Commemorating 50 years of the India-China War of 1962, this is a factual account by the author, who was Brigade Major of 62 Infantry Brigade. He is the only person, apart from late Brigadier Hoshiar Singh, Commander 62 Infantry Brigade, who was privy to all developments and key decisions that led to the withdrawal of the Brigade from Se La. The debacle resulted in the tragic deaths of almost 1000 personnel, most of whom never got the opportunity to fight the enemy.

Two chapters in the book, after selective translation, have been gleaned from two authoritative Chinese books. These portray the meticulous strategy, timing, determination and speed, by which the Chinese reached Chakoo — the gateway to Assam — in two days!

It shows how, in sharp contrast, the Indian Army was deployed in great haste with ill conceived plans, units woefully equipped and not acclimatized to high altitude terrains having trained for different roles and locations.

Even after the Namka Chu debacle (south of Thagla Ridge), the Indian Political leaders in Delhi and the Army brass, failed to read the Chinese intentions to encroach further into Indian Territory, which brought great humiliation to the Indian Army.

Awards to both Indian and Chinese soldiers have been narrated in some detail, as well as lessons learnt for the future and for military historians.