Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari VrC

Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari hailed from the serene and mountainous village of Ranau, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Born to Shri Gabbar Singh and Smt Bachi Devi, he grew up in a region known for its proud martial traditions and deep sense of patriotism. Like many young men from the hills, Deb Singh was inspired from an early age by the heroic legacy of those who served in the Indian Armed Forces. With a strong desire to serve his nation and wear the olive green uniform, he resolved to join the Indian Army. After completing his school education, he fulfilled this dream by enrolling in the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 1 Garhwal Rifles, a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment—one of the most respected and decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The regiment is renowned for its fearless warriors, gallant history, and outstanding contributions in various battles and military operations both before and after Independence.

Lance Havildar Bhandari quickly adapted to military life, demonstrating exceptional discipline, endurance, and leadership potential. Over the years, his commitment to duty and soldierly qualities earned him the trust of his seniors and the admiration of his peers. He rose steadily through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Lance Havildar, a junior non-commissioned officer rank that marked his growing responsibility and experience. During his service, he was posted in several operationally demanding areas, where he continued to hone his tactical skills and strengthen his resolve as a combat soldier. Outside the battlefield, he also built a life rooted in love and tradition. He married Ms Kalpeshwari Devi, a native of Uttarakhand, and together they shared a life built on shared values of resilience and sacrifice. 

Rajasthan Sector Operation: 17 Nov 1965

In the aftermath of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari was serving as the commander of a "finding section" in a company of 1 Garhwal Rifles, deployed in the Rajasthan sector—an area that had witnessed intense military engagements. Following the ceasefire agreement, Pakistani forces violated its terms by intruding into Indian territory, threatening national sovereignty. In response to this breach, Lance Havildar Bhandari’s battalion was assigned a critical and high-risk mission: to clear the enemy intrusion and restore control over the compromised area. As the operation commenced, the company cautiously advanced into the contested zone. However, their progress was suddenly halted by a deadly burst of fire from a well-concealed enemy Light Machine Gun (LMG) position. Tactically located to dominate the terrain, the LMG inflicted several casualties and pinned down the troops, jeopardizing the success of the entire mission.

At this decisive and perilous juncture, Lance Havildar Deb Singh displayed exceptional courage and leadership. Fully aware of the grave danger and without concern for his own life, he volunteered to neutralize the enemy position. Alone and under heavy fire, he crawled across open ground, fully exposed to enemy small arms and automatic fire. Undeterred by the life-threatening situation, he pressed forward with remarkable calm and resolve. Reaching within striking distance of the enemy bunker, he skillfully lobbed a hand grenade into the post, successfully killing the enemy gunner and silencing the LMG. His daring action broke the deadlock and enabled his company to resume its advance. Tragically, just as he completed this heroic act, Lance Havildar Bhandari was struck by enemy fire and sustained a fatal bullet wound to the head. He succumbed to his injuries on the battlefield, making the ultimate sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari’s actions not only saved the lives of his comrades but also embodied the core values of military service—valour, sacrifice, and selfless duty. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and supreme sacrifice, Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari was posthumously awarded the "Vir Chakra", one of India’s highest gallantry awards.

Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari is survived by his wife, Smt Kalpeshwari Devi.

The Citation for "Vir Chakra" awarded to him reads:

Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari was commanding a finding section of a company in a battalion that was tasked with clearing an area in Rajasthan where the enemy had intruded after the ceasefire. The assault by his company was halted by a well-sited enemy Light Machine Gun (LMG), which was inflicting numerous casualties. Disregarding the heavy enemy fire from automatic and small arms, Lance Havildar Bhandari bravely crawled toward the enemy LMG position. He threw a hand grenade, killing the enemy soldier manning the weapon. However, during this act of valor, he was shot in the head and killed.

Lance Havildar Deb Singh Bhandari displayed commendable courage, determination, and devotion to duty of the highest order.