何谓瓦弄之战呢？打开这段尘封的历史，让我们将目光再次加到1962中印瓦弄之战。印度以其自以为是的一惯作风，在中国藏南达旺地区蠢蠢欲动，印度总统帕蒂尔称仍然记得1962年的“瓦弄之战”。1962年的“瓦弄之战”(Battle of Walong)。
瓦弄之战资料介绍:
上世纪60年代那场两大文明古国之间的军事较量早已远去了，但留给世人无数的回忆和感慨。印军在战前气势如虹却在战争中被如同摧枯拉朽般打得一败涂地。中国人民解放军在国家经济形式极为困难的时候仍然表现出了超强的战斗力，把枉以小人心态想在中国身上趁火打劫大捞一把的印度弄了个灰头土脸，也让世人再一次见识了中国军队的强悍与不可欺！
似乎因中国军队胜得连自己都难以相信的容易，很多关于这场战争的报导均说这场战争是在张国华将军指挥下仅有西藏边防军参战下实施的，并无王牌军队参战，事实果真如此么？
1961年起，雄心勃勃的尼赫鲁自认为看准了中国国内经济困难的虚弱，在中印边境推行”前进政策”，在中国付出了极大的和平努力及周恩来总理的多次诚恳协商无果之后，中印边境战争已如箭在弦上，蓄势待发了。刚取得民族独立的印度想要一振大国雄风的心理可以理解，可惜的是，他找错了对手。
1962年夏天，印度政府为了加强fanhua气氛，其国内的舆论又大肆鼓吹同中国开战，中印边界的紧张局势到了一触即发的程度。面对印度政府严重恶化中印两国关系，并得悉印军进入克节朗河地区建立据点后，中央军委预料到下一步印军的入侵规模还会扩大，于是指示总参谋部向西藏军区下达了加强战备，准备fanji的命令。
根据军委的命令，为在必要时配合中印边境的西段反入侵、反蚕食斗争，并阻止印军越过麦克马洪线向北入侵，西藏军区拟订了作战方案。为便于作战，西藏军区以原第52师的2个团和第53师的1个团，组织了西藏军区前进指挥所（代号藏字419部队），辖步兵3个团和若干保障分队。中印边境、中锡边境（当时锡金已被印度占领）上的边防部队也转入临战训练和准备。但这些部队均只是中国边防部队的编制，相对来说并无特别辉煌的战史，也就是算不上所谓的王牌。
曾看到过一本书中模拟罗瑞卿将军的口吻说：我的意见是让54军上。今天要说的就是这个54军，54军一部的参战，改变了中印边境战争我军没有王牌军参战的历史。
但实际上54军并未全上，只是上了其一部130师。但就是这一部，却为成就新建番号的54军在人民解放军军史中不可替代的重要地位又增添了浓重的一笔。54军是由战绩显赫的44军和45军合并而成，各取一数成54军。能在强兵如林的54军保留番号的部队均非是等闲之辈。 瓦弄之战资料全接触battle of walong rose
第130师是抗战爆发后中共在冀中地区组建的八路军第三纵队，在极端艰苦的情况下进行平原游击战争，著名的”回民支队”就是这支部队的一部分。1942年日寇调集重兵发动惨绝人寰的”五一大扫荡”后，冀中主力部队陆续转入外线，其中有六个团由吕正操带领撤到晋绥根据地。抗战胜利后，根据朱德总司令的命令，吕正操带领约一个团的冀中子弟兵进军东北，出关后部队壮大为保一旅，由邓华率领参加了东北解放战争。后来编为邓华纵队的第一师，即东北minzhu联军7纵19师。在解放战争中，19师参加了血战四平街，锦州战役和天津战役，擅长城市攻坚。平津战役后该师编为44军130师，直捣广东。广东解放后，44军军部改编为海军南海舰队，130师作为主力编入新组建的54军。该部在首任军长，我军传奇勇将丁盛的率领下曾入藏平叛。
这位丁盛将军也不知是不是《亮剑》里常爱跟李云龙同志斗嘴、嘴上互相不服而又肝胆相照的那位，他是人民解放军一位著名的勇将、战将、闯将、悍将。衡宝战役中，时任45军135师师长的丁盛率所部打破林彪的既定部署突入敌后，被白崇禧桂系部队四个主力师团团包围，连林彪也对丁盛的生还绝望了，却不想丁盛竟率所部不但顽强地挺住，还把敌人打败了，促使林彪迅速改变命令，开始全线进攻，全歼敌四个主力师。经此战，Guomingdang在大陆的最后一支完整的军事集团宣告灭亡 ，被刘伯承元帅称为”腰斩七军”。在西藏平叛战斗中，这位丁盛将军还曾违抗上级不许毁坏重要的宗教建筑的命令，把炮弹从布达拉宫的窗口射了进去，曾受到林彪严肃批评。
就是这样一支王牌的部队和卓越主帅的部队进入中印边境参战，外强中干的印军下场可想而知。在瓦弄，130师如静伏的猛虎一般悄悄地守候着猎物的到来。
1962年，中印战争爆发。同年10月，丁盛奉命率54军130师再度进藏，组成以军长丁盛为首的前线指挥部（亦简称”丁指 “），统一指挥中印边境自卫fanji战中的瓦弄地区作战行动，这是一场真正的严酷的战争：丁盛和他的54军面对的是参加过第二次世界大战的正规部队。11月6日，”丁指”更是进抵西藏察隅，次日， 率所部130师等向瓦弄印军主力第四军发起全线攻击。瓦弄地区位于中印边界东段传统习惯线以北的喜马拉雅山脉南麓，为典型的高山、峡谷、密林地区，作战条件异常艰苦。在这次战役中，丁盛所部再次表现出了王牌部队特别能打恶战、特别能克强敌的特有作风，经过激战夺回瓦弄，直逼至传统习惯线附近，歼灭印军三个营全部、一个营大部和印军第11旅旅直分队等部共12000多人，使号称参加过二 战，曾击败”沙漠之狐”隆美尔军团的印度荣誉部队威风扫地。此战是中印战争中最关键一战也是最后一战，史称 “瓦弄大捷”。直到今日，在印度的军校里。模拟假想敌的番号仍然是”54″。战后，奉命主动撤至1959年11 月7日双方实际控制线中国一侧20公里处。12月下旬，”丁指”返抵重庆，所属部队亦于战后的第二年1月初返抵原驻地 。其后，丁盛奉命在军区党委扩大会议上作瓦弄地区自卫fanji战情况报告，又率员分赴四川各地作巡回报告两千余场次，再率员到沈阳、南京、广州、兰州等军区汇报。一时间，丁盛及54军声名大振，进一步垫定了54军在人民解放军军史乃至中国革命史中的重要地位，成了王牌中的王牌。
