Indo-Pak 1971 war veteran Brigadier Francis Regis Campos, VSM, AVSM, passed away at Secunderabad on Monday afternoon after ailing for a few months.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, his meticulous planning and foresight as Adjutant Quarter Master General (AQMG) of 54 Infantry Division, led to effective logistic support during a critical phase of the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh Sector. For his distinguished service in an operational area, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
Reggie, as he was popularly known, first joined the Hyderabad Army in 1946.After the Police Action in 1948 when the Hyderabad Army was disbanded, in one of the rare circumstances, he was one of the few officers to have been absorbed into the Indian Army, which he had actually fought against. As an infantry officer, he then served in the 8th Gorkha and Madras regiments.
In 1976, as Commander, Allahabad Sub Area, he established a great rapport with the civil administration and helped them plan effective flood relief schemes. His untiring efforts and organisational skills during the floods, averted to a great extent large-scale loss of life and property. In 1977, during the Maha Kumbh Mela, he worked round the clock to complete, in record time, all tasks allotted to the Army.
In October 1977, consequent on a major rail accident near Allahabad, he once again displayed unusual initiative in rendering aid to civil authorities. He planned and executed quick medical aid and evacuation of casualties to various hospitals, which saved many lives. For this distinguished service of exceptional order, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
Laid to rest at the Narayanguda cemetery in the grave of Marie, his wife of 66 years, he is survived by his daughter, two sons and two grandchildren.
