Leh, 19 November: The Battle of Rezang La is etched in the annals of military history as one of the greatest battles of all times.
The Battle stands out for extraordinary valour, grit and dogged determination of C Company of 13 KUMAON that fought to the last man, in 1962 war against China, defending Rezang La in Eastern Ladakh, under the dynamic leadership of Maj Shaitan Singh.
Battle of Rezang La, an epic battle of all times, has immense inspirational value for the entire nation. In November 1962, 13 KUMAON was deployed at Magar Hill and Rezang La in Chushul Sector, Eastern Ladakh, as part of 114 Infantry Brigade. The early hours of 18 November 1962 witnessed a fierce battle at Rezang La.
Against all odds and despite being overwhelmingly out-numbered, the valiant soldiers of “C” Company, 13 KUMAON, repulsed a series of attacks launched in waves by the Chinese. Despite heavy artillery shelling and fierce assaults, Maj Shaitan Singh and his 113 bravehearts delivered mighty blows to the adversary.
The brave soldiers of 13 KUMAON were honoured with one Param Vir Chakra, eight Veer Chakras, four Sena Medals and one Mention-in-Despatches. These names will forever remind the future generations of the brave men who laid down their lives fighting for our country on 18 November 1962.
On the occasion of the 61st Anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La, Maj Gen MS Mokha, Sena Medal, Chief of Staff, Fire and Fury Corps, alongwith other distinguished guests of Fire and Fury Corps, paid their tributes to the 114 Bravehearts of the Chushul Brigade at the Rezang La Memorial on 18 November 2023.
