Maj Gen Rajinder Singh "Sparrow"

Many a time, one comes across a family members of which, for generations, continue to serve Armed Forces. However, one rarely encounters a family that produced officers who had an opportunity of commanding the same regiment. One such family is 'Shergills' which produced three officers that held the reigns of 7th Light Cavalry as colonels of this regiment.

Late Maj Gen Rajinder Singh "Sparrow", received his commission in February 1938 into the 7th Light Cavalry. At the Academy, he earned blues in hockey and cricket. He was Commandant of his regiment during the Jammu & Kashmir war of 1947-48 where he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. He was awarded a Bar to Maha Vir Chakra during the Indo-Pak war of 1965 as GOC, 1 Armoured Division. He was Colonel of 7th Light Cavalry from 1959 to 1969. He retired from service in September 1966 and later joined politics and became member of the Parliament. He passed away in April 1994.

His son, MS Shergill, was graduated in June 1962 from IMA and commissioned in the 7th Light Cavalry in the same year. At the Academy, he was awarded blues in hockey and polo and was also captain of the teams. He was awarded a Vir Chakra during the Indo-Pak war of 1971 as a Squadron Commander in the Shakargarh Sector. He was Commandant of the 7th Light Cavalry from 1981to 1984 and later Colonel of this Regiment. Lt Gen MS Shergill retired on July 31, 2001 and held the appointment of DG, Mechanised Forces at Army HQs before hanging his spurs.

His younger brother, Lt Gen TS Shergill was commissioned in Deccan Horse in February 1964. He was awarded Mention in Despatches during the Indo-Pak war of 1965 as a young troop leader in the Khem Karan sector. He commanded the regiment from 1981 to 1984. After commanding a corps in the Eastern Sector, he recently took over as Commandant, Indian Military Academy.