Eminent Ex-student (1948 batch) Lt General Francis Dias passed away on Republic Day This was an important day for him because he was conferred three very important awards on this day in the past by the President of India - the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva medal (AVSM), which he was awarded for distinguished service in counter-insurgency, and the Vir Chakra. He also fought in the 1965 and 1971 Wars. During Operation Cactus Lily, in the erstwhile East Pakistan, he led his battalion to capture Bogra Town on December 14, 1971. This was a strategic victory for the Indian Army and two days later Pakistan surrendered in East Pakistan, and Bangladesh was born. For this he was awarded the Vir Chakra. His Citation said:
"Lieutenant Colonel Francis Tiburtius Dias was commanding a battalion of 11th Gorkha Rifles during the operations against Pakistan in the Eastern Sector. On 12 December 1971, he was ordered to capture a well prepared position held by an enemy infantry battalion. Again, on 13 December, the battalion was assigned the task of capturing two bridges held by the enemy in strength. And finally on 14 December 1971 the battalion was assigned the task of capturing a portion of Bogra Town. Under his leadership, the battalion carried out all the tasks successfully, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. After contacting the enemy defences at Mahasthana, he infiltrated between the enemy's forward defended localities, raided the enemy battalion headquarters, and captured the officer commanding along with other officers. He also thwarted enemy efforts to blow up bridges. It was due to him that the battalion contributed to a great extent in clearing Bogra Town and taking a large number of prisoners. Throughout this operation, Lieutenant Colonel Dias displayed gallantry, professional skill and leadership of a high order."
He retired in 1992 and his last posting was Chief of Staff, Southern Command. He leaves behind his wife, Selda, and his two daughters, Sharon and Fiona and their families.
The funeral of Lt Gen Francis Dias was held on Tuesday, January 29 2019. Viewing of the Body: 3:30 pm Funeral Service: 4:00 pm St Anne's Church Nargis Dutt Road Pali Hill Bandra West Mumbai 400050 Burial Service 5:15 pm Mt Carmel Church 81A Chapel Road Bandra West Mumbai 400050
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