by Fr. Nascimento Mascarenhas
My first encounter with Goan Brigadier George Francis de Souza was at the Military Headquarters at Altinho in Panjim. This was in the early seventies, when I was an assistant priest at the Panjim Church. George drove us to Saligao and then to Souza Lobo’s at Calangute for xit and xungttanchi koddi, a Goan delicacy that he loved much. It brought sweet memories of his younger days in Goa. We shared much in common, and his concern for Goa and Saligao was noteworthy. He remembered the time in Saligao when they had fielded a hockey team from the village, to play against a neighbouring team at the Saligao hill ground.
George Francis de Souza was one of nine children born to Ignatius Charles de Souza and Philomena Fernandes e de Souza, both from Mudd ‘davaddi in Saligao, Goa. Born on 3 December 1911, on St. Francis Xavier’s feast day, his parents placed him under the protection of Goencho Saib. As money was in short supply then, he learned the hard way to take life as it came, during his childhood days. He studied at the well-known St. Francis de Sales High School at Nagpur. It is in Nagpur that the family eventually settled.
He completed the Senior Cambridge Board Exam by topping the rankings in the state of Madhya Pradesh and was awarded the Joseph Vaz (ICS) Prize for general proficiency. He later joined the Science College at Nagpur. He excelled there in academics as well as in sports, and captained the college hockey team.
George felt strongly within himself the call of the army and soon joined the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun. He was commissioned in 1937, joining the First Battalion of the Rajput Regiment. The British were still in power in India and ran the Academy with brisk military style. At the Indian Military Academy he showed his outstanding skill in boxing and captained the boxing team, winning laurels. Later he attended the Defence Staff College at Quetta, from which he graduated. He walked away with the prestigious Sword of Honour given to the best all-round cadet.
During World War II, he served as a Grade II staff officer at the Allied Land Forces Headquarters, South East Asia Command, and was posted to Ceylon. He was selected as the first Indian to command the decorated Madras Regimental Centre at Wellington during 1948-49. Later he was transferred to Army Ordnance Corp and sent to command the depot of Jabalpur. During his tenure a major fire broke out in the ammunition depot, threatening to destroy the entire city. With rare courage and bravery George led the fire fighters into the inferno and managed to get the situation under control. For his exemplary courage and leadership he was awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry by the President of India at a special ceremony of investiture. The clipping of the investiture was shown in cinema houses all over the country — I was privileged to see it at Cine National in Panjim.
Just before his retirement from the Indian Army this Goan brigadier was posted to Bombay and held a deputation post as chairman of administration, Canteen Stores Department (CSD), from 1960 to 1965. The Indian Army’s CSD was in a bit of a mess at that time. Brigadier George completely reorganised it and brought it out of the red. During his tenure at the Indian Army CSD, the Chinese aggression took place, catching the Indian Army troops unawares and badly in need of even basic necessities. Brigadier George persuaded all suppliers to the CSD to donate supplies in bulk and he personally supervised the packing of parcels for the Indian soldiers stationed at the front. Needless to say, he felt the trauma of our brave soldiers deeply, and this mammoth exercise was carried out successfully.
Brigadier George de Souza was a legend in the Indian Army during his lifetime, and much respected in memory. Reaching retirement age, he moved into civilian life, using his outstanding qualities to help the poor and the downtrodden in Bangalore where he settled with his family. He worked with the Khoday group for a number of years and had a wonderful relationship with the family.
Brigadier George de Souza expired on 4 February 2003 in Bangalore. On his death, his family paid him a special “Tribute” in which they wrote: “Brigadier George’s family life has been most unmilitary. He was a very caring husband, father, grandfather, citizen and friend. His motto: ‘Freely Freely Give’ — be it his time, his caring ways or money. He lived to the ripe age of 92 years when the big C claimed him. Having lived so bravely he beat the big C with a bigger one — COURAGE. He left this life with superb dignity, leaving us loved ones to grieve just as he would us to, with courage and serene faith in the love that endures all — Christ’s love for us.”
Father, An article well written . Truly ” A legend in his lifetime and much respected in memory “.. I couldnt have asked for a better Dad !!!!!
Dear Brenda,
Thank you very much for your comments. I did personally met your dad and mum in Bangalore in early seventies and also with your eldest sister Merlyn and Boysy (did I spell his name correctly and even your sisters ?), but never with Jo-Jo nor Joseph. Is you pet name Jo-Jo ? Again your parents and I met in Panjim as they were staying at the military quarters and I remember all three of us one fine afternoon went to Calangute at Souza- Lobos and your dad ordered xit- koddi( with prawns). It was excellent.
But coming a little closer I am sure you remember Aunty Filomena Fernandes Souza your grand-mother form Mudd’davaddi, Saligao. Now your granny was the niece of my grandmother Mrs Ana Severina Fernandes Mascarenhas married to Joao Michael Mascarenhas( my grandfather). So my Father Felipe Xavier Mascarenhas and your grandmother Mrs. Filomena fernandes e D’Souza are first cousins. Your father and I are second cousins. In fact my brother Paul was staying with your grandmother Mrs Filomena in Nagpur when the whole family of D’Souza settled in Nagpur and your father George, Vally Fr. Jack, Archbishop Eugene and his sister nun( I forget her name at the moment) treated my brother Paul Mario Mascarenhas as a member of their family. So strong was the relationship at that time. However I was not even born then but my mother Ana Eufregina Mascarenhas told me all about it. At the death anniversary of your revered dad George your mother Doreen sent a booklet distributed on his death anniversary through Mrs. Annie Pinto, mother of Sister Mary Jane( Rita Pinto) to me. Much of the information on your dad I got from that booklet. Now I want to strengthen the ties with the D’Souzas’ more.
The other day I was with a friend at Brigadier Barreto’s house in Alto Porvorim and his wife phoned to you if my memory serves me right. Now with this mail I was thrilled with the comments you made about my writing about your father. Kindly furnish me more details on your dad’s side family and mother doreen’s side also. As we have lost touch for many years may be even Merilyn may not remember me. You kindly give the details for which I thank you in anticipation. My gmail ID is najoma8. Much love to you and yours. My prayers are also with you. Please keep in touch. fr. nascimento mascarenhas.