Shaitan Singh - Revision history

103.225.100.51 at 09:29, 16 December 2022

2022-12-16T09:29:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:59, 16 December 2022
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	{{short description\|Recipient of Param Vir Chakra}}		{{short description\|Recipient of Param Vir Chakra}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=March ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2018}}
	{{good article}}		{{good article}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
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	\| relations =		\| relations =
	\| laterwork =		\| laterwork =
	\| spouse = Shagun Kanwar<ref name="Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies">{{cite news\|title=Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies\|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/major-shaitan-singh-s-widow-dies-115041800816_1.html\|access-date=4 December 2017\|work=Business Standard\|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]\|date=18 April ~~2022~~}}</ref>		\| spouse = Shagun Kanwar<ref name="Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies">{{cite news\|title=Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies\|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/major-shaitan-singh-s-widow-dies-115041800816_1.html\|access-date=4 December 2017\|work=Business Standard\|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]\|date=18 April 2015}}</ref>
	\| signature =		\| signature =
	}}		}}
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	At 5:40{{nbsp}}am, the Indians were fired upon by artillery and mortar. Again, around three hundred and fifty Chinese soldiers started to advance through nullahs. No. 9 Platoon held fire until the Chinese were as close as {{convert\|90\|m}}, and inflicted heavy casualties.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=73}} As attacks from the [[wikt:vanguard\|vanguard]] were unsuccessful, around four hundred Chinese troops attacked from the rear. Simultaneously, No. 8 Platoon was fired upon with [[medium machine gun]]s from the wire fencing of the post, and also received [[artillery]] and mortar fire. No. 7 Platoon was attacked by one hundred and twenty Chinese soldiers from the rear. The Indians countered with {{convert\|3\|inch\|adj=on}} mortar shells and killed many Chinese soldiers. As the last twenty survivors charged towards the post, the Indians jumped out of their trenches and engaged in [[hand-to-hand combat]] with the Chinese soldiers. However, the Platoon was soon encircled with the arrival of Chinese reinforcements. Eventually, No. 7 & 8 platoons were left with no survivors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}		At 5:40{{nbsp}}am, the Indians were fired upon by artillery and mortar. Again, around three hundred and fifty Chinese soldiers started to advance through nullahs. No. 9 Platoon held fire until the Chinese were as close as {{convert\|90\|m}}, and inflicted heavy casualties.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=73}} As attacks from the [[wikt:vanguard\|vanguard]] were unsuccessful, around four hundred Chinese troops attacked from the rear. Simultaneously, No. 8 Platoon was fired upon with [[medium machine gun]]s from the wire fencing of the post, and also received [[artillery]] and mortar fire. No. 7 Platoon was attacked by one hundred and twenty Chinese soldiers from the rear. The Indians countered with {{convert\|3\|inch\|adj=on}} mortar shells and killed many Chinese soldiers. As the last twenty survivors charged towards the post, the Indians jumped out of their trenches and engaged in [[hand-to-hand combat]] with the Chinese soldiers. However, the Platoon was soon encircled with the arrival of Chinese reinforcements. Eventually, No. 7 & 8 platoons were left with no survivors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}

