No.

07/2022 AN INDIAN ARMY PUBLICATION July 2022

BATTLE OF GUREZ – 1948
Sketch of Gurez
I
n June 1948, a contingent of approximately
3000 Pakistani raiders and 300 Gilgit
Scouts had occupied the beautiful Gurez
Valley and a threat to Srinagar was envisaged.
1 GRENADIERS (now 2 GUARDS), operating
under the Srinagar Division (present 19
Infantry Division) launched a major offensive
and liberated the Gurez Valley on the night of
28/29 June 1948.
The Gurez Valley is flanked on either side by
precipitous cliffs and snow-clad mountains.
This valley could be approached by two
routes from Bandipur - along an old caravan
route via Razdhan Pass or by a difficult foot
track branching off from Razdhan Pass. One
company of 2/4 Gorkha Rifles and one section
of Patiala Mountain Battery were placed under
command of the battalion for the Battle of
Gurez. The Operation was code named ‘Eraze’
with 25 June 1948 selected as the D-day. A
troop of Patiala Mountain Battery was to
provide fire support and a lone Indian Air
Force Tempest Aircraft was made available for
close air support.
Operation ‘Eraze’ was launched as per
schedule despite inclement and inhospitable
2 Baatcheet July 2022
Action in Gurez Valley
weather. The battalion secured Kuljan Gali and
Viji Gali quickly, however, an administrative
pause was forced on 27 June as the weather
had become very inclement for the under clad
troops and the guns deployed at Kuljan Gali
could not be moved up by the mules hauling
them. These guns had to be manhandled by
the brave Grenadiers over a distance of nine
kilometres. The battalion pressed on with
the attack on 28 June and Darlkhun Gali was
captured. The Pakistani raiders suffered heavy
casualties and started withdrawing, blowing
up a vital bridge on Kishanganga River. The
heavy pressure was maintained on the raiders
by the battalion and by 0400 hours on 29 June,
the battalion cleared Gurez and launched a
thorough search for the Pakistani raiders.
Operation ‘Eraze’ was successfully completed
by the battalion and Gurez was thus recaptured.
The battalion was awarded seven Vir
Chakras and nine Mention-in-Despatches and
for this action, the battalion was awarded its
13th Battle Honour “Gurez”.
 July 2022

From the Editor’s Desk

The India Pakistan Kargil Conflict was fought
between May to July 1999 in Kargil & Leh
Districts, along the Line of Control extending
from Zoji La in the West to Turtuk in the East.
The conflict is referred to as Operation VIJAY
(Kargil). The cause of this conflict was the
infiltration of Pakistan's Northern Light Infantry
into positions on the Indian side of the Line of
Control overlooking and threatening National
Highway 1D. This was one of the toughest and
longest campaigns of modern times, as battles
took place in high altitude areas at heights above
12,000 feet. Our valiant soldiers ably supported
by the Artillery and Indian Air Force fought
legendary battles in Kargil, Dras, Kaksar, Batalik
and Turtuk Sectors.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is commemorated on 26 July
every year as a saga of gallantry and valour of the
battles fought in the most inhospitable terrain
in the World. Indian Armed Forces braving
most difficult terrain, battling extreme weather
conditions fought valiantly on the steep slopes
of icy peaks with grit and valour, thus emerging
victorious defeating evil designs of the enemy. 26
July 2022 marks the 23rd anniversary of the Kargil
Conflict. The event commemorates the sacrifices
of our comrades, rejoicing their victory and
renewing the vow for the future. The entire Nation
commemorates our brave service personnel who
sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and strive
together to ensure territorial integrity and pride
of our great Nation.
Battle of Gurez – 1948................................................ 2
Chief’s Page................................................................ 4
In Focus...................................................................... 5
Snippets...................................................................6-7
Kargil Vijay Diwas Special.......................................8-9
J&K and Ladakh Diary.............................................. 10
North East Diary........................................................ 11
Communique............................................................. 12
Welfare and Empowerment....................................... 13
Training..................................................................... 14
Sports and Adventure............................................... 15
Ceremonial Events.................................................... 16
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3
CHIEF’S PAGE

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff interacted with the Awardees felicitated during Defence
Investiture Ceremony 2022 (Phase 2) on 01 June at New Delhi. The COAS appreciated the stellar contribution
made by them in the service of the Nation and the organisation.

