Sent by J K Nangpal Brig (Veteran)
After getting freedom, a meeting was organized to select the first General of Indian Army.
Lt Gen Nathu Singh
Jawahar Lal Nehru was heading that meeting. Leaders and Army officers were discussing to whom this responsibility should be given.
In between the discussion Nehru said, "I think we should appoint a British officer as a General of Indian Army as we don't have enough experience to lead the same.
"Everybody supported Nehru because if the PM was suggesting something, how can they not agree?
But one of the army officers abruptly said, "I have a point, sir."
Nehru said, "Yes, gentleman. You are free to speak."
Lt Gen Nathu Singh
He said ,"You see, sir, we don't have enough experience to lead a nation too, so shouldn't we appoint a British person as first PM of India?"
The meeting hall suddenly went quiet and tense.
Then, Nehru said, "Are you ready to be the first General of Indian Army ?"
He got a golden chance to accept the offer but he refused the same and said, "Sir, we have a very talented army officer, my senior, Lt Gen KM Cariappa, who is the most
deserving among us."
The army officer who raised his voice against the PM was Lt General Nathu Singh Rathore, the 1st Lt General of the Indian Army.
That is the professionalism and character the military is made of .................
Lt Gen KM Cariappa
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Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteNathu Singh was earmarked to become C-in-C on 22.11.1946. This meeting with Nehru took place after Independence. Do have a look at Lt General Nathu Singh facebook page. You will see a copy of letter from Defence Minister, Sardar Baldev Singh to Brigadier Nathu singh informing him about his selection to become the 1st C-in-C (Army, Navy and Airforce).
The correct version of events is posted on http://veekay-militaryhistory.blogspot.in/ Maj Gen VK Singh blog. He wrote 'Leadership in the Indian Army' Biography of 12 Solders.
Quote from vk singh blog
" Soon after Independence, the Prime Minister held a conference of senior Army officers, to elicit their views regarding keeping British officers for some more time, as advisors. Nehru felt that Indian officers lacked the experience to take over the responsibility for such a large Army, and wanted to retain British officers for a longer period, as Pakistan had done. Almost everyone agreed with Nehru, except for Nathu Singh. He said: "Officers sitting here have more than 25 years service, and are capable of holding senior appointments in the Armed Forces. As for experience, if I may ask you Sir, what experience do you have to hold the post of Prime Minister?" There was a stunned silence, and Nehru did not reply. Finally, it was decided to keep the British advisors for some more time, as proposed by Nehru. "
regards,
shatrujeet singh
grandson of Lt General Thakur Nathu Singh