Comments on: Delhi / NCR Chapter

By: Michael Pratt

Michael Pratt — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:47:28 +0000

I was 12 years of age when I was taken from the the school in November 1946 by one of my Fathers
assistants in Karachi prior to separation,along with my brother from the prep school . We were then in his care for about 2 days as we travelled down to Lahore, thence onto Karachi.We were in 8 berth
compartment with several others, mainly Army people who were also being repatriated. As our carer was one of my Fathers staff members,and being Indian he appeared to have been ignored as to where he was to be accommodated, and we being aged 12 and 10 years respectively were reluctant to be separated from one another, I decided that my brother and I would share the top bunk and our guardian would have the lower bunk in the carriage for the journey which was duly completed.
We were safely deposited with our parents in Karachi in due course and had a very enjoyable November and December in Karachi, awaiting our passage from Karachi to Bombay on the Strathmore to the UK in January 1947.
During the two months in Karachi prior to we had a wonderful time and I was mostltly involved with the Christchurch Cathedral as principal Chorister during the two months lead up to Christmas where we entertained the sundry army brigades, awaiting repatriation from the Black Watch to other British regiments. It was a privilege to have been involved with the Cathedral Choir at the time and to bring happiness to the men involved during their years of battles and to see the mens
tears of grief during our visits whilst singing at their camps. It is now 65 years since I was involved and I can still recall the period. My Brother was also a very good soprano singer, but was shyer than I, so I ended up by singing all the main solo arias.I still have photographs of us both in our surplice and cassocks , looking very angelic!
Strangely enough I have been still very involved with singing and have been into Barbershop chorus singing for several years and have only just recently retired from the pastime.

By: Michael Pratt

Michael Pratt — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:47:28 +0000

By: S P Bhatia

S P Bhatia — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 10:12:38 +0000

While trying to solve a small problem ( largely self – propelled ),
why walk oneself into a far bigger one ?
-spb

By: S P Bhatia

S P Bhatia — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 10:12:38 +0000

While trying to solve a small problem ( largely self – propelled ),
why walk oneself into a far bigger one ?
-spb