中印边境战争的硝烟已在历史中渐行渐远，2003年，印度国防部长费尔南德斯和总理瓦杰帕依先后访问中国，正式开启中印两国友好合作的序幕。而此时，中印之战已过去40多年，印度士兵的枯骨早已融进了喜马拉雅山南麓的土壤中，只有矗立在藏边风雪中的喜马拉雅山山脊和潺潺流淌的冰川天河之水作为沉默的见证者诉说着那场惊心动魄的大战和那段风云激荡的历史。
今天，写作此文并非为印军失败寻找借口，更不是为了向世人炫耀中国过去胜利的辉煌。如果本文有幸为印度朋友所见，请印度朋友能真正理解一点：伟大而充满智慧的中华民族是最宽容、最博爱和最顽强的，放眼全球，只有中华民族能一以贯之地为构建世界之和谐而积极努力，不畏Qiangbao、不欺弱者、坚持公平和正义，只有中华民族还能在争利夺物的世界中紧守着生命的良知。愿我们以史为戒、以史为鉴，共同开创和谐世界的美好明天！
http://www.ieeye.com/post/wanongzhizhan.html
India 1962: 11th Infantry Brigade at the Battle of Walong
v.2.0 March 31, 2002
Sources include “Famous Battles” Bharat Rakshak http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/
Walong was originally the responsibility of a single battalion, 6th Kumaon, and an Assam Rifles company. The later had a platoon on the border. With preparations for war, HQ 5th Infantry Brigade arrived on October 31st, 1962. After the initial clashes, India raised HQ 2nd Division to take over eastern NEFA while 4th Division was made responsible for western NEFA. 181st Brigade was ordered to take over Walong from 5th Brigade, but due to protests by local commanders, the move was cancelled, and instead 11 Infantry Brigade was placed in charge. Chinese forces included one division and at least one additional regiment with their forward base at Rima. Walong had a tiny airstrip that was expanded to accept the IAF’s DHC-4 Otter, which could fly in 6 men at a time. A handful of Mi-4 helicopters, perhaps 3-4, were also available. At the time the road from India’s forward road head to Walong consisted of a 150+ km mule track, which took two weeks round-trip to negotiate. As with all battles in the Northeast in the 1962 War, manpower was not the issue as much as:
·Refusal to let Indian troops concede space for time, leading to static defenses which the Chinese consecutively engaged and rolled over
·Scattering of Indian forces all along the front to maintain a political presence
·Lack of artillery
·Lack of acclimatized troops, ammunition, engineer materials, supplies of every kind
·Haphazard, casual command arrangements
·Chopping and breaking up of units and sub-units destroying the integrity of units and formations
HQ 2 Infantry Division [Maj.-Gen. M.S. Pathania] under raising at Teju.
11th Infantry Brigade [Brigadier N.C. Rawlley, in 1971 War GOC XI Corps]
– 3/3rd Gorkha Rifles
– 4th Dogra
– 4th Sikhs
– 6th Kumaon
71st Heavy Mortar Battery
17th Parachute Field Regiment, one battery
6th Mahar Machinegun Regiment, one platoon
