Laungewala Battle Day celebrated

While Major Singh, who retired as Brigadier, was awarded the Mahavir Chakra, the battalion earned two Vir Chakras, two Sena Medals, one Mention-in-Despatch and one Coas Commendation Card for steadfastly guarding their position undeterred by the enemy’s superior strength.

Their courage was also recognised in the form of Battle Honour Laungewala and Theatre Honour Sindh.

Sepoys Jagjit Singh and Bishan Das were awarded posthumously for their bravery in the battle. “The gallantry, devotion, patriotism and raw courage associated with soldiering was immortalised in this battle and would be remembered by students and authors of military history for time tocome,” an army press release said here.

This is the only battle recapitulated on the silver screen in the history of Indian cinema, the release added.

At a special Sainik Sammelan organised on the occasion, 23 Punjab Commanding Officer Colonel V K Sharma welcomed Colonel of the Regiment Major General S K Awasthy, Major General (Retd) S P S Sadhu, Major General P P S Bindra, Lieutenant General (Retd) V R Raghwan, and other distinguished guests.

The heroes of the battle were also present. The colonel of the regiment and former commanding officers addressed the Sammelan, the release said.

Laungewala Day was marked by a visit to the Unit Quarter Guard and laying of a wreath at the war memorial.