Brave Soldiers · Param Vir Chakra
Joginder Singh
Subedar · 1921 – 1962
Wounded and outnumbered at Bum La, he led his men in a final charge.
On 23 October 1962 Subedar Joginder Singh’s platoon of 1 Sikh defended a ridge near Bum La in the North-East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh) against waves of attackers. Wounded, he fought on and led his remaining men forward when their ammunition ran out. He was captured and died of his wounds in captivity.
Early life and background
Born in Punjab, Joginder Singh joined the British Indian Army in 1936 and served with the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, including in the Second World War and the 1947–48 war.
Historical context
When the 1962 war began, Chinese forces attacked Indian positions in the Tawang sector, including posts near the Bum La pass.
Key achievements
Commanding a platoon on a ridge near Bum La, Joginder Singh beat back successive assaults. Though wounded, he continued to direct the defence, and when ammunition was exhausted he led his surviving men against the attackers.
Important events and milestones
- 1936 Joins the army.
- 23 October 1962 Defence of the ridge near Bum La; wounded and captured.
- 1962 Dies of his wounds in captivity.
Awards and honours
Param Vir Chakra (posthumous).
His sacrifice
Subedar Joginder Singh was taken prisoner and died of his injuries in captivity.
Enduring legacy
A memorial near Bum La honours him, and his name is inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
References
- Gallantry Awards portal, Ministry of Defence (opens in a new tab)
- Wikipedia — Joginder Singh (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: Official portrait (painting) · Indian Army · GODL-India · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.