Maj Gen Lachhman Singh Lehl, renowned veteran of 1948, 1971 wars, dies aged 97

For his role as a forward observation officer with the 50 Para Brigade, he was decorated India’s third-highest gallantry award, the Vir Chakra.

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh condoled the death of Maj Gen Lehl in a tweet. “Sorry to learn of the passing away of Major General LS Lehl, who played an important role in the 1971 victory in Bangladesh. My heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP,” he tweeted.

Maj Gen Lehl played a pivotal role in the 1971 war in the East Pakistan sector, which would later come to be known as the country of Bangladesh. He was the General Officer Commanding of 20 Mountain Division, which won the crucial battles of Hilli and Bogra.

The GOC of Pakistan’s 16 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Nazir Hussein Shah, surrendered to Maj Gen Lehl at the end of the war.

At a seminar organised by Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) a few years back in the national capital, Maj Gen Lehl recounted his time as with 20 Mountain Division—a part of 33 Corps commanded by Lt Gen ML Thapan.

“33 Corps, headquartered in Siliguri, was responsible for operations in the North-Western Sector of East Pakistan. This sector consisted of the important districts of Rangpur, Dinajppur, Bogra, Pabna and Rajshahi, and covered approximately one-third of East Pakistan. The Battle for Hilli was without doubt one of the bloodiest battles fought in the Eastern Sector. In all fairness, it must be mentioned here that Hilli was well defended by 4 Frontier Force of the Pakistan Army, a fact we did not know at that time, and would consequently learn after repeated efforts to capture the heavily fortified Hilli failed in a struggle that raged from 24 November to 11 December, ” he described.

Maj Gen Lehl also authored a comprehensive book on the 1965 India-Pakistan war called Missed Opportunities. The book brought out the successes—as well as the failures—of both Indian and Pakistani armies, and is a recognised work for any serious student of military history.