Kargil Yes but why forget 1962

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bls31

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During Kargil soldiers died fighting bravely by enemy bullets. On the other hand :during OP Leghorn the 7 brigade soldiers died, not only, while fighting bravely, by enemy bullets but also of hunger and extreme cold for no fault of theirs

One Death and the Bottle of Rum

Night over took us and brought with it additional chill and cold that a night of late October coupled with an altitude of 15-16,000 feet altitude can manifest. To top it, there was soon sleet and fresh snow and this was clearly the coldest night that we had spent in the open.
That night two things happened that will always live with me. One Ganpat died, he froze stiff, sitting in the snow, as he was. Before his death he cried and howled like an animal unknowingly, the rest of us yelling at him to keep quiet lest the Chinese pick up our trail. Rajamani Rai was 'B " Company barber and having 'managed' his enrollment, was much older, nearly 50 years of age. He had against all advice to accompany the Paltan to NEFA rather than take the easy way out and get posted to Centre.

The second was a coincidence when I ran into Hav Chhetri of 1/9 GR who only two months ago had taught me at the Army School of Mechanical Transport. Faizabad. He had been recalled to the unit to take his promotion test and destiny had made him cross my path. He was sitting in the snow, having recognised me he wished me. Surprised to see him in our midst I offered that he share my blanket as he had none. Huddled under the blanket, Chhatri some time later asked me if I would have rum. Imagine my surprise, he was prepared to share what could be life saving under the circumstances there were no barriers. The Saihab and the Jawan spent the night under the saihabs blanket taking swigs from the bottle produced by the Jawan.Both survived the ordeal.

As narrated to me by Lt Gen RIS Kahlon PVSM, UVSM, AVSM (Retd) then Lt and IO of 4 GRENADIERS


BLS31
 
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bls31 said:
During Kargil soldiers died fighting bravely by enemy bullets. On the othyr hand :during OP Leghorn the 7 brigade soldiers died, not only, while fighting bravely, by enemy bullets but also of hunger an d extreme cold for no fault of theirs

One Death and the Bottle of Rum

Night over took us and brought with it additional chill and cold that a night of late October coupled with an altitude of 15-16,000 feet altitude can manifest. To top it, there was soon sleet and fresh snow and this was clearly the coldest night that we had spent in the open.
That night two things happened that will always live with me. One Ganpat died, he froze stiff, sitting in the snow, as he was. Before his death he cried and howled like an animal unknowingly, the rest of us yelling at him to keep quiet lest the Chinese pick up our trail. Rajamani Rai was 'B " Company barber and having 'managed' his enrollment, was much older, nearly 50 years of age. He had against all advice to accompany the Paltan to NEFA rather than take the easy way out and get posted to Centre.

The second was a coincidence when I ran into Hav Chhetri of 1/9 GR who only two months ago had taught me at the Army School of Mechanical Transport. Faizabad. He had been recalled to the unit to take his promotion test and destiny had made him cross my path. He was sitting in the snow, having recognised me he wished me. Surprised to see him in our midst I offered that he share my blanket as he had none. Huddled under the blanket, Chhatri some time later asked me if I would have rum. Imagine my surprise, he was prepared to share what could be life saving under the circumstances there were no barriers. The Saihab and the Jawan spent the night under the saihabs blanket taking swigs from the bottle produced by the Jawan.Both survived the ordeal.

As narrated to me by Lt Gen RIS Kahlon PVSM, UVSM, AVSM (Retd) then Lt and IO of 4 GRENADIERS


BLS31

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Sorry,
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bls31 said:
During Kargil soldiers died fighting bravely by enemy bullets. On the other hand :during OP Leghorn the 7 brigade soldiers died, not only, while fighting bravely, by enemy bullets but also of hunger and extreme cold for no fault of theirs

One Death and the Bottle of Rum

Night over took us and brought with it additional chill and cold that a night of late October coupled with an altitude of 15-16,000 feet altitude can manifest. To top it, there was soon sleet and fresh snow and this was clearly the coldest night that we had spent in the open.
That night two things happened that will always live with me. One Ganpat died, he froze stiff, sitting in the snow, as he was. Before his death he cried and howled like an animal unknowingly, the rest of us yelling at him to keep quiet lest the Chinese pick up our trail. Rajamani Rai was 'B " Company barber and having 'managed' his enrollment, was much older, nearly 50 years of age. He had against all advice to accompany the Paltan to NEFA rather than take the easy way out and get posted to Centre.

The second was a coincidence when I ran into Hav Chhetri of 1/9 GR who only two months ago had taught me at the Army School of Mechanical Transport. Faizabad. He had been recalled to the unit to take his promotion test and destiny had made him cross my path. He was sitting in the snow, having recognised me he wished me. Surprised to see him in our midst I offered that he share my blanket as he had none. Huddled under the blanket, Chhatri some time later asked me if I would have rum. Imagine my surprise, he was prepared to share what could be life saving under the circumstances there were no barriers. The Saihab and the Jawan spent the night under the saihabs blanket taking swigs from the bottle produced by the Jawan.Both survived the ordeal.

