Captain Pratap Singh
Pratap Singh | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 January 1960[1] New Delhi, India |
| Died | 26 May 1988 (aged 28) Sonam outpost, Siachen, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Service/ |  Indian Army |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | Regiment of Artillery |
| Commands held | |
| Battles/wars | Operation Meghdoot, Siachen conflict |
| Awards |  Maha Vir Chakra[2] |
Captain Pratap Singh, MVC (17 Jan 1960 – 26 May 1988) was an officer in the Indian Army notable for his participation in Operation Meghdoot during the Siachen conflict, in the course of which he was martyred in action. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second highest military decoration.
Early life[edit]
Captain Pratap Singh was born on 17 Jan 1960 in New Delhi in a military family. His father was also an Army Officer, Capt Khazan Singh, and both his elder brothers were in the armed forces – one in the Indian Air Force and another in the AD (Air Defence) regiment of the Army. Pratap Singh studied at the Sherwood College, Nainital.
Military career[edit]
Following the family tradition of serving in the armed forces, Pratap Singh joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA) Madras (now Chennai) and was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery on 27th August 1983.
In 1988 Capt Pratap Singh was posted at Sonam outpost in Siachen area as an Observation Post Officer.
On 9 May 1988, an enemy commando group launched an attack to capture the post using ropes and ladder system on the ice wall, which was successfully defeated. The ropes and ladder system however, remained in position, making it possible for use in any future attacks on the post. On 26 May 1988, Capt Pratap Singh undertook this mission with the help of a jawan descending down the ice wall. On reaching the location, Capt Pratap Singh discovered a large stash of ammunition as well. As he was examining the ropes and ladder system, a grenade booby trap exploded, severely wounding him. Despite his injuries, he crawled forward and cut the fixed ropes with his knife and destroyed the ladder system. However, due to his grievous wounds and severe loss of blood, he was unable to return back from the mission and breathed his last. Capt Pratap Singh was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his gallantry in eliminating a grave threat to a key post of Siachen at the cost of his life.[3][4]
See also[edit]
Further reading[edit]
- Themes of Glory: Indian Artillery in War, By Darshan Khullar, Vij Books India Pvt Ltd
References[edit]
- ↑ "Captain Pratap Singh, MVC". Honoourpoint.
- ↑ "CAPT PRATAP SINGH MAHA VIR CHAKRA (Posthumous)". Gallantry Awards, Ministry of Defence, Govt of India website.
- ↑ "Mahavir Chakra Captain Pratap Singh". All About Sikhs.
- ↑ Chakravorty, B. (1995). Stories of Heroism: PVC & MVC Winners. 276: Allied Publishers. p. 387. ISBN 9788170235163. Search this book on
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