An engineer platoon
One company, Assam Rifles [Army-officered paramilitary, for Northeast India internal security and border duty]
5th Infantry Brigade [Does not figure in the battle]
181st Infantry Brigade [Does not figure in the battle]
Notes
A. It can be seen that the allotment of artillery, machineguns, and engineers was suitable for a single battalion – not for a reinforced brigade, particularly given the dispersed manner in which the troops were deployed, and the difficulty in any case of concentrating resources in the high mountains.
B. Please note that “Gorkha” is the correct spelling for Indian regiments; “Gurkha” is the British spelling. After Independence the regiments remaining with India – 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 had the spelling changed to Gorkha; the regiments that went to the British Army – 2, 5, 6, 7, and 10 retained the spelling Gurkha. 11 Gorkhas is an Indian raised regiment with no ties to the old British-Indian Army.
http://www.ordersofbattle.darkscape.net/site/history/historical/india/walong1962.html
BATTLE OF WALONG, 18 OCT – 16 NOV 1962
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Sources: Flash of the Khukri: History of 3 GR. Col. C.L. Proudfoot
Unsung heroes of the 62 War. Lt. Col. Gurdip Singh Kler
Indian Army after Independence. Major K.C. Praval
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INTRODUCTION
The 1962 Chinese invasion is a tragic watershed in the military history of India. It exposed an inept Indian state both militarily and politically. But for most of the war, the fighting qualities of the Indian jawan and the young officers remained unchanged. Without a mention of the heroic resistance offered at Walong, no story of the 1962 war will be complete. Walong is a small hamlet located near the tri junction of Tibet, Burma and India. Situated on an ancient trade route, it was manned by an Assam Rifles post with a small airfield capable of only handling Indian Air Force Otters and Caribous. The hills surrounding Walong were between 10,000 to 16,000 feet. Air drops were the only way to support this sector. The Chinese carried occasional incursions through the Lohit Valley to familiarize themselves. In response, the 6th Kumaon was moved into the area in March 1962 with a company posted about 2 miles from the border. Meanwhile across the border, Chinese activity increased with posts moving closer to the border.
