Lest We Forget Them !
Raw memories of a relentless saga of valour, courage, and sheer fearlessness in the face of assured annihilation were brought back on 26th July 2007 : it was the 8th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil War, which passed by unnoticed . Victory definitely was there: over one’s own self, over fear, over insecurity, and over the ignorance that creates attachment to material objects, and passions, rather than to the call of the ‘right action’!
Though the entire episode may have become a game of the diadem for the politicos, it certainly is not passé, nor out of fashion, to give a tributary salute to the young men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, protecting the honor and dignity of the land they were born in.
I propose to reminisce on the events that evoked so much heat that summer (alas, so temporary!): in three distinct parts, individually recounting some of the passion that the three Indian Armed Forces services brought to witness on the psyche of their countrymen; who, sadly have the proverbial short-memory of the insensitive masses .
Though the entire episode may have become a game of the diadem for the politicos, it certainly is not passé, nor out of fashion, to give a tributary salute to the young men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, protecting the honor and dignity of the land they were born in.
I propose to reminisce on the events that evoked so much heat that summer (alas, so temporary!): in three distinct parts, individually recounting some of the passion that the three Indian Armed Forces services brought to witness on the psyche of their countrymen; who, sadly have the proverbial short-memory of the insensitive masses .
Part – 1
ARMY : Op Vijay
ARMY : Op Vijay
Some of the most heroic battles ever recorded in military history were fought-out in the heights surrounding Kargil. The intrepid men, defending against a wily and fierce enemy faced withering automatic fire, refused to be cowed down by the heavy volumes of accurate artillery shelling, resolutely assaulted through mine-fields, braved grenade attacks, and closed-in with the enemy’s dug-in bunkers and strongholds, to engage them in a hand-to-hand combat. Slowly, but surely, with mounting damage inflicted on own resolve and capabilities at times, he forced them to vacate their positions one by one!
Infantry
The victory of the soldier in the Kargil conflict should go down in the annals of mountain warfare for more than one reason. All the motivation, determination, sacrifice, and patriotic fervour that he is trained in would not have made him achieve what was seemingly unattainable - but for his sheer grit, fearlessness, and resolute willpower: against all odds of terrain, weather, fatal fire, and physical exhaustion, accessibility imponderables… . The young officers led the veterans, and fresh baby-faced soldiers, of all hues and cultures, in a homogeneous unison of National passion: to evict the enemy from all occupied heights in Kargil, in a stellar display of leadership capabilities.
All Arms, and Services, fought alongside their Infantry comrades-in-arms, shoulder to shoulder. The Victory would definitely not have been achieved without the dedication, guts, blood, and firepower of these less-known heroes.
Corps of Artillery
Initial attempts by the Infantry to dislodge the Pakistani Army sub-units that had intruded deep into the Indian Territory, during the extreme winters of this inhospitable and cruel terrain, had met with limited success. It soon became imperative that only massive and sustained fire-power could dislocate their positions, and destroy their bunkers. To systematically breakdown their will to fight through a process of attrition by heavy fire, and for psychological domination, use of heavy Artillery was crucial. Additional artillery in the form of Mortars, Howitzers, and MBRLs (Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers) were quickly inducted. The movement and deployment of guns at that height at a very short notice was no less an effort than that of Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps.
High-intensity fire assaults were planned and executed.CB (counter-bombardment) and counter-mortar tasks reduced the effectiveness of enemy artillery, which had until then dominated and almost controlled any movement on the only road to Kargil: the NH-1A. The young OP (Observation-Post) and FOP officers worked in step with their Infantry counterparts, in directing accurate fire to be brought down on the enemy. In the re-capture of each of the tactical heights: be it Tololing, or Tiger-Hill, or the challenging “Points” (rocky and hostile mountain peaks, occupied by the enemy to their immense tactical advantage) in the Batalik Sector, the ‘Sarvatra Izzat-o-Iqbal’ Gunners effected most innovative fire-plans.
