In the Taindhar war of 1948, Indian soldiers were fighting off the Pakistan army to guard the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir that Pakistan had managed to make their way into. When Pakistan attacked with a massive force of 1500 men, Indian army’s 1 Rajput Regiment was deployed there to retaliate enemy attack and their act of cowardness. In the course of war, on 6th Feb 1948, Lt. KS Rathore was commanding a piquet with 70 men at Taindhar.

Born on 1st Oct 1923 Lt. Kishan Singh Rathore was from Dist. Kota of Rajasthan. At a young age, he joined Indian Army got posted with 1 Rajput Regiment of 4 Guards Brigade as a commissioned officer. Being committed to his duties, Lt. KS Rathore was known for his sharpness.

 

 

The Taingarh war that was a result of Pakistan’s attack on Indian sector had begun in Oct 1947. Lt. Rathore, along with his regiment was deployed in Jammu & Kashmir at the time when the enemy attacked Indian frontline with a force of 1500 men. Enemy launched simultaneous attacks on all picquets of Naushera. Lt. KS Rathore was commanding a picquet with 70 soldiers at his side. When exchange of fires began, he along with his company retaliated promptly and also kept going from post to post to inspire his men to fight to their last breath. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continued to resist despite being injured. Eventually, there was hardly anyone left to replenish ammunition at his side so he himself carried it forward under very heavy and continuous firing from the other side.

 

Proving his fearless and gallant leadership, he stood strong against the Pakistani soldiers through the operation. On 5th March, during the withdrawal at Kaman GoshaDhar, he brought back the body of a comrade lying in open ground swept by heavy enemy fire. In another action on 9th April near Jhangar, he came under heavy enemy fire, but he made a determined bayonet charge forcing the enemy to retire.

 

 

The attack from the enemy was finally beaten off with major casualties their side. Brave Lt. Rathore not only overpowered the enemy but also successfully chased them away. For his daredevil act of conspicuous courage, determination and fine leadership in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army, he was awarded MahaVir Chakra.

 

 

 

The brave soldier NaikSonawale was part of the same company of 70 men that Lt. Rathore was commanding during the war.

 

Though seriously wounded, NaikSonawale had continued to resist the attack and helped his commander overturning the verdict of war in their favor. This brave heart was awarded MahaVir Chakra for his exceptional boldness and fearlessness on the battle ground and for contributing his selfless service to the nation.