Naib Risaldar Sagat Singh

Naib Risaldar Sagat Singh hailed from Belwa Ranaji village (now renamed Sagat Nagar in his honour) in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. He was born on August 10, 1935, to Shri Simrat Singh, an Indian Army veteran. Growing up in a family with a rich military legacy, Sagat Singh was deeply inspired by his father’s service and dreamed of following in his footsteps. His ambition and determination led him to join the Indian Army in 1950 at the young age of 15. Naib Risaldar Sagat Singh was inducted into the 17 Poona Horse, one of the most distinguished tank regiments of the Indian Army's Armoured Corps. The regiment is renowned for its stellar contributions to mechanized warfare and its storied legacy of valour and sacrifice. Being part of this elite unit was not merely an enlistment but the beginning of an military career that would exemplify dedication, bravery, and leadership.

After completing his rigorous and demanding training, Nb Ris Sagat Singh quickly established himself as a highly competent and reliable soldier. He excelled in various operational roles, showcasing exemplary discipline and an unwavering commitment to his duties. Over the years, Nb Ris Sagat Singh’s inherent leadership qualities came to the fore. His ability to inspire trust and confidence in his subordinates and earn the respect of his superiors marked him as a soldier of exceptional promise. His service with the 17 Poona Horse gave him invaluable exposure to modern armoured warfare tactics, honing his skills and shaping him into a dependable Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO).

Battle of Basantar (Indo-Pak War) : 16 Dec 1971

During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, Naib Risaldar Sagat Singh's unit 17 Poona Horse was assigned to the command of the 47th Infantry Brigade, deployed in the Shakargarh sector. The Brigade had to establish a bridgehead across the River Basantar. On 15th December, the Brigade had captured its objective, although, it was filled with extensive mines by the enemy, preventing the deployment of tanks of Poona Horse. It was a joint operation by 17 Horse, 4 Horse (Two armoured Regiments), 16 Madras and 3 Grenadiers. The engineers had cleared the mines halfway when the Indian troops noticed the alarming activity of the enemy armour asking for air support.  At this critical juncture, the 17 Poona Horse decided to push through the minefield. On 16 December, Pakistani armour launched the first of their counter-attacks under the cover of a smokescreen at Jarpal, targeting the ‘B’ Squadron. The commander of the squadron urgently called for reinforcements.

The elements of 'A" Squadron, led by 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal who was the troop leader, rushed to meet the Pakistani armour and launched a ferocious counterattack. Naib Risaldar Sagat Singh, who was the tank commander of tank number JX218 was also the Troop JCO(Junior Commissioned Officer) of 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal's troop. Nb Ris Sagat Singh was an experienced Tank Commander, well respected by his unit mates for his professional competence and leadership skills. In the ensuing counter attack, Ris Sagat Singh displaying raw courage was able to subdue the enemy's advance with his tanks successfully. However during the fierce battle, Nb Ris Sagat Singh received Machine Gun burst in his chest and face and was grievously injured. Despite being seriously wounded, he ordered his soldiers to leave him and rush to support his troop commander 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal in the ongoing battle. The entire operation claimed the lives of 13 soldiers including Nb Ris Sagat Singh and his officer 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal. Among the martyred heroes were Dfr Bhanwar Singh, Ald Achal Singh and Swr Labh Singh who were martyred on 14 Jun 1971. Nb Ris Sagat Singh, LD Pritam Singh, Swr Lal Singh, Swr Bhanwar Singh, Swr Zile Singh, Swr Nand Singh and Swr Tarlochan Singh were martyred on 16 Jun 1971 and two more soldiers Dfr Durga Singh and Swr RN Dhankhar  succumbed to their injuries on 17 June 1971. Nb Ris Sagat Singh was a fearless and committed junior commissioned officer, who led from the front and laid down his life in the line of his duty.

Nb Risaldar Sagar Singh was awarded "Mention-in- Dispatches" (MD) for his for his commendable gallantry, devotion to duty, camaraderie and supreme sacrifice. Naib Risaldar Sagar Singh is survived by his wife Smt Bir Kanwar.