The 155 mm FH77B Bofors medium howitzer was the mainstay of the artillery fire power in Kargil. The effective use of the 130 mm medium Gun (which fires at low angles only), over the mountain ranges, is a tribute to the professionalism of the Indian Gunners. The 105 mm IFG (Indian Field Gun) left a telling effect on the enemy. Six batteries of the 122 mm GRAD MBRL, that causes a virtual fire-storm at 240 rounds in 20 seconds, delivered devastating punch after punch to the enemy. In a unique innovation, these were employed in direct firing role in fire assaults. Not to be left behind were the 120 mm and 160 mm Mortars that engaged the enemy behind the hill crests very effectively and fatally.
Army Aviation Corps
It is a tribute to the professionalism of the Army Aviators, their dedication to duty and their readiness to accept the challenges in the face of the most daunting odds that the two Army Aviation squadrons employed in Kargil were both awarded citations by the COAS. The squadrons logged 2,500 missions (an average of 50 missions a day), and over 2,700 flying hours! In reconnaissance and surveillance role, the “Choppers” flew close to the LOC and the enemy forward posts. AD (Air Defence) guns, HMGs, MMGs, and SAMs (Surface to Air Missiles) were often fired at them, but they managed to take evasive action and keep flying. Army Aviation pilots did indeed make the extremely dangerous task of directing artillery fire look like a hide & seek game. These helicopters lifted troops, arms, ammunitions and essential commodities in the face of the enemy, not to mention their Cas Evac role, where more than 900 casualties were evacuated from the frontline.
Corps of Engineers
The Sappers toiled day and night to undertake a stupendous number of engineering tasks. They constructed 40 km of roads and tracks, directly under enemy observation and heavy artillery shelling and gunfire. More than 70 helipads were constructed and activated. The advance for the offensive ops of the Infantry would not have taken off without this engineering support.
Water points were created. Over 5000 mines indiscriminately laid by the enemy were recovered and 155 blind sheds destroyed: forward movement of troops thus facilitated. The sappers were grouped with assaulting infantry companies to destroy mines and booby traps laid by the enemy; and to make captured enemy positions safe for occupation by own troops.
Corps of Signals
The communications in the Kargil Sector were initially based on newly laid telephone cables, supplemented by RR (digital Radio Relay equipment).Starting from scratch, the Signallers established a state-of-the-art communication network in no time over the rugged high-altitude terrain.Inmarsat satellite terminals were used for communications with HQ. Data & Fax facilities were provided for the first time even at battalion level. Additional resources of Troposcatter and VSAT were integrated with Div and Corps signal networks.
The SI (signal intelligence) dets provided sharp teeth to tactical intelligence gathering; and the EW (Electronic Warfare) subunits neutralized enemy’s well entrenched modern war assets, and their communication capabilities were minimised.
Air Defence Artillery
There was always the possibility of the PAF engaging the VAs (Vital Areas) and VPs of the Indian troop positions. Hence, air defence cover for these vulnerable points was to be ensured. Despite the tactical complications of deploying effective air defence in the mountains, the AD Arty adopted an aggressive posture. 30 IGLA SAM dets, and some troops with ZU-23 guns, were sited on the dominating heights: to prevent the intruding Pak troops from being supported from the air. This degraded the enemy’s will and staying power immensely, and started their rout.
Logistics Support
Supporting Offensive Ops is a daunting task. The presence, and sustained maintenance, of the logistic support units in FAAs (Forward Areas) was the main reason behind the high morale of the assaulting troops.
The Herculean efforts of the doctors in uniform, many of whom were with the assaulting troops fighting the enemy, saved hundreds of precious lives. The statistics tell their own story of the achievements of the Army Medical Corps (AMC).Out of the 1363 casualties evacuated to various medical field units and Base Hospitals, only 14 succumbed to their terrible and critical injuries.
