“The traditions of our race cannot be forgotten, I have killed many and will continue to kill more until the enemy finishes off”: In his last letter to his family (Dated Nov 11, 1962), Lieutenant wrote.
In a countrh where every Martyr is a hero. Gallantry awards in military is a way to recognise their sacrifices. But what if one tell you about a soldier who displayed unparalleled bravery and leadership which was equivalent for a highest gallantry medal was never given his dues.
This kept under wraps glorious Saga is of Lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore of 6th kumaon ( the bhullas ). Who hails from village Sialba, Punjab. Bikram had followed the well-marked footsteps of his ancestors and joined the National Defense Academy (NDA) in 1956, and acquitted himself as a natural horseman and accomplished polo player. His sheer physicality, impressive bearing and thoroughbred conduct attracted the attention of the equally cavalier clansman, Lt Gen K Bahadur Singh (Kumaon Regiment) who talked out Bikram from opting for Rajput Regiment, as Lt Gen K Bahadur Singh wanted the fine specimen for his own Regiment. So Bikram was to join the much decorated and illustrious band of Bullas, the Kumaonis.
In response to increasing Chinese intrusions across the Lohit Valley increased, 6 Kumaon was moved into the area in March 1962 with a company posted about 2 miles from the border. Along with hectic digging, dumping ammunition, rations, artillery and field engineering stores, improving tracks, reconnaissance in strength, the Chinese moved their out posts closer to the international border.
Lt Bikram Singh Rathore, 6 Kumaon played a huge role in making the invaders' lives miserable as they dared to advance into their Motherland. Memorial existing in his battle field. A graveyard of hundreds of Chinese troops on the southern slopes of this post , tell tales of fierce encounter Chinese faced for 5 hours before mass martyrdom by unsung heroes. Lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore made the supreme sacrifice while fighting gallantly in the famous Battle of Walong (NEFA) on 16 Nov 62.
In the Indo - China war, at the bloody Battle of Walong, Lt Bikram Singh Rathore was to forefront what was arguably the only counterattack of its ferocity, intensity, and Chinese fatalities, in the 1962 War. Lt Bikram Singh commanded 120 men of the 6 Kumaon’s D Company. Two intense engagements with the enemy forces were significant, as they rebuffed and severely delayed the enemy assault. The first was at Namti Nallah which gave the Chinese a bloody nose. The other was at West Ridge of walong on 16 November, where he died fighting till the end.
BATTLE OF NAMTI NULLAH
On 22 October 6 Kumaon was ordered to withdraw to Walong after destroying the bridge on the Tho Chu River. The Battalion concentrated in Walong by last light after D Company under Lt Bikram Singh had established screen position on Ashi Hill duly reinforced with section of Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) and 3 inch Mortars. The wooden bridge on the Namti Nullah from own side was demolished. Namti Nullah was a small stream in front of Ashi hills . To cross the Nullah one was required to pass through a suspension bridge. Instead of destroying bridge Lieutenant Rathore decided to ambush the advancing Chinese. In the Battle of Namti Nullah, Lt. Bikram Singh and his soldiers planned a classic ambush at a small hanging bridge over Namti Nallah. He had his men remove the wooden planks and positioned each and every man with instructions not to fire until he personally gave the order. The enemy contacted screen position on 23 October at 0300 hrs. Only one man could traverse it at a time and leading Chinese scout Started to cross the river. Due to poor visibility and field of fire, enemy was allowed to creep close and as their scout stepped on the spot where bridge planks was removed, he fell headlong into the Nullah. His shouting made rest of the column to switch on the lights to help him which gave Lt Bikram Singh chance of his life time. He fired a Very light and ordered 3 inch Mortars and MMGs to play merry hell with the Chinese cramped on the narrow track.
Chinese officials account claims more than 100 Chinese life was lost that day but the enemy was beaten back with over 200 killed / wounded for loss of 3 Kumaonis killed and 6 wounded. The screen position under the dynamic leadership of young officer Lt Bikram Singh Rathore did a commendable action and was withdrawn at 0400 hrs.
Battle Of Walong.
