Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 6: The White Knight Corps celebrated its capture of Raja Post victory, over Pakistan Army during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. 2 SIKH during the war spear headed the operations in Poonch sector and for its gallant action during the capture of ‘Raja Post’, the Battalion was awarded the Battle Honour ‘Raja’.
GOC White Knight Corps (16 Corps), Lt Gen AK Sharma, congratulated the battalion and exhorted all ranks to maintain the highest standards, traditions and legacy of the Indian Army.
The ‘Battle of Raja’ is remembered as one of gallant action and sacrifice in the line of duty. On August 29, 1965, the Battalion moved to Poonch after a gallant action in Chhamb where the Battalion in a series of swift and daring actions, displaying clinical precision captured ten enemy posts within three days.
As part of the 93 Brigade plan, 2 SIKH volunteered to capture ‘Raja Post’ (Chand as per Pakistan Army) on the night of 05-06 September 1965. Time for reccee had been reduced to just one night, hence with hastily gathered information about terrain and enemy disposition, the unit set out to achieve its hour of glory. At 0500 hours, Battalion moved from the forming up place amidst concentrated enemy artillery fire. In-spite of wire obstacle and effective enemy fire, the brave troops of 2 SIKH, erstwhile XV Ludhiana Sikh, continued the assault on the well-entrenched enemy, fighting a pitched bayonet battle.
The casualty rate rose but this did not deter the troops. Around this time, Lt Col NN Khanna was hit by a .50 AA gun. Despite being mortally wounded, he continued to motivate the troops as they assaulted with their customary zeal and bravado. After three hours of dogged resistance victory was attained on Raja. The success signal was given at 0900 hours.
Ceasefire was ordered on September 24, 1965. In the war, 2 SIKH captured huge arms and ammunition. Amongst the martyred, was the entire Battalion’s hockey team & other outstanding sportsmen. 40 brave Sikhs including the Commanding Officer attained martyrdom, while 104 were wounded.
Lt Col NN Khanna was awarded MVC (Posthumous) for gallantry. Other awards included one VrC, one SM and four Mention-in-Despatches. The battle honour ‘Raja’ was awarded to the Battalion and since 1979 it is being celebrated as the unit’s Battle Honour Day.
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