Lieutenant General Kashmir Singh Katoch (Aged 92) born on1915 in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. He came up from a distinguished military lineage. His strong commitment to national service developed during his formative years, profoundly influenced by the sociopolitical climate of India’s struggle for independence. Eager to protect his homeland, he underwent military training at the Dehradun Military Academy, graduating in 1936.
Following his training, Katoch served with the Ist Battalion, East Surrey Regiment for a year. Later, he joined the 6th Battalion Frontier Force Rifles (now the first Frontier Force Regiment of Pakistan) in August 1937. His exceptional service record earned him an appointment to serve in World War II, where he commanded the Dogra company of the 6th Battalion Frontier Force Rifles. The battalion played a significant role in the Italian campaign, particularly in the battle of Monte Cassino. Recognizing his valor, he was awarded the Military Cross. By the age of 31, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and held the position of Lieutenant, War Substantive Captain, and temporary Major by October 1942.
In 1947, during the Pakistan-led tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh sought his services, initially for the role of Chief of Staff, which Katoch humbly declined, advising the appointment of a senior officer, Brigadier Rajinder Singh. However, when Brigadier Rajinder Singh fell in action defending against the Pakistani raiders, Katoch was left with no option but to succeed him. With Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to the Indian Union in 1947, Katoch took charge of the State Forces, skillfully orchestrating operations against the invaders, ultimately driving them out of the Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh regions and safeguarding the territory.
Katoch’s career was marked by various achievements, including his promotion to Colonel in September 1955, followed by the rank of Brigadier in September 1958. He further rose to Major General in 1960 and was appointed as the Chairman of the Permanent Joint Planning Committee in February 1963. Promoted as acting Lieutenant General in May 1963, his experiences led him to command the XV Corps in the Kashmir Valley during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, primarily countering Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar. In June 1966, he took on the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). In recognition of his unwavering patriotism, service, and accomplishments, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third-highest civilian award, in 1965. Lieutenant General Kashmir Singh Katoch retired in 1970 and passed away on April 25, 2007.
Lieutenant General Kashmir Singh Katoch
(1915 – 2007) – (Jammu & Kashmir)
Lieutenant General Kashmir Singh Katoch (Aged 92) born on1915 in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. He came up from a distinguished military lineage. His strong commitment to national service developed during his formative years, profoundly influenced by the sociopolitical climate of India’s struggle for independence. Eager to protect his homeland, he underwent military training at the Dehradun Military Academy, graduating in 1936.
Following his training, Katoch served with the Ist Battalion, East Surrey Regiment for a year. Later, he joined the 6th Battalion Frontier Force Rifles (now the first Frontier Force Regiment of Pakistan) in August 1937. His exceptional service record earned him an appointment to serve in World War II, where he commanded the Dogra company of the 6th Battalion Frontier Force Rifles. The battalion played a significant role in the Italian campaign, particularly in the battle of Monte Cassino. Recognizing his valor, he was awarded the Military Cross. By the age of 31, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and held the position of Lieutenant, War Substantive Captain, and temporary Major by October 1942.
In 1947, during the Pakistan-led tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh sought his services, initially for the role of Chief of Staff, which Katoch humbly declined, advising the appointment of a senior officer, Brigadier Rajinder Singh. However, when Brigadier Rajinder Singh fell in action defending against the Pakistani raiders, Katoch was left with no option but to succeed him. With Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to the Indian Union in 1947, Katoch took charge of the State Forces, skillfully orchestrating operations against the invaders, ultimately driving them out of the Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh regions and safeguarding the territory.
Katoch’s career was marked by various achievements, including his promotion to Colonel in September 1955, followed by the rank of Brigadier in September 1958. He further rose to Major General in 1960 and was appointed as the Chairman of the Permanent Joint Planning Committee in February 1963. Promoted as acting Lieutenant General in May 1963, his experiences led him to command the XV Corps in the Kashmir Valley during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, primarily countering Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar. In June 1966, he took on the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). In recognition of his unwavering patriotism, service, and accomplishments, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third-highest civilian award, in 1965. Lieutenant General Kashmir Singh Katoch retired in 1970 and passed away on April 25, 2007.
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