(Late) Brigadier LS Lidder’s contributions to the Indian Army and his unwavering commitment to duty will always be remembered.

By M S Nazki

A Book Titled ‘I Am a Soldier’s Wife’: Geetika Lidder’s Tribute to (Late) Brigadier LS Lidder! Als so many books, so little time! But this one is special because it is one about one of the bravest of the braves!

-A room without books is like a body without a soul. So this one needs to adorn your home library! Marcus Tullius Cicero was not wrong when he wrote these lines

-Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life. But who cares about this adage in the modern day times!

-Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. And of course they can be provided you write a book and pen down your own words!

-Discover the inspiring memoir ‘I Am a Soldier’s Wife’ by Geetika Lidder, a heartfelt tribute to (Late) Brigadier LS Lidder’s legacy of bravery, leadership, and love. Read about his extraordinary journey today!

-The legacy of (Late) Brigadier LS Lidder, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army, is honored in a heartfelt memoir written by his wife, Geetika Lidder, titled ‘I Am a Soldier’s Wife: The Life and Love of Toni Lidder.’ The book is a tribute to his remarkable journey, both as a soldier and as a devoted family man.

-It captures the essence of his unwavering dedication to the nation, his compassionate nature, and his ability to inspire those around him. The memoir was launched in the presence of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who lauded Brigadier Lidder’s extraordinary humanity and professional grace.

-Geetika Lidder’s book paints a vivid picture of Brigadier LS Lidder, who was fondly known as ‘Toni Lidder’ among his peers and subordinates. The memoir not only narrates his professional journey but also provides a deeply personal insight into the man behind the uniform. It highlights his ability to form meaningful connections with people, regardless of their rank, and his passion for discussing a wide array of subjects.

-The book also reflects on Geetika Lidder’s courage and resilience following the tragic 2021 helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of Brigadier Lidder and other senior military officers. Through her words, she immortalizes the love and dedication they shared, offering a poignant perspective on life as a soldier’s wife.

-A Soldier’s Humanity and Leadership: Brigadier Lidder was not only a proficient military strategist but also a man of immense empathy and kindness. He had a unique ability to connect with military personnel at all levels, making them feel valued and heard. His leadership was defined by his deep understanding of human emotions, which earned him the admiration of both his superiors and subordinates.

-During the book launch, General Upendra Dwivedi spoke about Brigadier Lidder’s exceptional leadership qualities and his unparalleled sense of duty. He emphasized how Brig Lidder led by example, upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Army while fostering a sense of camaraderie among his troops.

-Service History and Achievements: Brigadier LS Lidder had an illustrious career, serving in multiple critical roles throughout his tenure in the Indian Army. One of his notable assignments was his role as a defense attaché in Kazakhstan, where he strengthened India’s military diplomacy and forged crucial international ties.

-His dedication to service was evident in every mission he undertook. His ability to strategize and execute complex military operations showcased his tactical acumen. His contributions to national security, military training, and international defense relations solidified his reputation as a highly respected officer in the armed forces.

-The Tragic Helicopter Crash of 2021

The memoir also revisits the fateful December 2021 helicopter crash, which led to the untimely demise of Brigadier Lidder and other esteemed officers, including General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The accident was a heartbreaking loss for the nation, and it left an indelible impact on the lives of the bereaved families.

Geetika Lidder’s book conveys the emotional turmoil and strength required to cope with such an immense loss. It is a deeply moving account of a woman who stood resilient in the face of adversity while continuing to honor her late husband’s legacy.

A Legacy That Lives On

(Late ) Brigadier LS Lidder’s contributions to the Indian Army and his unwavering commitment to duty will always be remembered. His legacy is not just one of military excellence but also of kindness, wisdom, and camaraderie. Through ‘I Am a Soldier’s Wife’, Geetika Lidder ensures that his story will continue to inspire generations of soldiers, their families, and every Indian who values patriotism and sacrifice. This memoir serves as a testament to the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, reminding us of the price of freedom and the valor of those who protect the nation.

-About the man: Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh ‘Tony’ Lidder SM VSM (26 June 1969 – 8 December 2021) was an Indian Army officer. He was the Defence Assistant to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces General Bipin Rawat. He died in the 2021 Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 crash along with the CDS and 12 officers and defence personnel from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Born into a military family, Lidder – then still Singh – completed his studies at the Kendriya Vidyalaya in Mhow, where he was a brilliant student. After passing the exam for the National Defence Academy (NDA) on his first attempt, he joined the 77th course of the NDA in January 1987 and was assigned to the academy’s India Squadron. After the NDA, he entered the Indian Military Academy (IMA) where he excelled, serving as cadet sergeant major of his company (Alamein Company) in his third term.

On 15 December 1990, Lidder was commissioned a second lieutenant in the second battalion, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. From 1992 to 1995, he served in the Kashmir Valley as a company commander and his battalion’s adjutant, with promotion to lieutenant on 15 December 1992. During his posting, he played a key role in coordinating and directing his battalion’s operations, and “for acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage” was awarded the Sena Medal (SM) as an acting captain in the January 1994 Republic Day awards list. He also received the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Card and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief’s Commendation Card for his services, and was promoted to substantive captain on 15 December 1995.

Lidder was subsequently posted to the NDA as a squadron commander, followed by appointment as an adjutant at the Indian Military Academy. Promoted to major on 15 December 2000, he adopted his surname of “Lidder” in 2003 while stationed at the NDA. During this period, he completed the Staff Course and the Higher Command Course, receiving promotion to lieutenant-colonel on 16 December 2004. He then commanded his battalion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as a part of the United Nations MONUSCO peacekeeping force, serving in an Indian Army brigade commanded by then-Brigadier Bipin Rawat.

Returning to India, Lidder served as a director at the Military Operations Directorate. He was promoted to substantive colonel (by selection) on 1 May 2009. He served as the defence attaché in the embassy in Kazakhstan before receiving promotion to brigadier on 20 September 2017 (seniority from 1 November 2015), and being given command of a brigade in Himachal Pradesh on the Indo-Tibetan border. A frequent writer and defence analyst, Lidder published a number of articles on Indian and regional military developments, including for the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. After completing advanced courses at the National Defence College, New Delhi, Lidder was selected by his former commanding officer Rawat, by then Chief of the Defence Staff, to serve as his Defence Assistant. Awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2020, he joined Rawat’s staff that year. In 2021, he was selected for promotion to major general, and was scheduled to have been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of a division in 2022.

Lidder died in the crash of an Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17V-5 transport helicopter on 8 December 2021. He was accompanying CDS Gen.Bipin Rawat, his wife and the rest of his staff on a flight to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, where Rawat was scheduled to address the institution’s personnel and students. At around 12:10 p.m. local time, the aircraft crashed near a residential colony of private tea estate employees on the outskirts of the hamlet of Nanjappachatiram, Bandishola panchayat, in the Katteri-Nanchappanchathram area of Coonoor taluk, Nilgiris district. The crash site was 10 km from the flight’s intended destination. Apart from Group Captain Varun Singh, who was an instructor at the DSSC, all of the persons aboard the flight were killed; of those, only the bodies of General Rawat, his wife and Lidder could be readily identified.

Along with those of the others killed in the crash, Lidder’s body was flown to Palam Air Base in Delhi on 9 December. He was cremated with full military honours at the Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment at 9:00 a.m. on 10 December 2021. Among those in attendance were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar.

Lidder was the son of the late Colonel Mehnga Singh. He was survived by his mother, brother Raj Lidder and sister Sukhwinder Cheema, along with his wife Geetika, a schoolteacher, and their 17-year-old daughter, Aashna