	During the battle, Singh continuously moved from post to post reorganizing the defenses and boosting the morale of his men. As he moved between the posts without any cover, he was seriously wounded. While he was being evacuated by his soldiers, the Chinese started to fire heavily on them. Sensing the danger, Singh ordered the soldiers to leave. They placed him behind a boulder, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the battle, the Indian side suffered 114 casualties out of 120.{{efn\|According to the report by [[Indiatimes]], the Indian troops suffered 114 casualties out of a 120-man force.<ref name="55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!">{{cite web\|author1=Maninder Dabas\|title=55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!\|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/44-years-ago-120-men-saved-ladakh-from-china-this-is-the-story-of-the-greatest-last-stand-ever-at-rezang-la-252749.html\|website=Indiatimes\|access-date=4 December 2017\|date=18 November ~~2022~~}}</ref>}} Singh's body was found at the same boulder. It was brought to [[Jodhpur]] and cremated with military honors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}Chinese captured the five injured (who later escaped) and one man Captain Ramchander Yadav who had hidden Shaitan Singh's body within boulders came back to tell the story. Three months later after snow melted Red cross recovered his body with his gun still in his hands at that very location.<ref>{{Cite news\|title=Remembering the battle of Rezang La through the eyes of two brave soldiers\|url=https://www.theprint.in/walk-the-talk/56-years-on-remembering-the-battle-of-rezang-la-through-the-eyes-of-two-brave-soldiers/150549/%3famp\|publisher=The Print\|access-date=18 November ~~2022~~}}</ref>		During the battle, Singh continuously moved from post to post reorganizing the defenses and boosting the morale of his men. As he moved between the posts without any cover, he was seriously wounded. While he was being evacuated by his soldiers, the Chinese started to fire heavily on them. Sensing the danger, Singh ordered the soldiers to leave. They placed him behind a boulder, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the battle, the Indian side suffered 114 casualties out of 120.{{efn\|According to the report by [[Indiatimes]], the Indian troops suffered 114 casualties out of a 120-man force.<ref name="55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!">{{cite web\|author1=Maninder Dabas\|title=55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!\|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/44-years-ago-120-men-saved-ladakh-from-china-this-is-the-story-of-the-greatest-last-stand-ever-at-rezang-la-252749.html\|website=Indiatimes\|access-date=4 December 2017\|date=18 November 2016}}</ref>}} Singh's body was found at the same boulder. It was brought to [[Jodhpur]] and cremated with military honors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}Chinese captured the five injured (who later escaped) and one man Captain Ramchander Yadav who had hidden Shaitan Singh's body within boulders came back to tell the story. Three months later after snow melted Red cross recovered his body with his gun still in his hands at that very location.<ref>{{Cite news\|title=Remembering the battle of Rezang La through the eyes of two brave soldiers\|url=https://www.theprint.in/walk-the-talk/56-years-on-remembering-the-battle-of-rezang-la-through-the-eyes-of-two-brave-soldiers/150549/%3famp\|publisher=The Print\|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref>

	===Param Vir Chakra===		===Param Vir Chakra===
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	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	[[File:Major Shaitan Singh statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|Singh's statue at ''Param Yodha Sthal'', [[National War Memorial (India)\|National War Memorial]], New Delhi]]		[[File:Major Shaitan Singh statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|Singh's statue at ''Param Yodha Sthal'', [[National War Memorial (India)\|National War Memorial]], New Delhi]]
	In 1980s, the [[Shipping Corporation of India]] (SCI), a [[Government of India]] enterprise under the aegis of the [[Ministry of Shipping (India)\|Ministry of Shipping]], named fifteen of its [[crude oil tanker]]s in honour of the PVC recipients. The tanker MT ''Major Shaitan Singh, PVC'' was delivered to SCI in 1985, and served for 25 years before being phased out.<ref name="IMO: 8316613">{{cite web\|title=IMO: 8316613\|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:8747/mmsi:-8316613/imo:8316613/vessel:LUCKY_66\|website=Marine Traffic\|access-date=4 December ~~2022~~}}</ref>{{Sfn\|Raj\|Shanmugam\|2009\|p=179}}		In 1980s, the [[Shipping Corporation of India]] (SCI), a [[Government of India]] enterprise under the aegis of the [[Ministry of Shipping (India)\|Ministry of Shipping]], named fifteen of its [[crude oil tanker]]s in honour of the PVC recipients. The tanker MT ''Major Shaitan Singh, PVC'' was delivered to SCI in 1985, and served for 25 years before being phased out.<ref name="IMO: 8316613">{{cite web\|title=IMO: 8316613\|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:8747/mmsi:-8316613/imo:8316613/vessel:LUCKY_66\|website=Marine Traffic\|access-date=4 December 2017}}</ref>{{Sfn\|Raj\|Shanmugam\|2009\|p=179}}

	On 2017 a movie starring Shehzaad Khan as Shaitan Singh directed by Pankaj Sehgal was released.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=PVC Major Shaitan Singh\|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt4920122/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm\|publisher=IMDB\|access-date=18 July 2021}}</ref>		On 2017 a movie starring Shehzaad Khan as Shaitan Singh directed by Pankaj Sehgal was released.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=PVC Major Shaitan Singh\|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt4920122/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm\|publisher=IMDB\|access-date=18 July 2021}}</ref>

