Subedar Sumer Singh Yadav

Subedar Sumer Singh Yadav hailed from Kannina village in Mahendragarh district, Haryana. He was born on 24 July 1929 to Shri Musaddi Lal and Smt. Sarti Devi. Growing up in a family rooted in traditional values, he imbibed the qualities of discipline, dedication, and perseverance that would later define his life in the armed forces. After completing his school education, he joined the Indian Army on 2 August 1948. He was recruited into the 183 Light Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery, a vital combat arm of the Indian Army responsible for providing firepower and artillery support to troops operating on the battlefield. Through its field guns and howitzers, the Regiment of Artillery plays a crucial role in supporting infantry operations and weakening enemy positions. During his years of service, he gained valuable military experience and developed a thorough understanding of the demands of army life. His dedication, professional competence, and years of service enabled him to rise through the ranks, eventually attaining the rank of Subedar.

In due course, he married Ms Chandar Kala, and the couple was blessed with four sons: Partap Singh, Bir Singh, Pawan Singh and Lal Singh. While he remained committed to his responsibilities as a soldier, he also embraced his duties as a husband and father, balancing the demands of military service with his responsibilities towards his family. By 1971, Subedar Sumer Singh Yadav had completed approximately 23 years of distinguished service in the Indian Army. With extensive experience and the responsibilities associated with his rank, he had developed the professional knowledge and maturity expected of a Junior commissioned officer.

Capture of Chandpur( Eastern Theatre): Dec 1971

In December 1971, during the Indo-Pak War, Subedar Sumer Singh Yadav was serving with the 183 Light Regiment of the Regiment of Artillery. 183 Light Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel S.D. Khullar, served under 23 Mountain Division, commanded by Major General R.D. Hira. The division was assigned the task of capturing Chandpur, an important river port on the eastern bank of the Meghna River in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Its operations formed part of the Indian Army’s broader offensive to break through Pakistani defences and advance towards Dacca. The division comprised 83, 181 and 302 Mountain Brigades, supported by 23 Mountain Artillery Brigade under Brigadier S.S. Opal. The artillery formation included 183 Light Regiment, 24 Medium Regiment and other supporting elements. As part of this arrangement, the light batteries of 183 Light Regiment were grouped with the division’s mountain brigades to provide artillery support to the advancing infantry. Lt Col Khullar also performed the important responsibility of Divisional Deployment Officer, coordinating the deployment of artillery resources in support of the division’s operations.

As 23 Mountain Division advanced towards Chandpur, the troops encountered difficult terrain, limited road access and strong Pakistani positions in the Lalmai Hills. The movement of guns and supporting equipment was particularly challenging because there were no motorable tracks ahead of the Bhuschi area. Consequently, the advance had to be continued on foot, and the guns were left in their deployment areas at Bhuschi. The arrangement, however, proved disadvantageous when Pakistani forces began shelling the divisional administrative area. The bombardment caused considerable disruption, and the wagon-line area of 197 Mountain Regiment was also hit, resulting in the destruction of seven vehicles. Amid the intense shelling, Lt Col S.D. Khullar and Subedar Sumer Singh of 183 Light Regiment displayed courage and a strong sense of responsibility. Lt Col Khullar, besides commanding his regiment, was serving as the Divisional Deployment Officer. As the shelling intensified, he organised the salvage of vehicles and ammunition to preserve essential resources and maintain the momentum of the advance.

The situation became increasingly dangerous as the Pakistani artillery fire struck the area where ammunition was stored. The ammunition caught fire, triggering a series of explosions. Lt Col Khullar and Sub Sumer Singh were accompanying the effort to control the situation when the exploding ammunition caused fatal injuries to both men. Lt Col Khullar was posthumously awarded the Sena Medal in recognition of his devotion to duty. Despite the difficulties and the loss of senior personnel, the division’s advance continued. On 8 December 1971, Indian troops reached the Hajiganj area, from where the guns supported the continuing operations. On 9 December, the leading troops of 301 Mountain Brigade secured Chandpur, which had been abandoned by Pakistani forces. The capture of the town was an important achievement for 23 Mountain Division, bringing Indian forces to the Meghna River and opening further operational possibilities towards Dacca. The contribution of 183 Light Regiment formed part of this wider divisional effort. Its personnel supported the advance while operating under difficult conditions and enemy fire. The sacrifice of Lt Col S.D. Khullar and Sub Sumer Singh at Bhuschi remains a poignant chapter in the regiment’s history.

Subedar Sumer Singh Yadav is survived by his wife, Smt. Chandar Kala, and four sons: Shri Partap Singh Yadav, Shri Bir Singh Yadav, Shri Pawan Singh Yadav and Shri Lal Singh Yadav.