The Battle Of Rezang La by Kulpreet Yadav

Book Summary

The Battle of Rezang La recounts the harrowing true story of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, led by Major Shaitan Singh during the Indo–China War on 18 November 1962. Stationed at Rezang La pass in Ladakh at 18,000 ft altitude, the unit comprised just 120 men (primarily from Ahirwal, Haryana) who courageously faced a Chinese PLA force of around 3,000–5,000 troops. Despite overwhelming odds and freezing conditions, they held their ground in a devastating last stand—firing their last rounds, charging with bayonets, and refusing to retreat. The Indian troops inflicted massive casualties—Indian sources claim over 1,300 Chinese dead—before the position was overrun. Out of 120, 114 Indian soldiers were martyred, with Major Shaitan Singh posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his leadership and valor. The mission's sacrifice saved the strategic Chushul airstrip and stopped China's farther advance into Ladakh. Years later, rescuers discovered bodies frozen clutching their rifles—a powerful testament to their bravery . Amidst deeply researched narrative and vivid emotional detail, the book immerses readers in pre-battle preparations, individual soldiers’ experiences, frontline combat, and the lasting legacy of this extraordinary chapter in military history .

From online discussion boards, readers echo its emotional impact:

“the storytelling by author won’t make you sleepy … detailed maps, pictures and notes … recommend everyone … it won’t be a disappointing read” 

About the Author: 

Kulpreet Yadav (b. 14 January 1968, Chennai) is a retired Indian naval officer and Coast Guard commandant turned author, screenwriter, actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. A graduate in science from Pune and armed forces training alumnus, he served over two decades commanding three ships before retiring in 2014 . Since then, he has authored 13 books across genres—thrillers, espionage, true crime, and military history—including Murder in Paharganj (Gurgaon Literary Festival Best Fiction 2018) and the co‑authored Brahmaputra with Vijayendra Prasad . His immersive retelling of Rezang La stems from deep archival research and interviews with veterans and their families, motivated by his concern that this legendary sacrifice remained little-known outside the soldiers’ native regions . The book earned acclaim for its lucid, emotionally resonant narrative and scholarly rigor