JAMMU: Havaldar Baldev Singh (Retd), a veteran who fought all three wars against Pakistan and was recalled from retirement for the 1971 battles, passed away Monday at home in Jammu’s Rajouri. He was 93.
Singh had volunteered at age 16 to join Bal Sena Force under the leadership of Brigadier Usman, legendary commander known as “Lion of Naushera” for his role in saving the Rajouri pocket from falling to Pakistani invaders in 1947-48.
“The revered war hero passed away due to natural causes in his hometown Naushera,” Jammu defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said. Singh’s last rites were performed with military honours Tuesday.
Bartwal said Bal Sena, a group of local boys aged 12 to 16, served as “despatch runners (military messengers)” for the Army in the critical moments of the battles of Naushera-Jhangar in 1947-48. “In recognition of their bravery, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru honoured the Bal Sainiks, presenting them with gramophones, watches, and the opportunity to join the Army,” Bartwal said.
According to the spokesperson, Singh enlisted in the Army on November 14, 1950, and served with valour for nearly three decades. “Despite retiring in Oct 1969, Singh was recalled during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, when served in 11 JAT Battalion (25 Infantry Division) for an additional eight months before returning to civilian life,” Bartwal said.
