Brijpal Singh

After graduating from high school in Bhiwani, Major Singh enrolled in St Stephens College Delhi to pursue a senior secondary degree. He was commissioned into 1 RAJPUT on 16 September 1941.^[1]

During the battle of Major Brijpal Singh was Second in Command of 1 RAJPUT. On o6 February, he was informed about the near annihilation of the forward most section of his battalion by the enemy but some men were still resisting the enemy’s advance and the post had not yet fallen. Since the reinforcement had not yet arrived, Major Singh collected some twelve men from the Battalion Headquarters and rushed forward immediately. After having regrouped, the enemy launched another attack on the post with more vigour. Though heavily outnumbered, the twelve men held on and broke the momentum of the enemy’s attack. Major Singh moved from trench to trench, inspiring the men. He kept on inspiring his men to fight the enemy to the last man, which broke the enemy morale, and eventually the enemy had to retreat leaving many casualties behind.^[1]

Major Brijpal Singh displayed gallantry, inspiring leadership, and exemplary tenacity throughout the action and was awarded Vir Chakra for his dauntless courage.^[1]

CITATION

MAJOR BRIJPAL SINGH (IC-2016)

1ST BATTALION THE RAJPUT REGIMENT

On 6 February 1948, the enemy in overwhelming numbers attacked one of our key positions in Naushera in J&K. Major Brijpal Singh, who was in charge of a picquet with only two platoons under him, repulsed the attacks several times inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.

Regardless of his personal safety, Major Brijpal Singh kept on inspiring his men to fight the enemy to the last man, which broke the enemy morale, and eventually the enemy had to retreat leaving many casualties behind.

— Ministry of Defence, India, https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1536