During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, Lance Daffadar (LD) Pritam Singh served with the 17 Poona Horse Regiment, an elite armoured unit of the Indian Army renowned for its valour. The regiment played a decisive role in the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh Sector, a strategically crucial engagement that shaped the outcome of the war. The operation required the Indian forces to establish a bridgehead across the River Basantar, a task fraught with challenges due to the heavily mined terrain. The 17 Poona Horse, under the command of Lt Col Hanut Singh, supported the 47th Infantry Brigade during this mission. As part of its operations, the regiment was assigned to support the 47th Infantry Brigade of the 54 Infantry Division, functioning under the operational control of 1 Corps. The mission aimed to achieve two critical objectives: capturing the Ghazipur Reserved Forest and Jarpal, followed by establishing a link-up at Saraj Chak.
The operational plan was divided into two phases. The first phase involved 16 Madras capturing the Ghazipur Reserved Forest, while 3 Grenadiers were tasked with taking Jarpal. Following this, engineers were to clear a heavily mined area to facilitate troop and tank movements. The attack was scheduled for the evening of 15 December 1971, but the time constraints meant planning had to rely primarily on maps, with limited intelligence about enemy positions. Despite these challenges, the reconnaissance efforts of Captain Ravi Deol (B Squadron) and Lieutenant BS Grewal (B Squadron) provided valuable terrain information, including the presence of enemy armor reserves in the Ghazipur Forest. Recognizing the strategic importance of this area, the regimental battle plan was adjusted. C Squadron and 18 Rajputana Rifles were tasked with securing the forest, B Squadron was to support 3 Grenadiers at Jarpal, and A Squadron was kept in reserve at Saraj Chak.
On 16 December 1971, the 17 Poona Horse engaged in intense combat at the Ghazipur Reserve Forest. This battle tested the mettle of the regiment and brought forth acts of exceptional bravery and sacrifice. During the fierce firefight, several tanks of the regiment took direct hits. One of the tanks, carrying Captain SC Sehgal, the artillery Observation Post Officer, was in an exposed position and was one of the first to be hit by enemy fire. Despite warnings from the Commandant to reposition, Captain Sehgal's tank remained in its vulnerable spot and eventually brewed up after being struck. The tank's crew, including Captain Sehgal, LD Pritam Singh (Gunner), and Sowar Tarlochan Singh (Operator), faced a dire situation as the vehicle caught fire. The driver managed to escape through the driver’s hatch with minor injuries, but the remaining crew members were trapped. LD Pritam Singh demonstrated remarkable courage as he attempted to escape the inferno. Engulfed in flames, he managed to crawl out through the driver’s hatch but collapsed near the burning tank, succumbing to his injuries. LD Pritam Singh's sacrifice, alongside that of his comrades, was instrumental in the success of the operation. The fierce resistance put up by the regiment at the Ghazipur Reserve Forest ensured the disruption of enemy plans and safeguarded the mission's progress. LD Pritam Singh's bravery, commitment, and ultimate sacrifice reflect the unwavering dedication of the soldiers of the Indian Army.
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