Sepoy Dharam Singh

Sepoy Dharam Singh belonged to the village of Lukhi in the Rewari district of Haryana, a region widely respected for its deep-rooted military tradition and enduring spirit of national service. Drawn by a heartfelt devotion to the country, he enrolled in the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s most historic and highly regarded infantry units. Formed in the eighteenth century, the regiment has forged a proud record of courage, discipline, and distinguished performance across many campaigns.

Throughout his service, Sepoy Dharam Singh consistently demonstrated a steadfast resolve, professional conduct, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. He wore his regiment’s uniform with dignity and upheld its heritage and values with sincerity. In 1962, his battalion was stationed at Ambala before being assigned to Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting the trust placed in its operational preparedness and fighting strength.

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

In June 1962, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, in which Sepoy Dharam Singh served and which was led by Lt Col H.S. Dhingra, was transferred from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir. By September, as the situation along the northern borders grew increasingly tense, the battalion was directed to move swiftly to Leh. After reaching the region, 13 Kumaon was placed under the operational command of the 114th Infantry Brigade, headed by Brigadier TN Raina, who would later go on to become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was tasked with securing nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China frontier, including the critically important Chushul sector. The 114th Infantry Brigade was made up of five units: 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Dharam Chand was part of ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. Under the brigade’s defence plan, Charlie Company was positioned at Rezang La, a key mountain pass vital to the security of Chushul. Alpha Company, under Major G.N. Sinha, remained in reserve near battalion headquarters on elevated ground overlooking Chushul, while Bravo and Delta Companies, led by Captain R.V. Jatar, were deployed along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By 26 October 1962, Sepoy Dharam Singh and his fellow soldiers had strengthened their defences at Rezang La, shaping their positions to meet the harsh terrain and tactical demands. Platoons 7, 8, and 9 were established on the forward slopes. Platoon 7, led by Jemadar Surja Ram, secured the northern flank; Platoon 8, under Jemadar Hari Ram, covered the main approach to the pass; and Platoon 9, commanded by Jemadar Ram Chander, held the central area near the Company Headquarters. A mortar section, directed by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav, was placed on the reverse slope to provide fire support. In the early hours of 18 November 1962, Chinese troops launched a coordinated assault from two directions—one aimed at Gurung Hill and the other at Rezang La. This action coincided with attacks at Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (present-day Arunachal Pradesh). Situated roughly 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La held major strategic importance, as it dominated the only supply route from Leh through Dungti, the vital link for the Chushul garrison.

The first movement of enemy forces was observed around 2:00 AM by the listening post of Platoon 8, which reported about 30 advancing soldiers. Naik Hukam Chand, commanding Section 1, immediately informed Jemadar Hari Ram, who alerted Major Shaitan Singh and ordered a Light Machine Gun (LMG) team to take position. When the attackers closed to within 50 yards, Naik Hukam Chand directed his men to open fire, driving the enemy back. At 4:00 AM, a fresh attack came from the sector held by Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram quickly shifted Section Three and met the assault with coordinated rifle fire, LMG bursts, and grenades. Through firm leadership and the bravery of Naik Sahi Ram’s soldiers, this wave was also repelled. Undeterred, the Chinese launched further assaults at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, each encountering determined resistance from the entrenched defenders at Rezang La.

Despite mounting losses and diminishing ammunition, Sepoy Dharam Singh and his comrades stood their ground. By the time the sixth attack began at 7:40 AM, the company had already suffered heavy casualties. At 8:40 AM, the enemy brought a 57 mm recoilless rifle into action, placing it on a nearby ridge to intensify the bombardment. The final assault followed at 9:00 AM. Amid piercing cold, continuous fire, and overwhelming numbers, Sepoy Dharam Singh and the men of Charlie Company showed exceptional bravery and resolve. Though severely wounded, Sepoy Dharam Singh continued to fight until he laid down his life in the service of the nation. The company held its position to the last, blocking the enemy’s advance toward the strategically vital Chushul airfield.

After the ceasefire, Rezang La became part of a disputed no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, a local shepherd discovered the frozen bodies of Sepoy Dharam Singh and his fallen comrades, still in their battle positions—an enduring and moving testament to their unmatched courage and selfless sacrifice.

Sepoy Dharam Singh is survived by his wife, Smt. Shakuntala.