>From another group *QUICK THINKING *
We were having the annual inspection of our Regt by our GOC, Gen Henderson Brookes, When he had finished his rounds we all gathered in the Officers’ Mess for Lunch. First drinks were served in ante room prior to our lunch. That time I can never forget. I had never come across a GOC who kept us amused and in a cheerful on such occasions. We listened spell bound as he narrated his Subaltern days, especially for the young listeners. It seems that soon after he joined the unit the GOC’s inspection followed. It seems the GOC was a stickler and he expected the officers knew all about their men. His CO was worried whether Subaltern Henderson Brookes would be able to manage. He briefed all his officers to be on their toes. The day came and the ceremonial parade was presented. He came to Henderson Brookes’ company. He stopped in front of some of the men and each time he asked the Coy Comdr the name of the jawan, whether he was married and if so how many children he had... HB kept answering all the questions and when the GOC asked the jawan the latter confirmed it was correct. The GOC was flabbergasted. He couldn’t believe that a youngster was so perfect. He came to the last man and asked HB whether the jawan was married and the officer replied that he was married. The next question was as to how many children he had and his reply was three. The GOC moved a little ahead and told HB you are really wonderful and I give you full credit. The CO gave a sigh of relief and a big smile. What took the cake was what the GOC said next. He said, “Young man I give you full credit for your prompt reply. You might be surprised to know that the last man had been my batman for over fifteen years and he is not married!” The GOC was amused at the audacity and confidence of the young officer and him Patted him The second story he narrated I still remember was when he was looking after the Sig platoon and his Bn was on an exercise. The DS Umpire was a little tricky customer. He had the habit of going around and quietly cut the cable of the communication line. He would walk to the exchange and ask the exchange to get so and so coy. Obviously the call would not be through and then he would chase everyone as to why no prompt action had been taken to restore the line. HB had learnt this info from another unit and so he had briefed his linemen. As usual the umpire went around cutting the lines, went to the .unit exchange and used to ask for various calls. He always got through. There was no break in the lines. He could not say anything else except to congratulate the sig pl for their alertness and excellent reaction. What the youngster had done was to detail a couple of linemen to follow the Umpire unobtrusively and patch up the line immediately without his knowledge -- With best wishes S Chander
