Colonel Prithipal, 1st man to serve all three armed forces and Assam Rifles, turns 100

CHANDIGARH: A retired officer who served the Indian Army, Navy as well as Air Force, Colonel Prithipal Singh Gill (retired) celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday. Col. Prithipal Singh Gill is the only officer to serve all three units of India’s defense services. Col. Gill also served the Assam Rifles in Manipur.

Col Gill celebrated his birthday with immediate family members and spent most of his time on his rice and wheat farms at his native of Pakhi in Faridkot District. Farming is a hobby that took its course after retirement.

Col. Gill, started his military career in the pre-World War II era as a pilot in the Royal Indian Air Force. He then sailed the high seas with the Indian Army and later was a Gunner Officer with the Indian Army. The veteran served during World War II and the India-Pakistan war in 1965. Before retiring, Colonel Prithipal Singh Gill was a Sector Commander with the Assam Rifles in Manipur.

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Congraluting Colonel Gill, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh tweeted, “Congratulate Col. Prithipal Singh Gill who turns 100 today. He bears the unique distinction of having served in all the three Armed Forces. Sir, wish you many more years of good health, and may you continue to always inspire all of us.”

Lieutenant General (retired) KJ Singh posted on Twitter, “THE ONLY OFFR TO SERVE IN THE INDIAN NAVY, AIR FORCE&ARMY turns 100. ALSO COMMANDED AR SECTOR (PMF). Col Prithipal Singh Gill (without family consent) joined the Royal Indian Air Force and was commissioned as Pilot Officer stationed at Karachi, flying Howard aircrafts.”

“Col Prithipal Singh Gill- 100 Not Out,” Lieutenant General (retired) KJ Singh tweeted posting a recent photo of  Colonel Prithipal Singh Gill and another one as a young officer in the forces.

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