The
Fighting Fourth: A Personal Narrative of the History of 4 KUMAON*
Brig
Jasbir Singh, SM
Introduction
Amongst the
most highly decorated and illustrious battalions of the Indian Army is 4 KUMAON or
‘Fighting Fourth’. Major Somnath Sharma of the battalion was awarded the Param
Vir Chakra (PVC) in 1947 for his exceptional bravery. During this conflict, the
unit also won three Maha Vir Chakras (MVC), including one to their Commanding
Officer (CO), Lieutenant Colonel (later Lieutenant General) MM Khanna, who led
the battalion from the front and was a
highly distinguished soldier and exemplary leader. They also have the unique
honour of having two Chiefs who served in the battalion namely, General SM
Shrinagesh and General KS Thimayya. Raised in 1788, its rich and enviable
history traces its roots to being part of Salabat Khan’s Army in the Deccan;
they were also the first troops to be inducted into Siachen.
The
Book
‘The
Fighting Fourth’ is a personal narrative of the history of this battalion from its raising in 1788 to maintain order in
Berar and protect the Northern borders of the Princely State of Hyderabad till
its bicentenary in 1988. Written by the Late Brigadier Jasbir Singh, SM, who
was inspired to write this account when his father, Brigadier Balbir Singh, MC
told him that “they were the only
father and son duo in the unit’s history to have been awarded for gallantry”.
The battalion fought in diverse terrain
and conflicts over the two hundred years of its history, but what stands out is
the manner in which they have always responded even in the most adverse
circumstances. The first known action fought by the battalion was the ‘Battle
of Moormoosa’ on the banks of the Godavari in 1814 during the Pindari Wars
where they lost their Commanding Officer Major Drew.
In 1900, the battalion proceeded by
train for the first time from Hyderabad to Madras; ‘where the clickety clack of
the wheels fascinated the men who had been used to slow marches’. From Madras,
they went by ship to Hong Kong and, thereafter, were part of the China
Expeditionary Force to crush the Boxer Rebellion. Incidentally, the German
contingent of this Force had Lieutenant Lettow-Vorbeck, who would command the
German and Askiri Forces in East Africa in World War I and fight bitter battles
against the battalion. The ‘China Cup’, an intricate silver trophy prepared by
Chinese craftsmen, still adorns the Officers Mess.
In 1914 during The Great War, the unit
was part of the Africa Expeditionary Force ‘B’ and sailed to Mombassa eating
’unpalatable food’ during the voyage, where after a brief stay, when they were
not allowed to disembark, they then landed at Tanga. Here the Germans bought
time to build up their defences by deceiving the British that the harbour was
mined. The battalion then fought a difficult battle at Tanga, where they were
not only defeated by the Germans and Askiris but also attacked by Bees,
suffering seventy-seven casualties, including thirty-seven killed and excluding
four missing, as a result of ‘ineffective leadership by the ‘British Higher
Command’. The unit, thereafter, fought in Lake Victoria, where it won acclaim
for the ‘impressive operations and great gallantry’. The soldiers had proved
their ‘mettle in battle’, their ‘bravery is considered more impressive as the
fighting occurred in distant lands far removed from their homeland. On return
to India, they were part of the Third Afghan War in 1917 where their CO was
awarded a bar to his Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
Earning a well-deserved rest in India
after a long operational service, the battalion
moved to Iraq in 1927. This is where Second Lieutenant KS Thimayya
joined the battalion on commissioning. In 1932, while at Allahabad,
‘Indianisation’ progressed further and a large number of Kings Commissioned
Indian Officers (KCIOs) were present in the unit including Captain SM
Shrinagesh and Second Lieutenant K Bahadur Singh. Incidentally, this is where
the senior most Indian officer, Captain Daulet Sen had to ’sadly leave the Army
for demanding that ‘Indian dishes be cooked in the Officers Mess’.