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THE BATTLE
18 – 25 October 1962: The Initial Attacks
Although the 6th Kumaon was responsible for the Walong sector an Assam Rifles platoon was manning the post at the border. The 6th Kumaon were deployed as the following:
‘A’ Company – Richu NH 5200
‘B’ Company – East Ridge NH 5477
‘C’ Company – Kibithoo NH 5196
‘D’ Company – Ladders area NH 5483
Battalion Tactical Headquarters – Kibithoo
Battalion HQ with Admin elements – Walong NN5377
On October 18th, a recon patrol under Subedar Surendra Chand was sent to Hundred Hill (NH 4999). He recorded the presence of 2 Chinese officers and 50 OR (Other Ranks). In response one platoon of Assam Rifles was sent to Ninety Hill (NH 4990). It was under the control of Jemadar Bhairab Singh of A Coy. The 2 other platoons of A Coy were occupying Sangram NH 5199 and Richu. On October 21st light signals were observed on the Chinese side. In response Major Gamathinayagam of A Coy moved with a platoon, less a section, to the McMahon Ridge. One platoon was sent to Dichu Nullah to prevent any enemy advance from the Taluk Pass.
At 0015 a.m. on October 22nd, the Himalayan calm was shattered by the noise of Chinese mortar & machine gun fire. 300 enemy troops attacked the two platoons’ position of A Coy and another 100 attacked Madiah Top (NH 5302). Accurate Indian 3″ mortar fire however brought the attack to a brief halt. Little later, reinforced in numbers, the Chinese made another attack along with simultaneous assaults on Lohit II (NH 5303) and Laila (NH 5101). For 4 hours they were held back, till through sheer numbers they broke through. Naik Bahadur stepped in after his 1st and 2nd gunners were killed and manned the LMG. He kept on firing till a burst of automatic fire brought him down. The Indians withdrew to establish positions in Walong. D Coy under Lieutenant Bikram Singh was to provide the screening position at Ashi Hill (NH 5484) along with a mortar and MMG section. Lieutenant Singh had the planks over the Namti Nullah weakened from the Indian side.
When the Chinese came in at 3 a.m. on October 23rd, the first Chinese soldier stepped on the plank and fell into the nullah. As the following Chinese milled around, many lights were fired revealing the Chinese in a cramped path. The mortars and MMGs sighted on this section brought down accurate fire. About 200 Chinese troops were killed or wounded in this action against nine Indian fatalities. At 4 a.m. the screen was ordered to withdraw. Meanwhile the 4th Sikhs made contact with the enemy and subjected them to withering fire from 3″ mortar, LMGs and MMGs. Meanwhile the Chinese had set off a bush fire and sneaked forward. Sensing the twin danger, Sepoy Piara Singh tried to douse the fire and fire at the enemy. Profusely bleeding he refused to be evacuated and died fighting to the end. On the night of October 25th, the Chinese tried another probe but the Sikhs held firm. As some of the Chinese started to close in, Sepoy Kewal Singh rushed out of his post and charged them with his bayonet killing a few in hand to hand combat. However he was mortally wounded.
26 – 13 November 1962: Reorganizing & Reinforcing
Over the next few days there were clashes between Indian and Chinese patrols as the Chinese rushed in reinforcements. On October 26th, B Coy of 4th Sikhs was out on an recon patrol when it was surrounded by the Chinese. While the outnumbered Indians were unable to break the encirclement, it was decided to attack the Chinese flank to surprise them. A unit led by Lance Naik Kartar Singh volunteered for the task. The unit sneaked in and launched an attack the Chinese. Surprised by this the enemy reeled in disarray allowing the encircled patrol to break free. Meanwhile the Indian defences were in a state of turmoil. Initially 5th Brigade was in charge of the Walong sector.
A reorganisation brought it under Headquarters 2nd Infantry Division which allotted Walong to the 181 Brigade belonging to 2nd Division. However the Divisional commander of 2nd Division objected, so the 11th Brigade under Brigadier N.C. Rawlley was asked to move to Walong. This changing and chopping was to the detriment of the defence of Walong. Furthermore to bring it up full brigade strength, initially 2/8 Gorkha Rifles was asked to move to Walong. But halfway through the move they were replaced by 3/3 Gorkha Rifles. Then suddenly 3/3 Gorkha Rifles was asked to move to Hayuliang. Finally when 11th Brigade took over the 3/3 Gorkhas were brought back to Walong.
