Service No : IEC-5466

Date of Birth : December 29, 1921

Place of birth : Pithoragarh(U'khand)

Service : Army

Last Rank : Major

Unit : 1 Para

Arm/Regt : The Kumaon Regiment

Operation : Indo-Pak War 1947-48

Awards : Vir Chakra

Martyrdom : June 15, 1948

Major Jawahar Singh Mahar VrC

Major Jawahar Singh Mahar hailed from Maspati village of Pithoragarh district in present day Uttarakhand and was born on 29 December 1921. Son of Shri Joga Singh, he was the eldest, followed by three brothers and two sisters.  His brothers too served in the Army and one younger brother was declared 'missing in action' in Europe, in the Second World War. Major Jawahar Singh Mahar as a young boy was energetic and helpful, and always dreamt of serving in the Armed Forces and continued to follow his dream while growing up.

 

He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt into inducted into 1 Para (Kumaon) on 29 May 1943 at the age of 21 years. The soldiers of 1 Para (Kumaon) were known for their gallantry and daredevil operations in very challenging situations. Soon he learnt the required field craft skills and developed into a fine officer with commendable soldierly skills. By the year 1948, he had put in over five years of service and had been promoted to the rank of Major. 

 

1947-48 Indo-Pak War : 15 Jun 1948

 

1 Para (Kumaon) formed part of the first Indian Army formation to move to J&K in October 1947, when the ‘raiders’ attacked, taking over defence of Srinagar airfield. The unit played a stellar role during the epic siege of Poonch in 1947 along with the troops of Dogra Regiment, 17 Mountain battery and 7 Cavalry. Thereafter the unit continued to undertake various operations along with other units as part of ongoing Indian Army operations against enemy forces. During Jun 1948 too, Maj Jawahar Singh Mahar's unit was deployed in J&K and was engaged in operations against the Pak forces.  On the night of 15 June 1948, a column left Poonch to link up with another column coming from Rajouri. The linkup was to take place at Samhot as part of the operation plan. Major Jawahar Singh Mahar was given the command of the advance guard which consisted of a company of 1 Para (Kumaon). He advanced boldly towards the objective, but came in contact with an enemy patrol on the way. Undeterred and without loosing his nerve, he pretended to be a part of Pakistan troops.

 

His ruse worked and he succeeded in taking his company 20 yards from the enemy position. However, the local civilian, who was acting as guide, spilled the beans, creating a challenging situation for Maj Jawahar Singh and his troops. Rising to the occasion, Maj Jawahar Singh immediately ordered a bayonet charge and led it himself. Maj Jawahar Singh and his men fought valiantly and routed the enemy, who fled leaving behind 26 dead, eight rifles, and a large number of arms. Later, when Maj Jawahar Singh was reorganizing his position, he received direct hits from enemy firing and was severely injured. He soon succumbed to his injuries and was martyred. Major Jawahar Singh Mahar showed outstanding courage and grit with utter disregard to his personal safety and laid down his life at the age of 27 years in the line of his duty. Major Jawahar Singh Mahar was given the gallantry award, “Vir Chakra” for his commendable bravery, devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice.

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