Pune: World War 2 Veteran Shridhar Gopal Ballal Passes Away At 105 

Share this News:

Pune, 29 April 2021: Honorary Lieutenant Shridhar Gopal Ballal, a Centenarian Veteran of World War II passed away due to a brief illness on 22 April at Kamshet near Pune at the age of 105. Ballal was born on 29 November 1915 in Pahur, dist. Yavatmal of Maharashtra.

 

He joined the Ordnance Corps of the Army in 1941 and was posted in Iraq during World War II. He saw action at Shaiba, Mosul, and Kirkuk during the three years posted in Iraq. After WW II, he was posted in Mardaan and Chaklala which are now in Pakistan.

 

Post Independence he saw action during the conflicts in 1947 and 1965 with Pakistan and 1962 with China. He was decorated with the 1939-1945 Star, The Defence Medal, and Indian Independence medal for his dedicated service. He retired from the Indian Army in Feb 1969 after 28 years of active service.

 

Post-retirement he had settled at Ghorawadi, Talegaon Dabhade. He followed a strict regimen of exercise, walk and a balanced diet. He also kept his mind spiritually active by reading philosophical books. This ensured good health even after crossing 100.

 

He is survived by a son, a Naval Commander, and two daughters, all settled in Pune. He also has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.