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Know what Happened Today: 21st November

Hello defence lovers! In this article, we are going to discuss the major military events that happened today – 21st November. Let’s get ready to deep dig into the archives of forgotten history.

1916: Paramvir Jadunath Singh Was Born

On 21st November 1916, Paramvir Jadunath Singh Rathore in a village called Khajuri, Shahjahanpur, (now Uttar Pradesh). Jadunath was a seasoned warrior. He had fought in the second world war in the British Indian army. During the 1947-48 Indo-Pak, he was part of the 1st Battalion, Rajput Regiment that was sent to Kashmir.

On 6 February 1948 at Tain Dhar, to the north of Naushahra, Jadunath Singh commanded a nine-man forward section post. Though heavily outnumbered by advancing Pakistani forces, Singh led his men in defending against three attempts to overtake the post. He was wounded during the second assault. Armed with a Sten gun, he single-handedly charged the third assault with such determination as to cause the attackers to withdraw. In doing so, he was killed in action. For his exemplary courage and selfless service, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime Gallantry medal.

1962: Ceasefire At LAC

On 21st November 1962, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai declared a unilateral ceasefire. This officially marked the end of the 1962 Sino-Indian war. The poor response from the Political leadership was the main reason for India’s defeat. However, our soldiers fought valiantly. Today we have glorious examples of the battle of Rezang La where a handful of Indian soldiers repelled thousands of Chinese soldiers.

1971: Bangladesh Armed Forces Was Formed

On 21 November 1971, the Bangladesh Forces was divided into three separate services as Bangladesh Army, the Bangladesh Navy and the Bangladesh Air Force with the assistance of India. After the operation searchlight in which the Pakistani soldiers started killing innocent Bengali people and raping the Bengali women, Shiek Mujibur Rehman called the Nation for a rebellion. Thousands of students and workers formed a Guerrilla force called the “Mukti Bahini” (meaning “Liberators”). On 17 April 1971, Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani took oath as the commander-in-chief of Mukti Bahini. Indian armed forces provided vital training to these Guerilla fighters. Later on, many Bengali Pakistani officers also joined the Mukti Bahini.

1971: Battle of Boyra

On 21st November 1971, following the Indian invasion of Garibpur, the Pakistani army located there sent a distress call for close air support. Three F-86 Sabres of the Pakistani airforce responded. These sabre’s hit the Indian positions with rocket and machine guns. But Indian airforce was prepared for such a situation. Soon four IAF Folland Gnats were scrambled to intercept the sabres. In a brief dogfight, two Sabres were shot down and the third one was damaged badly. However, the third one managed to fly back home and land safely. The two pilots of the downed Sabres were arrested by the Mukti Bahini and were Taken as Prisoners of war.

So these were today’s history updates. Do check yesterday’s updates if you haven’t checked them yet.

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Sheershoo Deb

I am a defense aspirant preparing to be an officer in the prestigious Indian armed forces. Earning the prestigious blue uniform is my dream.

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