The COAS visited forward areas along the LAC in Central Sector & was briefed by the local Commanders on
the operational situation. The COAS also interacted with the troops deployed in one of the harshest terrains &
complimented them for their professionalism & high morale.

Mr Emmanuel Lenain, the Ambassador of France to General Charles A. Flynn, Commanding General
India called on the COAS on 01 June and discussed United States Army Pacific called on the COAS &
aspects of Bilateral Defence Cooperation between discussed the importance of strengthening Bilateral
both Nations. Defence Ties.

4 Baatcheet July 2022

In focus
8TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA
Indian Army celebrated 8th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2022.  Yoga sessions including asana,
pranayama and dhyana sessions were organised for All Ranks and their families by various formations/
military stations across the country, wherein the importance of discipline and harmony between the
mind and the body was reinforced in all the participants who were unanimous in acknowledging the
benefits of Yoga. A soldier has to be physically and mentally fit at all times and yoga fulfils this twin
purpose.

Troops deployed in forward areas in Northern Command performed Yoga to spread the message of
physical, mental and spiritual well being from the highest mountains and the picturesque valleys.
The Army encourages its troops to incorporate Yoga in daily life to remain mentally and physically
agile.

Yoga Day at Madras Regimental Centre Watershed Warriors at 14500 Feet

Baatcheet July 2022 5

snippets
Retiring Officers’ Seminar for officers superannuating
on 30 June was conducted at New Delhi on 23 June
2021. The COAS commended all retiring officers for
their selfless service to the Nation and bid them adieu.
GOC-in-C Eastern Command visited Air Force
Station, Arjan Singh on 04 June & was briefed on the
strategic lift capabilities, integration with Mountain
Strike Corps & readiness towards Operations in the
Eastern Theatre.
Fire & Fury Corps organised Final Marathon in the
series of Trishul Mini Marathon at Karu on 21 June,
with the aim to identify young talents from the rural
areas of Eastern Ladakh.
6 Baatcheet July 2022
A ‘Strategic Conclave’ was conducted at Headquarters
Northern Command, Udhampur from 01 to 03 June to
decipher the 'Gray Zone' conundrum & formulate own
Lines of Effort.
On 14 June 2022, a major rescue operation was carried
out by Black Cat Division at Menla, East Sikkim. Eight
civilians were rescued from under the debris caused
due to a landslide. The rescue team operated with utter
disregard to own safety in incessant rainfall.
Army Institute of Cardio Thoracic Sciences, Pune on
04 June achieved a major milestone by carrying out
first Paediatric Heart Transplant. The heart of a 14 year
old brain dead girl was successfully transplanted in a
14 year old boy.
snippets
Assam Rifles, on 30 May 22, signed a MoU with
Bhaichung Bhutia Football School, for setting up of
Residential Football Academy as part of the Assam
Rifles Public School (Sports) in Laitkor, Shillong. The
MoU was signed jointly by DGAR and Shri Bhaichung
Bhutia.
In a complex & swift rescue operation on the night
of 08 June, Indian Army extricated an 18 month old
child from 300 feet borewell submerged in water
at Dharangdhra, Gujarat. The innovative methods
employed by the rescue team led to saving of a precious
life.
Surya Warriors along with NDRF & Chhattisgarh
State Authorities rescued a 11 year old specially abled
boy from an 80 feet borewell in Janjgir–Champa,
Chhattisgarh. The boy was rescued safely after 105
hours of untiring efforts.
Baatcheet July 2022
13 JAMMU & KASHMIR RIFLES (KARGIL)
celebrated Battle Honour Day ‘Dras’ on 20 June at
Bengdubi Military Station. As a tribute to fallen
heroes of the battalion a wreath laying ceremony was
conducted.
Woman soldiers of the Indian Army participated in
the four day Women Peace & Security Seminar at
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as part of the Indian Army
contingent participating in Exercise Khaan Quest.
Women Peace Keepers from 30 Nations participated
in the Seminar.
‘Para Rowers Havildar Narayan & Naik Kuldeep of
Army Rowing Node, Pune on 19 June won Bronze
Medal in PR3 event in World Rowing Cup II Poznan,
Poland.
7
 KARGIL VIJAY D