103.225.100.51 at 09:29, 16 December 2022

2022-12-16T09:29:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:59, 16 December 2022
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	{{short description\|Recipient of Param Vir Chakra}}		{{short description\|Recipient of Param Vir Chakra}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=March ~~2018~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2022}}
	{{good article}}		{{good article}}
	{{Infobox military person		{{Infobox military person
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	\| servicenumber = IC-6400{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=73}}		\| servicenumber = IC-6400{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=73}}
	\| alma_mater =		\| alma_mater =
	\| unit = [[Kumaon Regiment\|13 ~~KUMAON~~]]		\| unit = [[Kumaon Regiment\|13 Kumaon]]
	\| commands =		\| commands =
	\| battles = {{hlist\|[[Ethnic conflict in Nagaland]] \| [[1961 Indian annexation of Goa]] \| [[Sino-Indian War]]}}		\| battles = {{hlist\|[[Ethnic conflict in Nagaland]] \| [[1961 Indian annexation of Goa]] \| [[Sino-Indian War]]}}
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	\| relations =		\| relations =
	\| laterwork =		\| laterwork =
	\| spouse = Shagun Kanwar<ref name="Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies">{{cite news\|title=Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies\|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/major-shaitan-singh-s-widow-dies-115041800816_1.html\|access-date=4 December 2017\|work=Business Standard\|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]\|date=18 April ~~2015~~}}</ref>		\| spouse = Shagun Kanwar<ref name="Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies">{{cite news\|title=Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies\|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/major-shaitan-singh-s-widow-dies-115041800816_1.html\|access-date=4 December 2017\|work=Business Standard\|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]\|date=18 April 2022}}</ref>
	\| signature =		\| signature =
	}}		}}
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	At 5:40{{nbsp}}am, the Indians were fired upon by artillery and mortar. Again, around three hundred and fifty Chinese soldiers started to advance through nullahs. No. 9 Platoon held fire until the Chinese were as close as {{convert\|90\|m}}, and inflicted heavy casualties.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=73}} As attacks from the [[wikt:vanguard\|vanguard]] were unsuccessful, around four hundred Chinese troops attacked from the rear. Simultaneously, No. 8 Platoon was fired upon with [[medium machine gun]]s from the wire fencing of the post, and also received [[artillery]] and mortar fire. No. 7 Platoon was attacked by one hundred and twenty Chinese soldiers from the rear. The Indians countered with {{convert\|3\|inch\|adj=on}} mortar shells and killed many Chinese soldiers. As the last twenty survivors charged towards the post, the Indians jumped out of their trenches and engaged in [[hand-to-hand combat]] with the Chinese soldiers. However, the Platoon was soon encircled with the arrival of Chinese reinforcements. Eventually, No. 7 & 8 platoons were left with no survivors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}		At 5:40{{nbsp}}am, the Indians were fired upon by artillery and mortar. Again, around three hundred and fifty Chinese soldiers started to advance through nullahs. No. 9 Platoon held fire until the Chinese were as close as {{convert\|90\|m}}, and inflicted heavy casualties.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=73}} As attacks from the [[wikt:vanguard\|vanguard]] were unsuccessful, around four hundred Chinese troops attacked from the rear. Simultaneously, No. 8 Platoon was fired upon with [[medium machine gun]]s from the wire fencing of the post, and also received [[artillery]] and mortar fire. No. 7 Platoon was attacked by one hundred and twenty Chinese soldiers from the rear. The Indians countered with {{convert\|3\|inch\|adj=on}} mortar shells and killed many Chinese soldiers. As the last twenty survivors charged towards the post, the Indians jumped out of their trenches and engaged in [[hand-to-hand combat]] with the Chinese soldiers. However, the Platoon was soon encircled with the arrival of Chinese reinforcements. Eventually, No. 7 & 8 platoons were left with no survivors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}