During the lull from 26 October to 6 November, the Chinese regrouped about division strength to attack Walong and both sides carried out extensive patrolling and area domination. Unabated, major Chinese preparations to capture Walong were going on hectic scale. Their thrust on Walong defences was appreciated from the western flank, which was dominated by Yellow Pimple. Attack on Yellow Pimple was feasible from Tri Junction that dominated Yellow Pimple. Lt Col Madiah planned to disrupt enemy’s impending operations by attacking the feature from Tri Junction, which was secured on 12 November by Adhoc Company commanded by Capt (later Brigadier) BN Singh. On 13 November, 6 Kumaon less four platoons, concentrated at Tri Junction after weary march on treacherous terrain. While four platoons under the command of Lt Bikram Singh were holding the enemy on the West Ridge and was tasked to occupy critical defenses on “West Ridge” overlooking the Walong town to desperately hold west ridge with delta company and other platoon. Fall of west ridge would open up Walong.
On 14 November at 0800 hrs the ‘Jangi Sixth’ as 6 Kumaon is known for its heroic deeds, had the distinction to become the only Indian Army Battalion in the entire 1962 War that had counter attacked the Chinese with unparallel bravery, grit and determination. There was no artillery fire support available but own 3 inch Mortars were the most effective. The war cries of ‘Kalika Mata ki Jai’ drowned the clatter of automatic weapons and thud of the mortars, breaking the long silence of the mountains. The D Company under lieutenant Bikram Singh rathore was to exert pressure on Green Pimple.
On 15 Nov 62, a Division Strength (10,000 soldiers) of Chinese Army launched their offensive against 120 soldiers of Delta Company of 6 Kumaon. Lt Bikram Singh was tasked to hold the defenses of West Ridge at all costs till 1100 hours of 16 Nov 62 and he promised his Brigade Commander that he would never withdraw & hold on till his end.
Waves of Chinese attacks came on his post one after the other. However, Kumaonis fought gallantly and repulsed the attack. Despite the fact that Chinese were supported by Artillery and extensive MMG fire the attack was beaten back. After other strategic location had fallen 11th brigade decided to withdraw from Walong toward yapak-lohit junction Lieutenant Rathore was given order to hold the ridge till 11 am at all cost. He repulsed multiple Chinese attack And held his position beyond specified time. Then the Chinese fanned out and the next attack came with an overwhelming superiority of numbers from three sides (the forth side was a steep cliff), supported by machine-gun fire & heavy artillery bombardment. The tenacity of the troops still prevented Chinese to capture West Ridge, however at a heavy price of precious & brave lives. Till now his post was already surrounded from three sides. He again asked Brigade HQ for permission to withdraw as he has now run out of ammunition and his position was completely encircled.
Even though he completed the assigned task, lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore took the decision to stay on & repel the attack till his end, living up to the promise he made to his brigade commander in the true Rajput traditions.
He helped 1 Jco and 17 other ranks To break through Chinese cordon by single handedly facing Chinese army. He was last seen surrounded by Chinese the doughty Kumaonis fought back in the true spirit of Parakramo Vijayate (Valour triumphs) – the raw fury of the 'creed of the maneaters' (Kumaon Regiment's motto) knew no bounds as they roared 'Kalika Mata Ki Jai' and kept counterattacking, ambushing and deterring the Chinese offensive. and much later his half burnt body with bullets was found where he had been last spotted by some of survivors. Later 11 brigade was overrun and many of the Officers were taken as POW. After coming back to India commanding officer of Lt. Bikram Singh Rathore had recommended his name for PVC but as six months has already passed no serious heed was paid on his citation.
Interestingly, the resting place of Lt Bikram Singh was discovered 22 years later in 1986 by another army unit. In 1995, a memorial dedicated to ‘unknown soldiers’ was constructed.This is a short drive from Walong town and is known as Helmet Top.
“If there be a UNSUNG HERO of the Battle of Walong, it is undoubtedly Late Lt Bikram Singh Rathore, who from the Namti Plains to Ashi Hill to West ridge un-tiringly made the enemy shed blood for every inch of ground. His ingenuity and tactical acumen paved way to extricate our boys falling back from Kibitho and Mc Mohan Ridge. His daring exploits in the face of the enemy earned him the admiration of his boys who stood by him as a mighty bulwark against the enemy onslaught.
His devil may care attitude lead him to repulse repeated enemy attacks against his company at West ridge. Mind you he had no Artillery or Mortar support. He was woefully short of ammunition, yet he stood there, a roaring Lion. This Rajput Warrior of the Walong Brigade did lose life, but STILL came out with their honour intact by keeping the blood tradition of Vijay ya Veergati in service of Motherland.
Today, Lieutenant Bikram Singh Rathore bust in silver adorns a place of pride in the "Jangi Six" Officer's Mess. The Lion of Walong still continues to roar through generations next.
Bharat Mata Ki Jay
Jai Hind
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