Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh

Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh hailed from Khitoli village in the Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, a region known for its proud martial heritage and long-standing tradition of service to the nation. Growing up in an environment shaped by patriotism and a spirit of duty, he developed a strong desire from an early age to serve the country. Following this aspiration, he joined the 13 Kumaon Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most distinguished infantry regiments. Established in the eighteenth century, the Kumaon Regiment has built a remarkable legacy through its courage, professionalism, and distinguished service in numerous military operations and campaigns.

During his service, Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh was known for his discipline, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty. He served his battalion with pride, upholding the rich traditions and values of the Kumaon Regiment. By 1962, his battalion was stationed at Ambala and was later deployed to Jammu & Kashmir, a move that reflected the confidence placed in the unit’s operational readiness and fighting capability.

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

In June 1962, the 13 Kumaon Battalion, in which Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh was serving, moved from Ambala to Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir under the command of Lieutenant Colonel H. S. Dhingra. As tensions along the northern frontier escalated in September 1962, the battalion was ordered to advance swiftly to Leh to strengthen the region’s defences. After reaching Leh, 13 Kumaon was placed under the operational control of the 114 Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier T. N. Raina, who would later become the Chief of Army Staff. The brigade was tasked with defending nearly 400 kilometres of the Indo–China border, including the strategically important Chushul sector. The brigade comprised 13 Kumaon, 14 J&K Militia, 7 J&K Militia, 5 Jat, and 1/8 Gorkha Rifles.

Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh served in ‘C’ (Charlie) Company of 13 Kumaon, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. As part of the brigade’s defensive plan, Charlie Company was deployed at Rezang La, a high-altitude mountain pass crucial for the defence of Chushul. Alpha Company, led by Major G. N. Sinha, remained in reserve near Chushul, while Bravo and Delta Companies under Captain R. V. Jatar were positioned along Maggar Hill between Spanggur Gap and Rezang La.

By 26 October 1962, Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh and his fellow soldiers had completed the preparation and fortification of their defensive positions at Rezang La, carefully aligning them with the surrounding terrain. Platoons 7, 8, and 9 were deployed on the forward slopes. Platoon 7, commanded by Jemadar Surja Ram, secured the northern flank; Platoon 8, under Jemadar Hari Ram, defended the pass; and Platoon 9, led by Jemadar Ram Chander, guarded the central sector near the Company Headquarters. A mortar detachment commanded by Naik Ram Kumar Yadav was positioned on the reverse slope to provide supporting fire.

In the early hours of 18 November 1962, Chinese forces launched a coordinated assault on Gurung Hill and Rezang La, coinciding with a major offensive at Sela in the Northeast Frontier Agency (present-day Arunachal Pradesh). Situated about 11 kilometres south of Spanggur Gap, Rezang La overlooked the only road connecting Leh through Dungti, making it a vital defensive position for the protection of the Chushul garrison.

The first enemy attack began around 2:00 AM and was directed towards the area defended by Platoon 8. A Chinese patrol of about 30 soldiers was detected by the Listening Post. Naik Hukam Chand immediately raised the alarm and informed Jemadar Hari Ram, who alerted Major Shaitan Singh and deployed a Light Machine Gun team. When the enemy approached within 50 yards, the defenders opened accurate and effective fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw.

A second assault followed at about 4:00 AM against the position of Platoon 7. Jemadar Surja Ram quickly reorganised his troops and met the attack with coordinated rifle, LMG, and grenade fire. The determined defence, particularly under the leadership of Naik Sahi Ram, compelled the enemy to retreat once again. Undeterred, the Chinese forces launched further assaults at 4:55 AM, 6:00 AM, and 6:30 AM, each of which was met with fierce resistance. Despite mounting casualties and dwindling ammunition, Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh and his comrades stood their ground with remarkable determination.

During the sixth assault at about 7:40 AM, the enemy intensified their attack and by 8:40 AM brought forward a 57 mm recoilless rifle, positioning it on a nearby ridge to target the defenders. The final assault commenced around 9:00 AM. Facing overwhelming numbers, extreme weather conditions, and superior enemy firepower, the soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon, displayed extraordinary courage and resilience.

Severely wounded during the fierce fighting, Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh continued to fight bravely until he made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. The soldiers of Charlie Company fought to the last man and the last round, successfully preventing the enemy from advancing towards the strategically vital Chushul airfield.

Following the ceasefire, Rezang La remained a contested no-man’s land. Nearly three months later, the frozen bodies of Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh and his fellow soldiers were discovered by a local shepherd, their final positions standing as a powerful and enduring testament to their unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.

Sepoy Raj Bahadur Singh is survived by his mother, Smt. Kalawati Devi