Maratha Light Infantry turns 246

Indian Military Veterans

Maratha Light Infantry turns 246

August 1 marks the birth of the Maratha Light Infantry (MLI), one of the regiments of the Army. A potent land and naval force in 16th-18th century, the Marathas had performed well in campaigns against the Mughals and the British. The 1st Battalion of the Regiment, known as Jangi Paltan, was raised in August 1768 as the 2nd Battalion, Bombay Sepoys, to protect the British East India Company's assets on the islands of Bombay, with a second battalion being raised the next year. The MLI is a highly decorated regiment with two Victoria Cross, four Ashok Chakra and four Maha Vir Chakra among numerous other awards and battle honours.

British-era officer & former JAG turns 100

Brig (Justice) DM Sen, the first Indian Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Army celebrated his 100th birthday on August 6 and he had surprise visitor. The Army Chief, General Dalbir Singh Suhag walked into his house to wish him. Brig Sen graduated with Honours Degree in Law from Kings College, London, in 1939 and thereafter completed his Bar at Law from Middletown Temple College, United Kingdom. At the outbreak of World War II, he was enrolled in the British Army and was enlisted as a Private in the Royal Scots. Two months later he was selected for a commission in the Indian Army. After the required training as an officer cadet, he got commissioned in the First Punjab Regiment in 1942. He was appointed as the JAG of the Indian Army from in April 1948 — the first Indian to hold charge.

Vijay Mohan and Ajay Banerjee