In August 1939, the battalion sailed to
Singapore which was supposed to be a ‘peace time posting’. However, soon they
were fighting a series of actions against the Japanese in the jungles of
Malaysia from 09 December 1941, at Ketereh, where in their first encounter they
were able to hold their positions and then they fought a rear-guard action at
Machung where a Company was left stranded across the Kelentan River when the
bridge was demolished. However, what stands out is the CO crossing the river to
instil confidence in his troops. Though they lost many men, the gallant action
by the battalion amidst the chaos of withdrawal stood out. The unit’s
determined actions during the withdrawal from Malaysia, following the Battle of
Slim River, and last stand at Singapore on 14 February 1942 were testimonial of
their training and fighting spirit. All that remained at the time of surrender
were three officers and 180 men.
The author then covers the story of the
escape from the Prisoner of War (POW) camp in May 1942, by his father, (then) Captain
Balbir Singh, Captain GS Parab, and Captain Pritam Singh. They endured extreme
hardship going through Malaysia, Thailand, and the trek through the jungles of
Burma to finally reach India. All three were decorated with the Military Cross.
Later Brigadier Pritam Singh would go on to be the saviour of Poonch in
1947-48. The ordeal they underwent and the difficulties they faced are
remarkably illustrated.
In 1947-48, the battalion fought in
J&K where the stand by Major Somnath Sharma, who was awarded the PVC, is
well documented. It is in this conflict that Lieutenant Colonel (later
Lieutenant General) MM Khanna, the CO, with his group of fifteen, was ambushed,
losing one JCO and twelve men on 19 June 1948 and it was a Kashmiri villager,
Jumma Mohammed, who carried the wounded and hid them while he went to inform
the nearest army unit, 2 DOGRA. Khanna was awarded the MVC for showing great
bravery and determination.
What is also wonderfully captured is the
daring patrol in early 1957, which has generally remained highly classified,
undertaken by Lieutenant Colonel RS Basera into Aksai Chin to find out about
the strategic Sinkiang – Tibet Road. In adverse conditions, overcoming all odds
the patrol reached the road, observed Chinese vehicles and took samples of the
track. Unfortunately, while the military hierarchy was appreciative of the task
undertaken, the then Defence Minister, Krishna Menon, and Prime Minister Nehru,
both of whom were apprised about the report, ‘wanted to know if a map had been
carried to confirm the location’. Naturally, no map could be carried for
security reasons, and they directed that “no more such patrols were to be sent
to Aksai Chin”. The strategic picture would have been very different if the
report had been trusted by the then political hierarchy.
The book also gives an insight into the
character qualities of Brigadier Nasim Arthur Salick, who won his Vir Chakra
(VrC) at “Master” in J&K in January 1948, and later commanded the battalion
during the ‘Battle of Bugina Bulge’ in north Kashmir in 1965. Here the
battalion was involved in a series of actions where they overcame great odds of
terrain, enemy, and extreme weather conditions to successfully capture and push
back the Pakistanis in the area beyond Tangdhar, in a region known as Bugina
Bulge. It was a significant achievement as the Pakistani regular and Special
Forces troops were in reinforced positions, at dominating heights including
Point 9013 (named due to its altitude in feet). The hill was subsequently
renamed as ‘Kumaon Hill’. His inspiration, motivation, courage, and personal
example were some of the contributing factors to the battalion’s spectacular
success, along with his outstanding team of officers, JCO’s, and soldiers.
Lieutenant Colonel Salick stood out as a true leader who lived by a set of
values and beliefs he wanted his men to emulate. The battalion lost two
officers, three JCOs, and forty-five other ranks in the 1965 war.
Unfortunately, he never got the MVC, which the Brigade wanted to recommend him
for, as he refused to reduce the number of citations for his men saying, “If my
men are not recommended for the gallantry awards, they so richly deserve, Sir I
do not deserve an award”.
The
Author
Brigadier
Jasbir Singh, SM was commissioned into the battalion in December 1970, when he
was yet not twenty, and joined the unit in Nagaland. He was soon involved in
actions against Naga insurgents and these have been covered in great detail.
The battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Lakha
Singh and Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) DPS Raghuvanshi did
exceedingly well, killing twenty-two insurgents, wounding twenty-three, and
capturing over six hundred and won twelve gallantry awards. Second Lieutenant
Jasbir Singh was in the thick of many encounters and his courage, determination,
initiative, and leadership stood out. He was awarded the Sena Medal (SM) for
his actions in February 1972 while eliminating self-styled Lieutenant Pusato.
