Gunner Ram Mehar

Gunner Ram Mehar was a proud son of Bhongra village, located in the Uchana tehsil of Jind district, Haryana. Raised in a modest family that faced financial challenges, he grew up learning the importance of perseverance, integrity, and hard work. Despite limited resources, he nurtured strong ambitions and remained determined to carve out a purposeful life dedicated to serving the nation. Inspired by deep patriotism and a sense of duty, he chose to join the Indian Army — a decision that reflected his courage, commitment, and devotion to the country. After completing his rigorous military training, he was inducted into the 1861 Light Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery. The Regiment of Artillery, one of the Indian Army’s most formidable combat arms, plays a decisive role on the battlefield through its mastery of field guns, howitzers, and mortar systems that provide powerful fire support. As a member of the 1861 Light Regiment, Gunner Ram Mehar became part of a proud and time-honoured fraternity of artillerymen distinguished by their technical expertise, precision, and unwavering professionalism.

Field Firing Exercise (Brazen Chariots): 19 March 2008

In 2008, Gunner Ram Mehar was serving with the 1861 Light Regiment in the desert sector of western Rajasthan. The unforgiving landscape — with its searing heat, shifting dunes, and vast barren stretches — demanded resilience, precision, and unwavering alertness from every soldier. To ensure operational excellence, the regiment routinely carried out rigorous field exercises and live firing drills to evaluate weapon performance, ammunition reliability, and crew coordination under realistic conditions. On 19 March 2008, the regiment took part in a large-scale live demonstration, “Brazen Chariots,” at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Conducted in the presence of nearly 100 foreign military observers from around 60 countries, the exercise was intended to display India’s combat capability and preparedness. The desert reverberated with the roar of T-90 tanks advancing across the sands and artillery guns firing in flawless synchronisation — a powerful testament to the Army’s professionalism.

Gunner Ram Mehar was assigned as a vital member of a 120 mm mortar detachment of the regiment. Known among his peers for his discipline and reliability, he carried out his responsibilities with dedication and quiet determination. The detachment also comprised Havildar Mangu Singh, Lance Naik Sanjaya Kumar Bagh, and other committed artillerymen. Before the firing commenced, the team received detailed operational briefings and performed exhaustive safety inspections in strict adherence to established artillery norms. After completing all mandatory procedures, the detachment moved into position and began firing 22 designated rounds as part of the demonstration. The initial rounds were executed with accuracy and efficiency, reflecting the crew’s training and coordination. Tragically, during the firing of the 20th round, a high-explosive fragmentation bomb malfunctioned and detonated prematurely inside the mortar barrel. The sudden and devastating blast tore through the position, sending deadly splinters in all directions. Gunner Ram Mehar, along with Havildar Mangu Singh and Lance Naik Sanjaya Kumar Bagh, sustained critical injuries. Rescue teams responded immediately, and the wounded soldiers were airlifted to the military hospital in Jodhpur. Despite every possible medical effort, Gunner Ram Mehar and his comrades succumbed to their injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Hav Mangu Singh is survived by his wife, Smt Rekha Devi.