Mallayya Megalamath

Biography

Lance Havildar Mallayya Megalamath hailed from the Bellary district of Karnataka. After completing his early education, he joined the Army and was enrolled into the 315 Field Regiment of the Artillery Regiment, the fire-support arm of the Indian Army known for its guns and heavy weapons. Over years of service he rose to the rank of Lance Havildar and matured into a brave and proud gunner. In the opening phase of the Kargil War, 315 Field Regiment, under the command of Colonel N.A. Subramaniam, was among the first artillery units deployed to Dras. From the moment the regiment reached its camp, it came under heavy fire, yet the gunners fought back courageously. The unit provided crucial fire support to 1 Naga, 8 Sikh, 17 Jat and 16 Grenadiers during operations to recapture Tololing, Point 5140, Black Tooth, Tiger Hill and Point 4875 from the intruders in the Dras–Mushkoh valley. As part of the assault on Tiger Hill, 315 Field Regiment sustained continuous firing to protect the advancing infantry. On the evening of 2 July 1999, while manning a gun and pounding enemy positions, Lance Havildar Mallayya Megalamath was gravely wounded by an enemy shell and laid down his life in the line of duty.