The Commanding Officer of 2 Maratha Light Infantry
Lieutenant Colonel T. T. A. Nolan, known as Terry Nolan, was the Commanding Officer of 2 Maratha Light Infantry during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. Born in Lucknow on 24 November 1924, he had risen through the ranks to command his battalion at a critical moment in its history.
In September 1965, 2 Maratha Light Infantry moved from Mathura to Ferozepore and was tasked with defending the strategically important Hussainiwala Headworks on the Sutlej River. Lieutenant Colonel Nolan organised the battalion's defences and led his men through repeated enemy pressure and artillery bombardment.
The Defence of Hussainiwala
The battalion carried out aggressive patrolling and local actions while holding its positions around Hussainiwala. On the night of 19 September, Pakistani forces launched a major attack supported by tanks. The soldiers of 2 Maratha Light Infantry stood their ground and fought to retain the strategically important position.
On the afternoon of 21 September 1965, while directing operations and inspiring his troops, Lieutenant Colonel Nolan was grievously wounded by a shell splinter. He succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
A Leader Who Stayed With His Men
Lieutenant Colonel Nolan's leadership during the defence of Hussainiwala became part of the battalion's proud wartime history. His sacrifice came while he was directing the battle and standing with the soldiers under his command.
Alongside his men, he became part of the story of 2 Maratha Light Infantry's determined defence of Hussainiwala during the 1965 war.
On 21 September, The Honour Post pays tribute to Lieutenant Colonel T. T. A. Nolan for his courage, leadership, service and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