TOLOLING
Battle of Tololing was pivotal in turning the tide and breaking the
back of Pakistani invasion. Major Vivek Gupta, Naik Digendra
Kumar, Major Padmapani Acharya and Captain N Kenguruse
lead from front in this epic Battle.

TIGER HILL
On 08th July 1999, the Indian Tricolour was hoisted on Tiger
Hill Top. Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, Lieutenant Balwan
Singh, and many other Gallant Soldiers are still remembered for
the unmatched valour which epitomised raw courage of Indian
bravehearts.

8 Baatcheet July 2022

DIWAS SPECIAL

BATALIK
Fierce patriotism of young Officers like Lieutenant Manoj
Kumar Pandey and Major Saravanan in the final assault on
Pakistani intruders in Batalik turned the area into a macabre
graveyard for enemy troops as the Nation achieved a heroic
victory marked by supreme sacrifice of these bravehearts.

Battle of Point 4875

On 07 July 1999, 13 JAK RIF was tasked to clear a narrow
feature (Point 4875) with heavily fortified enemy defences that
covered the only approach to it. Capt Vikram Batra assaulted
the enemy position and killed many enemy soldiers in a fierce
hand to hand fight. He rallied his men and pressed on the attack
to capture Point 4875. His inspirational quote "Yeh Dil Maange
More" continues to inspire the Indian Army.

Baatcheet July 2022 9

J&K and Ladakh Diary
GOC-in-C Northern Command visited forward
areas at Kupwara & hinterland posts at Ramban to
review operational preparedness as well as security &
administrative arrangements for Amarnath Yatra.
Mini Marathon for children of age group 10-17 Years
was organised on 03 June by Trishul Division at
Chumathang village, Eastern Ladakh. The event was
organised with an aim to give an impetus to national
vision 'Fit India'.
Northern Soccer Cup in honour of Col Ashutosh
Sharma, SM** was organised at Handwara by Youth
Civil Society. A total 32 teams from North Kashmir
rubbed shoulders on knockout basis.
10
Chinar Corps provided requisite gear and organised a
trekking camp for four days at Ajas in Kashmir for the
local youth. River crossing, survival techniques & first
aid were taught to the participants.
The Indian Army on 12 June rescued a group
of civilians from the Sindh River in Jammu and
Kashmir’s Sonamarg. The battalion deployed at Baltal-
Domel rushed to the spot with recovery vehicle and
equipment for the recue operation.
GOC-in-C Northern Command visited Kumar Post
on 24 June 2022, situated on the Northern Glacier,
Siachen. The Army Commander commended All
Ranks for smilingly braving the fury of terrain &
weather.
Baatcheet July 2022
NORTH EAST DIARY

“Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrated at Jang, Arunachal Pradesh on 06 June by locals in coordination with
Blazing Sword Division. Combined Band display, Kalaripayatu, Gatka Martial Arts and a vibrant folk dance
performed during the event showcased the diverse cultural heritage of the Nation.

Gajraj Corps organised a youth motivation event on 23 Sector Assam Rifles on 20 June under the aegis of
12 June at Assam Valley School, Tezpur. The event Inspector General Assam Rifles (East) conducted Anti
included career counseling and ‘Know Your Army Drug Awarness Campaign at Aizawal.
Mela’.

