Service No : 4147540

Place of birth : Alwar Dist (Raj)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Sepoy

Unit : 13 Kumaon

Arm/Regt : The Kumaon Regiment

Operation : Indo-China War 1962

Martyrdom : November 18, 1962

Sepoy Phool Singh

Sepoy Phool Singh was born in Nayasrana village in Alwar district, Rajasthan. After completing his school education, he chose to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army. He was recruited into the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, a prestigious infantry regiment known for its illustrious history and gallantry, tracing back to the 18th century.

 

As a soldier, Sepoy Phool Singh displayed remarkable enthusiasm and commitment. He quickly acquired fieldcraft skills and developed into a disciplined and resilient soldier, embodying the spirit and valour of the Kumaon Regiment. In 1962, amidst rising tensions on the northern frontier, 13 Kumaon, which was stationed at Ambala, was redeployed to Jammu and Kashmir. This move marked a significant chapter in Sepoy Phool Singh’s military career, as his battalion prepared for operations in one of the most strategically critical regions of the country.

 

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

 

In June 1962, Sep Phool Singh's 13 Kumaon battalion, under the command of Lt Col HS Dhingra, was moved from Ambala to Baramulla in J&K. In Sep 1962, when the war clouds with China were on the horizon, the battalion was asked to move to Leh at short notice. The 13 Kumaon battalion was put under the operational control of 114 Infantry Brigade under the command of Brigadier TN Raina (who later became COAS). 114 Infantry Brigade was given the responsibility of defending about 400 km of the Indo-China border, including the Chushul area. Besides 13 Kumaon, 114 Infantry Brigade had four other battalions under its command, including 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. As per the operational plan of 114 Infantry Brigade, the 'C' Company of 13 Kumaon under Major Shaitan Singh was deployed at Rezang La.  Alpha Company under the command of Maj GN Sinha was the battalion reserve at the battalion HQs on high ground near Chushul. The Bravo and Delta companies were deployed on Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La Pass under the command of Capt RV Jatar. By 26 October 1962, Sep Phool Singh and his comrades of 'C' Company had settled in and was busy strengthening their defences.

 

Based on the terrain and threat perception, platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed in such a way as to have optimum tactical advantage. The soldiers were placed on the forward slopes of the hill - 7th Platoon under Jemadar Surja Ram on the north flank; 8th Platoon under Jem Hari Ram in the pass area; and the central post was held by 9th Platoon under Jem Ram Chander, with the company HQ next to it. The mortar section under Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was on the reverse slope. The Chinese offensive in this sector commenced on November 18th, coinciding with the attack on Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (NEFA). A two-pronged assault was launched against the Chushul defenses. The northern prong targeted Gurung Hill, while the second prong attacked the Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon, also known as the Ahir Company, at Rezang La. Rezang La was an isolated feature situated approximately 11 kilometers south of Spanggur Gap and dominated the lifeline of the Chushul garrison - the road connecting Leh via Dungti.

 

On November 18, 1962, the Chinese forces launched a ferocious attack on the Indian post at Rezang La, a critical defensive position in Ladakh. The assault began under the cover of darkness, with heavy artillery and mortar fire, turning the battlefield into a scene of relentless chaos and destruction. The first wave of attack was launched around 2:00 AM from the direction of Platoon 8, as a column of enemy soldiers advanced towards Indian positions. However, the brave warriors of Platoon 8, under the command of Jemadar Hari Ram, stood their ground and valiantly repelled the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the advancing enemy. Undeterred, the Chinese launched a second wave at 4:00 AM, this time targeting Platoon 7. Once again, Indian soldiers fought back with unwavering determination, refusing to let the enemy breach their defenses. The pattern of attacks continued, each wave more intense than the last, as the enemy attempted to overwhelm the Indian defenders through sheer numbers and firepower.

 

Despite being vastly outnumbered and facing seven relentless waves of enemy assaults, Sepoy Phool Singh and his comrades of 'C' Company exhibited unparalleled bravery, holding their ground until their last breath. Their unyielding resistance inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and successfully halted the Chinese advance towards the strategically vital Chushul airfield. The battle at Rezang La remains one of the most extraordinary displays of bravery and sacrifice in Indian military history. The courage, resilience, and indomitable spirit of these soldiers continue to inspire generations, standing as a symbol of selfless devotion to duty and the defence of the nation.

 

Sepoy Phool Singh is survived by his mother Smt Suraj Kaur.

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