Date:12/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/12/stories/2008121259340300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Assistance for World War veteran

Special Correspondent

HELPING HAND: Pangode Station Staff Officer Col. Suresh hands over financial assistance to World War veteran Ittoop Kusumose, on Thursday.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian Army on Thursday honoured an 88-year-old World War veteran who served in the Royal Indian Navy in the 1940s. The Station Headquarters, Pangode came forward to provide financial assistance to the ailing veteran, Ittoop Kusumose. Station Staff Officer Col. Suresh called on Mr. Kusumose at his house at Vanchiyoor and handed over a cheque for Rs.5,000 on behalf of the Station Commander, Pangode.

Mr. Kusumose served in the Royal Indian Navy as Ordinary Coder from November 1942 to April 1946. His service was terminated during the uprising of naval soldiers against the British Government in 1946. Subsequently, he took up a job in the private sector and continued working till 1985 when he met with an accident. Afflicted by various ailments, Mr. Kusumose has been bedridden since 2006.