Swim Meeting - Troop 84: Fill & Download for Free

The history of the world is indeed intriguing. There have been events and personalities that have changed its course over time. We can't really go back and witness everything that happened.Some of these images are sad, some as random as they be, but many are shocking and surprising. But the rarity will keep you spellbound till the very end of the list.Like some of you, I’m also a rabid history buff who loves to collect the most interesting rare historic photos. I only curate the rare ones that have a significant impact on the history of the world.Below are some of the most fascinating rare historical photos ever captured on camera. Thanks to these great images, we now have before us a rare window to some of the most interesting moments of our world history.1. Earliest known photograph of the Taj Mahal, 1850sEarliest known photograph of the Taj Mahal taken by Dr. John Murray of East India Company in the 1850s.2. Female prisoners at the Andaman Cellular Jail, 1860We see a rare picture of female prisoners being held in the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands circa 1860.3. Brighton Swimming Club in 18634. Samurai warriors taken between 1860 and 18805. The only photograph of a living Quagga (now extinct) from 18706. construction of the Eiffel Tower tower, 1880.7. Execution by cannon in Iran, circa 19th century.8. Construction of the Statue of Liberty in 18849. Construction of the Eiffel Tower in 188810. One of the unseen picture of Mahatma Gandhi.11. The Gare Montparnasse train derailment in Paris, France, circa 1895.12. A boxing match on board the USS Oregon in 189713. Times of India office in Bombay on its Diamond Jubilee, 1898We see a rare picture of the Bombay office of Times of India celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in November, 1898.14. Construction of the Manhattan Bridge in 190815. Leo Tolstoy telling a story to his grandchildren in 190916. The 1912 World Series17. The first photo following the discovery of Machu Pichu in 1912.18. Titanic leaves port in 1912.One of the last known photos of the Titanic before it sank.19. The founders of Harley Davidson Motorcycles; William Harley and Arthur Davidson, pictured in 1914.20. Fidel Castro lays a wreath at the Lincoln Memorial.21. Winston Churchill out for a swim22. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Warren G. Harding (29th president of USA), and Harvey Samuel Firestone (founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Co.) talking together23. Adolf Hitler practicing for his speech, 1925.24. Construction of Christ the Redeemer in Rio da Janeiro, Brazil25. C V Raman with his SpectrographA rare picture of Nobel laureate C V Raman with his spectrograph which helps by acting as a fingerprint in identifying molecules.26.British man gets a pedicure from his Indian servantWe see the royal treatment the British were subjected to by their Indian servants during the British Raj, in this case a pedicure.27. Two geniuses in their own fields: Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein.28. Indira Gandhi in her younger daysUnseen picture of Indira Gandhi in her childhood.29. Howrah Bridge under construction, 1930sWe see a picture of the iconic Howrah bridge under construction in the mid 1930s in Calcutta.30. Albert Einstein and Rabindranath Tagore, 1930In a rare picture we see Rabindranath Tagore and Albert Einstein together during the former's visit to Galerie Pigalle, Paris in 1930.31. India's first Test Cricket Team touring England, 1932We see a portrait of India's first Test Cricket Team on its maiden tour to England in 1932.32. Ferdinand Porsche (yeah, that Porsche) showing a model of the Volkswagen Beetle to Adolf Hitler in 193533. The first McDonald's, circa 1937.34. A liberated Jew holds a Nazi guard at gunpoint.35. Albert Einstein enjoying a summer day at Nassau Point, Long Island, New York in 193936. Rare letter from Gandhi to Hitler, 1939We see the photograph of a rare letter written by Gandhi to Hitler pleading him to stop reducing humanity to a 'savage state'.37. Old picture of the Indian Military Academy, DehradunWe see an old picture of the Indian Millitary Academy as Gentlemen Cadets sit down for a meal at the mess.38. The construction of Mount Rushmore, 1939.39. The London sky after a bombing and dogfight between British and German planes in 194040. German air raid on Moscow in 194141. A shell-shocked reindeer looks on as war planes drop bombs on Russia in 1941.42. Japanese troops using Indian POWs for target practice, 1942This is a picture of Japanese Army personnel who blind-folded Indian POWs (Prisoner of War) and used them for target practice.43. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose meets Hitler in May, 1942.44. A Japanese plane is shot down during the Battle of Saipan in 1944.45. Adolf Hitler's pants after the failed assassination attempt on him in 1944.46. An aircraft crash on board during World War II47. And this is Nagasaki 20 minutes after the bomb was dropped on 9th August, 1945.48. The last picture and the much debated 'death certificate' of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, 1945Here we see the last picture of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on a plane, and along with it his much debated death certificate.49. