The First Kashmir War (1947-48), fought between the Indian Army and the Pakistani Tribal forces for control of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir was a pivotal moment that defined the early years of India’s independence.
The war showcased the unwavering bravery and unflinching gallantry of our troops in the face of insurmountable odds amidst the relentless onslaught of the Lashkars.
Among the many acts of bravery, several led to soldiers being awarded the first Indian Military gallantry awards such as the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra.
In this article, we delve into the unwavering commitment to duty and the supreme sacrifice made by Major Somnath Sharma to secure a favorable position in a pivotal moment of the war, the Battle of Badgam, which subsequently earned him the highest honor in the Indian Military, the Param Vir Chakra.
Background: A Critical Defensive Position in Badgam
The Battle of Badgam was fought during the early days of the First Kashmir War when Pakistani tribal raiders (backed by the Pakistan Army under the codename ‘Operation Gulmarg’) invaded Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947.
Their mission to force the then ruler of the princely state, Maharaja Hari Singh, to accede to Pakistan by capturing the capital, Srinagar, and cutting off Indian reinforcements.
The raiders’ plan involved a coordinated attack using multiple Lashkars (tribal militia units) armed with automatic guns and mortars to seize vital locations, mainly capturing the Srinagar airfield. The main force of six Lashkars were to advance along the main road from Muzzafarnagar to Srinagar via Domel, Uri and Baramulla, with their right flank being secured by two Lashkars advancing from the Haji Pir Pass district on to Gulmarg.
Similarly, two additional Lashkars were to advance from Tithwal to capture Sopore, Handwara and Bandipur, and another 10 Lashkars were capture Punch and Rajauri, eventually moving on to Jammu.
The resulting battles in the vital locations were vicious for our armed forces. However, the tribals had to halt their advance due to the valiant defense put forth by the Indian troops led by Brigadier Rajendra Singh, who defended their position while being heavily outnumbered from 23 October to 26 October.
He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, having lost his life in that fateful encounter. However, the raiders entered Baramulla on the night of October 26, 1947. By the time the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession with India and asked for aid from the Indian military, the invaders had reached Badgam, perilously close to Srinagar.
Major Somnath Sharma, born on January 31, 1923 to a distinguished military family, was commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment on 22 February, 1942. His father, Major General Amarnath Sharma, was a senior officer in the Indian Army, and his younger brother, General V.N. Sharma, would later become India’s Chief of Army Staff (1988-1990).
Major Sharma had proved his mettle prior to being commissioned in the regiment, having fought in the second World War in the Arakan campaign against the Japanese.
After Hari Singh had signed the Instrument of Accession, the Indian Army quickly deployed troops to Srinagar to halt the enemy advance. Major Sharma, despite having his right arm in a plaster due to an injury on the Hockey field, insisted on leading his men, determined to not let his company fight without him at such a critical moment.
On 31 October, 1947, his D company of the 4th Kumaon Regiment Battalion was airlifted to Srinagar. Meanwhile, the 1st Sikh Regiment at Patan had already valiantly fought off and blunted the main thrust of the tribal invasion. However, the Army realised that the enemy was using guerilla tactics to infiltrate Srinagar, making it important to secure the surrounding areas. Badgam, a small village near the airfield, became an important defensive position.
The Last Stand
On 3 November, 1947, a strong fighting patrol made of three companies was dispatched to Badgam to recon enemy movements.
Major Sharma’s forces included a company from 1 (Para) Kumaon Regiment and two companies from 4 Kumaon Regiment. By 0930 hours (9:30 AM), they established a firm defensive position at Badgam. Initial patrols found no immediate enemy presence, except for a group of Kashmiri refugees camping nearby. As no enemy was seen, two companies were withdrawn to Srinagar by 1400 hours (2:00 PM), leaving D Company under Major Sharma’s command to hold the position until 1500 hours (3:00 PM).
At around 1435 hours (2:35 PM), the Major’s company came under sudden and intense fire from the village houses. However, Major Sharma held fire, being mindful of civilian lives in the village. However, while discussing the threat, nearly 700 enemy fighters emerged from the west, launching a ferocious attack on Major’s company with mortars, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
Despite being severely outnumbered, Major Sharma remained undeterred, rallying his troops and directing their firepower effectively while running across open ground under relentless enemy fire. He swiftly laid out panes to guide the Indian Air Force to enemy positions, who successfully eliminated a bulk of the invaders. However, as casualties mounted and the firepower weakened, Major Sharma with his plastered arm, took it upon himself to refilling the magazines and distributing ammunition. His inspirational leadership kept his men fighting with unmatched tenacity.
His final radio transmission to Brigade Headquarters at 1500 hours became immortal in the annals of military history: “The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.”
Moments later, an enemy mortar shell exploded near an ammunition dump, which took Major Sharma’s life. However, inspired by his valor the company continued fighting against the invaders, their heroic stand delaying the enemy for six critical hours, giving Indian reinforcements time to secure Hum Hom and the Srinagar airfield. This decisive action ultimately thwarted the enemy’s plan to seize Srinagar.
The Legacy of Major Somnath Sharma
For his extraordinary courage, leadership, and supreme sacrifice, Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded India’s first Param Vir Chakra (PVC). His father, Major General Amarnath Sharma, received the medal on his behalf, marking the beginning of a tradition of exceptional bravery in the Indian Armed Forces.
Major Somnath Sharma’s unwavering commitment to duty continues to inspire generations of soldiers and civilians alike. His fearless stand at Badgam not only safeguarded Kashmir but also cemented his place as one of India’s greatest military heroes. His story is a testament to the Indian Army’s motto: “Service Before Self.”
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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