‘The Chronicle of a Cavalry Officer’ by Lt Col Muhammad Arslan Qadeer is a brilliant tapestry of military life and its many anecdotes. The book’s captivating title cover hints at the compelling narrative within. It has been lovingly dedicated “to the young officers of the Pakistan Armoured Corps, both past and present,” a tribute that speaks volumes of the author’s reverence for his fraternity. The hardcover edition boasts a striking, glazed title, lending it an air of distinction.
A fortunate coincidence, indeed, is the foreword penned by none other than the then Commander 4 Corps, a cavalryman himself. Far from a perfunctory note, his words resonate with deep understanding. He captures the essence of the book perfectly, particularly highlighting the vibrant mess life of the Armoured Corps and the indispensable role of sports in shaping camaraderie.
In the preface, the author clarifies that this book is a collection of military life’s tales and anecdotes, deliberately free from the complexities of tactics or the intricacies of war. Instead, it is a heartfelt ode to the experiences, bonds, and lighter moments that define life in uniform. The book spans just 150 pages and is thoughtfully divided into 41 brief chapters to maintain reader engagement. Beyond merely recounting military life, it offers a glimpse into the author’s character. He embodies the discipline and strength of a true soldier while revealing a vulnerable, sentimental side, a childlike spirit who perceives and articulates the world around him with sublime precision, humour, and emotional depth.
The book begins with a 19-year-old boy entering a military academy, completely unaware of the challenges of Army life. He ultimately finds himself in the only Haideri Regiment of the Armoured Corps in Kharian. At Kharian, the enchanting beauty of cantonment captivates the author, who highlights the aesthetic vision and horticultural expertise of the late Brigadier Amir Gulistan Janjua, known for his meticulous planting of Alstonia trees. Everyone often remembers their first love, and this sentiment extends to one’s first Commanding Officer. The author provides a detailed portrayal of Colonel J.A., capturing his distinctive personality.
A cavalryman’s story would be incomplete without mention of the Regimental Mess, so the author shares anecdotes from mess life and dinner nights, emphasizing the importance of mess etiquette training. A particularly amusing story about a bicycle ride while wearing the Blue Patrol will surely bring a smile to readers’ faces.
The author makes several mentions of Mulligatawny soup in his tale, which reflects his aversion. Two chapters reference it: “Mulligatawny Soup” and “The Final Mulligatawny Soup.” From his time at the military academy until his arrival, he grew weary of this soup, only to find it again during a dine-in. However, upon his retirement on a cold night in Lahore, nostalgia compelled him to choose Mulligatawny soup from dozens of options. This moment was both epic and sentimental. The book skillfully recounts past events in chronological order. It begins with the chaos of military life and weaves in traditions like “Jolly Good Fellow,” the ritual of “The Night Duty Officer,” and the military jargon of “Teabreaks.” The adventurous journey with “Colonel Stoneface” is particularly captivating. Additionally, the author shares his passion for basketball and his involvement with the team in a lengthy chapter, “My Passion with Basketball Rekindled”.
The author vividly portrays several key personalities, including Col J.A., Brig Nauman Saeed (as Capt), Lt Gen Wajid (as Maj), Brig Khalid, Col Adnan “Bunty,” and Lt Gen Farooq Ahmed Khan. From the moment he dons his black beret and khaki uniform to his eventual doffing, his narrative serves as a treasure trove of cherished memories. The final chapter, “Beyond Tanks,” offers valuable insights for young officers, making it a rich source of guidance and reflection.
This remarkable book is highly recommended for all readers, regardless of gender, especially for Pakistan Armored Corps officers.
The book is reviewed by Lt Col Abrar khan in a very thoughtful way and at the end he recommended the book for officers of all arms.
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Lt Col (R) Abrar Khan, your review of The Chronicle of a Cavalry Officer is masterfully written and truly does justice to the book. You captured the essence of Lt Col Muhammad Arslan Qadeer’s work with both precision and admiration, making your analysis a joy to read. I particularly appreciated how you highlighted the balance between the lighter anecdotes of military life and the deeper sentiments of camaraderie, discipline, and tradition. Your review shows a deep respect for the Armoured Corps, which mirrors the author’s own reverence for his fraternity. The way you discussed the foreword, preface, and structure of the book demonstrated your careful attention to detail and genuine engagement with the text.
The book itself sounds both heartfelt and intellectually rich, blending humor, nostalgia, and military culture in a way that makes it accessible to all readers. Your description of the Mulligatawny soup anecdotes, for example, perfectly illustrates how small moments in military life carry profound meaning. The fact that the book avoids the complexities of tactics yet still leaves such a lasting impact speaks to its brilliance. Through your analysis, it becomes clear that this is not just a book about military experiences, but a reflection on human connections, growth, and memory. Overall, your review was not only insightful but also inspiring, encouraging readers to pick up this remarkable book.