Brij Mehta Diaries

Arrival at Yol (December 1968)

My journey as a Grenadier (Sepoy in other Regiments) began at Yol Cantonment in Himachal Pradesh when I reported for duty to 12 Grenadiers. I was placed in Alfa Company, composed largely of Dogras and Punjabis, and allotted No. 3 Platoon. Under the guidance of Lance Havildar Sindoor Singh, my Section Commander, I found a mentor who quickly recognized my background, capabilities, and potential. His grooming, along with the camaraderie of colleagues like Netar Singh Chib of Nurpur and Jit Singh of Kaluchang near Dasuya, gave me the foundation for soldiering.

Sports as a Gateway

My sports background proved invaluable. Within days, I was noticed during games periods and inducted into Alfa Company’s basketball and hockey teams. Soon, I earned a place in the Battalion Hockey team, playing at Right Out and Forward positions. Sports became both a source of pride and a bridge into regimental life.

Discipline and Duties

Turnout mattered deeply in the Grenadiers. I was adjudged Best Turnout at Quarter Guard duties and often served as the CO’s stick orderly. My education and knowledge of current affairs, coupled with sincerity and dedication, led to my appointment as CSD Assistant in January 1970. Discipline was uncompromising: Subedar Major Kanshi Ram, a strict disciplinarian, once recalled me mid‑film from Yol cinema to open the CSD for urgent supplies. Such moments underscored the seriousness of duty.

Field Firing and Adventure

During a field firing exercise at Gagret, I shared experiences with GDR Jagdish, a fellow hockey player from Hoshiarpur. Following various Sports was my passion & together, we seized a rare opportunity to witness Australia vs. North Zone in Jalandhar. Walking down the hills, catching buses through Hoshiarpur, and returning by last light after watching the post‑lunch session of cricket was a youthful adventure that balanced the rigors of training.

Hockey Training at Gobind Garh Fort

The Battalion Hockey team was later sent to Amritsar for training with the 11th Grenadiers, renowned for their officer‑dominated team. At Gobind Garh Fort, we trained for weeks, sharpening skills and building esprit de corps. I never imagined then that I would one day join “The Double First” as an officer in 1974.

A Soldier’s Keepsake

It was at Yol Market that I purchased my first wristwatch for Rs. 100 — a small but symbolic milestone. Such personal moments intertwined with the larger rhythm of military life.

Movement to Gaya (February 1970)

By early 1970, the Division moved to Allahabad, and our unit shifted from Yol to Gaya. The chapter at Yol had ended, but it left indelible marks: discipline, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the first steps of a soldier’s journey