So by November 3rd the following units were in place:
• 4th Sikhs
‘A’ Coy – Dong Hill East of Lohit river
‘B’ Coy – Maha Plateau, Ladders West of Lohit river
‘C’ Coy – Dong plateau
‘D’ Coy – Lachman Ridge
3″ Mortar – Slopes of Dong Hill
• 3/3 Gorkhas
‘A’ Coy – Dong Plateau
‘B’ Coy – Dong Hill east of Lohit river
‘C’ Coy – Ladders Area
‘D’ Coy – Lachman Ridge
• 4th Dogras
1 Coy to reinforce Tri Junction area (arrived on 14th November)
Green Pimple Spur (NH 4983), which overlooked the Brigade defences was occupied by the Chinese. Since a further advance along this spur could mean the fall of the Walong airstrip, ‘A’ Coy was asked to retake it. Led by Captain Mathur the men moved into position for a morning assault on November 6th. Unfortunately at the last moment the promised mortar support did not come. Still at 8:50 a.m. to the cries of Kali Mata ki Jai they attacked. In spite of sustained Chinese mortar and machine gun fire the Kumaonis managed to force the forward Chinese posts to retreat. But the Kumaonis soon ran out of ammo but continued engaging in hand to hand combat. But now the determined Chinese fire forced a retreat. This was also the only option as even if they took Green Pimple they had no ammo to resist a counter attack. The company took defensive positions at 11,000 feet along the West Ridge. However weakened, it was attacked repeatedly by the Chinese and after the 5th attack it was relieved by Lt. Bikram Singh’s D Coy.
Meanwhile the 4th Sikh had been aggressively patrolling, killing many of the enemy. However the 3 battalions were holding positions in such a manner that sub-units of one, were placed under another and two of the battalions held positions on both sides of the river. As seen from the above, the 4th Sikhs were spread across 6000 yards and an abnormally large frontage. The Gorkhas were spread across 3000 – 4000 yards. This made for poor command and control. The 6th Kumaon HQ was east of the river but they held the lines west of the river. The 4th Sikh and 3/3 Gorkhas held positions east of the river while their headquarters were west of the river. In addition to these 3 battalions there were a company of Assam Rifles, the 71 Heavy Mortar Battery, the 17 Field Regiment Battery, a platoon of 6 Mahar and a platoon of Engineers. This didn’t make any sense and no commander tried to correct it. In spite of this all the units held firm against repeated probing attacks from the Chinese who were now at divisional strength.
14 – 16 November 1962: The Final Battle
As the enemy built up for the final attack, though the brigade’s western flank became apparent, it was decided to launch a spoiling attack. The attack was to be launched on Yellow Pimple as it was dominated by the Tri Junction area. On 13th November the Btn, less Lt. Bikram’s four platoons, marched to Tri Junction. At 9:30 a.m. on November 14th with the 4th Sikhs providing a diversion, Yellow Pimple was attacked by 2 companies under Captain B.N. Singh and Major Sharma. As the valiant Kumaonis charged up, they were met by heavy artillery and machine gun fire. Unfortunately the only fire support for the Kumaonis came from 3″ mortars. Captain B.N. Singh’s Coy reached about 20 meters from the top.
As sustained enemy fire seemed to bog them down, Subedar Govind Singh charged forward with an LMG to destroy an enemy bunker. Meanwhile another enemy machine gun nest opened up on him and the brave Subedar charged that one too, silencing it, but in the process was killed. Inspired by this feat of bravery, Jemadar Trilok Singh likewise charged another MG nest but was swept by MG fire. The other company now had closed to 50 meters before they too ground to an halt. By now the Indians had lost 20 dead and Captain B.N. Singh was wounded. 2/Lt Khatri took over. The CO of the Btn, Colonel Madiah, decided to send the two reserve platoons to reinforce the attack.
