‘… all their stories deserve to be told.’
Covering the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, the Kargil war of 1999, the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack of 2008 and the Galwan Skirmish of 2020, this book tells the tales of bravery and heroism of our soldiers on the battlefield. Each section begins with a context of the war or attack, setting the background for the following stories of each warrior. Each of the 18 soldiers’ stories has his military background, his tale of bravery and a brief bio. These soldiers range from the lower ranks to upper echelons and many have been awarded posthumously. Each tale also helps you relive the last moments of each of these soldiers, and that experience can be both thrilling and chilling. These men were aware of what they were doing to themselves. And yet they continued so they could protect their mates, their country. Their actions had far-reaching consequences for the war, their country, the morale of their fellow soldiers and the lives of those they left behind. The brief bios of each awardee allow the reader to picture them as not just fighters with exceptional courage on the battlefield, but also with the courage to leave their normal, average families; the safe and happy lives they could have lived to join the armed forces. With details of battalions, postings and dates of skirmishes, this book will engage those interested in military history. However, the layperson, who may need a few sittings to read the entire book, will find it worthwhile. Reading a few stories at a time may also mean giving each of these men the attention and thought they deserve.
In this book we learn something of the history of battalions, of the movement of forces, of wartime strategies and the reasoning behind tactics employed in times of conflict. We also come to understand how decisions in wartime are made keeping in mind our strengths and weaknesses, not just in terms of soldier numbers and equipment sophistication but also the current political climate and international scrutiny. And most importantly, how the terrain, weather and the help of fellow brave soldiers and civilians is critical in such situations. I think the reader learns to understand all the factors that help winning, or losing, a conflict.
The book leaves the reader proud, and responsible. Proud of our armed forces, of the bravery and dogged determination of our soldiers who protect us. And burdened because their lives are our responsibility. It behooves us to take war and the lives of our citizens in the armed forces very seriously. We simply have to take each decision we make in wartime and peacetime that will affect them, and eventually us, with a lot of consideration.