Grit, Blood & Glory: The Unsung Saga of JANGI SIX - 6th Battalion The Kumaon Regiment

GRIT, BLOOD, AND GLORY-a vivid recapitulation of the ‘Unsung Saga of Jangi Six- 6th Battalion The Kumaon Regiment’: is the DNA of the battalion. From the crucibles of war and terrorism, emerge the Jangis, inoculated in blood and battle- scarred.

This book is an amalgamation of many years of intense research, dialogues with those who took part in wars/anti-terrorism, war veterans and those in service, the personal experiences of the author, dovetailed with critical analysis on the subject in the public domain.

Individual and collective actions exemplate what it takes to script their legacy, compelling audacity of courage and fortitude in battle. It also templates the unassailable desire to be the ‘Poster Boys’ at the flashpoints of conflicts- in military parlance: scorning personal safety and well-being in the line of duty.

The book also brings to fore the rigours of peace time, and gay abandon during festivities. It resonates with the ethos of valour and the thumbprint of glory.

This book is a dedication to all the war veterans- those who have already brought glory to our Country, the Regiment , the Battalion; as well as those who still strive to keep our country safe.

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Lt Colonel Prem Andrews, a Combat Veteran, was commissioned into the Sixth Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, Indian Army, on 15 June 1969, passing out in the super block amongst those commissioned. He has actively participated in the Indo-Pak War of 1971, in the Western Theatre; and as a Green Horn, he has led his troops into battle successfully in platoon / company actions and Commando Operations. This battle experience has stood him in good stead throughout his unblemished career in the Army. He inspires his command with confidence and leads from the front. He has been commended for valour and dedication beyond the call of duty while fighting insurgents/terrorists. He, along with his ‘Gladiators,’ was responsible for the annihilation of one of the battalions of the insurgents in the NE Region of the country.

He has held various Command, Staff and Instructional appointments during his career.

He is an exponent in Insurgency and Commando operations and has been in all flash points of terrorism in the country and has in him the wherewithal to motivate men under extreme adverse conditions, to surface their best, by personal example.

He was the visiting Faculty and Chief Examiner for Military Science and Strategic Studies, Mangalore University, for two years.

Prem was a keen sports person in his younger days and still continues his passion for the outdoors and adventure. Incidentally, he is responsible for training and fielding his team of National Cadet Corps to participate in the ‘Duke of Edinburgh Adventure.’ Under his leadership and motivation, they won 33 Gold Medals and 10 Silver Medals with the distinction of being the first of its kind in the country to achieve this feat.

As the Adjutant of the NCC, Republic Day Parade Camp, for five consecutive years at the capital, he acquitted himself with distinction and brought about several changes in the established systems and processes.

After having shed his uniform, he has also had a satisfying and successful stint with a Trust for the Underprivileged Children, as the administrator, for four years, grooming them for a better tomorrow. He is a voracious reader, a writer, a poet of sorts (English), and a maverick artist, primarily with oils on canvas and portraits.

His article on ‘Battle Experience -Op Cactus Lily: Indo -Pak War of 1971’, published in 1991; and the ‘Battle of Walong’, published in 2008/2012 are the only articles in the public domain.