Havildar Bachittar Singh was born on 10th January 1917 in Lopo village of Punjab. Born patriot, he inspired to join army and at the age of 17, he joined army in the Sikh Regiment. He served with his battalion in various places like Africa and Greece. He also took part in Second World War and faced enemies in South Africa. However, it was after India’s independence in 1947, that Hav Bachittar Singh proved his mettle as a soldier par excellence.
Operation Polo: 13 Sep 1948
After Independence on 15 Aug 1947, when Nizam of Hyderabad refused to join the Indian republic against the wishes of the people, India launched a police operation named “Operation Polo”, on 13 Sep 1948. 2 Sikh, the kill force of Sikh Regiment’s second battalion was given the most important task in Naldurg area. Havaldar Bachittar Singh was leading the platoon.
At around 4 am in the morning, the B company of the platoon set up blockades on the road. When two vehicles were seen approaching his position Hav Bachittar Singh ordered his soldiers to fire on the approaching vehicles. There was a heavy exchange of fire but Hav Bachittar Singh in a show of bravery and leadership finally captured both the vehicles and their escorts.
On the same day enemy soldiers took secure positions and attacked his platoon. Hav Bachittar Singh with great skill and determination led the counter attack on the enemy forces. Hav Bachittar Singh was moving ahead in the face of the enemy and when he was about 30 yards away from the target, he got hit by a LMG burst in his thigh and fell. Despite in critical condition Hav Bachittar Singh, crawled forward and threw two grenades on the LMG post, and silenced it. Even though Hav Bachittar Singh was severely injured, he refused to leave the battle field and kept on motivating his men to press on the attack.
Inspired by his courage and leadership his platoon finally achieved the objective, however, Hav Bachittar Singh succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. His personal example of unsurpassed valour, grim determination devotion to duty and leadership was an inspiration to all who saw it. Hav Bachittar Singh was given nation’s first highest gallantry award during peace time, “Ashok Chakra” for his conspicuous bravery, indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifice.
A college in Punjab has been named after Hav Bachittar Singh as Mahant Bachittar Singh College Of Engineering And Technology. An area in Ludhiana has been named as Bachittar Singh Nagar on Gill Road, Ludhiana to honour the first recipient of Ashok Chakra.