Apart from this, there are anecdotes that cover his time in the battalion
including his ‘Dining in’ and the unit Raising Day. The ‘Dining In’ includes
the tale of him telling the CO that he had already signed the ‘visitors book’
while being a cadet at RIMC, when he visited the unit at Tregham, J&K,
along with his father in January 1965 and the privilege was accorded to him by
the then CO. Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Salick permitted him to sign the
visitors book provided he joined 4 KUMAON.
In 1971, the battalion was part of 8
Mountain Division and operated behind enemy lines by establishing a road block
on 29 November 1971 at Shamsher Nagar to isolate it and prevent it from being
reinforced. It is during the firefight here that they lost Havildar Hari
Shankar, whose son, born after he passed away, followed his father’s footsteps
and joined the battalion. In the road block action, they lost twenty-one men
and thirty-two were wounded. For ‘the outstanding operations’ during the 1971
War, the unit was awarded the ‘Battle Honour Shamsher Nagar’.
Conclusion
There
is no doubt that late Brigadier Jasbir Singh has captured the soul and the
spirit of the battalion due to his insight with them over the years. The book
is remarkable as it presents a personal account of the glorious history of the
battalion, written by someone who has had a ring side view of its ethos. There
is no doubt that the strongest bonds are created by the unique sense of esprit
de corps that prevails, which overcomes all challenges, and it is this
intrinsic strength of our army that needs to be nurtured. This is a narrative
that needs to be read for the manner it portrays the character of this famous
battalion and its contribution over the centuries.
Major General Jagatbir Singh, VSM
(Retd)
*The
Fighting Fourth: A Personal Narrative of the History of 4 KUMAON. By Brig Jasbir
Singh,SM; (Noida: Occam (An imprint of BluOne Ink) September 2021); Pages: 216;
Price: Rs 525/-; ISBN: 8194954754.
Journal
of the United Service Institution of India, Vol. CLIII,
No. 632, April-June 2023.
G20
@ 2023: The Roadmap to Indian Presidency. By V Srinivas; (New Delhi: Pentagon Press LLP, March
2023); Pages: 304; Price: Rs 995/-; ISBN: 9390095743.
The
Group of Twenty, better known by its acronym G20, is an intergovernmental forum
of the world’s largest economies originally set up in 1999 to address
challenges and coordinate action on pressing global financial and economic
issues. Annual summits of the leaders of the G20 countries have been regularly
held every year since 2008. Over the years, it has evolved into a major force
often setting the direction of decision-making by established multilateral
institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and United
Nations. The year 2023 is special for India as it is the year of India’s Presidency
of this global forum, with sectoral discussions being held over the year in
each State of the country, and the annual summit of world leaders to be held in
Delhi in September 2023. In this context, a book that seeks to highlight the
background and build understanding of the significance of this event is
welcome.
V Srinivas’ deeply researched book ‘G20
@ 2023: The Roadmap to Indian Presidency’ comprehensively sets out the
evolution of the G20 from its inception in 2008 to its present position as the
premier forum for international economic cooperation. The author is a notable
scholar-administrator who has closely worked with top political levels in the
Government of India. Further, he has a deep understanding of the multilateral
process, having worked at a policy level in a multilateral financial
institution, and written extensively on multilateralism. This background gives
him a unique perspective that is reflected throughout this seminal work.
The book traces, step by step, the
expansion of the scope of the G20 meetings over the years. The happenings at
the key Summits held are analysed in considerable depth. The book highlights
the stellar role played by the G20 in actively responding and successfully
tackling severe global financial crises, most notably the Global Financial
Crisis of 2008. The forum’s leading role in coordinating the response to the
Eurozone Crisis of 2010 and the Covid 19 Pandemic of 2020 is set out lucidly.
The book contains a wealth of useful documentation and perspectives that provide
useful insights into the decision-making processes of G20 and on the complex
workings of multilateralism in practice.