Meanwhile the Chinese had stabilized their positions and at 8:30 p.m. made a battalion size counter attack. The two companies were surrounded and sustained hand-to-hand combat took place. However the darkness allowed some of them to disengage and even though they were subjected to heavy shelling, some of them under 2nd Lts. Khatri and Jindal inched their way back to Tri Junction. Exhausted and depleted the 6th Kumaonis now braced themselves for the final attack. At 4:30 a.m. on November 15th the Chinese attacked Tri Junction. For two hours they were pummeled with machine guns and mortars but the Kumaonis held. By 6 a.m. the attack fizzled out. However Captain Bhatia and 2nd Lt. Khatri were wounded. Now the Chinese established a OP about 200 yards from Tri Junction. The next series of attacks commenced at 6 p.m. on November 15th. It was followed by attacks every four hours with human wave tactics.
The 4th Dogra reinforcements found their way cut off and only 33 men made it through. But even these were welcome as they brought in much needed ammunition. 4 more Chinese attacks were repulsed but the Indians were running out of men and ammo. Meanwhile A Coy of 4th Sikh came under constant sniping. A patrol under Subedar Harnam Singh was sent to cut the enemy off, but was thrown back. At night the Chinese attacked. Wave after wave attacked, but the Sikhs held firm. Havildar Labh Singh was wounded thrice and each time rejoined the fighting after getting first aid. Soon the Coy had lost its commander and second-in-command along with two platoon commanders.
Subedar Harnam Singh and Massa Singh were wounded. Lance Havildar Kirpa Ram the battalion tradesman kept supplying ammo to the bunkers. On one of his runs he was hit and wounded but continued his task. Another hit killed him. Meanwhile D Coy was also attacked. After the first two waves were repelled, with dead Chinese littering the ground, a third wave followed. This time after bitter fighting the position fell. The few who straggled back spoke of the gallant company commander, Lt. Yog Palta. He moved from bunker to bunker encouraging his men, pausing to fire his Sten gun and hurl grenades. A burst of LMG fire hit him in the neck and with the death of the young commander the position fell. With ammo running out, the end was near. Still the Sikhs fought tenaciously. Two platoons were wiped out to a man. The Chinese dead were piling up all around. Finally the order to withdraw came and what was left of the Sikhs made their way back. Fittingly they were the only troops who captured some Chinese arms.
On November 16th, the Chinese launched an attack against all forward posts. Between 0500 and 0530 hours supported by artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, they attacked the 4th Sikh’s A Coy at Maha plateau, north of the D Coy at Lacman Ridge. By 0530 the Sikh positions were overrun and the remaining Sikhs were ordered to withdraw. Now the Gorkhas of D Company were the next target. Subedar Kharak Bahadur commanding the forward platoon held fire till the Chinese closed in. The subsequent firing killed 12 Chinese and wounded 15. A second attack at 0630 hrs was also beaten back. The Chinese now tried to flank the company. Seeing this, Naik Keshar Bahadur Gurung picked his Bren and moved to a vantage point from where he kept engaging the enemy till ordered to withdraw.
By 1500 hrs the Chinese started closing in and the Coy Cdr., Captain K.N. Bavadam, could not contact the Btn or Bde HQ. So he decided to break through the Chinese cordon on his own. He and Subedar Kharak Bahadur evacuated Major Samatsar of 4th Sikh who had been wounded. As the withdrawal proceeded they were ambushed and outnumbered by Chinese units which had slipped around them. Naik Keshar Bahadur Gurung was hit on the hip but continued to fight till another round tore into his neck. He was mortally wounded. Havildar Chandra Bahadur Pun took over the Bren and provided covering firing till the last man was able to withdraw. Unfortunately he was killed in the process. D Company now found themselves in the abandoned positions of the 4th Sikhs C Coy. The Gorkhas occupied the positions and continued the fight. Finally as the Chinese started to rain in artillery, Captain Bavadam asked the Gorkhas to pull back. In this process a number of personnel were killed including Captain Bavadam.
