Serving and retired officers at the Western Command museum in Chandimandir on Sunday. A tribune photograph

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 22

A museum showcasing the history and military heritage of the Western Command was inaugurated at Chandimandir today. The function was attended by a large number of veterans, including eight former chiefs of the Commander, serving officers and civil dignitaries.The museum is not only a repository of documents, archives and memorabilia, but also an embodiment of the rich heritage, valour and sacrifices made by the soldiers of this frontline operational command.It consists of four blocks. The Russell Block encompasses the genesis and evolution of the command and its various formations, while the Cariappa Block is dedicated to the valour. The Sinha Block is exclusively designed to accommodate a well-stocked library-cum-visitors room, a souvenir shop and an audio visual room. The exterior landscape of the complex has on display war trophies such as a Pushpak Aircraft used in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars and a captured Pakistani Patton tank.Certain noteworthy contributions are the heritage railway locomotive and saloon from the Indian Railways, replicating and commemorating the historic association of this Command wherein the Western Command Headquarters (then known as Delhi and East Punjab Command) operated from the Viceroy’s Train during the Partition.  Immediately outside the Sinha Block are two imposing miniature battleship models contributed by the Indian Navy.Later, a coffee table book on Western Command, “Ever Westwards”, was released. It covers the journey traversed by the Western Command since its raising in 1947.

About the museum

• The museum is not only a repository of documents, archives and memorabilia, but also an embodiment of the rich heritage, valour and sacrifices made by the soldiers of this frontline operational command