Lieutenant Bikram Singh

Lieutenant Bikram Singh hailed from Sialba village, situated in Kharar tehsil of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district, Punjab—a region known for its deep-rooted martial traditions and patriotic ethos. Growing up in an environment where service to the nation was held in the highest regard, Lieutenant Bikram Singh, son of Shri Raj Singh, imbibed the values of discipline, courage, and a deep sense of duty from an early age. His aspiration to don the olive-green uniform was evident even in his formative years and grew stronger as he matured. Guided by both personal conviction and the proud legacy of his ancestors, he took a decisive step towards fulfilling his dream by joining the National Defence Academy in 1956. At the NDA, he distinguished himself not only through academic diligence and military training but also through his exceptional physical prowess. He emerged as a natural horseman and an accomplished polo player, earning admiration from peers and instructors alike. His commanding presence, impressive bearing, and refined conduct marked him out as an officer of rare promise. These qualities did not go unnoticed. During his training, his potential caught the attention of Lt Gen K. Bahadur Singh, then a senior officer of the Kumaon Regiment. Recognising in young Bikram Singh the attributes of an ideal infantry officer, Lt Gen Bahadur Singh personally persuaded him to reconsider his initial inclination towards the Rajput Regiment and instead join the Kumaon Regiment—keen to have such a fine officer strengthen its ranks.

Consequently, Lieutenant Bikram Singh was commissioned into the 6th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, a distinguished infantry battalion renowned for its gallant soldiers, steadfast discipline, and a glorious record of battlefield achievements. His induction into this celebrated regiment marked the beginning of a career defined by professionalism and readiness for sacrifice. Barely a year into his commissioned service, Lieutenant Bikram Singh found himself thrust into the crucible of active operations. As tensions with China escalated and war became imminent, his unit was deployed to the eastern sector, placing him at the forefront of one of the most challenging periods faced by the Indian Army. Still young in service but mature beyond his years, Lieutenant Bikram Singh stood prepared to shoulder the immense responsibilities of leadership in combat, embodying the finest traditions of the Indian Army and the Kumaon Regiment.

"Battle of Walong" (Indo-China War): Oct -Nov 1962

During the 1962 Indo–China War, Lieutenant Bikram Singh was serving with the 6 Kumaon Battalion, which was deployed under the command of Lt Col CN Madiah, in the Siang Frontier Division, south of the McMahon Line. By the third week of October 1962, the Indian Army had already suffered several reverses, prompting urgent organisational and command-level changes to stabilise the situation in the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Initially, the Walong Sector was under the responsibility of 5 Infantry Brigade. However, following the fall of Tawang, a new formation—2 Infantry Division—was raised under the command of Major General MS Pathania. This newly raised division was tasked with the defence of the entire NEFA region, excluding the Kameng (Tawang) Sector. As part of this reorganisation, 181 Infantry Brigade was first allocated responsibility for the Walong Sector. Subsequently, at the insistence of the General Officer Commanding, 181 Infantry Brigade was moved out, and 11 Infantry Brigade under Brigadier NC Rawlley was inducted to take charge of Walong. Although the principal axes of Chinese advance were along the Tawang–Bomdila–Rupa axis, Taksing–Limeking axis, Mechuka/Manigong–Tato axis, Gelling–Tuting axis, and Kibithu–Walong axis, some of the fiercest fighting of the war took place in the Walong–Kibithu area of present-day Anjaw district. Lieutenant Bikram Singh’s battalion, 6 Kumaon, was at the heart of these operations, which later came to be known as the Battle of Walong. As the Commander of Delta Company, Lieutenant Bikram Singh participated in two major and intense engagements against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. The first was the Battle of Namti Nullah, an action that inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. Anticipating the Chinese approach, Lieutenant Bikram Singh meticulously planned a classic ambush at a narrow hanging bridge over the Namti Nullah. His men removed the final planks of the bridge to trap the advancing troops.

At around 3:00 a.m. on 23 October 1962, the first Chinese soldier stepped onto the bridge, lost his footing, and fell into the Nullah. Illumination rounds were fired, exposing the enemy troops crowded along the narrow track. Mortars and medium machine guns then delivered precise and devastating fire. In this brilliantly executed ambush, nearly 200 Chinese soldiers were killed or wounded, while the Indian side suffered only nine casualties—an extraordinary achievement against a numerically superior force. Following this success, Lieutenant Bikram Singh was assigned the critical task of occupying and defending West Ridge, a dominant feature overlooking Walong town. On 15 November 1962, a Chinese force of nearly division strength—approximately 10,000 soldiers—launched a massive offensive against just 120 soldiers of Delta Company, 6 Kumaon. Lieutenant Bikram Singh was ordered to hold West Ridge at all costs until 1100 hours on 16 November 1962. He assured his Brigade Commander that he would neither withdraw nor abandon his post. Wave after wave of Chinese attacks followed, each repulsed through sheer grit, courage, and resolute leadership. Eventually, the enemy altered their tactics, launching a coordinated assault from three sides, supported by machine-gun fire and heavy artillery. The fourth side of the ridge was a sheer cliff, leaving no avenue for withdrawal.

Despite mounting casualties and dwindling ammunition, Lieutenant Bikram Singh and his Kumaonis continued to resist with unmatched tenacity. Though he had successfully held the position well beyond the stipulated time of 1100 hours, Lieutenant Bikram Singh chose not to disengage. True to the promise he had made, he resolved to fight on till the very end. Surrounded, heavily outnumbered, and with only a handful of men remaining, he continued to engage the enemy. Before West Ridge finally fell, the Chinese suffered over 500 casualties. Lieutenant Bikram Singh, the last man on the post, was martyred on 16 November 1962. Along with him, 117 other brave soldiers laid down their lives during these operations. Among them were one officer, Second Lieutenant PK Jindal, and six Junior Commissioned Officers: Subedar Govind Singh, Subedar Deb Singh, Naib Subedar Trilok Singh, Naib Subedar Mohan Chandra, Naib Subedar Joga Singh, Naib Subedar Man Singh and 110 ORs(Other Ranks). Their supreme sacrifice stands as an enduring testament to courage, honour, and devotion to duty. Lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore—revered as the “Tiger of Namti Valley”—emerged as one of the greatest heroes of the Battle of Walong. A fearless leader who led from the front, he displayed extraordinary courage, determination, and complete disregard for his own safety. His saga of valour during the 1962 Indo–China War is etched in bold letters in the annals of Indian military history, inspiring generations of soldiers to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Lt Bikram Singh had repeatedly stared death in the face during the 27 days of relentless battle,(Battle of Walong) as days earlier he had written a letter home, explicitly stating, "Don't worry at all. Traditions of our race can never be forgotten. I have killed many to avenge my comrades. I will kill more till the b…. finish up". He fought as only a true warrior could, he was the last man standing of the 107 men of his paltan who were martyred on 16th Nov 1962.

• In 1995, a memorial dedicated to ‘unknown soldiers’ was constructed near Walong town (known as Helmet Top) in the memory of Lt Bikram Singh and his soldiers from 6 Kumaon.