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose toasts to Japanese Emperor, 1945A rare picture of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose toasting to the Japanese emperor in 1945.50. Hitler's bunker called Führerbunker, after the fall of Berlin and Hitler's death, 30th April, 1945.The room was partially burnt and stripped of evidence before the Russians invaded.51. Graham Jackson Sr playing his accordion during the funeral procession of his friend, President Franklin D Roosevelt.52. One of first computers ever made, the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). Made in USA.53. First Day of Constituent Assembly in India, 1946The first day Indian Constituent Assembly on 11th Dec, 1946. We see Sardar Patel in the foreground.54. The first photo taken from space in 194655. Last Nizam of Hyderabad greets Sardar Patel after Operation Polo, 1948The last Nizam of Hyderabad greets Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Begumpet airport after the success of Operation Polo.56. Last glimpse of the Father of the Nation, 1948People climbed on electricity poles, trees to get one last glimpse of Mahatma Gandhi during his funeral procession.57. Dubbed as the 'Most beautiful suicide', this is a picture of Evelyn McHale, 23, who jumped from the Empire State building and landed on a limousine.58. Tata launches its first Mercedez Benz Telco, 1954A rare picture that captures the launch of Mercedes Benz Telco in 1954, in Mumbai.59. Jawaharlal Nehru showing off his swordsman skillsWe see the country's first prime minister show off some of his swordsman skills circa 1955.60. Albert Einstein's study on the day of his death, 18th April, 1955.61. Elvis Presley serving for the American Army in 1958.62. Queen Elizabeth & Maharani Gayatri Devi after a tiger huntWe see a rare picture of Queen Elizabeth and Maharani Gayatri Devi posing for a picture after a tiger hunt.63. The construction of Disneyland64. Walt Disney on the day they opened Disney Studios65. Martin Luther King Jr with 'The Godfather', Marlon Brando.66. Martin Luther King, Jr removes a burned cross from his yard in 1960. The boy is his son.67. Construction of the Berlin Wall in 196168. The original Ronald McDonald played by Willard Scott69. A young Bill Clinton meets John F. Kennedy.70. Stephen Hawking pictured on his wedding day with his wife, Jane Wilde on 14th July, 1965.71. The crew of Apollo 1 practicing their water landing in 1966. Unfortunately, all of them were killed on the launch pad in a fire.72. George Harrison's selfie on his trip to India, 1966We see one of the selfies by Beatle George Harrison on his trip to India in 1966. This one's way before 'phonecams' or 'point & shoots' were invented.73. An airman being captured by Vietnamese in Truc Bach Lake, Hanoi in 1967. The airman is John McCain.74. California lumberjacks working on Redwoods75. Jayalalithaa with MGRHere's a photograph of Jayalalithaa with M G Ramachandran in her hey days as an actress doing the song-and-dance routine.76. Narayana Murthy in IIT Kanpur, 1969In another rare picture, we find the co-founder of Infosys during his days at IIT Kanpur in 1969.77. Vladimir Putin photographed as a teenager. He's the one wearing a cap.78. Osama Bin Laden with his family in Sweden, circa 1970. Osama is standing 2nd from right in green and blue.79. Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee.80. Apollo 16 astronaut Charles Duke left this family photo behind on the moon in 1972.81. Steve McQueen and James Coburn serving as pallbearers at Bruce Lee’s funeral on 20th July, 1973.82. Mohammad Rafi and Muhammad Ali in Chicago, 1975One of India's greatest Indian playbacks - Mohammad Rafi sharing a momentary laugh with one of his favourite sportsmen Muhammad Ali in Chicago, 1975.83. The original 'Star Wars' cast before they started shooting for the films.84. Mohammed Ali convinces a man against committing suicide, circa 1981.85. A R Rahman and friendsThis extraordinary photograph shows a young A R Rahman along with a few extraordinary artistes. He is accompanied by Ustad Zakir Hussain, Siva Mani, Resul Pookutty and Akon.86. Shahrukh Khan, Kapil Dev and Sohail Khan in a match of footballA rare moment captured where we see cricketer Kapil Dev and movie stars Shahrukh Khan and Sohail Khan fight it out in a match of football.Thanks for readingHave a good time….

I really like this question!Recently a finished the Jim Collins's book Good to Great. What a really appreciate in it was a reseach about leadership behavior (attributes and responsabilities) in a lot of great companies, like Walgreens, Kimberly-Clark, Circuit City, Gillette..."If good is the enemy of great—and I believe it is—the current trends in leadership give the decided edge to the enemy. - Jim Collins ""The concept of Level 5 Leadership was created by business consultant, Jim Collins. He wrote about it in a 2001 Harvard Business Review article, and published his research in his well-respected book, "From Good to Great." @http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/level-5-leadership.htmHierarchy:A top leadership (Level 5) exhibit a combination two rare traits:Professional Will: An unwavering focus on doing the right things for the long