 Piru Singh's unmatched valor in the Indo-Pak War of 1947-48 earned him India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.){kind=link}
Courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication—these are the hallmarks of true warriors who etch their names in history through acts of extraordinary bravery. Among them stands Company Havildar Major (CHM) Piru Singh of the 6 Rajputana Rifles, whose unmatched valor in the Indo-Pak War of 1947-48 earned him India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous). His final stand at Tithwal in Jammu & Kashmir remains one of the most inspiring tales of single-handed bravery in military history. Against overwhelming odds, he charged through relentless enemy fire, neutralized multiple enemy positions, and made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure his battalion’s success.
Early Years and Military Career
Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was born on 20 May 1918 in Rampura Beri village, Churu district, Rajasthan. The youngest among his siblings, he was drawn to a life of discipline and service from an early age. On 20 May 1936, at the age of 18, he enrolled in the Indian Army, marking the beginning of a remarkable military career.
Initially, CHM Piru Singh served in the 10/1 Punjab Regiment and later in 5/1 Punjab Regiment. His dedication and skill soon set him apart. On 7 August 1940, within a few years of service, he earned the Indian Army First Class Certificate of Education and was promoted to the rank of Lance Naik.
Recognizing his leadership potential, he was posted as an Instructor at the Punjab Regimental Centre in September 1941. By May 1945, he had risen to the position of Company Havildar Major (CHM).
During World War II, he actively participated in military operations, gaining valuable battlefield experience. After returning from the war in September 1947, he was reassigned to the 6 Rajputana Rifles, as part of the post-independence reorganization of the Indian Army.
Background
During the Jammu and Kashmir operations in the summer of 1948, the Indian Army faced a big challenge from the Pakistani raiders, who launched a strong counter-offensive in the Tithwal sector. As a result, Indian forces had to vacate their forward positions across the Kishanganga River, which led to a temporary setback in the battle.
To regain lost ground and push forward, Indian troops reorganized and took defensive positions along the Tithwal ridge. It was at this crucial juncture that 6 Rajputana Rifles was redeployed from Uri to Tithwal to reinforce the 163 Infantry Brigade, which was preparing for an offensive to reclaim key positions in the region.
The Indian offensive operation was launched on 11 July 1948, with Indian troops making steady progress against enemy positions. By 15 July, the operation had achieved significant gains, but reconnaissance reports indicated that the enemy was firmly holding a high feature in the area, which was essential for securing further advancements.
Beyond this stronghold, another strategically important feature was also under enemy control, and its capture was deemed critical to ensure the success of the operation. 6 Rajputana Rifles was assigned to secure two heavily fortified enemy positions, with the D Company tasked to capture the first feature and the C company to advance and secure the second feature, but only after the D company had successfully carried out its mission.
The stage was set for a fierce battle, in which Company Havildar Major Piru Singh would display extraordinary bravery, ultimately earning him the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous), India’s highest military decoration for gallantry in war.
The Operation
At 0130 hours on 18 July 1948, the ‘D’ Company launched its assault. The soldiers advanced along a narrow, one-meter-wide mountain path, flanked by deep ravines on either side. This treacherous terrain was heavily overlooked by well-camouflaged enemy bunkers, which had been strategically placed to inflict maximum casualties.
As soon as ‘D’ Company began its advance, it came under an intense barrage of machine gun fire and mortar shelling from the entrenched Pakistani forces. Within just 30 minutes, the company had suffered 51 casualties, severely weakening its offensive strength.
Amidst this brutal combat, Company Havildar Major Singh was with the leading section of ‘D’ Company. Tragically, more than half of his men were mowed down by the devastating enemy fire. Recognizing the dire situation and the critical need to neutralize the enemy’s medium machine gun (MMG) post, he charged ahead alone, showing unparalleled courage and determination.
He rushed forward to deal with the enemy medium machine gun post, which was playing havoc with his troops. Enemy grenade splinters ripped open his clothes and wounded several parts of his body. But this did not deter him. He still continued the advance, shouting the battle cry, “Raja Ramchandra Ki Jai”. Rushing forward he bayoneted the crew of the enemy MMG, with his own sten gun, silenced the menacing gun and occupied the post.
With the majority of his comrades either martyred or critically wounded, Company Havildar Major Singh found himself completely alone on the battlefield. The responsibility of clearing the enemy-infested hill feature now rested solely upon his shoulders. Despite his grievous injuries and relentless enemy fire, he refused to retreat.
Bleeding heavily, CHM Piru Singh pressed forward toward the second enemy medium machine gun (MMG) post. As he inched closer, an enemy grenade exploded near him, causing severe wounds to his face and head. The impact was devastating—blood dripped from his face, nearly blinding him, yet his indomitable spirit drove him forward.
By this time, his sten gun was out of ammo, leaving him only with grenades and his bayonet. Refusing to be deterred, he crawled out of the enemy trench he had just occupied and lobbed grenades at the next enemy bunker. Then, he jumped into another trench where killed two enemy soldiers with his bayonet in close-quarters combat.
Emerging from the second trench, CHM Piru Singh charged toward the third enemy bunker, determined to clear the remaining hostile positions. However, as he advanced, a bullet struck him in the head, causing him to collapse at the edge of the enemy trench.
In what would be his final act of valor, his grenade found its target—an explosion erupted inside the enemy trench, destroying the bunker and its occupants. Though fatally wounded, he had successfully neutralized multiple enemy positions, paving the way for the Indian Army’s advance.
Legacy
CHM Piru Singh’s selfless sacrifice left a lasting impact on his comrades and the entire nation. His single-handed assault on a heavily defended enemy position exemplified unmatched bravery and raw courage.
Recognizing his extraordinary gallantry, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru personally wrote to his 75-year-old mother, Mrs. Tarawati, acknowledging her son’s sacrifice: “He paid with his life for his singularly brave act, but he left for the rest of his comrades a unique example of single-handed bravery and determined cold courage. The country is grateful for this sacrifice made in the service of the Motherland, and it is our prayer that this may give you some peace and solace.”
In honor of his exceptional heroism, Company Havildar Major Piru Singh was posthumously awarded India’s highest wartime gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra.
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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