Colonel ET Mathew

Colonel ET Mathew hailed from Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. From an early age, he exhibited a strong sense of discipline, dedication, and leadership, which eventually guided him toward a career in the Indian Army. His commitment to serving the nation was evident even during his formative years, and he pursued this passion by joining the armed forces after completing his education. He was commissioned into the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC)—a crucial arm responsible for ensuring the seamless logistical support of the Indian Army, both in times of war and peace. The Army Ordnance Corps plays a vital role in managing the supply chain of military resources, ensuring that all army units receive the necessary equipment and provisions at the right time, in the right quantity, at the right place, and at the right cost. The AOC’s extensive inventory includes everything a soldier might need—ranging from clothing and weapons to vehicles and ammunition—except for fuel, fodder, and medical supplies, which are handled by other specialized branches. After serving for a few years, Col. Mathew entered a new phase of his personal life when he married Ms Sowmini. Their union marked the beginning of a journey filled with mutual support, resilience, and shared dedication to the values of service and duty.

Ammunition Explosion-(Srinagar): 29 Mar 1994 

In 1994, Colonel ET Mathew was serving with the 2 Field Ordnance Depot (2 FOD) of the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), a unit deployed in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, as part of its operational duties. Known for his exceptional dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty, he was stationed at Badami Bagh Cantonment, one of the most strategically significant military installations in the region. As part of his responsibilities, Col Mathew played a vital role in overseeing the storage, inspection, and distribution of military equipment, including arms and ammunition seized from militants operating in the conflict-ridden valley. His experience in logistics and ordnance management made him a key figure in ensuring the operational efficiency of the Indian Army in Srinagar. On March 29, 1994, a high-level team of senior military officers was conducting an inspection of seized arms and ammunition at the Badami Bagh Cantonment. Among them was Colonel ET Mathew, who was leading the inspection, ensuring that the recovered weapons were properly cataloged and secured.

During the course of the inspection, tragedy struck. A sudden and massive explosion rocked the area, triggering a devastating fire. The blast was so powerful that it caused significant casualties and widespread destruction within the cantonment premises. The force of the explosion reverberated across the base, shattering structures and leaving behind a scene of chaos and devastation. At the time of the explosion, Major General EW Fernandes, who was attending a meeting in a nearby building, lost his life in the tragic incident. Colonel ET Mathew was among those critically injured in the explosion. Despite all possible medical efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His unwavering commitment to his responsibilities until his last moment was a testament to his dedication to the service of the nation.

Alongside Col. Mathew, several other senior officers and soldiers also laid down their lives, including: Lieutenant Colonel K Krishnamoorthy, Captain Subhash Soraisom Chandra Singh, Naib Subedar Stanislass, Subedar Hoshiar Singh Jangra, Subedar Kundalik Chavan and Rifleman AB Rashid Khan. As a key officer of the 2 FOD (AOC), Colonel ET Mathew played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of his unit in Srinagar. His expertise in ordnance and logistics was invaluable in supporting the army’s counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. His sacrifice is a symbol of courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to the nation.

Colonel ET Mathew is survived by his wife Smt Sowmini Mathew.