term good of their organizationPersonal Humility: an inherent ability to selflessly shun the limelight and deflect the credit for their success to others in the organization or outside factors.Skills, Attributes/Responsabilities:Going a little beyond Jim Collins, here are some quotes that I appreciate from: 100 Best Quotes on Leadership - Forbes:"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. —Lao TzuWhere there is no vision, the people perish. —Proverbs 29:18I must follow the people. Am I not their leader? —Benjamin DisraeliYou manage things; you lead people. —Rear Admiral Grace Murray HopperThe first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. —Max DePreeLeadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. —Warren BennisLead me, follow me, or get out of my way. — General George PattonBefore you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. —Jack WelchA leader is a dealer in hope. —Napoleon BonaparteYou don’t need a title to be a leader. –Multiple AttributionsA leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. —John MaxwellMy own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence. —General MontgomeryLeadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations. —Peter DruckerNever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. —Margaret MeadThe nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground. —Sir Winston ChurchillThe most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leadersare made rather than born. —Warren BennisTo command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less. —Andre MalrauxHe who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander. —AristotleBecome the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position. —Brian TracyI start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. —Ralph NaderEffective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes. —Peter DruckerAnyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm. —Publilius SyrusA great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together. —Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheThe best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. —Theodore RooseveltLeadership is influence. —John C. MaxwellYou don’t lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case. —Ken KeseyWhen I give a minister an order, I leave it to him to find the means to carry it out. —Napoleon BonaparteMen make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better. —Harry S. TrumanPeople buy into the leader before they buy into the vision. —John MaxwellSo much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work. —Peter DruckerThe art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes. —Tony BlairThe very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet. —Reverend Theodore HesburghThe key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. —Kenneth BlanchardA good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is impossible. —PolybiusA great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position. —John MaxwellA leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be. —Rosalynn CarterThe challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. —Jim RohnOutstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish. —Sam WaltonA true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. —Douglas MacArthurA ruler should be slow to punish and swift to reward. —OvidNo man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it. —Andrew CarnegieLeadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it. —General Dwight EisenhowerThe leader has to be practical and a realist yet must talk the language of the visionary and the idealist. —Eric HofferLeaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems. —Brian TracyA man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. —Max LucadoNever tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. —General George PattonAs we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others. —Bill GatesAll of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership. —John Kenneth GalbraithDo what you feel in your heart to be right–for you’ll be criticized anyway. —Eleanor RooseveltDon’t necessarily avoid sharp edges. Occasionally they are necessary to leadership. —Donald RumsfeldEducation is the mother of leadership. —Wendell WillkieEffective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out. —Stephen CoveyGreat leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand. —General Colin PowellGreat leaders are not defined by the absence of weakness, but rather by the presence of clear strengths. —John ZengerHe who has great power should use it lightly. —SenecaHe who has learned how to obey will know how to command. —SolonI am reminded how hollow the label of leadership sometimes is and how heroic followership can be. —Warren BennisI cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: Try to please everybody. —Herbert SwopeIf one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities. —Maya AngelouIf you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing. —Benjamin FranklinIf your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. —John Quincy AdamsIn matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. —Thomas JeffersonIt is absurd that