The POW Who Saved Kashmir: Unsung Saga of Sher Bachha Brig Pritam Singh, MC

The POW Who Saved Kashmir narrates the extraordinary true story of Brigadier Pritam Singh, MC, fondly remembered in Poonch as Sher Bachha.

In November 1947, when Pakistani lashkars surrounded Poonch, nearly 40,000 refugees depended on one man for survival. With unmatched courage, Brig Pritam Singh organized defenses, built an airstrip under siege, and ensured continuous air supply of food, ammunition, and essentials. His leadership played a decisive role in protecting Poonch and contributing to the Battle of Shalateng that saved Srinagar.

Earlier, during World War II, he had been a Prisoner of War in Japanese captivity, from where he made a daring escape across enemy territory before returning to India. For his bravery, the British awarded him the Military Cross (MC).

Despite his heroic service, he was later court-martialed and forgotten by the system. This book restores the honour of a soldier-patriot whose contribution remains largely unknown outside Poonch.

A gripping account of courage, leadership, sacrifice, and forgotten history from the 1947 Kashmir war.