Harbans Lal Mehta, MVC

Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Harbans Lal Mehta was born on 15 September 1922 in Delhi, the son of Shri D. C. Mehta. After completing his education at DAV College, he joined the Army on 15 December 1946 at the age of 24 and was commissioned into 4 Madras of the Madras Regiment, an infantry unit with a proud record of gallantry. By 1965 he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was appointed Commanding Officer of the 4 Madras Battalion. During the 1965 war, 4 Madras was deployed in the western sector. On 8 September 1965, the unit was tasked to capture Maharajke in the Sialkot Sector. Leading his men across the ceasefire line at around 0200 hours, Lt Col Mehta pressed the assault despite strong enemy defences, ordering the methodical clearing of trench after trench. In the fierce fighting that followed, numerous enemy trenches were overrun and their guns destroyed. When a reserve company was held up by unexpected resistance, he personally led the attack from the front, inspiring his troops to storm and destroy the enemy stronghold. In the intense firing he was hit by bullets, grievously wounded, and later succumbed to his injuries. For his outstanding bravery, leadership and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.