a man should rule others, who cannot rule himself. —Latin ProverbIt is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership. —Nelson MandelaLead and inspire people. Don’t try to manage and manipulate people. Inventories can be managed but people must be lead. —Ross PerotLeaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal. —Vince LombardiLeaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them. —John C. MaxwellLeadership and learning are indispensable to each other. —John F. KennedyLeadership cannot just go along to get along. Leadership must meet the moral challenge of the day. —Jesse JacksonLeadership does not always wear the harness of compromise. —Woodrow WilsonLeadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy. —Norman SchwarzkopfLeadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership. —Colin PowellLeadership is the key to 99 percent of all successful efforts. —Erskine BowlesLeadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better. —Bill BradleyManagement is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nurturing and enhancing. —Tom PetersManagement is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall. —Stephen CoveyNever give an order that can’t be obeyed. —General Douglas MacArthurNo man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent. —Abraham LincolnWhat you do has far greater impact than what you say. —Stephen CoveyNot the cry, but the flight of a wild duck, leads the flock to fly and follow. —Chinese ProverbOne of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency. —Arnold GlasowThe final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on. —Walter LippmanThe greatest leaders mobilize others by coalescing people around a shared vision. —Ken BlanchardThe growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. —Harvey FirestoneTo do great things is difficult; but to command great things is more difficult. —Friedrich NietzscheTo have long term success as a coach or in any position of leadership, you have to be obsessed in some way. —Pat RileyTrue leadership lies in guiding others to success. In ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it well. —Bill OwensWe live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity. —Marco RubioWhatever you are, be a good one. —Abraham LincolnYou gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do. —Eleanor RooseveltA competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops, while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops. —John J PershingA good leader is a person who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit. —John MaxwellThere are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage. —Fuchan YuanI am endlessly fascinated that playing football is considered a training ground for leadership, but raising children isn’t. —Dee Dee MyersA cowardly leader is the most dangerous of men. —Stephen KingMy responsibility is getting all my players playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back. –UnknownA good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. –George PattonThe supreme quality of leadership is integrity. –Dwight EisenhowerYou don’t lead by hitting people over the head—that’s assault, not leadership. –Dwight EisenhowerEarn your leadership every day. –Michael Jordan"

Short Answer:Sea Tigers were the Naval wing of LTTE(Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).Images:(above) Sea Tigers logo, LTTE chief during a Sea Tigers parade.Sea Tigers were the main factor behind the success and survival of LTTE . They helped LTTE prolong the Civil War for more than a quarter century.Founded in 1984 Sea Tigers started to launch Sea Attacks in 1990 ( Second Eelam War ). From 1990–2009 Sea Tigers had sunk more than 50 high profile attack crafts and warships.No other non-state Navy had ever achieved such thing against a well developed State Navy.Some of the sunked/destroyed naval crafts:2 Large surveillance command Ships ( Abeetha and Edithara)1 Large Warship (Sagarawardene)3 Warships( Sooraya, Ranasuru and Ranaviru)20 Dvora Class Fast Attack Crafts ( Israeli origin)18 Inshore Patrol Crafts.1 Large Navy Supply VesselAlong with these Sea Tigers had sunk numerous other offshore and Inshore Navy crafts.Phases of DevelopmentDuring the Eelam War 1 (1983–1987) and IPKF deployment(1987–1990) Sea Tigers were mostly involved in transport of weapons and cadres to and from India.During the Eelam War 2(1990–1995) Sea Tigers started to engage in sea combat operations but largely depended on Sea Black Tigers to counter hi-tech SL Navy ships and boats.During Eelam War 3 (1996–2002) Sea Tigers were well developed and were capable of engage in sea battles with large floatillas of SL Navy boats on high sea waves. They also earned the tag of most sophisticated non-State Navy.Along with combat duties Sea Tigers were also involved in loading and unloading of Arms Ships brought from various International black Markets.Long Answer (1000+words)ImageImage: Sea Tigers returning to base.Formed in 1984 Sea Tigers started to launch Sea attacks in 1990.The first ever cargo ship was bought from Singapore in 1984 and it was named as Cholan.Admiral SoosaiImage: Sea Tigers chief Soosai(c) with senior Commanders Theepan(L) and Bhanu in 2003.Soosai was Sea