Captain Ravinder Singh

Captain Ravinder Singh was born on 5 December 1942 in New Delhi, to Shri Sardar Daljeet Singh Khangura and Smt. Sardarni Surinder Kaur. Raised in a family deeply rooted in patriotic values and a strong sense of national service, he imbibed ideals of discipline, duty, and dedication from an early age. These formative influences shaped his character and inspired him to choose a life of service to the nation. After completing his education, Captain Ravinder Singh joined the Indian Army in 1962. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt into 18 Cavalry of the Armoured Corps, one of the most formidable and prestigious combat arms of the Army. The Armoured Corps, renowned for its tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, and decisive firepower, plays a crucial role in both offensive thrusts and defensive operations on the battlefield. Through rigorous training and field experience, Captain Ravinder Singh quickly adapted to the demanding and highly technical environment of armoured warfare. The Armoured Corps traces its rich lineage through several historic regiments, among them the 18th Cavalry, an old and illustrious armoured regiment of the Indian Army. The regiment was raised in 1921 through the amalgamation of the 6th King Edward’s Own Cavalry (raised in 1842) and the 7th Hariana Lancers (raised in 1846). Following this amalgamation, the regiment comprised soldiers from Kaimkhani, Rajputana, Rajput, and Jat communities, reflecting the diverse martial traditions of India. 

Over time, the regiment’s class composition evolved to include Jats from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan; Rajputs from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan; and Hindustani Mussalmans drawn from across the country, predominantly from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. This diversity strengthened the regiment’s ethos and combat effectiveness. During the Second World War, the regiment was deployed to North Africa, where it fought with distinction, including in the historic Battle of Tobruk. Following the Partition of India in 1947, when the Indian Army was divided between the newly formed nations of India and Pakistan, the 18th King Edward’s Own Cavalry was allocated to India. After India became a republic in 1950, the regiment was redesignated as the 18th Cavalry. In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the regiment, equipped with up-gunned Sherman tanks, spearheaded the advance of 26 Infantry Division in the Sialkot Sector, playing a decisive role in armoured operations against enemy forces and upholding its proud legacy of courage and battlefield excellence.

Sialkot Operation (Indo-Pak War) - Sept 1965

During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Captain Ravinder Singh’s regiment, the 18th Cavalry, was deployed in the strategically vital Sialkot sector. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was triggered by Pakistan’s failure in Operation Gibraltar, which sought to incite an uprising in Jammu & Kashmir through covert infiltration. In desperation, Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam on 1 September 1965 across the southern sector of the Cease Fire Line, aiming to capture Akhnoor. Success at Akhnoor would have severed India’s land communications to Jammu & Kashmir and placed Pakistan in a position to dictate terms. Although the initial thrust achieved surprise, the offensive soon lost momentum. The Indian Air Force played a decisive role in blunting Pakistan’s advance, and by 10 September the situation stabilised. Pakistan’s strategic objective of capturing Akhnoor was decisively thwarted. In response, India launched major counter-offensives across the international border in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan on 6 September 1965. The principal counter-stroke was delivered in the Sialkot sector by the newly raised I Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General PO Dunn. The offensive, launched on the night of 7/8 September, aimed to relieve pressure on the Chhamb sector and degrade Pakistan’s armoured strength. The Sialkot sector was heavily defended by Pakistan’s I Corps, comprising the powerful 6 Armoured Division and 15 Infantry Division, with a substantial concentration of Patton and Sherman tanks. This made the sector one of the most armour-intensive battlefields in South Asia.

Within this operational framework, Captain Ravinder Singh was serving with the 18th Cavalry, which was deployed in the Sialkot sector under 26 Infantry Division. The regiment formed part of India’s armoured spearhead, tasked with breaching well-prepared enemy defences and engaging Pakistani armour in direct tank battles. On 8 September 1965, 18th Cavalry was heavily engaged in a major armoured clash at Gadgor. In a fierce and fast-moving engagement, Indian armour demonstrated superior tactical coordination and resilience, destroying 16 Pakistani Patton tanks. This action proved a decisive precursor to the Battle of Phillora and played a crucial role in establishing Indian armoured superiority in the sector. As operations continued, heavy monsoon rains transformed vast stretches of farmland into waterlogged slush, severely restricting visibility, traction, and manoeuvrability. During this phase, one of the tanks of 18th Cavalry became immobilised in the muddy terrain along with its crew, rendering it highly vulnerable to enemy action. Recognising the gravity of the situation, on the night of 9 September 1965, Captain Ravinder Singh undertook a perilous rescue mission to recover the stranded tank and extricate its crew. While leading the effort under hostile conditions, his own tank also became bogged down. With no alternative, Captain Ravinder Singh and the crew dismounted and worked in the open, fully exposed to enemy observation. At that critical moment, two Pakistani Sabre jet aircraft spotted the group and launched an air attack. Bombs were dropped targeting the tanks and exposed personnel. One bomb exploded close to Captain Ravinder Singh, causing fatal injuries. He was martyred on the battlefield, making the supreme sacrifice in the highest tradition of selfless leadership, courage, and unwavering devotion to duty. During the course of the entire operation, thirteen of his comrades-in-arms also laid down their lives, fighting with exceptional bravery and steadfast resolve. They were Dfr Ram Kumar, Dfr Rajesh Singh, L/Dfr Sheo Shankar Singh, L/Dfr Gian Singh, ALD Mohd Nizamuddin, Swr Giriraj Singh, Swr Mange Ram Panghal, Swr Pala Ram Baloda, Swr Dharamvir Singh, Swr Faiz Mohd Khan, Swr Mohd Sharif Khan, Swr Mohd Nissar, and Swr Sukharam Singh. Their collective sacrifice stands as a solemn testament to the finest traditions of service, honour, and duty to the nation.

Throughout the war, 18th Cavalry—guided by its proud motto “Saahas Aur Samman” (Courage and Honour)—fought a series of hard-fought armoured engagements using Sherman Mk IV and Mk V tanks as part of India’s armoured thrust. These operations contributed significantly to India’s advance up to the Ichhogil Canal and Burki, posed a direct threat to Lahore, forced Pakistan to divert critical forces, and eased pressure on other fronts, particularly Jammu & Kashmir. Captain Ravinder Singh’s courage, leadership, and supreme sacrifice remain an enduring testament to the fighting spirit of the Indian Armoured Corps and continue to inspire generations of soldiers who follow.

Captain Ravinder Singh is survived by his sisters Smt Gurdeep Kaur, Smt Harprakash Kaur, Smt Jasbir Kaur and Smt Jatinder Jaur.