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Major General Prem Chowdry

Published on: June 2020

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-111104

Major General Prem Chowdry

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)

—Today I rise to speak in recognition of local Mosman resident, Retired Major General Prem Chowdry who has recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Prem Chowdry served for 34 years in the Indian army from the outbreak of the Second World War where he served as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. During the Second World War he saw action in North Africa and Italy, and at the conclusion of the war served in the first India – Pakistan war in Kashmir. Prem was promoted to the rank of Major General in 1967, and between 1970 to 1974 was General Officer Commanding Bengal Area, tasked with bringing the militant communist groups, the Naxatile, under control. With 75,000 troops under his direct command, he played a significant support role in the liberation of Bangladesh. Following his many years of service, Prem retired and held a number of leadership roles in industry, became a Life Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society in the UK, became a keen photographer and until recently enjoyed the occasional game of golf with his sons. I congratulate Prem on reaching this incredible milestone for his 100th birthday.