A Flood Relief Task Force comprising of 322 Air
Defence Regiment & 70 Engineer Regiment provided
aid to civil authorities on 05 June. Acting with
remarkable speed and promptness, the Joint Task force
rescued the civilian populace from submerged villages
to safe zones.
Spear Corps commemorated supreme sacrifice of
Captain N Kengurüse, MVC in Kargil Conflict, at his
native village Pheza in Nagaland by wreath laying,
vaccination drive and felicitating the braveheart’s
parents.

Baatcheet July 2022 11

Communique
IMPORTANT UPDATES
CEREMONIAL & WELARE DIRECTORATE

1. Balidaan & Shradhanjali Patra. Every year a substantial number of Defence

Personnel loose their lives in the course of their duty. While some of them are awarded
Gallantry Awards, others who get injured in operations are awarded “Parakaram Padak”
and the Next of Kin of the Awardees can justifiably take pride from these awards. However,
there was no formal recognition for the fatal casualties. “Balidan Patra” and “Shradhanjali
Patra” has been instituted with effect from 01 January 2022 for every fatal casualty of
the Indian Army to provide some solace to Next of Kin and provide a documentary
recognition to the supreme sacrifice by the Armed Forces Personnel. The Patra shall be
applicable as under:-

(a) Battle Casualty Fatal - Balidaan Patra

(b) Physical Casualty Fatal - Shradhanjali Patra

(Less suicide & death due to own misconduct)

2. Travel Concession by Yatra.com. Yatra.com, a popular travel aggregator is offering a

10 percent discount on base fare for flights booked through their portal. In addition to
discount offered by Airlines on airfare, they are also offering discount of five percent on
cabs/buses and 10 percent on hotel bookings.

PERSONNEL SERVICES DIRECTORATE

1. The Department of Military Affairs (DMA) has revised the Risk & Hardship (R&H)
allowances retrospectively for Armed Forces Personnel removing the disparity with
CAPFs. In addition, 40 percent strength of Strategic Force Command has been allowed
allowances.

2. R&H allowances have also been made applicable to Military Engineer Services units
and other static units including formation headquarters of division level and above located
in the qualifying area at one level lower as admissible to combat troops. The revision
will benefit almost 50 percent of Indian Army strength including personnel retired after
22 February 2019 while serving in concessional areas.

12 Baatcheet July 2022

welfare and empowerment
Black Cat Division conducted a motivational lecture
as part of “Project Veer Gatha” for the students of
Army Public School, Gangtok on 27 June. The students
interacted with Kargil Warrior Subedar Mehar Singh,
VC who fought besides Captain Vikram Batra, PVC.
Mega plantation drive was carried out by formations of
Fire and Fury Corps on 06 June in Eastern and Western
Ladakh in coordination with civil administration to
celebrate World Environment Day.
Golden Katar Division organised a blood donation
camp at Military Hospital Ahmedabad from 09 to 11
June 2022 in coordination with Blood Transfusion
Department, Civil Hospital Ahmedabad.
Baatcheet July 2022
Regional President AWWA Northern Command
interacted & felicitated Veer Naris & Veer Matas on
the occasion of International Widows Day at Leh on
24 June. She emphasised that women power inspires &
enables building strong society.
First IVF twin babies were delivered at Vajra Level
3 Assisted Reproductive Technology Centre at Military
Hospital Jalandhar on 26 June. This was the first
initiation of the ART program since its inauguration
in 2019.
The Headquarters 23 Sector Assam Rifles under the
aegis of IGAR (East) conducted Anti Drug Awarness
Campaign “Ruihhlo – Do: A War against Drugs” at
Aizal from 07 to 20 June.
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TRAINING

GOC-in-C Southern Command reviewed the Passing
Out Parade of the youngest Pre-Commissioning
Training Academy of India. 64 Gentleman Cadets got
commissioned from the Officer Training Academy,
Gaya as Officers, including eight from Friendly Foreign
Countries.
Attestation Parade of the 336th Batch was held at the
Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong on 04 Jun 22. 68
recruits were attested in the ceremony conducted at
the Parson Parade Ground which was reviewed by
GOC 101 Area.

