During the Indo-Pak War of 1971, Swr Zile Singh served with the 17 Poona Horse Regiment, one of the Indian Army's most distinguished armored units. The regiment played a decisive role in the Battle of Basantar in the Shakargarh Sector, a strategically crucial conflict that significantly influenced the outcome of the war. The mission involved establishing a bridgehead across the River Basantar to facilitate the advance of Indian forces into enemy territory. The 17 Poona Horse, commanded by Lt Col Hanut Singh, was assigned to support the 47th Infantry Brigade functioning under the operational control of 54 Infantry Division of 1 Corps. The brigade plan involved two phases: 16 Madras capturing the Ghazipur Reserved Forest and 3 Grenadiers capturing Jarpal, followed by link-ups at Saraj Chak. Engineers were tasked with clearing a minefield after Phase 1, with the attack scheduled for 1930 hours on 15 December. Due to time constraints, planning relied solely on maps, with limited intelligence on enemy positions. However, terrain information from Captain Ravi Deol (B Squadron of 17 Poona Horse) and a reconnaissance report by Lieutenant BS Grewal (B Squadron of 17 Poona Horse) suggested the presence of enemy armour reserves in the Ghazipur Forest. Recognizing the strategic importance of this area, it was decided that securing the Ghazipur Forest was critical. The resulting Regimental battle plan included: C Squadron and 18 Rajputana Rifles to secure the Ghazipur Forest, potentially through a night assault; B Squadron to link up with 3 Grenadiers at Jarpal; and A Squadron to remain in reserve at Saraj Chak.
In the fierce Battle of Ghazipur Reserve Forest on 16 December 1971, several acts of courage and self-sacrifice stood out, particularly those of Lance Dafadar (LD) Pritam Singh and Sowar Zile Singh. The tanks of 'B' Squadron of 17 Poona Horse led by Capt Ravi Deol played a crucial role in this operation. Sowar Zile Singh was functioning as driver of the tank of Captain Ravi Deol. Sowar Zile Singh was trapped inside a burning tank after it was hit during the intense firefight. Despite the danger of an explosion and continuous enemy shelling, a daring rescue operation was mounted by Capt Ravi Deol and his crew. Sowar Pratap Singh leapt into the burning turret to open the driver’s hatch from within, while Capt Ravi Deol and ALD Lal Chand opened the hatch cover from outside and pulled Sowar Zile Singh to safety. Unfortunately, during the rescue, a shell landed nearby, killing ALD Lal Chand instantly and fatally wounding Sowar Zile Singh again. In the course of this operation, besides Sowar Zile Singh, the regiment lost twelve gallant soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. On 14th December 1971, Daffadar Bhanwar Singh, ALD Achal Singh, and Sowar Labh Singh were martyred. On 16th December 1971, alongside Sowar Zile Singh the fallen heroes included 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal, Naib Risaldar Sagat Singh, Lance Daffadar Pritam Singh, Sowar Lal Singh, Sowar Bhanwar Singh, Sowar Nand Singh, and Sowar Tarlochan Singh. The sacrifice continued on 17th December 1971, when Daffadar Durga Singh and Sowar RN Dhankhar succumbed to their injuries. The steadfast courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of Sowar Zile Singh and his comrades at the Battle of Basantar not only ensured the mission's success but also upheld the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
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