2" MORTAR

*2"  MORTAR , PLATOON  COMMANDER  KA TOPKHANA*

           As we graduated from NDA to the IMA, our camp inventory also went for an upgrade. From Section level, our training elevated to Platoon level and we were now being trained to become Platoon Commanders. So, in addition to the section weapons, a 2 inch mortar, fondly called the "Platoon Commander ka Topkhana"(Platoon Commander's Artillery) got added to the training curriculum.

The weapons we carried for the camp were the DP(Drill Practice) ones, meaning that they wouldn't fire.  In  case of the rifle and the LMG, their firing pins were taken out to make them DP. How do they make a  2 inch mortar DP?

 Instead of offering the problem to DRDO, thankfully, IMA gave it to the local blacksmith- the problem I mean. He came out with simplest solution possible. He took hold of an iron pipe of 2 inch  diameter, the one which is used for irrigational purposes and cut pieces 23 inches long as that is the length of a 2 inch mortar. Then on one end he welded an iron plate masquerading as the base plate.  And lo, there was a 2 inch mortar DP.

It was our first camp in IMA and I don't know how,  I got late for weapon collection in the morning. When I reached, every rifle and even the  LMGs were taken and the only piece of metal left was the 2 inch dia, 23 inch long, so called Platoon Commander's Artillery. For the fear of unknown, no was willing to touch it and being the last, the painful responsibility of carrying this piece of raw iron fell on my weak shoulders.

Coming back to the company to pick up my packs with  jaw falling right upto the knees, my worldly wise orderly, Hari Ram understood my predicament. Having seen this happening in many courses before us, he called me and asked what the problem was. I asked him as to how would one carry this unweildy piece of metal through the next 72 hours. 

He took a line bedding and did a pair of hitch knots on both ends of the Topkhana and like a Pahari carrying a bundle of hay, the piece of metal was on top of my pack with the line bedding along my forehead like a sling. It was so much better than carrying the LMG.

The march started. An Advance to Contact. Enroute, we were fired upon by an unseen enemy and everyone ran helter skelter. GC Keen Kumar who was awarded the appointment of Platoon Commander for his stellar performance during the first two months in IMA, took charge. 

" LMG group udhar jhaddee ke peeche, Rifle group mere peeche, go", he yelled. The instructor was impressed. Every one moved, as ordered. Except two. The 2 inch mortar numbers one and two. We did not know what to do as there were nothing in the orders for us. The instructor came screaming. "Go behind that farther bush, you buffoons, and every five seconds yell, bomb".

We went where instructed and yelled, "bomb", every five seconds.

Meanwhile the attack was progressing under GC Keen Kumar. LMG group was firing at rapid rate with a rattler and the assault group screamed, "dhaawwaaa."

The instructor was not very happy with the direction of attack. So everyone was remustered, GC Chatak Sharma was appointed the Platoon Commander. Once again, " LMG group udhar, Rifle group idhar". Every one took off again. This continued for an hour.  All this while, the Topkhana was behind the same bush giving fire support to the attacks by shouting, "bomb".

Finally when everyone was herded together, the only two fellows not sweating were the mortar numbers. That got us lot of envious looks. Two more attacks enroute, every one was tired to the bones, except the two mortar numbers who by now had learnt to vanish behind the nearest bush as soon as the Platoon Commander gave his quick fire orders.

On reaching the harbour we were instructed to dig. Dig down four and half feet which for everyone took the whole night except the mortar numbers because the 2inch mortar pit was not to be so deep. Early to finish and early to sleep, the other eyes were now getting greener.

Sometime very early in the morning, we were attacked. We, the mortar numbers kept yelling "bomb, bomb". The attack was repulsed and we were appreciated for the wonderful fire support we provided.

Ablutions time. Now here was an issue. A water bottle was the only item of liquid carrier we had. Drinking water, tea and at times dal, each of these were to be stocked/ carried in it. The problem was to carry water as we didn't use paper for you know what.

 While the problem was being debated in my mind, I realised that I had a 2 inch irrigational pipe with me. And with a length of 23 inches, it could carry enough water for Mortar Numbers 1 and 2. It was a Eureka moment for us. After that there was  a long queue for borrowing the 2 inch mortar. One of them who was not very lucky was caught by the instructor with his pants down and a 2 inch mortar full of water next to him. He ended up with a lot of restrictions for "misuse of controlled stores".

Later in the day, I was promoted to a Section Commander for the good work I did giving fire support to the Platoon Commander during the attack we faced in the morning. And there I lost possession of my multipurpose  2 inch mortar DP. 

Thereafter, before every camp, I made it a point to reach very early for weapon collection in an attempt to be 2 inch Mortar Number One. I was not always successful. 2 inch Mortar seemed to be in great demand.

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Brig Narinder Dhand,
Founder & Convener
Veteran's Web Portals.