	During the battle, Singh continuously moved from post to post reorganizing the defenses and boosting the morale of his men. As he moved between the posts without any cover, he was seriously wounded. While he was being evacuated by his soldiers, the Chinese started to fire heavily on them. Sensing the danger, Singh ordered the soldiers to leave. They placed him behind a boulder, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the battle, the Indian side suffered 114 casualties out of 120.{{efn\|According to the report by [[Indiatimes]], the Indian troops suffered 114 casualties out of a 120-man force.<ref name="55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!">{{cite web\|author1=Maninder Dabas\|title=55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!\|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/44-years-ago-120-men-saved-ladakh-from-china-this-is-the-story-of-the-greatest-last-stand-ever-at-rezang-la-252749.html\|website=Indiatimes\|access-date=4 December 2017\|date=18 November ~~2016~~}}</ref>}} Singh's body was found at the same boulder. It was brought to [[Jodhpur]] and cremated with military honors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}Chinese captured the five injured (who later escaped) and one man Captain Ramchander Yadav who had hidden Shaitan Singh's body within boulders came back to tell the story. Three months later after snow melted Red cross recovered his body with his gun still in his hands at that very location.<ref>{{Cite news\|title=Remembering the battle of Rezang La through the eyes of two brave soldiers\|url=https://www.theprint.in/walk-the-talk/56-years-on-remembering-the-battle-of-rezang-la-through-the-eyes-of-two-brave-soldiers/150549/%3famp\|publisher=The Print\|access-date=18 November ~~2018~~}}</ref>		During the battle, Singh continuously moved from post to post reorganizing the defenses and boosting the morale of his men. As he moved between the posts without any cover, he was seriously wounded. While he was being evacuated by his soldiers, the Chinese started to fire heavily on them. Sensing the danger, Singh ordered the soldiers to leave. They placed him behind a boulder, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the battle, the Indian side suffered 114 casualties out of 120.{{efn\|According to the report by [[Indiatimes]], the Indian troops suffered 114 casualties out of a 120-man force.<ref name="55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!">{{cite web\|author1=Maninder Dabas\|title=55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!\|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/44-years-ago-120-men-saved-ladakh-from-china-this-is-the-story-of-the-greatest-last-stand-ever-at-rezang-la-252749.html\|website=Indiatimes\|access-date=4 December 2017\|date=18 November 2022}}</ref>}} Singh's body was found at the same boulder. It was brought to [[Jodhpur]] and cremated with military honors.{{Sfn\|Chakravorty\|1995\|p=74}}Chinese captured the five injured (who later escaped) and one man Captain Ramchander Yadav who had hidden Shaitan Singh's body within boulders came back to tell the story. Three months later after snow melted Red cross recovered his body with his gun still in his hands at that very location.<ref>{{Cite news\|title=Remembering the battle of Rezang La through the eyes of two brave soldiers\|url=https://www.theprint.in/walk-the-talk/56-years-on-remembering-the-battle-of-rezang-la-through-the-eyes-of-two-brave-soldiers/150549/%3famp\|publisher=The Print\|access-date=18 November 2022}}</ref>

	===Param Vir Chakra===		===Param Vir Chakra===
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	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	[[File:Major Shaitan Singh statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|Singh's statue at ''Param Yodha Sthal'', [[National War Memorial (India)\|National War Memorial]], New Delhi]]		[[File:Major Shaitan Singh statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|Singh's statue at ''Param Yodha Sthal'', [[National War Memorial (India)\|National War Memorial]], New Delhi]]
	In 1980s, the [[Shipping Corporation of India]] (SCI), a [[Government of India]] enterprise under the aegis of the [[Ministry of Shipping (India)\|Ministry of Shipping]], named fifteen of its [[crude oil tanker]]s in honour of the PVC recipients. The tanker MT ''Major Shaitan Singh, PVC'' was delivered to SCI in 1985, and served for 25 years before being phased out.<ref name="IMO: 8316613">{{cite web\|title=IMO: 8316613\|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:8747/mmsi:-8316613/imo:8316613/vessel:LUCKY_66\|website=Marine Traffic\|access-date=4 December ~~2017~~}}</ref>{{Sfn\|Raj\|Shanmugam\|2009\|p=179}}		In 1980s, the [[Shipping Corporation of India]] (SCI), a [[Government of India]] enterprise under the aegis of the [[Ministry of Shipping (India)\|Ministry of Shipping]], named fifteen of its [[crude oil tanker]]s in honour of the PVC recipients. The tanker MT ''Major Shaitan Singh, PVC'' was delivered to SCI in 1985, and served for 25 years before being phased out.<ref name="IMO: 8316613">{{cite web\|title=IMO: 8316613\|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:8747/mmsi:-8316613/imo:8316613/vessel:LUCKY_66\|website=Marine Traffic\|access-date=4 December 2022}}</ref>{{Sfn\|Raj\|Shanmugam\|2009\|p=179}}

