While it’s no secret that MEG has carved a niche for itself in India’s armed forces, it does not end there. Given its 230-year long history, MEG has had a following in the UK too. The sad part however is that, this is on its last stretch.
The MSA was formed by British officers who were part of the MEG here during their tenure and returned to England post 1947.
Brigadier Gurdip Singh of MEG told Deccan Herald that it was almost a tradition for MSA members to pay a visit to the MEG centre annually and exchange notes, instill thoughts and leave with nostalgic memories. The tradition will continue this year with Sir Lieutenant General (retired) Cunningham (89 years) and Colonel Right, who had both served the MEG during their tenure in India, paying their tribute to the centre.
However, Singh said: “While both of them have agreed to participate in our celebrations, Sir Cunningham telling us that this will probably be their last visit to Bangalore is saddening.”
With not many left to continue the legacy of MSA, the association is said to be on the last stretch, before it eventually dies out.
Popularly known as the Madras Sappers, MEG was established by the British in the year 1780, and has its origin from the erstwhile Madras Presidency.
Being the oldest regiment of the Corp of Engineers, the Sappers have been instrumental in all the major wars India has faced since then –– both pre and post independence. In fact, the regiment became famous for inventing mine-clearing torpedo which even now bares the name Bangalore torpedo.