The 10th Edition of Joint Military Exercise between
Indian Army & Bangladesh Army culminated on
16 June after a validation exercise at Jashore,
Bangladesh. The 12 day joint exercise resulted in
enhanced understanding & interoperability between
both the Armies.
Army Aviation & Special Forces Training School
conducted Combat Free Fall Training on 10 June
to enhance operational effectiveness. Paratroopers
executed 113 jumps in 12 hrs of flying at the nominated
Drop Zone.

GOC-in-C South Western Command reviewed the Passing Out Parade of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
on 11 June. 288 Gentleman Cadets got commissioned as officers including 89 from Friendly Foreign Countries.

14 Baatcheet July 2022

Sports & adventure

Subedar Neeraj Chopra returned to competitive action for the first time since Tokyo Olympics as the Olympic
gold medalist set a new National Record and personal best of 89.30 metres at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2022,
Finland on 14 June. At the Kuortane Games, he clinched his first top podium finish of the season by winning
the javelin throw event on 18 June in Finland beating reigning world champion Anderson Peters. Continuing
with his brilliant form, he broke the National record again with a throw of 89.94 metres to finish second in the
Stockholm Diamond League in Sweden on 30 June.

A joint team of Indian Mountaineering Mobile Training On June 27, recruit MP Summy won a Bronze Medal
Team to Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Army summited in 400 metres at the Qosanov Memorial World
Amangilde and Nursultan Peaks in Kazakhstan. Athletics Continental Tour, Kazakhstan. She is the first
meritorious sports woman inducted in the Indian Army.

In an initiative to celebrate "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav", Cadet Sanapathi Guru Naidu of Boys Sports Company,
Trishakti Corps conducted series of adventure activities AOC Centre Secunderabad, scripted history by winning
which included Trekking, Cycling and Motorcycle the Gold Medal in Weightlifting at the 2022 IWF Youth
expeditions in North Bengal & Sikkim from 12 to 20 June. World Championship at Mexico.

Baatcheet July 2022 15

CEREMONIAL EVENTS
51st Raising Day of Northern Command was celebrated
on 17 June 2022. On this occasion, Chief of Staff, HQ
Northern Command laid a wreath at Dhruva War
Memorial & flagged off Kargil Victory Flame Run from
Udhampur. The resolute response against aggression
on the Line of Control & Line of Actual Control
has won numerous accolades for the command. The
Command has been at the forefront to assist the civil
administration and people of UTs of J & K and Ladakh
during natural calamities.

White Knight Corps was raised on 01 June 1972.

Corps has a rich history, a saga of valour and bravery
in all major wars and various operations including
CT operations till date. On completing 50 glorious
years, the GOC laid a wreath in a solemn ceremony
at “Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal” in Nagrota to pay
homage to the bravehearts of White Knight Corps.

Army Educational Corps (AEC) celebrated its

102nd Corps Day on 01 June 2022. In its 102 years
of glorious history, the Corps has dedicated itself
towards Educational Training with zeal & enthusiasm.
Owing to the concerted & sustained efforts, the Corps
has seamlessly adapted to the evolving demands of
providing quality education & empowerment. The
Corps has also been at the forefront of training in Map
Reading, academics at PCTAs, military music, foreign
languages as well as handling RTI cases and shaping
young minds in Rashtriya Military Schools and Sainik
Schools.

On 14th death anniversary of Field Marshal SHFJ

Manekshaw, MC, a wreath was laid by officers of DSSC
Wellington on 27 June 2022 at the final resting place
of the revered soldier on behalf of the Defence Forces.
Field Marshal Manekshaw’s distinguished military
career spanned four decades and five wars including
1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Next Edition of Baatcheet will cover the theme ‘ARTRAC Special’.

16 Baatcheet July 2022