Tigers chief from 1991 to its demise in 2009. Joined LTTE as a regular cadre along with Bottu Amman in 1981 . He was close to Lt.Shankar, first LTTE martyr and later married Shankar's sister.Under his leadership Sea Tigers become the most sophisticated non-state Navy in modern history. In 2007 while testing a newly designed boat he met with an accident. It was widely rumored that he was killed in that accident. He lost his youngest son Shankar(named after his wife’s bother) and one of his bodyguards that day. But after getting treatment at various secret locations he emerged again to lead Sea Tigers for one last time.Image: Soosai having a good time with Bhanu and LTTE's chief negotiator Anton Balasingham(R).Sea Tigers divisionsThere were various divisions but most important wereRegular Sea TigersFemale Sea TigersSea Black Tigers (including frogmen and frogwomen)Frogmen or deep sea divers(with 3 sub divisions)Engineering divisions(with a separate female division)SEA BLACK TIGERSImage: Captain Miller, first Black Tiger(land) killed in July 1987.While the first Black Tiger Attack was carried out in 5th July 1987, but after the deployment of IPKF(Indian Peace Keeping Force) LTTE never used suicide tactics. Once IPKF left in 1990 and the Second Eelam War started LTTE launched it's second suicide attack almost 3 years after the first attack.In early 1990s Sea Tigers didn't have a strong attack craft to fight the Navy so they were highly depended on Sea Black Tigers. Except few times Sea Black Tigers never disappointed their Admiral.For the Eelam cause these highly committed men and women were ready to ram into any target and explode themselves .Becoming a Sea black tiger:Image: Black Tigers, scene from the movie Operation Ellalan.To become Black Tigers regular cadres had to send application to LTTE chief. Once their applications were accepted by LTTE chief regular cadres were trained for tough Sea Operations. As far as Sea Black Tigers were considered swimming skills of a cadre played a vital role in getting selected for this most respected and elite squad.Last SupperBefore their last mission Black Tigers were allowed to have their last supper with LTTE chief.Image: Dinner with the leader.Images: Sea Black Tigers having snacks with Sea Tiger Chief Soosai and LTTE chief.Deep Sea DiversSea Tigers has a specialized deep sea divers who were also become Black Tigers whenever required.NAVAL ENGINEERING DIVISIONSLTTE's Naval Engineering divisions have produced some of the most sophisticated naval crafts and boats.These crafts were produced by locally available materials like fiberglass.Advantages of Sea Tigers Boats:Low production cost. Made with cheap materials like fiberglass used for making Shipping Boats .Effective bottom design to turn at very high speed.Achieve high speed(50–60 knots) with heavy loads like heavy troops and ammunition.Otis (Boatmen) :Tamil Militancy started to rise it's head from late 1960s. From late 1960s to early 1990s India was the most important destination for Tamil Militants especially LTTE. Wanted Militants used to hide in India and it was the safest place for them.To reach India from Jaffna( Tamil militant stronghold) and vice-versa they were depended on Otis or boatmen. These Otis were highly skilled boatmen who had thorough knowledge of Sea depth in different regions, timing and route of SL and Indian Navy Patrol boats.These Otis were involved in both legal and illegal activities on the sea region between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu also known as Palk Strait. They commanded great respect among Tamil Militants as Otis were highly trustable men and contributed to the Eelam Armed struggle in their own way .Operation Point Five:In late 1986 Prabhakaran refused to meet and sign the accord with Sri Lankan President who arrived in Bangalore to attend SAARC Meet. The intention of Indian Government was clear so whenLater Prabhakaran told Anita Pratap(News Reporter) that on that day he decided never to return India again.But he couldn't do that. His movement was closely observed by Q-Branch of Tamil Nadu Police. So he outsmarted TN intelligence officers by using his wife 's car. Later he reached a coastal point near Vedaranyam. There 5 Boats were waiting for him. After the sun set these boats disappeared into the dark Sea. Once reaching the other point many LTTE cadres were waiting to welcome back their leader. Until then neither the boatmen(Otis) or any other LTTE commander knew about his escape plan. Even his wife madhivadhani and close confidant Balasingham knew it only after he safely reach Jaffna. Kittu was the only Commander who knew about the arrival of Prabhakaran. To keep the whole plan secret he chose Otis over his own sea Tigers.First Eelam War and Sea Tigers (1983/84- 1987)BIRTH OF SEA TIGER:In 1984 Sea Tigers were founded. They were mostly engaged in transport of cadres and cargo between Eelam and Tamil Nadu(India). They used small boats with few armed cadres onboard always. They were not capable of fighting with SL Navy so they mostly avoid direct confrontation with Government Forces.If they were spotted by the coast guard or Navy then there was no one to save them. It means sure death. So more than their weapons they were highly depended on their Intelligence