As narrated to me by Lt Gen RIS Kahlon PVSM, UVSM, AVSM (Retd) then Lt and IO of 4 GRENADIERS


BLS31
Click to expand...




I agree with you Uncle ji... Our soldiers fought with extreme bravery, not only against Chinese but weather also.. We didn't have good weapons and resources.. I have read in an article that before 1962 war, our army factories were making "charkha" (don't know abt the truth, whether it was a comment on Gandhism or what). I agree with you that we should also remember those soldiers who died in 1962 war and we need to prepare ourselves against China.. Actually China is a real enemy for India. "Wo bunder(Pakistan) ke kandhe pe bandook rakhke hum pe chalata hai.." He has provided the latest missile and nuke tech to Pakistan, because its a strategy to keep India engaged with Pakistan. We have faith on our soldiers, but not on our leaders and bureaucracy, who are always afraid of skyscrappers in Sanghai. China always oppose India on every international issue and hepl Pakistan in getting loans from World Bank, which the later uses against India.
 
Sir, the story/incident is impressive.
Now about the heading of your thread, people here had witnessed the Karhil war and felt the Junoon generated by it, but like me most of JL members were not there at the time of 1962 or 1965 or even 1971, so those wars were like stories to us.
It is requested that you start a seperate thread for making us understand the truths and lies of that time.
Regards
 
bls31 said:
During Kargil soldiers died fighting bravely by enemy bullets. On the other hand :during OP Leghorn the 7 brigade soldiers died, not only, while fighting bravely, by enemy bullets but also of hunger and extreme cold for no fault of theirs

One Death and the Bottle of Rum

Night over took us and brought with it additional chill and cold that a night of late October coupled with an altitude of 15-16,000 feet altitude can manifest. To top it, there was soon sleet and fresh snow and this was clearly the coldest night that we had spent in the open.
That night two things happened that will always live with me. One Ganpat died, he froze stiff, sitting in the snow, as he was. Before his death he cried and howled like an animal unknowingly, the rest of us yelling at him to keep quiet lest the Chinese pick up our trail. Rajamani Rai was 'B " Company barber and having 'managed' his enrollment, was much older, nearly 50 years of age. He had against all advice to accompany the Paltan to NEFA rather than take the easy way out and get posted to Centre.

The second was a coincidence when I ran into Hav Chhetri of 1/9 GR who only two months ago had taught me at the Army School of Mechanical Transport. Faizabad. He had been recalled to the unit to take his promotion test and destiny had made him cross my path. He was sitting in the snow, having recognised me he wished me. Surprised to see him in our midst I offered that he share my blanket as he had none. Huddled under the blanket, Chhatri some time later asked me if I would have rum. Imagine my surprise, he was prepared to share what could be life saving under the circumstances there were no barriers. The Saihab and the Jawan spent the night under the saihabs blanket taking swigs from the bottle produced by the Jawan.Both survived the ordeal.

As narrated to me by Lt Gen RIS Kahlon PVSM, UVSM, AVSM (Retd) then Lt and IO of 4 GRENADIERS


BLS31
Click to expand...

There is no doubt, China is the real enemy India has. Time to brigh together China war veterans and hold a memorial day each year. Let us begin from this year. Indians need to be remined of China war defeat each year so that they know who the real enemy is and what sort of battle readiness they need.

RK^2
 
I am attaching a letter from my father to my young wife giving her solace and encouragement. It shows the sentiments back home and how the nation felt bls31
 
I am attaching a letter from my father to my young wife giving her solace and encouragement. It shows the sentiments back home and how the nation felt bls31
 
Uncleji,

We're not able to find the letter. Looks like you are facing some issue in uploading the same.

Might be the size of letter image that causing problem.

bls31 said:
I am attaching a letter from my father to my young wife giving her solace and encouragement. It shows the sentiments back home and how the nation felt bls31
Click to expand...
 
Kargil Yes and 1962 also yes.

Dear Bragadier saheb you have picked a right topic on right time. Our nation remembers Kargil but why not 1962,1965,1971.During the Indo-china war of 1962 there were no weapons in the hands of our soldiers they were fighting with stones with chinese automatic rifles, they did not have complete supply line of foods and ammunition. Many soldiers died of cold and without food. I have seen the pain of that war my mother lost her brother Ch.RAGHUBIR SINGH JANGU of MAURI village in BHIWANI district.We have heard that most of the soldiers died of hunger even the companions of my MAMA who survived told that we were alive for many days only with gram(Channa) and ice and at last we ate Petha(Kadu) but no food.Indian Govt could not supply ration and ammunition in time. Our soldiers were fighting with stones and sticks with the enemy automatic rifles, we did not have proper food clothes or ammunition.The soldiers who lost :confused:everything for the country are not properly remembered today .I salute those brave SAHIDS. Jai Hind.
 
bls31 said:
I am attaching a letter from my father to my young wife giving her solace and encouragement. It shows the sentiments back home and how the nation felt bls31
Click to expand...


