Recollections of the Se La-Bombila Debacle 1962
| Author | : | Jaidev Singh Datta |
| Year of Publication | : | 2013 |
| Publisher | : | KW Publishers Pvt Ltd |
| ISBN - 13 | : | 9789381904367 |
| Edition | : | First |
| Language | : | English |
| Binding | : | Hardcover |
| No of Pages | : | 188 Pages |
| Subject | : | History |
About the Book :
Commemorating 50 years of the
India-China War of 1962, this is a factual account by the author, who was
Brigade Major of 62 Infantry Brigade. He is the only person, apart from late
Brigadier Hoshiar Singh, Commander 62 Infantry Brigade, who was privy to all
developments and key decisions that led to the withdrawal of the Brigade from
Se La. The debacle resulted in the tragic deaths of almost 1000 personnel, most
of whom never got the opportunity to fight the enemy.
Two chapters in the book, after selective
translation, have been gleaned from two authoritative Chinese books. These
portray the meticulous strategy, timing, determination and speed, by which the
Chinese reached Chakoo — the gateway to Assam — in two days!
It shows how, in sharp contrast, the Indian Army
was deployed in great haste with ill conceived plans, units woefully equipped
and not acclimatized to high altitude terrains having trained for different
roles and locations.
Even after the Namka Chu debacle (south of Thagla
Ridge), the Indian Political leaders in Delhi and the Army brass, failed to
read the Chinese intentions to encroach further into Indian Territory, which
brought great humiliation to the Indian Army.
Awards to both Indian and Chinese soldiers have
been narrated in some detail, as well as lessons learnt for the future and for
military historians
About Author :
