Brigadier Kodandrea Subbayya Thimayya, 1944 circa (b/w photo)

Brigadier Kodandrea Subbayya Thimayya, 1944 circa. Official photograph, World War Two, Far East, 1944 circa. Kodandera Subbayya Thimayya (1906-1967) first came to prominence when he commanded 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Contingent (later the Kumaon Regiment) in Burma. Displaying innovative tactics, Thimayya captured Hill 109 via an assault at dawn. He became the first Indian Brigadier in the Indian Army when he took over 36th Brigade on the Ramree Islands in June 1944. In 1945 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his role in the Kangaw Beaches operation. During Indian partition he served with the Punjab Boundary Force and helped save the lives of many refugees. After Indian independence in 1947 he went on to have an illustrious career in the Indian Army, eventually being appointed Chief of the Army Staff in May 1957. He remained in that post until his retirement in 1961.