AFVOA Newletters of Year 2002

Page 77 of 84 41. Maj Som Nath Sharma was born on 31 st January 1923 to Maj Gen Amumath Sharma. He was commissioned on 22 nd February 1942 into the Kumaon Regiment. 42. On 22 October 1947, Pakistan launched the tribal invasion on Jammu & Kashmir. The intention was to grab the Kashmir valley by force. As the State became a part of the Union of India on October 26th, her protection became the responsibility of India. To save the State from a tribal invasion, which was approaching the valley at a very fast pace, India dispatched troops to Srinagar. The first batch of Indian troops reached just in time on October 27th morning to stop the enemy on the outskirts of Srinagar. 43. The D Company of 4 Kumaon, led by Major Som Nath Sharma, was airlifted to Srinagar on October 31st. When his company was asked to move to Srinagar, Major Sharma’s arm was in plaster. He had suffered a fracture on the hockey ground and was advised rest till the plaster was removed. But he insisted on being with his company at this crucial hour and was allowed to go. Meanwhile, the main thrust of the tribal invasion of Srinagar had been blunted by the 1 Sikh at Patan. The enemy now resorted to guerrilla tactics to sneak into the valley. But the induction of more troops into Srinagar enabled the Army to take care of the surrounding areas better. On November 3rd, a strong fighting patrol compromising three companies was dispatched to reconnoitre the Bagdam area to look for raiders approaching Srinagar from the northern direction. By 0930 hrs the troops had established a firm base at Bagdam. 44. As no enemy was seen during patrolling, two companies moved back to Srinagar by 1400 hrs. D Coy led by Major Sharma which had taken up position south of Bagdam was, however, asked to stay on in the area till 1500 hours. At 1435 hours, D Coy was subjected to firing from some houses of Bagdam village. The Coy did not return fire for fear of killing innocent people of the village. While Major Sharma was discussing this threat with the Brigade Commander, a large force of the enemy, about 700 strong, appeared from a depression to the west of his position. It attacked the company with small arms, mortars and heavy automatics. The accurate and devastating fire of the enemy inflicted heavy casualties on his company. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the direct threat that would result to both Srinagar and the aerodrome if the enemy attack was not held, until reinforcements could be rushed to close the gap leading to Srinagar via Hum Hom, he urged his company to