Sepoy Prithvi Singh

Hailing from Mandi village in Haryana’s Mahendragarh district—a land renowned for its military heritage and steadfast patriotism—Sepoy Prithvi Singh exemplified the spirit of service. Inspired by a profound sense of duty to the nation, he enlisted in the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the storied Kumaon Regiment, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry units of the Indian Army. With its roots stretching back to the 18th century, the Kumaon Regiment is celebrated for its exemplary record of bravery, discipline, and service in some of the most challenging military operations. Sepoy Prithvi Singh proudly carried forward this legacy.

Respected for his unwavering dedication and sense of responsibility, Sepoy Prithvi Singh wore the Kumaoni uniform with pride and upheld the regiment’s time-honoured values with honour. By 1962, his battalion was stationed in Ambala and was subsequently deployed to Jammu & Kashmir—an assignment that reflected the high confidence in their combat readiness and strategic importance.

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

In June 1962, Sepoy Prithvi Singh’s unit—the 13 Kumaon Battalion—under the leadership of Lt Col H.S. Dhingra, was redeployed from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir. By September, with rising tensions along the Sino-Indian border, the battalion received urgent orders to advance to Leh. Upon arrival, it came under the operational command of the 114th Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier T.N. Raina—who would later become the Chief of the Army Staff. The brigade bore the immense responsibility of defending a 400-kilometre stretch of the Indo-China border, including the strategically crucial Chushul sector. Alongside 13 Kumaon, the brigade comprised four other battalions: 14 and 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles. Sepoy Prithiv Singh was part of Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon, commanded by the indomitable Major Shaitan Singh.

According to the brigade’s defensive deployment, Charlie Company was positioned at Rezang La, a remote but vital mountain pass dominating the road from Leh via Dungti—critical for the defense of the Chushul garrison. Alpha Company, led by Maj GN Sinha was held in reserve at battalion headquarters near Chushul, while Bravo and Delta Companies were deployed on Maggar Hill under Capt R.V. Jatar. By 26 October 1962, Charlie Company under the command of Major Shaitan Singh had fortified its position at Rezang La in anticipation of enemy movement. The layout of the defense was guided by tactical terrain assessments. Platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed on the forward slopes: Platoon 7, led by Jemadar Surja Ram, secured the northern approach; Platoon 8, under Jemadar Hari Ram, defended the pass; and the central post was held by Platoon 9 under Jemadar Ram Chander, supported by the Company HQ. A mortar section commanded by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was strategically placed on the reverse slope for indirect fire support.

On 18 November 1962, the Chinese launched a coordinated offensive in this sector, simultaneously initiating an assault on Sela in NEFA. Their attack on Chushul was two-pronged: one group advanced on Gurung Hill, while the other focused on Charlie Company at Rezang La. The first wave struck at 2:00 AM, targeting Platoon 8. Movement was detected by the Listening Post, and Naik Hukam Chand quickly informed Jemadar Hari Ram, who relayed the alert to Capt Shaitan Singh. An immediate counteraction was ordered, and as the enemy closed to within 50 yards, Naik Hukam Chand gave the command to fire—effectively halting the first assault. At 4:00 AM, a second wave emerged from the direction of Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram swiftly repositioned Section Three and launched a fierce counterattack using rifles, grenades, and LMGs, aided by Naik Sahi Ram’s team. This wave, too, was beaten back.

The enemy pressed on relentlessly, launching successive attacks at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM. Despite mounting casualties, Sepoy Prithvi Singh and his comrades held their positions with unmatched determination. The sixth wave, at 7:40 AM, saw the defenders beginning to falter under the toll of losses. Then at 8:40 AM, the Chinese deployed a 57 mm recoilless rifle, openly visible on the ridge, signaling the escalation of the assault. At 9:00 AM, the seventh and most ferocious wave began. Through the bitter cold, brutal terrain, and overwhelming enemy firepower, Sepoy Prithvi Singh fought with resolute courage. Severely wounded during the engagement, he made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Alongside his fellow soldiers, he stood his ground to the last man and the last round—ensuring that the enemy advance was checked, and the Chushul airfield remained secure.

Following the ceasefire, the Rezang La region became a contested no-man’s land. The bodies of Sepoy Prithvi Singh and his fallen comrades lay entombed under snow, undiscovered until a local shepherd came upon them nearly three months later—a haunting testament to their valour.

Sepoy Prithvi Singh is survived by his wife, Smt Vidya Devi.