Page 160 - Leadership in the Indian Army

midday. 3 Para MLI suffered 37 casualties, including eight dead; 2
Rajputana Rifles also ran into rough weather in their attack and had to fall
back after suffering casualties. It was decided to postpone the capture of

MG Hill, until additional troops were available.
By now, 50 Para Brigade had been in Jhangar for three months. Except for
the forward troops, who lived in properly fortified bunkers, those in the
Brigade HQ and administrative units in the rear lived as in cantonments,
with open trenches dug around the camp for perimeter defence. This was
because the enemy had no artillery in the sector and the fire from their
small arms could reach only the forward troops. In the middle of June, an

Indian aircraft flying over the enemy positions to the south of Jhangar saw
some gun pits. A few days later, another sortie reported that the guns were
now manned. Some air attacks were mounted with limited effect. At the
same time, orders were passed that the HQ and units in the rear should
improve their defences and construct bunkers with proper overhead
protection. Very few people took these orders seriously, especially in the

Brigade HQ, which had its office and mess in the two-roomed inspection
bungalow at the crossroads in Jhangar. One person who did follow the
instructions was Captain Brij Lall, who was in command of the signal
section in Brigade HQ. He made sure that his bunkers were strong enough
to withstand enemy shells.
At this time, Captain S.C. Sinha of 3 Para MLI had been moved by
Usman to Brigade HQ as the Brigade Intelligence Officer (BIO). When

Usman took over 50 Para Brigade after the fall of Kotli, its morale was low,
and it had fallen even further after the loss of Jhangar. In a few months,
Usman had managed to motivate the men under his command, and the
battles of Naushera and Phir Thal Naka bear testimony to his leadership. He
was a charismatic commander, who was very popular with both officers and
men. He had a delightful sense of humour, and could remain cheerful even

in the most trying circumstances. Sinha was deeply impressed by Usman’s
devotion to duty, sense of humour, and boundless energy. His courage and
selflessness were obvious, and did wonders for the morale of the troops. He
inspired confidence in his subordinates, whom he led by personal example.
Above all, he was fair. While he was quick to reward the deserving and give
credit where it was due, he rarely condemned anyone without first giving
him a fair hearing. But he was also a hard taskmaster who demanded the

best from everyone and did not hesitate to reprimand those who did not pull