information to clandestinely reach their destination.Kittu pulled a stunning raidWhen the SL Government was preparing for the arrival of British PM Margaret Thatcher at the same time Prabhakaran was busy planning his own way of welcoming her. He wanted the World to know about the Eelam issue. He chose the same date to launch a raid in Jaffna.On April 10th, 1985 LTTE's newly appointed Jaffna commander Kittu with around 200 LTTE Cadres on mini buses, bikes and bicycles infiltrated into Jaffna city. They shut down the power supply of the area and surrounded the Police Station. There were around 100 Policemen deployed there. After giving warnings LTTE started firing. There was an Army camp hardly 1Km away so the Policemen thought that they can protect the station from LTTE as soon Army would send reinforcement. But it never happened. Soldiers at the Army camp thought that LTTE would attack the camp next so instead of sending reinforcement they stood alert to protect their camp. But on that day Military camp was not LTTE's target. Their target was the weapons kept inside the Police Station. Even LTTE thought that Army would send reinforcement so Kittu had deployed a LTTE team to block the reinforcement. Soon Policemen realized that Army would never come so they abandoned the station and ran away. LTTE got away with huge stock of ammunition.After the raid Sea Tigers were provided some better weapons which they can use during their dangerous Sea travel yet they were still not capable of figting an enemy attack craft.Mr.& Mrs.Balasingham escape:During late 1987 after losing Jaffna to IPKF LTTE escaped to Wanni jungles. Indian Navy and Coast Guards had created Naval Blockade around tthe Palk Strait. At that time Prabhakaran asked LTTE's chief spokesperson Anton Balasingham and his wife to leave Sri Lanka and escape to London.Amid all situations Sea Tigers transported the couple to a secret place in Tamil Nadu. From there they were taken to Bengaluru. They returned to Madras(Chennai) then escaped to London with the help of an IB Officer.LTTE cadres treated at TNDuring LTTE Vs IPKF (1987–1990) hundreds of injured LTTE cadres were transported to Tamil Nadu(India) for better treatment.SEA MONSTERSDuring late 1980s and 1990s SL Navy had deployed three large ships to monitor the waters in the Northern part of the island.AbeethaEditharaWickremaMain Tasks of these shipsThese ships were fitted with powerful radars to guide Fast Attack Craft (FAC) to control Sea Tiger movements in the region.These ships were strategically positioned to provide food, water and ammunition to FACs deployed in northern coasts.These ships were also used to transport heavy vehicles and equipments between two bases whenever required.These ships were also known as Sea Monsters among Tamil fishermen and Tamil Tigers. These vessels had responsible for the death of hundreds of Tamil fishermen(suspected as LTTE supporters) and LTTE cadres who used these regions.Eelam War 2 (1990–1995)1990:During the early stage of the Eelam War 2 LTTE successfully captured Mankulam, Kilaly and Kilinochchi.First attack on NavyAfter the departure of IPKF LTTE took control of most parts of Jaffna. But most of the Sea routes around Jaffna Peninsula were still under Government control.First Black Tiger:Kantharuban, Vinoth and Collins became the first Sea Black Tigers on 06.1990. They launched a suicide attack on the so called sea Monster “Edithara”. But they were spotted even before they reach the target and heavy exchange of gunfire took place. Edithara Ship survived the attack with minor damages.But with that attack LTTE had opened a new front on sea . It was just the beginning of a nearly 2 decade long sea battles where SL Navy faced multiple suicide attacks .Among the first Sea Black Tigers Kantharuban stood out because he was the one who asked LTTE chief to open Orphanage home for helpless kids who lost their parents due to civil war.Kantharuban himself was an orphan so before going for his last mission during a conversation he asked LTTE chief to open an Orphanage home for children who lost their parents during the civil war.Image: LTTE chief inaugurating a Chenchollai Illam.This inspired LTTE chief to open many such homes:Chenchollai IIllam: Orphanage home for female children who lost their parents during the civil war.Kantharuban Arivuchcholai : Orphanage home for male children.Anbu Illam: Old age home for elder people who lost their children .Santhosham Psychiatrist home: For civilians and former LTTE cadres who lost their mental balance due to Civil War.Navam Arivukkudam(Navam Training School): Training School for disabled (physically ) LTTE war veterans.Image: Swiss Tamils pay homage to Kantharuban and 60 school girls who were killed during the Sencholai Bombing(2006) in 2013.1991:Destruction of AbeethaThough Edithara survived first Black Tiger attack on it , but it's companion Abeetha was not lucky enough to survive the Black Tigers attack.Jeyanthan and Bharathan were the two Black Tigers who rammed their Suicide Boat on Abeetha. The damage was huge and Abeetha was taken out of service and sent to Navy yard.Image: Sea Black Tiger Jeyanthan with leader.Jeyanthan who led the attack was hailed from Jothipuram, Batticaloa, Eastern Province. As he played a vital role