P. Sarojini
      Punjab, India (CWBN)_ Colonel Prithipal Singh Gill, the retired officer, who has served in all the three divisions of India’s defense forces namely, Army, Navy and Air Force, celebrated his 100th birthday today. He is the only Indian officer to hold this credit. As a young pilot in the Royal Indian Air Force, he began his career in the pre-World War II period. Colonel Gill then served with the Indian Navy on the high seas and later was the Indian Army’s Gunner Officer. The veteran served in the 1965 war between India and Pakistan and also served during the World War II. Colonel Prithipal Singh Gill was a Sector Commander with the Assam Rifles in Manipur prior to retirement.
      On his 100th birthday, the veteran officer showed a thumbs up to the camera. Political leaders and people on social media have been wishing the veteran on his century birthday. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh took to Twitter to wish the officer. He wrote, “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 shared a recent and old pictures of the officer in Twitter and wrote alongside, “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”.
      Lt. General KJ Singh took to Twitter to share the outstanding career of Colonel Gill. Colonel Gill also worked on a mine-sweeping ship and INS Teer. During World War II, he served in the Navy escort team for cargo ships.
      Colonel Gill also underwent training at the Devlali School of Artillery and then assigned to the Gwalior Mountain Battery. He, according to Lt General KJ Singh, “raised and Commanded 71 Med Regt in 1965 war”. Colonel Gill retired to farming in his native village of Faridkot after an excellent service in the Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Army.
