ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2019
The Third Attack was launched at 7:30 am on Nov 17. It
was preceded by very heavy and accurate on target 120
mm mortar fire. After some very heavy and bitter
fighting, Tri Jn. was captured by the Chinese by 10:00 hrs
Nov 17.
Simultaneous attacks had also been launched by the
Chinese along the entire front. They employed
infiltration tactics between company defense localities
with telling effect.
The Chinese extracted full revenge on the Sikh positions
which had interfered with their build up on Green and
Yellow Pimples as also the defenses on Ladders which
had caused them so much grief at the start of the battle.
The Ladders position held fast and was only abandoned
on Nov 17 after the Corps Commander, had ordered
withdrawal from Walong.
In a separate operation on the same day, a strong
Chinese column raced down the South Eastern Spur or
Index Finger and reached the track, some 5 miles South
of Walong. This effectively bottled up and cut of the
Indian Garrison.
BIKERS CLUB | MAGAZINE | PAGE 62
Some artillery and other personnel, ala Jim Suri,
another friend, among them, saved themselves from
going into the POW bag by game tracks on the East
Bank of the Lohit River to eventually reach Hayuliang.
Lieut. YR Palta of the Sikhs, another course mate, was
killed in the Chinese attack on the Sikh position
guarding the East Bank of the Lohit River, North of
Walong. Out of total Indian garrison strength of 2191,
the killed were 17%, the wounded 13% and 16% were
taken POW - making a total casualty figure 46%. The
gallantry awards were one Maha Vir Chakra and nine
Vir Chakras. As for the Chines, the three large grave
yards at Bathithwang, Tithing and Chikhong, are
ample testimony to their war dead.
In the final analysis, the units at Walong, even in
defeat, upheld the name and honor of the Indian
Army and made the nation proud.