a doctor) and Heerabai. He completed his schooling in Amritsar and passed the Junior Cambridge from Sherwood College, Nainital, finally graduating from Hindu College, Amritsar just prior to being selected as a Gentleman Cadet to join the IMA. He was married to Siloo Bode on 22^nd April, 1939, in Bombay.

He became the Chief of Army in June 1969 and retired from active service in January 1973 to settle down with his wife in Conoor, Tamil Nadu, a civilian town next to Wellington Military Cantonment. He breathed his last in June 2008, in Wellington, at the age of 94. His last words were, “I am ok”.  He was buried in the Parsi Cemetery at Ooty.  He is survived by his two daughters – Sherry and Maya, and grand-daughters and grand-sons.

 

Career Path…

Sam attended the first batch of 40 cadets where only 22 cleared the Indian Military Academy, also known as the Pioneers, standing high in the order of merit. He was commissioned to the 2^nd Battalion Royal Scouts (a British Regiment). During the World War – II action in Burma, he was posted to the 4^th Battalion (Sikh) of the 12^th Frontier Force. Finally, post-Independence he was posted to the Gorkha Brigade, where he commanded 3^rd Battalion, the 5^th Gorkha Regiment (Frontier Force).

He was a ground soldier and professionally very competent. This is evident from the outcome of the victory of the 1971 war, which he has to his credit of being its architect (a meticulously planned operation that lasted merely 12 days, leading to absolute victory).

Sam was known for his legendary wit and sense of humour even in the gravest of circumstances. During the Second World War, Sam had suffered serious bullet injuries. When an Australian surgeon asked him what happened, Sam, in his inimitable style replied, he had been kicked by a mule! The surgeon amused by the humour, said, “By Jove! You need to be saved!” Sam was operated and the bullets lodged in his lungs, liver and kidneys were successfully removed. Nearly fated to die then, Sam defied destiny and lived to a ripe old age.

 

Honours And Awards…

In his exceptional and glorious 40-year military career, Manekshaw fought five wars – WW II; 1947 (Kashmir War against Pakistan and Afghan tribals); 1962 (Indo-Sino); 1965 (Indo-Pak); and 1971 (Indo-Pak).

He was the recipient of an array of eminent awards and honours:

• 1942 – Military Cross (Gallantry)
• 1968 – Padma Bhushan (Extraordinary service).
• 1972 – Padma Vibhushan (1971 Victory).
• In 1972, Nepal fêted Manekshaw as an honorary General of the Nepalese Army.
• In January 1973, he was promoted to a 5-Star rank of a Field Marshall – the first ever Indian to receive this honour.
• In 1977, he was awarded the Order of Tri Shakti Patta, First Class (an order of Knighthood of the Kingdom of Nepal)

Sam Manekshaw was the 8^th Chief of the Army and India’s first Army officer to be promoted to the five-star rank of Field Marshal. His decorated military career spanned four decades, which witnessed the transition of our armed forces from the British India Army to the Indian Army. From his early days, his wit and humour were the hallmark of his charismatic personality, besides being accepted as the epitome of leadership, not only in Defence, but even in the corporate arena.