Madras Engineering Group to celebrate 227th raising day tomorrow

Bangalore, Sep 18 (UNI) The city-based Madras Engineering Group (MEG) that had rendered yeoman services both during the time of war and peace is celebrating its 227th Raising Day here tomorrow.

A 4-day celebration is lined up on the occasion with large number of serving and retired officers, junior commissioned officers and others attending the grand reunion, a defence press release said here today.

Col James Phillips Rettie, representing the erstwhile Queen Victoria's own Madras Sappers Officers Association based in London, would be among those who would be attending the event. Col Rettie served in the Madras Sappers during 1946-47.

Established in 1780, essentially to undertake engineering operations of the army, the troops of MEG have also played a vital role in all major wars fought since then, both under the Union Jack and the Tri Colour. The group also conferred two Battle Honours and one Theatre honour post independence, which was presented with the president's Colours in 1990 by the then president R Venkataraman.

The 'Thambis' as the members of the Madras Sappers were fondly called, have played a sterling role in Nation building and contributed significantly in all rescue and relief operations in the time of natural calamities and disasters that have stuck the nation till date.

The present reunion event will also be the last one for Lt Gen K S Rao, Colonel Commandant of the Madras Sappers who retires from the service on September 30 after 40 years of successful service in the olive greens, the illustrious uniform of MEG, the release added.

UNI