MY SIACHEN REMINISCENCES-PART II

 PART-I  of reminiscences was evacuation of Lt ( Now Brig)  G S Sandhu from Ashok till U CUT in the midst of intense accurate   observed artillery fire from pistol ridge. The temperature in which all these actions were taking place must be between Minus 45 degrees to Minus 50 degrees. 

The gradient from U CUT  top downwards was  steep at  90 degrees where in slight error and mistake could prove fatal as fall takes a person deep into crevice with zero survival probability. The steep fall used to be negotiated through aluminium ladder fixed into ice. the upward climb and down ward movement was scary. New problem was how to lower injured officer in acute  severe pain  through aluminium ladder/stairs as we were at height of 90 degrees from bottom ground level. One wrong step or loose grip was an invitation for sure DEATH.

Since time was running out ,I took a decision to  tie him up with ropes and dangle/slither him down as we do with bucket in deep well for lifting water. He was tied with ropes all-around and dangled like a bucket in the well with troops lowering him down slowly and slowly.

Complete operation took around three hours and credit for all this goes to brave Kumauni's and indomitable spirit of  Lt  G S Sandhu. 

The whole evacuation operation took about five and half hours to traverse a distance of 200 to 250 metres plus operation evacuation from steep height down wards. 

Helicopters had come to evacuate him to base camp but returned back since evacuation process took quite long time. He was taken to Sohrab base and from there next morning ie on 29 Jan 89 Tuesday  to Billa  and further to base camp. 

After this incident I never met him but came to know  of his sidestepping  to Ordnance corps due to  battle injury. It was great satisfying day for me as I did my bit  towards saving precious life of comrade though major physical part was played by courageous troops in extreme weather conditions .  Lt G S Sandhu as per my assessment was a gem and vey brave officer who despite badly injured and bleeding went through the evacuation  torture for almost five hours plus with grit, courage and determination. His sidestepping was Kumoani loss and  AOC gain. 

I was in for a pleasant surprise while commanding BSF Unit at Amritsar. I was invited for 55th raising day  function of Five Kumaon  and met Brig G S Sandhu there  after about 28-29 years.

My best wishes to braves of 05 Kumaon and Brig G S Sandhu.


R C Sharma 

Commandant( Retd) 

Border Security Force


 

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 19, 2021 at 10:15 AM

    Some experiences always remain etched in the mind. I am aware that you did a commendable job in the Army. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. pranabJuly 19, 2021 at 11:02 AM

    Commendable indeed

    ReplyDelete
  3. P K PankajJuly 20, 2021 at 10:14 PM

    Commendable

    ReplyDelete
  4. RDSJuly 21, 2021 at 4:21 AM

    Very well written .Big Salute to you , 05 Kumaon and Brig G S Sandhu for your courage, bravery and serving the nation

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kamal kishorJuly 21, 2021 at 9:59 AM

    It's not only an experience it's a sprit of bonehomee to enlighten the path of new coming generation too...a good article

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJuly 21, 2021 at 10:22 AM

    Grand salute for u and ur troops

    ReplyDelete
  7. N S Satish ChanderJuly 22, 2021 at 1:14 PM

    Wonderful. Well written. Actual account of what all a soldier has to undergo while guarding the nation. 👍🏻

    ReplyDelete

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