	On 2017 a movie starring Shehzaad Khan as Shaitan Singh directed by Pankaj Sehgal was released.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=PVC Major Shaitan Singh\|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt4920122/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm\|publisher=IMDB\|access-date=18 July 2021}}</ref>		On 2017 a movie starring Shehzaad Khan as Shaitan Singh directed by Pankaj Sehgal was released.<ref>{{Cite web\|title=PVC Major Shaitan Singh\|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt4920122/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm\|publisher=IMDB\|access-date=18 July 2021}}</ref>

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	{{short description\|Recipient of Param Vir Chakra}}		{{short description\|Recipient of Param Vir Chakra}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2018}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2018}}

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{{pp|small=yes}}
{{short description|Recipient of Param Vir Chakra}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox military person
| honorific_prefix = [[Major]]
| name = Shaitan Singh Bhati
| honorific_suffix = [[Param Vir Chakra|PVC]]
| image = Shaitan_Singh_PVC.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| alt = Shaitan Singh Bhati
| caption = Portrait of Shaitan Singh
| birth_date = {{birth date|1924|12|01|df=yes}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1962|11|18|1924|12|01|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Jodhpur State]], [[British Raj|British India]]
| death_place = [[Rezang La]], [[Union Territory of Ladakh]]
| placeofburial =
| placeofburial_label =
| placeofburial_coordinates = 
| nickname =
| birth_name =
| allegiance = {{flagdeco|India}} [[Republic of India]]
| branch = [[File:Flag of Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Indian Army]]
| serviceyears = 1949–1962
| rank = [[File:Major of the Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Major]]
| servicenumber = IC-6400{{Sfn|Chakravorty|1995|p=73}}
| alma_mater =
| unit = [[Kumaon Regiment|13 KUMAON]]
| commands =
| battles = {{hlist|[[Ethnic conflict in Nagaland]] | [[1961 Indian annexation of Goa]] | [[Sino-Indian War]]}}
* [[Battle of Rezang La]] {{KIA}}
| battles_label =
| awards = [[File:Param-Vir-Chakra-ribbon.svg|32px]] [[Param Vir Chakra]]
| relations =
| laterwork =
| spouse = Shagun Kanwar<ref name="Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies">{{cite news|title=Major Shaitan Singh's widow dies|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/major-shaitan-singh-s-widow-dies-115041800816_1.html|access-date=4 December 2017|work=Business Standard|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|date=18 April 2015}}</ref>
| signature =
}}

[[Major]] '''Shaitan Singh Bhati''', [[Param Vir Chakra|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 [[Ethnic conflict in Nagaland|operations in the Naga Hills]] and also in the [[1961 Indian annexation of Goa]].

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]].{{Sfn|Chakravorty|1995|p=73}} His father was [[Lieutenant Colonel]] Hem Singh. Lt. Col. Singh served in [[Western Front (World War I)|France]] with the [[British Indian Army|Indian Army]] during [[World War I]], and was awarded the [[Order of the British Empire]] (OBE) by the [[British government]].{{Sfn|Reddy|2007|p=41}}

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,{{Sfn|Reddy|2007|p=41}} he joined the [[Jodhpur State]] Forces as an officer.{{Sfn|Reddy|2007|p=42}}

==Military career==
After the princely state of Jodhpur was merged into India, Singh was transferred to the [[Kumaon Regiment]]. He was promoted to captain on 25 November 1955,<ref>{{cite news |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |page=113 |date=9 June 1956|url=https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1956/O-2166-1956-0023-98861.pdf |publisher=The Gazette of India}}</ref> and took part in [[Ethnic conflict in Nagaland|operations in Naga Hills]] and also in [[1961 Indian annexation of Goa]]. On 11 June 1962, he was promoted to the rank of major.{{Sfn|Reddy|2007|p=42}}

===1962 Sino-Indian War===
{{main|Sino-Indian War}}
There had long been disagreement between India and China over borders in the Himalaya region. To counter the increasing Chinese intrusions into disputed territory, then [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] asked for strategies for dealing with them. However, the proposal put forward by the [[Indian Army]] was rejected. Instead, he approved a plan proposed by a bureaucrat called the "Forward Policy". This called for the establishment of a number of small posts facing the Chinese. Due to the severe rise in public criticism against Chinese intrusions, Nehru implemented the "Forward Policy" against the advice of the army.{{Sfn|Cardozo|2003|p=73}} The army's concern was that the Chinese had geographical advantage. Additionally, maintaining numerous small posts would be untenable if the Chinese superior forces attacked. This was ruled out by Nehru who believed the Chinese would not attack. But the Chinese did, initiating the Sino-Indian War.{{Sfn|Cardozo|2003|p=74}}

