The army trucks were waiting at the railway station. The movement control officer's armband was glittering and sparkling from far off, and as the word “load” shot out of his mouth, I was loaded onto the truck along with my baggage. This consisted of white shorts, T-shirts, and PT shoes but not forgetting the carefully ironed necktie that was also mentioned in the bring-with-you list.

My God! Was I ever so proud to find a Batman at my disposal for running errands and for polishing my shoes and maintaining my clothes! He, who suddenly snatched my hand baggage and kept...