Tales of Valour: How our Indian soldiers stood firm against the Chinese in the battles of DBO & Gurung Hill
The 1962 India-China war saw some of the most heroic and stoic defences that Indian soldiers put up. Chinese aggression in the western sector was focussed on Ladakh. In Oct 1962, Chinese transgression in the Galwan Valley, Hotsprings had put pressure on the Indian side.
While most of the surviving Indian soldiers were on the move in the treacherous mountains, Skalzang Dorge – a Ladakhi serving with 14 J&K Militia, who was wounded at DBO couldn’t be pulled out. Alone and injured, Dorge crawled into a bunker, dressed his own wounds and settled down to wait, firm in the belief that his comrades would return soon. The wait got over after six months. With the Chinese also staying clear, Dorge ensured that Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) remained in Indian hands.
Despite Chinese onslaught in the Ladakh area, defense of Gurung Hill by the Gorkhas is another shining example of resolute Indian soldiers. For the Chinese, along with Rezang-la the capture of Gurung Hill was of vital importance. If Gurung Hill Ridge came under Chinese control, the entire Chushul bowl would have been at their mercy, but the bravo company of 1/8 Gorkha Rifles made sure that the enemy didn’t succeed in their plans.
Maj Gen P.L. Kher (Capt. in 1962) who fought with the Chinese at the Gurung Hill was awarded the Vir Chakra for his heroic action.
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