Hav Umrao Singh

Havildar Umrao Singh hailed from Jawahar Nagar Patharwa village in the Mahendergarh district of Haryana. He was the son of Shri Dhanji and Smt. Taktha Devi grew up in a humble, close-knit family. He had one brother, Jai Narayan Singh, as his sibling. From his early years, Hav  Umrao Singh displayed qualities of discipline, hard work, and responsibility that later shaped his military career. After completing his school education, Hav Umrao Singh felt a strong calling to serve the nation. Motivated by the legacy of valour associated with his state and family background, he decided to join the armed forces. He was recruited into the Indian Army and became a part of the 6th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The Rajputana Rifles, known for their gallant soldiers and numerous battle honours, became the foundation on which Hav Umrao Singh built his professional life.

Once in uniform, he underwent rigorous training and quickly adapted to the disciplined life of the infantry. Over the years, he gained valuable experience and earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike. Known for his sincerity, dedication, and courage, he served in the battalion during demanding field tenures as well as peace postings. In recognition of his service and contributions, he was awarded several medals of honour, including the General Service Medal 1947 with clasp J&K, the 1939–45 Burma Star, and the Indian Independence Medal. These distinctions reflected his commitment to duty and his role in significant chapters of India’s military history. His commitment to his regiment reflected the age-old motto of the Rajputana Rifles—“Veer Bhogya Vasundhara” (The Brave Shall Inherit the Earth). After serving for a few years, He entered into matrimony with Ms. Anna Bai. Together, they built a large and loving family. The couple was blessed with four sons—Krishan Singh, Karan Singh, Rajendra Singh, and Umed Singh, and two daughters— Ramesh Bai and Nopa Bai. 

J&K Ops (Indo-Pak War): 18th July 1948

In 1948, Hav Umrao Singh's unit 6 Raj Rif was deployed in J&K. The summer of 1948 saw some of the fiercest battles of the Indo-Pak conflict in Jammu & Kashmir. The strategic village of Tithwal, perched amidst the rugged mountains of Kashmir, had fallen into the hands of Pakistani raiders. Their next aim was to consolidate control over the vital ridges and positions across the Kishanganga River, which would allow them dominance over the entire sector. Recognizing the urgency, the Indian Army decided to launch a determined counter-offensive to recapture the lost ground and secure Tithwal. The task was entrusted to the 6th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, a regiment steeped in history and renowned for its fearless soldiers. The offensive was launched on 11 July 1948 and would continue till 15 July 1948, during which two companies were detailed to storm and capture the heavily defended features in the area. Among these troops was Company ‘D’, commanded by Company Havildar Major (CHM) Piru Singh, a man whose indomitable courage inspired every jawan under him. Their objective was to secure the first feature—a daunting task, for the only path forward was a narrow ridge flanked by deep ravines, completely exposed to the enemy’s machine-gun nests and bunkers.

The enemy, occupying commanding heights, rained down relentless fire, their Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) sweeping the narrow approach like a scythe. Yet, CHM Piru Singh, with unshakable faith and thunderous cries of “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai!”, led his men forward. Among those pushing ahead with him was Hav Umrao Singh, who shared his commander’s resolve and grit. Within minutes of the advance, the company suffered staggering losses—over half the men fell to enemy fire. The path became littered with the wounded and martyred, but the survivors pressed on. CHM Piru Singh, bleeding from grenade splinters that had torn through his uniform and flesh, refused to stop. Charging ahead like a man possessed, he stormed the enemy MMG post, bayoneting its crew and silencing the deadly gun that had claimed so many of his comrades.

Even as he pressed forward to clear more bunkers single-handedly, tragedy struck elsewhere on the ridge. Hav Umrao Singh, fighting gallantly by his side, was hit by an enemy bullet. Despite grievous injuries, he continued to fight till he could no longer hold out. In those final moments, his courage and determination shone through as he laid down his life amidst the mountains of Tithwal. By the time the dust settled, Company ‘D’ had been virtually wiped out. CHM Piru Singh, too, would fall, earning eternal glory and the nation’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra. Alongside him, soldiers like Hav Umrao Singh etched their names in history through their unflinching bravery and sacrifice. Hav Umrao Singh’s martyrdom was not just a personal loss to his family and regiment, but also a reminder of the grit and gallantry of the Indian soldier, who, against overwhelming odds, fought to defend the honour of his motherland.