Sgct Balwinder Singh Chib who made the supreme sacrifice in the Kathua encounter comes from a long line of Dogra warriors.
At least three other soldiers from this family have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, the first being Jemadar Parkash Singh Chib who was awarded Victoria Cross, the highest and the most prestigious British and Commonwealth Award, awarded for the most conspicuous gallantry in war.
A Jammu-based Voice of Dogras in a post on X claimed Jem Chib is the first and the last recipient of this gallantry award from J and K.
He was cremated in Burma. In Rangoon War Memorial, Jem Parkash Singh Chib’s name is conspicuously inscribed amongst five Indian and seven other Commonwealth Victoria Cross awardees. In recognition of his gallantry, Maharaja Hari Singh ji awarded him a ‘War Jagir’ at Rajbagh. “He was born on 1st April 1913 at Chibe-Chak, Hiranagar, Jammu. When 17, he joined the British Army and was assigned to 14/13th Frontier Force. His unit took part in the Burma Campaign during WW II”.
In its special post, the Voice of Dogras, while referring to the pages of history, posted, “On the fateful night of 16th February 1945, at about 11 PM, the Japanese, in great strength, supported by Artillery, Mortars, Machine-Guns and Flame Throwers mounted series of fierce and bloody attacks on the British positions. Jem Chib’s Coy was in a defensive position at Kanlan Ywathit. His Platoon held the Company’s forward post. Hence, the main weight of the prong was directed at Jem Parkash Singh’s Platoon position”.
Fighting gallantly despite being wounded thrice is unparalleled. He kept fighting and inspiring men for hours, dragging himself trench to trench despite his badly injured and bleeding legs, till the fourth gunshot in the chest. When he was almost dying, he took up the courage and shouted the last inspiring war cry, ‘Jai Jwala Mata’ at the top of his voice. He died a few minutes later infront of his Coy Cdr, telling him not to worry about him but to celebrate the victory and look after the other casualties.