in sinking first Navy Ship that too the feared Abeetha (one of the 3 Monster surveillance ships) LTTE chief named its second Military brigade as Jeyanthan Brigade ( Charles Anthony Brigade was the first) .These brigade was made of cadres exclusively from Eastern Province. In 2004 this brigade remained loyal to mainstream LTTE when former Eastern Province chief Karuna Amman ordered them to return back to East and fight for him.199230th Aug, Capturing first ever Patrol craft:LTTE attacked Mandaitivu Naval Base (South of Jaffna city) and Sea Tigers were able to capture an Inshore Patrol Craft from Sri Lankan Navy.It was a turning point for the Sea Tigers as this Patrol Boat helped LTTE manufacture its own version of several such Patrol Crafts.1993:18.08, Sinking first Dvora Class Fast Attack CraftImage: LTTE chief with Gaddafi checks 20mm cannon and other guns captured by Sea Tigers during the first ever sinking Dvora Craft in Aug 1993.In August 1993 Sea Tigers sunk a Dvora Fast Attack Craft. The highlight of the attack was that Sea Tigers were able to remove a 20mm Cannon from the sinking craft. It was the first 120mm Cannon LTTE(Sea Tigers) ever got.Dvora Class( Fast Attack Craft) has its origin from Israel. During the early phase of Civil War Sri Lankan Government bought many such crafts for the Navy. Later they started to produce Dvora at their own Defence Manufacturing Plants in Colombo, Sri Lanka.Image: Super Dvora T80 Fast Attack Craft(FAC).Dvora was the main attack craft of Sri Lankan Navy during the Civil War. As a result it was regularly targeted by Sea black Tigers. While the first Dvora was sunked in August 1993 the last Dvora sunked by Sea Tigers was reported in 30th April 2009. Totally 20 Dvoras were sunked by Sea Tigers during the Civil War.Operation Frog ( தவளை பாய்ச்சல)LTTE launched a combined land and Sea attack on Ponneryn Army Base and Nagadevanthurai Naval Base . So it was named as Operation Frog. Army was taken completely by surprise.Image: Sengannan First Indian Black Tiger.This battle also gave Eelam struggle its first Black Tiger from India. Sengannan a native of Satthur,Sivakasi(TN), India was part of the Black Tigers team which attacked the Palali Base.Theepan led the attack on Ponneryn Army Base and Bhanu led the attack on the Nagadevanthurai Naval Base.Image: Col.BhanuLTTE removed everything they got their hands on that includes:2 Main Battle Tanks3 Fast Attack CraftsLarge stocks of ammunition.These 3 attack crafts helped Sea Tigers to create a specialized separate fleet.The two captured T55 Main Battle Tanks were also effectively used by LTTE for next 15+ years until the end of Civil War.Image: LTTE T-55 tank moving towards frontline.1994:Sinking of Sagarawardene, largest Warship:On 1994, Sea Black Tigers penetrated the Government waters and hit the Sagarawardene. At that time it was one of the two largest warships of SL Navy.Image: Sagarawardene.Sea Tigers captured SL Navy officer Boyagoda. He was the top ranked SL Military officer under LTTE's custody during the SL Civil War. He remained as a LTTE War prisoner from 1994–2002.In his book Boyagoda confessed that while Government blame him and his colleagues for the sinking but it was an accurate Black Tiger attack and none of the officer onboard could do anything about that.Image: Prabhakaran, Gaddafi and Soosai (inspecting weapons captured from the sunked Sagarawardene Warship.1995Sinking of Sooraya and Ransuru WarshipsImage: LTTE chief with Santha one of the 4 LTTE deep sea divers who penetrated Trincomalee Harbour and sunk two warships.Image: Soorya-RanasuruFinally Edithara sunked:Image: Edithara.In 1991 Edithara survived first Black Tiger attack but during the second attempt it was not lucky enough. On 16th July 1995 Deep sea divers sunked this large Command ship.1996Operation Unceasing waves I(ஓயாத அலைகள் ஒன்று)Late 1995 saw LTTE expelled out of Jaffna. Government claimed that LTTE was destroyed and only 10% of its cadres had survived the offensive. But LTTE ran deep into jungles and used this time to regroup and increase ammunition.They had become more fierce and more intelligent than ever. They launched Operation Unceasing Waves I in 1996.After Operation Frog Jump(1993) this was another and even bigger combined land and sea attacks.Image: LTTE cadres inside Mullaitivu base in 1996.Sea Tigers blocked Navy from landing reinforcement troops. Within 3 days more than 1000 SL Soldiers were killed.LTTE captured several artillery pieces which helped them in future military operations.Image: Artillery pieces captured from Mullaitivu base in 1996 helped LTTE create a separate Artillery Unit.2000Historical Kudarappu Landing (March 2000):In December 1999 LTTE launched Operation Unceasing waves 3(ஓயாத அலைகள் மூன்று) .LTTE surrounded the strategically important Elephant Pass Garrison.They captured the Kattaikadu Naval Base and blocked the Sea-Land Supply route to the Garrison. LTTE anti-aircraft unit secured the airfield in the area. The only supply route was A9 Highway.The reinforcement Forces from Jaffna was sent to EPS. If those forces reached the Garrison LTTE would have faced the same defeat they faced 8 years ago during First Battle of Elephant Pass in 1991.So LTTE chief prepared a strong team for a “behind enemy line” Operation.To