Remembering Martyr L/Nk / (Hon. Sub) Sham Singh, Vir Chakra during 1947-48 Indo-Pak War

 

L/Nk Sham Singh of Punjab Regiment (1 Guards) was adorned with gallantry award Vir Chakra and an Honorary Subedar rank posthumously, for his distinct bravery and supreme sacrifice for the country in the line of duty. On the battlefield, he managed to dislodge the enemy twice his section strength and repulsed two counter attacks by the enemy before being martyred.

 

 

Born on 3rd Feb 1921 in a small village of Hoshiarpur in Punjab, brave Sham Singh had always aspired to be in the Army. However, early in his service and at a very young age, the very brave Sham Singh attained martyrdom while striking back at the enemy during an army operation in1948.

 

 

On 19 Apr 1948 at Naushera sector of Jammu & Kashmir, the enemy was holding a dominating hill feature overlooking the attacking troops. Lance Naik Sham Singh sensing the need volunteered to dislodge the enemy and led his section to attack the dominating enemy position. Displaying extraordinary determination and sharpness, with five fellow soldiers he dislodged the enemy of twice his section strength and repulsed two counter attacks by the enemy using his own MMG (Medium Machine Gun) and 2-inch mortar.

 

 

The citation letter for his selfless service to the Army said, “One of our picquets in the Naushera area had battled with the enemy for three days. A column to relieve the hard-pressed picquet was sent on 19 April 1948. The enemy was holding a dominating hill feature 200 yards south of the picquet. It overlooked attack leading to its own position which the relief column must use to climb up. It was essential that the enemy be dislodged before the column came under fire. Lance Naik Sham Singh volunteered to dislodge the enemy and with his own MMG and 2-inch mortar support, launched the attack with such determination that though his section's strength was only seven, out of which two were wounded during the attack, he managed to dislodge the enemy twice his section strength. He repulsed two counter attacks by the enemy.”

 

 

We salute Hony. Sub Sham Singh and all the Indian soldiers who on the field of battle display such valour and supreme act of selfless service to the nation