Artillery's Thunder

The Kargil War of 1999 remains intact in India's collective memory not just as another military confrontation with Pakistan, but as a defining episode of courage, betrayal, and strategic resilience.

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In Artillery's Thunder, Maj. Gen. Lakhwinder Singh recounts his experiences from the icy peaks of Kargil, and offers a meticulous blend of battlefield realities. The book is a tribute to the men who fought at the world's highest battlefield and a reminder of the lessons India must continue to carry forward.

The Author: Maj Gen Lakhwinder Singh aka 'Enraged Bull of Dras'

Maj Gen Lakhwinder Singh is a third-generation army officer who joined the National Defence Academy in 1964. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1967. As a Captain in 42 Field Regiment, he fought the India-Pakistan war of 1971 in Dera Baba Nanak sector on the Western Front. For his gallantry in the war, he was recommended for the Vir Chakra.

As Commander of 8 Mountain Artillery Brigade during the Kargil War, his innovative use of 155 mm Bofors field guns in direct firing role and plan of incorporating 100 such guns on the objective turned out to be a game changer.

Post retirement, he is currently leading the life of a successful entrepreneur, playing golf and reading.

Kargil's Distinctiveness

While the earlier wars fought on plains or deserts, Kargil presented unique challenges. The enemy had crossed into Indian territory during the winter months, an audacious move that gave them the initial tactical advantage. The high-altitude terrain, the unforgiving weather and limited infrastructure, made it a unique conflict. As Singh emphasises, “Don’t be Gama in the land of Lama” became an apt Ladakhi adage to describe the folly of underestimating the environment.

The absence of General Malik, who was abroad during the war’s early days, created a temporary vacuum in strategic leadership.