| Chandigarh |
Updated: December 11, 2020 7:48:10 pm
Colonel Prithipal Singh Gill celebrating his 100th birthday in Chandigarh Friday. (Express Photo by Man Aman Singh Chhina)
There are no known examples in the country today of an officer who has served in all three services of the military. However, Colonel Prithipal Singh Gill (retd), a World War 2 veteran, has the unique distinction of having served in the Royal Indian Air Force, Royal Indian Navy and the Indian Army during his career in uniform.
Colonel Gill turned 100 Friday. Enjoying good physical and mental faculties even at this advanced age, Colonel Gill was all smiles as he greeted visitors who dropped by at the residence of his son, Dr Ajay pal Singh Gill, in Chandigarh's Sector 35 to wish him on his birthday.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Colonel Gill had an impish smile when asked the secret of his longevity. “It is rare and it is a secret,” he said even as his daughter-in-law, Harpreet Kaur attributed it to his daily tot of whiskey for nearly 70 years.
Had the honour of meeting Col Prithipal Singh Gill and his wife Preminder Kaur in Chandigarh today. Col Gill turns 100 today and has the unique privilege of having served in the Air Force, Navy and the Indian Army. His wife is 93 and they…