C Coy in Ladders Post lower down the ridge, east of Maha Plateau was commanded by Major N.B. Chand. Maintaining strict fire control the Gorkhas were fighting fiercely. Their position on the Kibithu-Walong track, on the west bank of the Lohit river got its name from the steps cut into the rock face. The Gorkhas positions were in the rock caves. As long as support from the east bank existed, the Gorkhas were safe. The Chinese attacked on 15th morning and suffered heavily. Falling back they blasted the Gorkhas with bazooka fire for the whole day but failed to make any dent. That night they made a second attack and were again repulsed. On 16th morning the Gorkhas watched the attack on the Sikhs position east of the river. The river which was supposed to be un-fordable and un-crossable was crossed by the Chinese using rubber dinghies. Once the Sikhs position fell the Gorkhas were exposed. The Chinese lined up direct fire weapons across the bank and began to methodically blast the Ladders.
The Gorkha bunkers were collapsing one by one but the Gorkhas remained put. Many men were killed in the process and the Major ordered his men to the trenches. The Chinese still could not advance. At 1000 hours, the 4th Sikh’s Btn HQ was asked for ammunition and reinforcements but the Sikhs could not spare any. By now, the 4th Sikhs, 4th Dogras and 6th Kumaon had withdrawn. Major Chand ordered his Coy to withdraw at 1630 hours, with most able to escape, except for Major Chand himself, who was captured. Meanwhile east of the Lohit river, A and B Coys, along with the Btn HQ, were in a fix too. The 4th Sikh’s C Coy was attacked by the Chinese at midnight on 16th November. A platoon of B Coy was sent to reinforce 4th Sikh at High Plateau. By the time the Gorkhas reached there, the Sikhs were overrun and after a brief firefight the Gorkhas returned.
At 0600 hours, A Coy at Dong Plateau was subjected to heavy shelling and mortar fire. Under this cover the Chinese started edging closer. The shelling by the Chinese set fire to A Coy positions but the Gorkhas hung on tenaciously. At 1430 hrs the Chinese again resumed a build up and as the positions became untenable, Major Chatterjee was ordered to withdraw A and B Coys by Btn HQ. B Coy led by Major R.S. Virk was intercepted by the Chinese. This forced them to change route and they subsequently were lost. 6th Platoon made it to battalion HQ on November 17th only to find the Chinese already there. The rest crossed at Dantir Nallah at 2100 hours on November 16th and were on their way to the hills across Yepak when the Chinese ambushed them further confusing the group.
At the end, Majors Chatterjee and Thapa, Captains S.N. Kapil and G.S. Bajai (artillery) and 60 – 80 ORs were ambushed on November 16th. Except for Captain Bajaj and 2nd Lt. Madaiya who had escaped, the rest were captured. Brigade HQ’s orders to withdraw never reached the Gorkhas. Due to this the Chinese had already moved into positions behind them where other units had withdrawn or had collapsed. At 7:30 a.m. on November 16th, the Chinese reinforced by 2 more brigades attacked with 120mm mortar fire. By now communication with Bde. HQ had been cut off. The supply route to Tri Junction was cut off. The only other pocket was at the West Ridge where 4 platoons under the valiant Lt. Bikram Singh. At 8:30 am this ad hoc company was attacked by close to 4000 Chinese troops.
From three sides, the Chinese poured in artillery and MG fire. But the Kumaonis held till 11 a.m. till the situation became militarily futile and orders were given to withdraw. As Lt. Bikram Singh started extricating his men he was cut down. The Chinese suffered terrible casualties (almost 5 times). By midday all troops were asked to withdraw. Some managed to get back through the treacherous terrain. But many NEVER GOT THE ORDERS. They slugged it out to the last man, to the last bullet. As Brigadier N.C. Rawlley said, “6th Kumaon at Tri Junction fought and fought and fought till there was nothing left. After this there was eerie silence.” Sikhs, Kumaonis, Gorkhas and Dogras fought shoulder-to-shoulder to the bitter end. Two months after the cease-fire when the Indians returned they found that the Chinese had marked the positions of the dead. Many of the bunkers showed the dead where they had last manned their weapons.
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/History/1962War/Walong.html