In this aptly titled ‘Roadmap’, the
author brings out India’s approach and perspective to the presidency of this
key global forum. The book sets out the reform agenda for the forum, and the
initiatives that are likely to define India’s presidency of the G20. In a
currently divided and increasingly multipolar world, he brings out how India’s
presidency is being viewed as a great opportunity to guide the global order
towards strengthening multilateralism and also to nudge the global powers
towards processes that facilitate more consultative and inclusive global policy
making.
India’s presidency of the G20 is being
widely covered and is the subject of much media and popular attention. In this
backdrop, the book is an invaluable reference not just for scholars/academics
but is also extremely relevant and highly recommended for anyone, even
remotely, interested in the background and the profusion of happenings related
to the crucial Indian presidency of G20. For those directly or indirectly
associated with the G20 process in any capacity, this book is an essential
reading.
Dr
Rajan Katoch, IAS (Retd)
The
Military Heroes of Haryana – Gallantry Award Winners, Volume 1. By Lt Col Dilbag Singh Dabas
(Retd); (New Delhi: Rolleract Press Services); Pages: 387; Price: Rs 950/-;
ISBN: 9789355262622.
India
is a representation of many cultural, religious, linguistic and social
structures, it is home to 1/3rd of the world population, and has been known for
being one of the most diverse countries in the world. It is also the oldest
civilisation in the world, with rich cultural heritage, attributed to its many
States. As a country surrounded by the Great Himalayas to the north, Bay of
Bengal to the east, Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south,
even its geographical boundaries are an amalgamation of its regional
differences. One such organisation exhibiting a similar structure is its land force,
the Indian Army.
If we look closely, the Indian Army is
symbolic of India and its States where each regiment embodies the cultural, and
ethical vlaues the respective State holds. The Infantry regiments today are
based on the pre-independent ‘Martial Race’ concept that divided the fighting
class from the non-fighting class and, hence, these infantry units came to be
known as Punjab, Madras, Rajput, Jat, Sikh, Dogra, Garhwal, Kumaon, Assam,
Mahar, and Gorkha Regiment, that exemplifies co-existence and assimilation of
values of each other’s culture. In the spirit of unity and valour that our
brave men have proved time and again, the author has specifically written about
the fallen heroes of Haryana. A land known for its abundant agricultural and
historical battle tales. Open sources cite that almost 1/4th of total soldiers belong to the – Punjab,
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh belt.
Haryana, specifically, accounts for 5.7 per cent of rank and file with a
total tally of 65,987 soldiers as per ministerial data.
The book is essentially a repository of
the undaunted spirit of countless men in uniform, who remain buried in old
records and dusty files,but have now been revived by the author’s inquiry. The
book chronologically dates the contribution of soldiers as early as the World
War Era, that saw significant contribution from India. Risaldar Badlu Singh (14th Murray’s Jat Lancers), who was awarded the
Victoria Cross for his bravery in the Middle East theatre along with seven men
who were also awarded the Indian Order of Merit, charged to defend positions of
their squadron regardless of the grave danger they faced. Such is the daring
spirit of our soldiers who give their today for our tomorrow.
Camaraderie in the military is unique.
At times it gives you strength to sustain rigorous environmental constraints,
bond over little things to give an essence of family, and at times just looking
after one another. One such instance is of Company Havildar Major (CMH) Chhelu
Ram Garhwal and Subedar Richhpal Ram Lamba, both Victoria Cross Awardees, who
breathed their last in the dusty battlefields of Africa fighting the axis forces. Both belonged to 4
Rajputana Rifles and were affectionate towards each other. After Subedar
Richhpal Ram attained martyrdom in 1941 in Keren (then in Eritrea), CHM Chhelu
Ram decided to name his son in respect and admiration of his senior. Battles
not only change the fate of soldiers and generals involved in the conflict but
impact the lives of many through associations like these and keep reminding us
of the unsung heroes.
The book provides many such anecdotal
accounts of armed forces personnel who lived ‘a life less ordinary’. It
should not only be a source of inspiration to boys and girls who dream of
serving the nation but to all those who wish to understand our men in uniform,
keep igniting your minds!