Let me try once again

clip_image002.jpg
 
Occassion!!!

bls31 said:
During Kargil soldiers died fighting bravely by enemy bullets. On the other hand :during OP Leghorn the 7 brigade soldiers died, not only, while fighting bravely, by enemy bullets but also of hunger and extreme cold for no fault of theirs

One Death and the Bottle of Rum

Night over took us and brought with it additional chill and cold that a night of late October coupled with an altitude of 15-16,000 feet altitude can manifest. To top it, there was soon sleet and fresh snow and this was clearly the coldest night that we had spent in the open.
That night two things happened that will always live with me. One Ganpat died, he froze stiff, sitting in the snow, as he was. Before his death he cried and howled like an animal unknowingly, the rest of us yelling at him to keep quiet lest the Chinese pick up our trail. Rajamani Rai was 'B " Company barber and having 'managed' his enrollment, was much older, nearly 50 years of age. He had against all advice to accompany the Paltan to NEFA rather than take the easy way out and get posted to Centre.

The second was a coincidence when I ran into Hav Chhetri of 1/9 GR who only two months ago had taught me at the Army School of Mechanical Transport. Faizabad. He had been recalled to the unit to take his promotion test and destiny had made him cross my path. He was sitting in the snow, having recognised me he wished me. Surprised to see him in our midst I offered that he share my blanket as he had none. Huddled under the blanket, Chhatri some time later asked me if I would have rum. Imagine my surprise, he was prepared to share what could be life saving under the circumstances there were no barriers. The Saihab and the Jawan spent the night under the saihabs blanket taking swigs from the bottle produced by the Jawan.Both survived the ordeal.

As narrated to me by Lt Gen RIS Kahlon PVSM, UVSM, AVSM (Retd) then Lt and IO of 4 GRENADIERS


BLS31
Click to expand...

Dear Sir,
The Indian Government did not have their threat perception clearly defined, while the Army does have it crystle clear. There is no doubt about the threat to national security being more critical from China then Pakistan. Economy plays a major role in the strength of the nation's to wage a war. Unless supported from outside, Pakistan in current economic conditions can hardly fight a prolonged war. Consider the reserves of fuel and ammunition, available. Both India and Pakistan and even China do not have shortage of manpower, but the fuel and accessories are going to be an important issue. Terrain plays a major role in strategic planning, and I can say today we do understand is much better then in 1962. Sikkim's joining the union is and extremely important gain to the nation in dealing with Chinese Threat.

Now comparision of 1962 and Kargil. Well Kargil war was fought in June- July while the 1962 was fought in October. So, one really can't celebrate 1962 in July. Kargil was a victory while 1962 was not. Individual bravery will be there in any operation irrespective of the outcome. In mountains, defending a position is much easier then attacking a cliff. So, these are two totally different kind of wars, and hence have to be analyzed independent of each other. I am very proud of the Battalion that I have served with like all of us. In 1962 Late Brig Hoshiar Singh, MVC did a great pride to the nation, while in Kargil the list is endless with Late Maj Vivek Gupta, MVC, and Late Maj Padmapani Acharya, MVC leading the list.

I think the heading of the thread could have just been about 1962 rather than comparing the sufferings of soldiers in two different wars. Regarding the adversary of weather, soldiers do it every day today in Kashmir. The ambushes are not only laid in the valley where the altitude is like plains, but also on the heights of 14000 feet and above. Climbing those peaks wiht full equipment and clothings makes your under garments absolutely wet, and then for hours one has to sit still behind a bush (not a bunker) with wind blowing, and snow falling. When your under garments are wet and you have to sit still, it is extremely difficult. Any noise or movement might give away your location. The latent heat of evaporation brings down body temperature much lower, and hence the chill. Wind chill factor makes life more miserable. A fall from the cliff could be as fatal as the enemy bullet. But then these are the service conditions and we all are trained to weather that. Purely from the tactical point of view, we all know Mountains favor the defenders. Attacking in mountains is extemely difficult, both physically and tactically. Approaches are limited and prevent large scale deployment, thereby reducing the strenght ratio that an attacker needs to have to over come a well entranched enemy.

Lack of equipment had been the major problem of 1962 war. But then all those second lieutinets who weathered those miseries, when they became generals, failed to change even the web equipment an infantry soldier was using in 1998 when I left the army. I hope the Infantry has better equipment now. We as army men can blame the entire world, but we are as much responsible for our miseries as any one else. As we all know: "Zurm Sahna bhi utna hi bada gunah hai jitna ke Zurm Karna". We as an organization (specially our senior officers) failed to raise their voice in a meaningful manner in 1962 and they failed thereafter as well.
 
Extremely Encouraging Letter

bls31 said:
Finally the lettre from my father BLS31
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Dear Sir,

That is an extremely encouraging letter. True, the soldier's wife has to maintain her cool, and courage in adverse of circumstances. There is no parrellel to that.
 
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