Major Shaitan Singh

 Shaitan Singh Bhati, PVC (1 December 1924 – 18 November 1962) was an Indian Army officer and recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration. Singh was born in Rajasthan. On completing his graduation, Singh joined the Jodhpur State Forces. He was transferred to the Kumaon Regiment after the princely state of Jodhpur was merged into India. He took part in operations in the Naga Hills and also in the 1961 Indian annexation of Goa.

Major

Shaitan Singh Bhati

PVC

Shaitan Singh Bhati

Portrait of Shaitan Singh

Born

1 December 1924

Jodhpur State, British India

Died

18 November 1962 (aged 37)

Rezang La, Union Territory of Ladakh

Allegiance

 Republic of India

Service/branch

Flag of Indian Army.svg Indian Army

Years of service

1949–1962

Rank

Major of the Indian Army.svg Major

Service number

IC-6400[1]

Unit

13 KUMAON

Battles/wars

Ethnic conflict in Nagaland1961 Indian annexation of GoaSino-Indian War

Battle of Rezang La †

Awards

Param-Vir-Chakra-ribbon.svg Param Vir Chakra

Spouse(s)

Shagun Kanwar[2]

During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, 13th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment was stationed in the Chushul sector. C Company, under the command of Singh, was holding a position at Rezang La. In the morning hours of 18 November 1962, the Chinese attacked. After several unsuccessful attacks from the front, the Chinese attacked from the rear. The Indians fought until their last rounds, before eventually being overpowered by the Chinese. During the battle, Singh continuously moved from post to post reorganizing the defences and boosting the morale of his men. As he moved between the posts without any cover, he was seriously wounded, and later succumbed to his injuries. For his actions on 18 November 1962, Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

Early life

Shaitan Singh was born on 1 December 1924 in a Rajput family of Bhati clan in Banasar village, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan.[1] His father was Lieutenant Colonel Hem Singh. Lt. Col. Singh served in France with the Indian Army during World War I, and was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the British government.[3]

Singh studied in the Chopasni Senior Secondary School, Jodhpur up to his matriculation. At school, he was known for his skills as a football player. After completing his schooling in 1943, Singh went to Jaswant College, and completed his graduation in 1947. On 1 August 1949,[3] he joined the Jodhpur State Forces as an officer.[4].