Not only did the Army Service Corps (ASC) personnel perform admirably in discharging the prime responsibility of providing logistic support to the fighting echelons, young ASC officers attached with Infantry battalions gave excellent accounts of themselves.
The fastest moving item, as also the heaviest, was naturally the munitions. That troops never had to look behind for want of ammunition and war-stores goes to say that the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) lived up to their motto “To the Thunder His Arms”. The gallant actions of Ordnance Corps officers deputed with Infantry battalions are a part of the history itself now.
Guns and Howitzers were repaired in their firing pits. Vehicles kept moving up and down the mountainous, slippery roads to Kargil, and tracks ahead, without major hold-ups. All weapons and equipment were kept serviceable during the battles, in hostile climate, and treacherous working conditions: all to the credit of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME). The Officer Corps serving with the Infantry also won laurels for their heroics.
Military Police, Army Postal Service (APS), and Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) all stood undaunted and steadfast, contributing to the cause of victory much beyond their call of duty.
All Arms, and Services, fought alongside their Infantry comrades-in-arms, shoulder to shoulder. The Victory would definitely not have been achieved without the dedication, guts, blood, and firepower of these less-known heroes.
Corps of Artillery
Initial attempts by the Infantry to dislodge the Pakistani Army sub-units that had intruded deep into the Indian Territory, during the extreme winters of this inhospitable and cruel terrain, had met with limited success. It soon became imperative that only massive and sustained fire-power could dislocate their positions, and destroy their bunkers. To systematically breakdown their will to fight through a process of attrition by heavy fire, and for psychological domination, use of heavy Artillery was crucial. Additional artillery in the form of Mortars, Howitzers, and MBRLs (Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers) were quickly inducted. The movement and deployment of guns at that height at a very short notice was no less an effort than that of Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps.
High-intensity fire assaults were planned and executed.CB (counter-bombardment) and counter-mortar tasks reduced the effectiveness of enemy artillery, which had until then dominated and almost controlled any movement on the only road to Kargil: the NH-1A. The young OP (Observation-Post) and FOP officers worked in step with their Infantry counterparts, in directing accurate fire to be brought down on the enemy. In the re-capture of each of the tactical heights: be it Tololing, or Tiger-Hill, or the challenging “Points” (rocky and hostile mountain peaks, occupied by the enemy to their immense tactical advantage) in the Batalik Sector, the ‘Sarvatra Izzat-o-Iqbal’ Gunners effected most innovative fire-plans.
The 155 mm FH77B Bofors medium howitzer was the mainstay of the artillery fire power in Kargil. The effective use of the 130 mm medium Gun (which fires at low angles only), over the mountain ranges, is a tribute to the professionalism of the Indian Gunners. The 105 mm IFG (Indian Field Gun) left a telling effect on the enemy. Six batteries of the 122 mm GRAD MBRL, that causes a virtual fire-storm at 240 rounds in 20 seconds, delivered devastating punch after punch to the enemy. In a unique innovation, these were employed in direct firing role in fire assaults. Not to be left behind were the 120 mm and 160 mm Mortars that engaged the enemy behind the hill crests very effectively and fatally.
Army Aviation Corps
It is a tribute to the professionalism of the Army Aviators, their dedication to duty and their readiness to accept the challenges in the face of the most daunting odds that the two Army Aviation squadrons employed in Kargil were both awarded citations by the COAS. The squadrons logged 2,500 missions (an average of 50 missions a day), and over 2,700 flying hours! In reconnaissance and surveillance role, the “Choppers” flew close to the LOC and the enemy forward posts. AD (Air Defence) guns, HMGs, MMGs, and SAMs (Surface to Air Missiles) were often fired at them, but they managed to take evasive action and keep flying. Army Aviation pilots did indeed make the extremely dangerous task of directing artillery fire look like a hide & seek game. These helicopters lifted troops, arms, ammunitions and essential commodities in the face of the enemy, not to mention their Cas Evac role, where more than 900 casualties were evacuated from the frontline.
