Service No : IC-7363

Place of birth : Delhi

Service : Army

Last Rank : Major

Unit : 7 Cav

Arm/Regt : The Armoured Corps

Operation : Indo-Pak War-1965

Martyrdom : September 23, 1965

Major MS Bal

Major MS Bal hailed from Delhi, born and raised in a family deeply rooted in the values of discipline, dedication, and patriotism. He was the son of Major General Tara Singh Bal, a distinguished officer commissioned in 1929 into the 7th Cavalry. Major General Bal had an illustrious career, transitioning to the Poona Regiment after World War II, commanding the 19th Infantry Brigade, and becoming the first Indian officer to command the prestigious One Armoured Brigade. Inspired by his father’s exemplary service and following in his footsteps, Major MS Bal also joined the 7th Cavalry, later renamed the 7th Light Cavalry, one of the most distinguished regiments of the Indian Armoured Corps. Major MS Bal was not the only member of his family to choose a life of service to the nation. His younger brother, Amarjit Singh, also joined the Indian Army and went on to achieve great distinction (He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest gallantry honour, for his extraordinary bravery and exemplary leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak War).

 

Driven by a strong sense of duty, Major Bal pursued his education diligently before deciding to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army. Commissioned into the 7th Light Cavalry, he became part of a regiment renowned for its operational versatility and excellence in armored warfare. The 7th Light Cavalry boasts a long and storied history, recognized for its prowess in handling tanks and heavy weaponry, and for its exceptional contributions to various operations and exercises. Major MS Bal distinguished himself as an officer with a rare combination of strategic acumen and hands-on leadership. His expertise in operating and commanding tanks earned him immense respect among his peers and subordinates. Over the years, he participated in numerous operational deployments, honing his skills in armoured tactics and modern warfare. As an officer of the Armoured Corps, Major Bal took on responsibilities demanding technical proficiency, quick decision-making under pressure, and adept management of men and machinery. His service in exercises and maneuvers showcased his deep understanding of modern armored warfare, contributing significantly to the operational readiness of his unit. 

 

Indo-Pak War (Western Sector) : 03-23 Sep 1965

 

During September 1965, Major MS Bal was serving with 7th Cavalry, which was deployed along the western border as tensions escalated into full-scale war. At that time, the Regiment was in the process of converting to PT-76 tanks and, as per Army Headquarters’ policy, was not considered fully battle-ready. However, under the determined leadership of its Commanding Officer, Colonel Dalip Jind, the Regiment pressed forward to the concentration area, continuing training en route and preparing itself for imminent operations. As part of the Indian Army’s offensive plan, XI Corps under Lieutenant General JS Dhillon was tasked to advance towards the Ichhogil Canal and threaten Lahore, while also countering Pakistani offensives in Punjab. In the opening days of the war, Indian formations made rapid gains, but the situation soon intensified, particularly in the Khem Karan–Asal Uttar sector, where Pakistan launched strong armoured counterattacks. In this challenging and fluid battlefield, 7th Cavalry played a pivotal role in supporting infantry operations, engaging enemy armour, and stabilising critical sectors.

 

Operating under difficult conditions—marked by restrictive terrain, heavy artillery fire, and well-prepared enemy defences—the Regiment displayed exceptional professionalism and courage. Its squadrons were repeatedly tasked to support infantry assaults and to take on enemy strongholds, often under intense fire. In mid-September, as part of efforts to regain the initiative and relieve pressure on 4 Mountain Division, a coordinated offensive was launched against entrenched enemy positions in the Chathanwala area. A composite force comprising elements of 19 Maratha Light Infantry and 7th Cavalry was tasked with this mission. During the attack on 19 September 1965, the enemy was found to be far stronger than anticipated, with tanks deployed in hull-down positions and supported by heavy artillery and mortar fire. Amidst this fierce engagement, Major MS Bal displayed exemplary courage, leadership, and devotion to duty. Undeterred by the intensity of enemy fire and the grave risks involved, he led his troops from the front, ensuring continued momentum of the attack and steadfast support to the infantry. Even after being grievously wounded, he refused to withdraw and continued to lead his men in the thick of battle. In the closing stages of the war, Major Bal made the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life on 23 September 1965—just thirty minutes before the ceasefire came into effect.

 

The operation also witnessed the ultimate sacrifice of nine other brave soldiers of 7th Cavalry, who stood firm in the face of overwhelming odds. These included Major MM Chopra, Captain DS Jaswal, Naib Risaldar Jagjit Singh, Lance Dafadar Bharath Singh, Lance Dafadar Jhanda Singh, Acting Lance Dafadar CB Shohu, Acting Lance Dafadar Sucha Singh, Sowar Chandan Singh, and Sowar Bhale Ram. The gallantry and leadership of Major MS Bal and the operational success of 7 Cavalry exemplify the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army during the 1965 war.

 

Major MS Bal  is survived by his wife Smt Manveen Bal, son Shri Alok Bal, daughter Smt Aneet Bal. 

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1 Comment

  • Harpreet Singh Bal

    2026 at 2:08 pm Reply

    Yes, indeed, Major General Tara Singh Bal hailed from our village, Bal Khurd, Amritsar. His father, Zimadar Mota Singh, had received land in Lyallpur in recognition of his service in the British Army during the pre-Partition era.

    Major General Tara Singh Bal was remembered as a tall, intelligent, and affable gentleman, as often described by my grandfather. He was of the same age as my grandfather’s elder sister and shared a close bond with our family. He frequently visited my great-grandfather, Lachhman Singh, whom he respectfully addressed as Tayaji.

    His elder son, M. S. Bal, was a classmate of my Tayaji at Khalsa College, Amritsar, while his younger son, Amarjit Singh Bal, studied alongside my father. The entire family had a strong Army background. Both sons went on to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. It was Major General Tara Singh Bal’s values, discipline, and inspirational guidance that had a profound and lasting influence on his sons.

    Salute to them all.

    Major General Tara Singh Bal’s illustrious career in the Indian Army stands as a testament to his distinguished service to the nation. The many important appointments he held reflect his professional excellence and unwavering dedication. He once wished to build a house in his native village, on the main road, in exchange for a small parcel of land he owned there. However, when a farmer declined the offer, he instead built his second home near the Amritsar Cantonment Bypass.

    It would have been truly special had he been able to build his home in the village of his roots.

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