Bhupinder Singh, MVC

Biography

Major Bhupinder Singh hailed from Harnampura village in Ludhiana district of Punjab and was born on 19 September 1928, the son of Shri Sajjan Singh, who instilled in him the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity. Driven by a sense of duty and pride to serve the nation, he joined the Indian Army and, on 11 December 1949 at the age of 21, was commissioned into Hodson's Horse (4th Horse), one of the oldest and most decorated armoured regiments of the Indian Army. Through dedication, professionalism, and courage he steadily rose through the ranks, attaining the rank of Major by 1965 after more than fifteen years of service. Known among peers and subordinates as a determined and dependable officer, he believed firmly in leading from the front and sharing every risk and hardship with his men. When the Indo-Pak War of 1965 broke out, the Sialkot sector witnessed some of the fiercest tank battles in history. Commanding 'B' Squadron of 4 Horse, Major Bhupinder Singh was tasked with cutting the enemy line along the Gadgor–Phillora road and providing a fire base for the assault on Phillora. Leading from the front during the Battle of Phillora, his squadron inflicted heavy destruction on Pakistani tanks and equipment, playing a decisive role in the Indian victory. His leadership shone again during the Battle of Sodreke on 19 September—his 37th birthday. Although his tank was hit on several occasions, he remained in effective command, inspiring his men through acts of personal gallantry, even continuing to fight with only two tanks after most of his squadron had been disabled. Having already destroyed four enemy tanks, his tank was struck and engulfed in fire; severely burnt, he was evacuated and succumbed to his injuries on 3 October 1965. For his exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, posthumously.