Saluting our Heroes: Naik Jadu Nath Singh, PVC

From the Indian Army website:

The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.

*** Saluting our Heores – Naik Jadu Nath Singh, PVC ***

A tribute to Naik Jadu Nath Singh who sacrificed his life on this date,  62 years ago.

January 1948: The battle to liberate Jammu & Kashmir is now in its final stages. The airlift in Oct 1947 has saved the valley but enemy troops are still entrenched in other parts of the state. By mid-November, the Pakistani irregulars have lost the initiative and Baramulla and Uri have both been recaptured. But the garrison at Poonch – that is bravely holding out on its own in the bitter winter, still needs to be relieved.  In late November, the link-up with Poonch is established. However in December, Jhangar falls to enemy troops. It is vital for Indian strategy to recapture it.

Crucial to the recapture of Jhangar is the post at Kot. Situated about 9 km north-east of Naushahra on the highest point, Kot affords a vantage position to the enemy troops putting them at a great advantage. Kot is recaptured after fierce fighting on 1st February.  But the battle is far from over.

Stung by the loss of Kot, the enemy decides to launch an all-out attack on Naushahra. This attack is not unexpected. Brigadier Usman of the 50 Para Brigade had made adequate preparations…by establishing strong pickets on possible enemy approaches. One of these approaches lay to the north of Naushahra through Tain dhar.

Here is what happened next:

The expected enemy attack came on the foggy morning of February 6th, at 0640 hrs. The enemy started the attack by opening fire from their pickets on the Taindhar ridge on an Indian patrol. Simultaneously, the whole of Tain dhar and the surrounding hills became live with bursts of machine gun and crunches of mortar fire. Meanwhile under the cover of darkness the enemy crept up to the Indian pickets.

In the first light of dawn the men on the post saw thousands of hostiles creeping up to them.

At No 2 picquet on Taindhar on 6 February 1948, No 27373 Naik Jadunath Singh was in command of a forward section post, which bore the full brunt of the enemy attack. Nine men against overwhelming odds garrisoned the little post. The enemy launched its attack in successive waves and with great ferocity to overcome this post. The first wave swept up to the post in a furious attack. Displaying great valour and superb qualities of leadership Naidk Jadunath Singh so used the small force at his disposal that the enemy retired in utter confusion. Four of his men were wounded but Naik Jadunath Singh again showed his qualities of good leadership by reorganizing the battered force under him, for meeting another onslaught.

His coolness and courage were of such an order that the men rallied and were ready for the second attack which came with greater determination and in larger number than the preceding one. Though hopelessly outnumbered, this post under the gallant leadership of Naik Jadunath Singh resisted. All were wounded, and Naik Jadunath Singh, though wounded in the right arm, personally took over the Bren gun from the wounded Bren gunner. The enemy was right on the walls of the post but Naid Jadunath Singh once again showed outstanding ability and valour of the highest order in action. By his complete disregard for his personal safety and example of coolness and courage, he encouraged his men to fight. His fire was so devastating, that what looked like impending defeat was turned into a victory and the enemy retreated in chaos leaving the dead and wounded littered on the ground.

With this act of supreme heroism and outstanding example of leadership and determination, Naik Jadunath Singh saved the post from the second assault. By this time, all men in the post were casualties.

The enemy put in his third and final attack in undiminished numbers and determination to capture this post. Naik Jadunath Singh, now wounded, prepared literally single-handed to give battle for the third time.

With great courage and determination, he came out of the sangar and finally with the Sten gun, made a most magnificent single-handed charge on the advancing enemy, who, completely taken by surprise, fled in disorder.  Naik Jadunath Singh, however, met his gallant death in his third and last charge when two bullets hit him in the head and chest.

Thus, charging single-handedly at the advancing enemy, this Non-Commissioned Officer, performed the highest act of gallantry and self-sacrifice and by so doing saved his section-nay, his whole picquet from being overrun by the enemy at the most critical stage in the battle for the defence of Nushera.

***

As I read this account, I wondered what would have gone through the mind of Naik Jadu Nath Singh as he charged ahead for the third time.  The attack on this post was the most ferocious in the battle of Naushahra. The estimated enemy casualties at Kot and Tain Dhar were 400 killed and 250 wounded on that cold, wintry morning of Feb 6th, 1948.

For this act of supreme sacrifice and extraordinary courage in the face of grave danger, Naik Jadunath Singh was honoured with the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, posthumously.

The military operations in Jammu & Kashmir, independent India’s first brush with a hostile neighbour, led to some unforgettable displays of courage and bravery. The Army won five Param Vir Chakras (PVCs), 47 Maha Vir Chakras (MVCs) and 284 Vir Chakras (VrCs), including three twin-awards of VrCs, during the Operations of 1947-48.

As you go about your day today, please take a minute to remember these “Bravest of the Braves” who gave their lives so we may live in peace.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

Read the other posts in this series here.