Corps of Engineers
The Sappers toiled day and night to undertake a stupendous number of engineering tasks. They constructed 40 km of roads and tracks, directly under enemy observation and heavy artillery shelling and gunfire. More than 70 helipads were constructed and activated. The advance for the offensive ops of the Infantry would not have taken off without this engineering support.
Water points were created. Over 5000 mines indiscriminately laid by the enemy were recovered and 155 blind sheds destroyed: forward movement of troops thus facilitated. The sappers were grouped with assaulting infantry companies to destroy mines and booby traps laid by the enemy; and to make captured enemy positions safe for occupation by own troops.
Corps of Signals
The communications in the Kargil Sector were initially based on newly laid telephone cables, supplemented by RR (digital Radio Relay equipment).Starting from scratch, the Signallers established a state-of-the-art communication network in no time over the rugged high-altitude terrain.Inmarsat satellite terminals were used for communications with HQ. Data & Fax facilities were provided for the first time even at battalion level. Additional resources of Troposcatter and VSAT were integrated with Div and Corps signal networks.
The SI (signal intelligence) dets provided sharp teeth to tactical intelligence gathering; and the EW (Electronic Warfare) subunits neutralized enemy’s well entrenched modern war assets, and their communication capabilities were minimised.
Air Defence Artillery
There was always the possibility of the PAF engaging the VAs (Vital Areas) and VPs of the Indian troop positions. Hence, air defence cover for these vulnerable points was to be ensured. Despite the tactical complications of deploying effective air defence in the mountains, the AD Arty adopted an aggressive posture. 30 IGLA SAM dets, and some troops with ZU-23 guns, were sited on the dominating heights: to prevent the intruding Pak troops from being supported from the air. This degraded the enemy’s will and staying power immensely, and started their rout.
Logistics Support
Supporting Offensive Ops is a daunting task. The presence, and sustained maintenance, of the logistic support units in FAAs (Forward Areas) was the main reason behind the high morale of the assaulting troops.
The Herculean efforts of the doctors in uniform, many of whom were with the assaulting troops fighting the enemy, saved hundreds of precious lives. The statistics tell their own story of the achievements of the Army Medical Corps (AMC).Out of the 1363 casualties evacuated to various medical field units and Base Hospitals, only 14 succumbed to their terrible and critical injuries.
Not only did the Army Service Corps (ASC) personnel perform admirably in discharging the prime responsibility of providing logistic support to the fighting echelons, young ASC officers attached with Infantry battalions gave excellent accounts of themselves.
The fastest moving item, as also the heaviest, was naturally the munitions. That troops never had to look behind for want of ammunition and war-stores goes to say that the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) lived up to their motto “To the Thunder His Arms”. The gallant actions of Ordnance Corps officers deputed with Infantry battalions are a part of the history itself now.
Guns and Howitzers were repaired in their firing pits. Vehicles kept moving up and down the mountainous, slippery roads to Kargil, and tracks ahead, without major hold-ups. All weapons and equipment were kept serviceable during the battles, in hostile climate, and treacherous working conditions: all to the credit of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME). The Officer Corps serving with the Infantry also won laurels for their heroics.
Military Police, Army Postal Service (APS), and Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) all stood undaunted and steadfast, contributing to the cause of victory much beyond their call of duty.
Fight only to Win
The Indian soldier has always given a new meaning to the term ‘courage under fire’. In those dizzying heights they contributed with blood, unbelievable resolve of willpower, guts and self-sacrifice: to a Victory that the posterity should be proud to remember and celebrate!
Sleep peacefully, all ye: because I am there to look after thine safety whilst thee rest!!
Sleep peacefully, all ye: because I am there to look after thine safety whilst thee rest!!
© Pavi nayan Trisal., all rights reserved.
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