The Fighting Fourth

You know, Jasbir, I think we are the only fatherson duo in the unit’s history to have been both decorated for gallantry! Also, there is so much of the unit’s history that needs to be properly probed and recorded. It is your time now, and you must do it.” ‘Fighting Fourth’ or 4th Battalion, The Kumaon Regiment (4 Kumaon), raised in 1788, has fought with distinction and etched its name in the annals of Indian military history with honour and pride. From ?ghting the Pindaris to quelling the Boxer Rebellion in Hong Kong, the battalion saw extensive action in both the World Wars and the IndoPak war of 1947–48, where the gallant actions of the unit saved Kashmir Valley for the Indian Union and changed the course of history in the region. Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded India’s ?rst Param Vir Chakra, the highest award for gallantry, while Brigadier Pritam Singh emerged as the Saviour of Poonch. The unit was awarded Battle Honour ‘Srinagar’ and 57 awards for bravery, including one Param Vir Chakra, three Maha Vir Chakras, 13 Vir Chakras, one Bar to Vir Chakra and other awards. In the Indo–Pak War 1965, the battalion was awarded Battle Honour ‘Sanjoi–Mirpur’, while in the 1971 operations, it was awarded Battle Honour ‘Shamshernagar’, along with three Vir Ckakras, one SM and other awards. In this book, Brigadier Jasbir presents an intimate, personal account of the glorious history of this ?ne battalion that has contributed no less than two Chiefs of Staff of the Indian Army and is among the most highlydecorated ones. Brigadier Jasbir Singh, SM, is a Rimcollian who studied at RIMC from 1962 to 1966. Thereafter, he underwent training at NDA Khadakwasla, followed by IMA Dehradun, where he was commissioned in the 4th Battalion, The Kumaon Regiment, or 4 Kumaon (Fighting Fourth). He was wounded during operations behind enemy lines in East Pakistan in the 1971 war and decorated twice for gallantry during operations.