Pratap Singh age as recored in his marticulation certificate show the date of birth as . 15 April 1918. now 97. (April 2014) His matriculation certificate of 1938, is of Punjab University-Lahore, now in Pakistan. He joined Army in 1938, as a soldier with Skinner’s horse (first Horse), part of Armoured corp. The training centre at that time was in Jhansi-MP. At that time the troops in Skinner’s horse were Jaats, Rajputs and Punjab Muslims. According to him the Punjab Muslims were replace by Sikhs after Partition of the sub-continent in 1947. At Jhansi training centre, the troops of 2 Lancer, 17 Poona Horse and 18 cavelry were also trained. As a soldier of the Skinner’s horse, he saw action in Middle East during Second World War for five continuous years since 1940. He was awarded Africa Star medal and Defence Star medal for his service in the war. After eight years in the army and without any break since his training days he took volunantry retirement but within few months again opted for the army but this time for opening in Defence Security Force and retired as a Subedar. The author had the pleasure to talk to him and know about some events of history.
Photos of young Pratap Singh and some recent photos are of his regimental reunion 2013 and family photos-Four Generations.
Young Soldier of Skinner’s horse 
Egypt 
Now in Bhiwani
Son, grand son, grand daughters and great grand sons
Daughter, grand son and great grand daughters
Regimental Reunion
With the present lot of officers at the reunion
The author with Pratap Singh
The wheat fields of Bhiwani-Haryana in April 2014
He leads a disciplined life in Bhiwani town, Haryana. His glowing face and alert mind at this age should inspire the present generation to lead a healthy and disciplined life.
By Devendra k Budakoti
Pratap Singh date of birth as recorded in his Matriculation certificate shows- 15 April 1918. The certifcate is from Punjab University Lahore, now in Pakistan. now 97, joined Army in 1938. A soldier with Skinner’s horse (first Horse), part of Armoured corp. Saw action in Middle East during Second World War for five continuous years since 1939. It was pleasure to talk to him and know about some events of history. Some recent photos are of his regimental reunion and family photos with his son, daughter, grand daughters, grand son great grand sons and great grand daughters. He leads a disciplined life in Bhiwani town, Haryana. His glowing face and alert mind at this age should inspire the present generation to lead a healthy and disciplined life.
As a young soldier with the Skinner’s horse
In Eygpt
Now in Bhiwani April 2014
Regimental Reunion 2013
With officers in regimental reunion 2013
With Son, Daughters, grand son and great grand sons
with daughter and grand son and great grand daughters
the author with Pratap Singh in Bhiwani 2014
Wheat fields in Bhiwani-Haryana, April 2014.
By Devendra K Budakoti, April 2014
Thu Apr 21 , 2016
The war memorial in Imphal World WAR-II
