Service No : 9202423K
Place of birth : Jalandhar Dist (Pun)
Service : Army
Last Rank : Lance Naik
Unit : 5 Mahar
Arm/Regt : The Mahar Regiment
Operation : Indo-Pak War-1965
Martyrdom : November 13, 1965
Lance Naik Gurmel Chand Mall
Lance Naik Gurmel Chand Mall hailed from Hakimpur village in the Jalandhar district of Punjab. He was the son of Late Shri Banta Ram Mall and Late Smt. Jai Kaur Mall. He grew up in a close-knit family with two brothers, Shibu Ram Mall and Devraj Mall, and a sister, Gurmit Kaur. From a young age, he was inspired by the pride and dignity associated with serving the nation and developed a strong desire to join the Armed Forces. After completing his initial education, he fulfilled his aspiration by enlisting in the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 5 Mahar Battalion of the Mahar Regiment, an infantry unit renowned for its valour, discipline and extensive battle honours. The battalion, raised on 23 March 1948 at Amritsar under the leadership of Maj Tirath Singh, had built a distinguished legacy over the years. It played a pivotal role in the recapture of Pul Kanjari in 1948, and later took part in the 1962 operations, earning respect and recognition for its courage and operational effectiveness.
As a young Sepoy, Gurmel Chand joined his unit with great enthusiasm and soon became actively involved in various field exercises and operational duties. Over time, he demonstrated dedication, reliability, and leadership qualities, which led to his promotion to the rank of Lance Naik. During his service, he married Ms Chano, and the couple was blessed with two sons, Hansraj and Resham Lal. With his growing responsibilities both at home and in uniform, he continued to serve with steadfast commitment. By early 1965, as tensions escalated along the western border and the possibility of war loomed large, Lance Naik Gurmel Chand Mall’s unit was mobilised for active deployment.
Western Border Operation: 13 Nov 1965
By November 1965, Lance Naik Gurmel Chand Mall and his unit, 5 Mahar, were deployed along the western border in the aftermath of the Indo-Pak war. Although the full-scale conflict officially began on 01 September 1965, when Pakistani forces launched an attack in the Chhamb sector, the situation had been tense for months prior, marked by repeated ceasefire violations and border skirmishes along the Line of Control. With the escalation of hostilities, 5 Mahar was positioned alongside several infantry and artillery units to strengthen the defensive posture and safeguard strategic locations. The Indo-Pak war formally came to an end on 23 September 1965 following a ceasefire agreement. However, the ground reality remained volatile. Skirmishes continued in many sectors as both sides attempted to consolidate gains and secure tactical advantage before fully disengaging. During this tense post-war period, operational duties were still demanding and dangerous, requiring high vigilance and readiness for combat engagement at short notice.
On 13 November 1965, while undertaking one such operational task, Lance Naik Gurmel Chand Mall came under enemy fire and sustained critical injuries. Despite all efforts, he later succumbed to his wounds and was martyred in the line of duty. Lance Naik Gurmel Chand Mall served with courage, discipline, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.
Lance Naik Gurrmel Chand Mall is survived by his sons, Shri Hansraj Mall and Shri Resham Lal Mall, and the extended family that has now settled down in the UK.
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