block the A9 Highway a large LTTE team had to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. To achieve such thing LTTE had to first land behind enemy lines through Sea. But Sea Tigers had not done such thing before. Most of their sea battles were either all-out Sea battles or black Tiger attacks. But this time they had to fight not only the Navy but also protect the land force and safely land them behind enemy lines.Image:Soosai(2nd from right) with Sea Tigers preparing for the landing.Balraj on a Suicide mission:LTTE's deputy chief Brig. Balraj was given this deadly task. He was also informed that A9 Highway was the only way for then to return back. If Elephant Pass didn't fall then his troops would have no option but to die there helplessly.Prabhakaran prepared a strong force of 1200 LTTE cadres which had teams from :Charles Anthony Brigade( led by Rajasingan)Malathi Brigade ( led by Vidusha )Sothiya Brigade (led by Thurga)Victor Anti-Tank Brigade (led by Ilangeeran)On the evening of 26th March 2000 a large floatillas of Sea Tigers attack craft and gun boats started moving from Vettilankerni(Sea Tigers base) towards Kudarappu. As the boat reached few miles deep they faced huge resistance from the Navy.Image:Memorial at the landing point at Kudarappu where first LTTE team landed on the night of 26th March 2000.More than 16 Dvoras were deployed to intercept and block Sea Tigers from landing the troops. Huge battle broke in the middle of the Sea. Sea Tigers had to complete the landing before the dawn. After sunrise Navy would get the support of Air-Force. Amid all these difficulties Sea Tigers landed first Troops on the Kudarappu Coast at 8.45pm.Image: LTTE held area at Ittavil.Vatharayan Box: First team which landed was led by Balraj and they walk through lake, lagoon and wetlands and reached Ittavil. Soon they were joined by rest of the teams.They captured 4 km of A9 Highway. They dig bunkers and centry points and secured the whole area. The whole area looked like a box and it was called Vatharayaan Box.Image:Brig.BalrajBalraj and his troops held this box for 34 days until the fall of Elephant Pass. Government forces uused all types of tactics from Air-raids, artillery shelling, huge number of tanks attacks,e tc. They changed their lead commanders thrrice but nobody can dislodge Balraj and his troops.LTTE elite Charles Anthony Brigade fought fearlessly with all types of Commando attacks launched by SL special forces. As a result the Garrison was completely isolated.EPS Garrison fell to LTTE on 23rd April 2000.Image: Bhanu hoisting LTTE flag inside Elephant Pass Garrison.No Port:Sea Tigers didn't have any port in the LTTE controlled territory. So they used trailers to transport their Boats and hide them inside coastal area. This tactics helped them launch Sea Attacks from anywhere and anytime.Image: Sea Tigers trailing a boat using tractor.LTTE's International Shipping FleetImage: LTTE largest cargo ship found in Indonesia in 2009.LTTE probably had the largest shipping fleet than any other militant groups.The movement of their cargo ships was very secretive. No matter how hard the SL Government tried it was never able to locate these cargo ships and their routes. For more than 2 decades these ships were one of the important factors for the survival of LTTE.As LTTE didn't has any port they used to anchor these large ships at International waters far away from Sri Lankan maritime borders. From there the arms and ammunition were unloaded to Sea Tigers boats and transported to LTTE controlled territory.These floating warehouses wwere destroyed by SL Navy when USA ccame forward to help Sri Lanka in every possible way to destroy LTTE. With the help of powerful US Satellites CIA provided exact locations of these ships everytime they moved from their original place.SEA TIGERS VESSELS and BOATSGunboatsSEA TIGERS EXPLOSIVES BOATSRussian deep sea divers kitRussian TORPEDOSHuman torpedoLow profile human torpedoSemi-submarinesLow profile Semi-submarineGokulan45Gokulan24Steel semi-submarineSemi-submarinesSUBMARINES:Single human submarineSubmarine hullImage: Tourist on LTTE Submarine hull at a War memorial.DEMISEThe last notable Sea Tigers activity was recorded on 4th May 2009 when Sea Tigers sunked an Inshore Patrol Craft off Mullaitivu coast.After the death of Col.Soosai on 18th May 2009(last day of Civil War) the remaining SeaTigers were completely neutralized.Image:Sea Tigers chief Soosai's home near Puthukudiyiruppu where he lived with his wife and children.The World is yet to see such a sophisticated Non-state Navy which can be compared to Sea Tigers.Sea Tigers motto reads:Kadalile Kaaviyam Padaippom (கடலிலே காவியம் படைப்போம்) which loosely translates into “create history on Sea”Indeed they created history on Sea. Whenever this World speak about best Non-state Navies these highly resourceful and daring men and women from Eelam will be remembered for many more decades to come.Mr. Ramesh Kandasamy's commentOne small but interesting fact. During 90’s a lot of Yamaha RX 100 Bike’s engines were robbed from the streets of TamilNadu and apparently it was used by the LTTE for building their smaller boats. At a point a few hesitated to buy the iconic bike for same reason. :)(The Full Wiki)H I Sutton - Covert Shores