The Major who cleared the way for Army to recapture Rajouri from Pakistani invaders
Second lieutenant Rane was decorated with the highest war-time gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra for his exemplary bravery. In his 21 years of service with the Army, he earned five Mentioned-in-Despatches. He retired as a Major from the Indian Army in 1968.
FollowJune 26 marks the birth anniversary of a brave soldier of the Bombay Sappers regiment, who was instrumental in the Indian Army recapturing Rajouri during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1947.
Major Rama Raghoba Rane was commissioned into the Bombay Sappers Regiment of the Corps of Engineers in December 1947.
The unit of Major Rane, then second lieutenant, was operating in the Naushera sector when on November 12, 1947, Pakistani raiders carried out coordinated killings of young Hindu and Sikh males in Rajouri.
The unit was assigned the task of clearing mines and roadblocks from Naushera to Rajouri. The road was essential for the armoured and infantry forces to reach Rajouri at the earliest.
During the operation, his troops came under enemy mortar fire. He used tanks as cover.
Two of his soldiers were killed. He and five of his men were wounded. Even though he was bleeding profusely, he continued with his mission. They kept clearing the route all night.
Their efforts ensured that the armoured column reached Rajouri to recapture the area from Pakistan invaders.
Second lieutenant Rane was decorated with the highest war-time gallantry medal, the Param Vir Chakra for his exemplary bravery. In his 21 years of service with the Army, he earned five Mentioned-in-Despatches. He retired as a Major from the Indian Army in 1968.
Join Flags of Honour as we remember, honour and salute the services and sacrifice of Major Rama Raghoba Rane for the nation.
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