Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav

Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav hailed from Bhatauta village in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, a region known for its enduring tradition of bravery and patriotic service. Growing up in such an environment, he developed a strong sense of duty towards the nation. Driven by this commitment, he enlisted in the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments. Established in the 18th century, the Kumaon Regiment has earned a proud reputation for its courage, discipline, and exemplary service in numerous military operations. Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav was married to Smt. Dharma Devi.

Throughout his military career, Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav displayed remarkable discipline, dedication, and devotion to duty. He wore the uniform of the Kumaon Regiment with pride, faithfully upholding its rich traditions and values. By 1962, his battalion was stationed in Ambala and was subsequently deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting the crucial role assigned to the unit in safeguarding the nation during a period of mounting tensions.

Battle of Rezang La (Indo-China War): 18 Nov 1962

In June 1962, Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav’s unit—the 13 Kumaon Battalion—was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the command of Lt Col H.S. Dhingra. As tensions with China escalated later that year, the battalion was ordered in September to proceed to Leh at very short notice. Upon arrival in Ladakh, the unit came under the operational control of the 114 Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier T.N. Raina, who would later become the Chief of the Army Staff. The brigade was tasked with defending nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo-China frontier, including the strategically important Chushul sector. Along with 13 Kumaon, the brigade included 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav served in ‘C’ Company of 13 Kumaon under the leadership of the legendary Major Shaitan Singh. As per the brigade’s defensive plan, ‘C’ Company was deployed at Rezang La, while ‘A’ Company under Maj G.N. Sinha remained in reserve near the battalion headquarters at Chushul. Meanwhile, ‘B’ and ‘D’ Companies, commanded by Capt R.V. Jatar, were positioned on Maggar Hill.

By 26 October 1962, Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav and his comrades had established strong defensive positions at Rezang La in anticipation of a Chinese attack. ‘C’ Company was carefully deployed along the forward slopes of the pass to take full advantage of the terrain. Platoon 7, led by Jemadar Surja Ram, held the northern flank; Platoon 8 under Jemadar Hari Ram defended the pass itself; and Platoon 9, commanded by Jemadar Ram Chander, occupied the central position along with the Company Headquarters. A mortar detachment under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was placed on the reverse slope to provide supporting fire. On 18 November 1962, the Chinese launched a major offensive in this sector, coinciding with their attack at Sela in NEFA. A two-pronged assault targeted both Gurung Hill and the position of ‘C’ Company at Rezang La, a key defensive location guarding the route to the Chushul airfield via Dungti.

The first attack began at about 2:00 AM, when Chinese troops advanced toward the position held by Platoon 8. Their movement was detected by the Listening Post, and Section Commander Naik Hukam Chand immediately alerted Jemadar Hari Ram. Acting swiftly, the defenders prepared for the assault, and when the enemy came within about 50 yards, Indian troops opened heavy fire, forcing the attackers to retreat. Around 4:00 AM, a second attack was launched from the direction of Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram, supported by Naik Sahi Ram, organized a determined defence using rifles, grenades, and light machine guns, successfully repulsing the enemy once again. The Chinese continued their assault with further waves at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM. Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav and his fellow soldiers fought with exceptional courage, holding their ground despite being heavily outnumbered. By the sixth wave at 7:40 AM, the defenders had suffered heavy casualties. At 8:40 AM, the Chinese deployed a 57-mm recoilless rifle on a ridge overlooking the position, paving the way for the seventh and final attack at around 9:00 AM.

Despite the freezing cold, rugged terrain, and overwhelming enemy firepower, Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav and the soldiers of ‘C’ Company continued to fight with remarkable bravery and determination. During the intense battle, Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav sustained grievous injuries and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The heroic stand of 13 Kumaon at Rezang La proved crucial, as it halted the Chinese advance and helped safeguard the vital Chushul airfield. After the ceasefire, Rezang La remained a desolate no-man’s land contested by both sides. For nearly three months, the bodies of the fallen soldiers, including Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav, lay buried beneath the snow until a local shepherd discovered them—an enduring testament to their extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Sepoy Chandrapati Yadav is survived by his wife, Smt. Dharma Devi.