===Battle of Rezang La===
[[File:Shaitan Singh.jpg|thumb|Statue of Shaitan Singh in a central square of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India]]

During the war, the 13th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, Charlie ‘C’ company comprising 123 [[Ahirs]] was positioned in [[Chusul|Chusul sector]], at a height of {{convert|5000|m}} above sea level,<ref name="Param Vir Chakra winners since 1950">{{cite web|title=Param Vir Chakra Winners Since 1950|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Param-Vir-Chakra-winners-since-1950/articleshow/2731710.cms|website=The Times of India|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|access-date=4 December 2017|date=25 January 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115172745/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Param-Vir-Chakra-winners-since-1950/articleshow/2731710.cms|archive-date=15 November 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> the battalion under the command of Singh was holding a position at [[Rezang La]], and the area was defended by five platoon posts. In the morning hours of 18 November 1962, the Chinese attacked. Indians prepared for an offensive as they saw the Chinese advancing through [[nullah]]s{{efn|A nullah or a nulla ({{lang-ur|{{nq|نلہ}}}} or "{{lang|pa|nallah}}" in [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]) is an 'arm of the sea', [[stream]], or [[watercourse]], a steep narrow [[valley]].}} in the dim dawn lighting. At 5:00{{nbsp}}am, as platoons got a better sight of the Chinese, they started firing with [[light machine gun]]s, [[rifle]]s, [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]], and [[grenade]]s, killing many Chinese soldiers.{{Sfn|Chakravorty|1995|p=73}}

At 5:40{{nbsp}}am, the Indians were fired upon by artillery and mortar. Again, around three hundred and fifty Chinese soldiers started to advance through nullahs. No. 9 Platoon held fire until the Chinese were as close as {{convert|90|m}}, and inflicted heavy casualties.{{Sfn|Chakravorty|1995|p=73}} As attacks from the [[wikt:vanguard|vanguard]] were unsuccessful, around four hundred Chinese troops attacked from the rear. Simultaneously, No. 8 Platoon was fired upon with [[medium machine gun]]s from the wire fencing of the post, and also received [[artillery]] and mortar fire. No. 7 Platoon was attacked by one hundred and twenty Chinese soldiers from the rear. The Indians countered with {{convert|3|inch|adj=on}} mortar shells and killed many Chinese soldiers. As the last twenty survivors charged towards the post, the Indians jumped out of their trenches and engaged in [[hand-to-hand combat]] with the Chinese soldiers. However, the Platoon was soon encircled with the arrival of Chinese reinforcements. Eventually, No. 7 & 8 platoons were left with no survivors.{{Sfn|Chakravorty|1995|p=74}}

During the battle, Singh continuously moved from post to post reorganizing the defenses and boosting the morale of his men. As he moved between the posts without any cover, he was seriously wounded. While he was being evacuated by his soldiers, the Chinese started to fire heavily on them. Sensing the danger, Singh ordered the soldiers to leave. They placed him behind a boulder, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the battle, the Indian side suffered 114 casualties out of 120.{{efn|According to the report by [[Indiatimes]], the Indian troops suffered 114 casualties out of a 120-man force.<ref name="55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!">{{cite web|author1=Maninder Dabas|title=55 Years Ago, 120 Men Saved Ladakh From China. This Is The Story Of The Greatest Last Stand Ever At Rezang La!|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/44-years-ago-120-men-saved-ladakh-from-china-this-is-the-story-of-the-greatest-last-stand-ever-at-rezang-la-252749.html|website=Indiatimes|access-date=4 December 2017|date=18 November 2016}}</ref>}} Singh's body was found at the same boulder. It was brought to [[Jodhpur]] and cremated with military honors.{{Sfn|Chakravorty|1995|p=74}}Chinese captured the five injured (who later escaped) and one man Captain Ramchander Yadav who had hidden Shaitan Singh's body within boulders came back to tell the story. Three months later after snow melted Red cross recovered his body with his gun still in his hands at that very location.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Remembering the battle of Rezang La through the eyes of two brave soldiers|url=https://www.theprint.in/walk-the-talk/56-years-on-remembering-the-battle-of-rezang-la-through-the-eyes-of-two-brave-soldiers/150549/%3famp|publisher=The Print|access-date=18 November 2018}}</ref>