Ms
Surbhi Chakraborty
War
to Peace Wisdom and Leadership: Ex-Servicemen’s Role in Good Governance and
Rural Development. By
Lt Gen (Dr) SK Gadeock, AVSM (Retd); (New Delhi: Pentagon Press LLP, March
2023); Pages: 224; Price: Rs 795/-; ISBN: 939009576X.
The
book, ‘War to Peace Wisdom and Leadership: Ex-Servicemen’s Role in Good
Governance and Rural Development’, written by Lt Gen (Dr) S.K. Gadeock, AVSM
(Retd), is not only an ode to those who have served this nation as a part of
the armed forces, but also a map to a possible future which shows a path that
capitalises on the potential of these ex-servicemen.
The name ‘War to Peace’ is quite
accurate in the context of what the book suggests. While one has read about the
ravages of war and the longing for peace in many a harrowing and poetic
accounts, Gen Gadeock has given an unprecedented account of why it is important
to realise the potential of the ex-servicemen and how imperative it is to
recognise their unique abilities as well as their potential. The book also
focuses exclusively on rural India, elucidating upon the fact that while
urbanisation has been a rapid process, rural India remains underdeveloped,
however, the character of rural India has changed from that of being dependent
on just the primary sector to that of a region just beginning to explore its
capabilities.
The author opines that ex-servicemen in
rural settings in India possess a unique set of skills and experiences that
make them ideal candidates for leadership positions. Their discipline, work
ethic, and communication skills, developed through their years of military
service are invaluable qualities that can be applied to a range of settings.
These skills are particularly important in rural areas where access to basic
amenities and infrastructure can be challenging. Moreover, ex-servicemen have a
deep understanding of the challenges faced by their communities. They have
firsthand experience of the difficulties of living in remote areas and the
struggles that people face in accessing basic amenities such as healthcare,
education, and infrastructure. This makes them well-equipped to identify the
needs of their communities and to develop strategies to address these issues.
The author, who has spent an illustrious
and unblemished 40-year long career in the Indian Army, states in the book that
the ex-servicemen also possess a strong sense of ethics and integrity, which
can be invaluable in combating corruption. Their experience in the armed forces
has instilled a strong sense of discipline and a commitment to honesty and
transparency. It is also important to note that the age at which most troops of
the Indian Army retire ranges from 35–40 years, and this number, which the book
suggests is approximately 60,000, will only increase with Agniveers. It
would be a symbiotic relationship if the ex-servicemen are placed in leadership
positions. In this manner they can have a second career and they can use their
leadership roles to promote accountability, fairness, and transparency in their
communities. They can work to establish systems that discourage corrupt
practices and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of the
community as a whole. Their commitment to ethical behaviour and their
willingness to speak out against corruption can inspire others to do the same,
creating a culture of honesty and accountability.
Additionally, ex-servicemen can serve as
role models for the youth in rural India. They can provide a sense of purpose
and direction to young people, who may be struggling to find their` place in
society. Ex-servicemen can share their experiences and lessons learned from
their time in the military, emphasising the importance of discipline, hard work,
and service to others. They can inspire young people to pursue education, take
up a profession or trade, and contribute to their communities. The book also
talks about them serving as mentors to young people, helping them to develop
the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life. They can provide guidance
on education, career choices and personal development, as well as offer a
listening ear and emotional support when needed. This can be particularly
beneficial in rural areas where access to mentors and role models may be
limited.
Ex-servicemen in rural settings in India
have the potential to not only provide effective leadership but also to be
strong advocates for anti-corruption efforts and role models for the youth. By
leveraging their experience and skills, ex-servicemen can contribute
significantly to the development and well-being of their communities and
inspire a new generation of leaders who are committed to ethics, integrity, and
service. Their leadership potential can make a significant difference in the
lives of people in rural India, improving their access to basic amenities,
promoting transparency, accountability and fairness, and inspiring young people
to pursue their dreams. The book looks at a way forward to make the most out of
the potential of such young men and women of the armed forces in building a
future for the nation.
Dr
Aparaajita Pandey
Two
Decades of US-Taliban War in Afghanistan. By Major General Samay Ram, UYSM, AVSM, VSM; (New
Delhi: Sabre and Quill, January 2022); Pages: 180; Price: Rs. 899/-; ASIN:
B0BH5C2H8H.
