Dewan Ranjit Rai | |
---|---|
Born | Gujranwala, Punjab Province (now Punjab, Pakistan) | 6 February 1913
Died | 27 October 1947 Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, Dominion of India | (aged 34)
Allegiance | British Raj India |
Service | British Indian Army Indian Army |
Years of service | 1935–1947 |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Service number | IC-12 |
Unit | 1 Sikh |
Battles / wars | World War II Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 |
Awards | Maha Vir Chakra |
Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai, MVC (1913 - 1947) was an Indian Army officer who played a key role during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. As the commanding officer of the 1st battalion, The Sikh Regiment (1 Sikh), he was the first recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, which was awarded posthumously.[1]
1 Sikh was the first unit to be inducted into the war, when it was airlifted from Gurgaon to Srinagar on 27 October 1947. This day is celebrated as the Infantry Day by the Indian Army. Under the command of Rai, the battalion fought with tremendous spirit and bravery and played a key role in saving the valley of Kashmir from the invaders.