===Param Vir Chakra===
For his actions at the Battle of Rezang La, on 18 November 1962, Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. The official citation read:

{{Quotation|Major Shaitan Singh was commanding a company of an Ahir infantry battalion deployed at Rezang La in the Chusul sector at a height of about 16,000 feet. The locality was isolated from the main defended sector and consisted of five platoon-defended position. On 18 November 1962, the Chinese forces subjected the company position to heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire and attacked it in overwhelming strength in several successive waves. Against heavy odds, our troops beat back successive waves of enemy attack. During the action, Major Shaitan Singh dominated the scene of operations and moved at great personal risk from one platoon post to another sustaining the morale of his hard-pressed platoon posts. While doing so he was seriously wounded but continued to encourage and lead his men, who, following his brave example fought gallantly and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. For every man lost to us, the enemy lost four or five. When Major Shaitan Singh fell disabled by wounds in his arms and abdomen, his men tried to evacuate him but they came under heavy machine-gun fire. Major Shaitan Singh then ordered his men to leave him to his fate in order to save their lives. Major Shaitan Singh's supreme courage, leadership and exemplary devotion to duty inspired his company to fight almost to the last man.|author=[[Gazette of India]] Notification No.68—Press/62|source={{harv|Cardozo|2003|p=83}}}}

==Legacy==
[[File:Major Shaitan Singh statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi.jpg|250px|thumb|Singh's statue at ''Param Yodha Sthal'', [[National War Memorial (India)|National War Memorial]], New Delhi]]
In 1980s, the [[Shipping Corporation of India]] (SCI), a [[Government of India]] enterprise under the aegis of the [[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Ministry of Shipping]], named fifteen of its [[crude oil tanker]]s in honour of the PVC recipients. The tanker MT ''Major Shaitan Singh, PVC'' was delivered to SCI in 1985, and served for 25 years before being phased out.<ref name="IMO: 8316613">{{cite web|title=IMO: 8316613|url=https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:8747/mmsi:-8316613/imo:8316613/vessel:LUCKY_66|website=Marine Traffic|access-date=4 December 2017}}</ref>{{Sfn|Raj|Shanmugam|2009|p=179}}

On 2017 a movie starring Shehzaad Khan as Shaitan Singh directed by Pankaj Sehgal was released.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PVC Major Shaitan Singh|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt4920122/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm|publisher=IMDB|access-date=18 July 2021}}</ref>

==Notes==
'''Footnotes'''
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
'''Citations'''
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
*{{citation|first1=B.C. |last1=Chakravorty|title=Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners|year=1995|publisher=Allied Publishers|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-70235-16-3|language=en|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzizVBSb4YsC}}
*{{citation|first1=Anthony S.|last1=Raj|first2=Sudalaimuthu S.|last2=Shanmugam|title=Logistics Management for International Business: Text and Cases|year=2009|publisher=PHI Learning|isbn=978-81-20337-92-3|language=en}}
*{{citation|first1=Kittu |last1=Reddy|title=Bravest of the Brave: Heroes of the Indian Army|year=2007|publisher=Prabhat Prakashan|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-87100-00-3|language=en|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MlAi5sWYOe8C}}
*{{citation|first1=Major General Ian (retd.)|last1=Cardozo|title=Param Vir: Our Heroes in Battle|year=2003|publisher=Roli Books|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-74362-62-9|language=en|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D9ymBAAAQBAJ}}
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
*{{citation|last=Rawat |first=Rachna Bisht |year=2014 |title=The Brave: Param Vir Chakra Stories |publisher=Penguin Books India Private Limited |isbn=978-01-4342-235-8}}
{{Param Vir Chakra recipients}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Shaitan}}
[[Category:Indian military personnel killed in action]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Param Vir Chakra]]
[[Category:1924 births]]
[[Category:1962 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Jodhpur]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Rajasthan]]
[[Category:People of the Sino-Indian War]]

Shaitan Singh - Revision history

103.225.100.51 at 09:29, 16 December 2022

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