This
book has been written by a senior Indian Army Officer who has participated in
three Indo-Pak wars and also in IPKF operations in Sri Lanka. The book deals
with the understanding of the various dimensions of the US-Taliban War in
Afghanistan. The author gives credibility and authenticity to his writings
based on his experience of four years as the Military Attaché in the Embassy of
India, Kabul, at a time when the Soviets were in occupation of Afghanistan. The
book is divided into three parts:
n Part I deals with the understanding of
Afghanistan, its history, its geography, and its people.
n Part II covers the period when
Afghanistan was under the US and its NATO Allies. This part deals with the main
US –Taliban War.
n Part III covers the period when the
Taliban returned to power and Afghanistan came under their occupation.
In Part I, the author covers the history
of Afghanistan in brief. The chorological details show how Afghanistan served
as the gateway for all invaders like Alexander and Babur, who came to India
from Southern Central Asia. The salient features of the history highlight two
issues; one, the history of Afghanistan is written in blood; two, Afghanistan
has been the grave yard of the foreign empires like the British and later the
Soviet Union, implying that the Afghans never accepted to be under the rule of
foreign empires.
Part II covers the period from the time
US invaded Afghanistan till its exit along with US and its Allies. It
highlights why the US invaded Afghanistan and defeated the Taliban, who
withdrew to the safe heavens provided by Pakistan along the Afghanistan-Pakistan
border, eliminating all their bases from Afghanistan. Once Osama Bin Laden was
caught and killed, the US and its Allies enhanced the scope of war and its
objectives to include establishment of a duly elected Afghan Government,
strengthening of the Afghan National Security Forces, and carrying out
development of infrastructure, which gave time to the Taliban to reorganise and
re-equip themselves and resume their offensive against the US and its Allies
engaging them into a counter insurgency war, a war that the US wanted to avoid.
Perforce, the US was forced into changing its military strategies. The counter
insurgency operations continued even after Osama Bin Laden was hunted and
killed. After fighting for over a decade, the US realised that they were fighting
a war with no end.
Having handed over the responsibility of
security of Afghanistan, the US offered a negotiated settlement with the
Taliban. Left to fight their own battle, the Afghan Forces began to
disintegrate under the pressure of the Taliban leading to their defeat; forcing
the Afghan President to flee and abandon his country. The author carries out an
assessment examining the reasons why the Afghan Security Forces collapsed and
why the US failed to win the War; one of the major reasons being the continued
trust of Pakistan as an ally knowing fully that it was playing the dubious role
of supporting the Taliban. The US-Taliban War culminated into the hurried exit
of the US troops from Afghanistan and the return of Taliban to power in Kabul.
The coverage of this momentous period makes very interesting reading to bring
home the lesson of history that the Afghans never accept the rule of a foreign
power – not even the mighty US.
Part III deals with the resurgence of
the Taliban and how they progressively captured part by part of Afghanistan
till they captured Kabul in a swift offensive and constituted an Interim
Administration in alliance with the Hekmatyar Group –it was an unholy alliance.
The Taliban Government then declared its policies not much different from that
of 1996, throwing Afghanistan back into the dark era. Thereafter, the Taliban
Government engaged itself to seek recognition by the world community so that
international aid could flow to improve its financial position. This Part also
deals with the threats emanating from various sources to the survival of the
Taliban Government. Some part is also devoted to the efforts of some of the
countries in forming an ‘All Inclusive Government’. Towards the end, the author
reviews the current situation in Afghanistan and, finally, takes the hazardous
risk of predicting the future of Taliban.
The subject matter is well researched
and the author has covered all the nuances of the US-Taliban War in Afghanistan
and presented in a manner that it is easy to comprehend. Attempting any
prediction to the future of the Taliban in Afghanistan is rather risky.The book
is of immense value to the officials of the Ministry of External Affairs who
find themselves posted in the Embassy of India, Kabul. It is of great value to
those engaged in Counter Insurgency Operations. The book will be a great value
addition to any library.
Gp Capt Sharad Tewari, VM (Retd)