Capt Dara Dinshaw Mistri MVC

Captain Dara Dinshaw Mistri hailed from Dharampur in Himachal Pradesh and was born on 14th October 1921. He was commissioned in the Army on 05 July 1942 at the age of 21 years. He was commissioned into 40 Med Regt of the Regiment of Artillery, an important combat arm of the Indian Army. By the year 1948, he had put in over 6 years of service and had been promoted to the rank of Major. 

Naushera Sector(Indo-Pak War 1947-48) : 15 Dec 1948

During Dec 1948, Capt Dara Dinshaw Mistri’s unit 40 Med Regt was deployed in J &K area. In mid-December the Pakistani forces again focused its attention towards the Naushera sector. Beginning on 14 Dec 1948, Pakistani forces started heavy shelling of the sector with the guns of their two Artillery Regiments deployed there.  During this shelling Chhawa ridge suffered extensive damage. On 15th December 1948, Capt DD Mistri was manning the forward most piquet at Chhawa Ridge and functioning as an Observation Officer. The enemy guns were relentlessly shelling his position using every type of artillery from 3.7 howitzer to 5.5 mortar guns. Despite the fierce attack, Capt DD Mistri stuck to his post, and it was due to his fearless conduct that the hostile guns were pinpointed in that sector. He was also able to confirm the presence of enemy Sherman Tanks in the Sandoa village area and continued to remain at his post when these tanks engaged his piquet for more than two hours.

He steadfastly held on to his post continued to observe and pass back the information to the guns as an Observation Officer. On one occasion more than a dozen shells straddled his Observation Post but undeterred he held on. However, during this fierce exchange of fire, a 75 mm shell hit his position which proved fatal for him.  During this operation, he displayed commendable courage and devotion to duty with utter disregard for personal safety. Capt DD Mistri was a committed soldier and a fine officer who led from the front like a true military leader.

Capt DD Mistri was given the nation’s second-highest gallantry award, “Maha Vir Chakra” for his raw courage, indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifice. Capt DD Mistri also became the first recipient of Maha Vir Chakra from the Regiment of Artillery.

• The Housing project of Dara Enclave in Mumbai has been named after Captain Dara Dinshaw Mistry in his honour.

The Citation for Maha Vir Chakra awarded to him reads :

On 15 Dec 48, at Chhawa Ridge in the Naushera Sector, Capt. D. D. MISTRI was the Observation Officer of the forward most piquet, when the hostiles relentlessly shelled his position using every type of artillery from 3.7 howitzer to 5.5" mortar guns. In spite of this murderous fire, Capt. MISTRI stuck to his post, and it was due to his fearless conduct that the hostile guns were pinpointed in that sector. He was also able to confirm the presence of enemy Sherman Tanks in the Sandoa village area and remained at his post when these tanks engaged his piquet for more than two hours.

He would not listen to the entreaties of the platoon commander to seek safety but continued to observe and pass back the information to the guns. On one occasion more than a dozen shells straddled his O.P. but still undaunted he remained there till a 75 mm. shell hit his position killing him instantaneously. 

By day and by night this gallant officer continued to be the watch dog; of the piquet. His personal courage, unparalleled gallantry and devotion to duty with utter disregard for personal safety was a source of inspiration to all ranks on the piquet and worthy of the highest praise.