Operation Grand Slam – The Battle of Chamb
Setting the Stage
September 1, 1965. The scenic but strategic Chamb-Jourian-Akhnor sector in Jammu & Kashmir was about to become a battlefield. Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam with high hopes of capturing Akhnur & disrupting Indian supply lines. Major General Akhter Husain Malik, with a glint of determination in his eye, was set to make history.
The Grand Plan
The mission was to seize Akhnur by September 4 1965. The idea was to cut off the River Chenab Bridge, choke Indian logistics, & put a major dent in their offensive. Sounds like a brilliant plan, right? Well, it was, until the “comedy of errors” started unfolding.
The Initial Charge
On the first day, Pakistan’s forces charged forward with three infantry brigades and two armored regiments. Chamb was swiftly captured, and it seemed like victory was on the horizon. Pakistani artillery was relentless, and the battlefield was enveloped in smoke and chaos. It was like a scene from an epic war film, minus the happy ending.
The Plot Twist
Just as the troops were gearing up for the next phase, a plot twist worthy of a soap opera occurred: Major General Yahya Khan took over command. It was as if the director had decided to switch actors in the middle of the climax scene. The new command’s delay cost Pakistan 24 precious hours.
The Missed Opportunity
The Pakistani forces pushed on, but by September 5 1965, they were 2 kilometers short of the Chenab Bridge. The Indians, clearly aware of the unfolding drama, made a hasty retreat across the river. Major General Yahya Khan later admitted that not capturing the bridge was a “big mistake.” It’s like getting to the edge of a cliff and deciding not to jump.
The Final Act
As the curtain fell on Operation Grand Slam, Indian forces opened a new front at Lahore on September 6 1965. Pakistani troops found themselves stretched thin, defending multiple fronts. It was a classic case of spreading oneself too thin, and the initial strategic advantage slipped away.
Reflections
Operation Grand Slam remains a tale of ambitious plans, valiant efforts, and a series of missteps that turned a promising strategy into a “what could have been” scenario. It’s a reminder that even in the heat of battle, the human element—whether it’s a change in leadership or a missed opportunity—can dramatically alter the course of events.
The Takeaway
In the annals of military history, Operation Grand Slam stands as a testament to both the courage of its participants and the sometimes unpredictable nature of war. It’s a story that mixes heroism with a touch of irony, showing that even the best-laid plans can go awry.
The Battle of Phillora – The Turning Point Nobody Saw Coming
Setting the Stage
It’s September 1965, and the tension between India and Pakistan is at an all-time high. Both sides are bringing out the big guns – literally – in the Sialkot sector. Enter the Battle of Phillora, where India rolls out with one major objective: take down Phillora, get closer to Sialkot, and score a big W in the war. Sounds simple, right? Well, things get heated real fast.
The Plan
India’s strategy was to hit Pakistan hard and fast, focusing on tank warfare to punch through defenses. The 1st Armored Division, backed by infantry, was ready to unleash a barrage of firepower on Phillora. Pakistan knew what was coming and had fortified the area with the 6th Armored Division, commanded by Brigadier Abdul Ali Malik. It was going to be a tank-on-tank showdown—one that neither side would forget.
The First Move
On September 11 1965, Indian forces launched their attack on Phillora. At first, they seemed unstoppable. With their tanks rumbling forward, Phillora was in their sights. But Pakistani forces had other plans. Using guerrilla-like tactics, they hit back hard, with their tanks firing from concealed positions, turning the flat fields around Phillora into a battlefield of smoke, fire, and steel.
The Plot Thickens
The battle wasn’t a quick one. Pakistani forces, though outnumbered, fought with everything they had. Indian tanks were pushing hard, but they couldn’t gain the upper hand. Every time they advanced, Pakistanis would counter-attack, causing heavy damage. Tanks were knocked out on both sides, but Phillora wasn’t falling easily. It was clear: this was going to be a fight to the finish.
The Turning Point
Just as it seemed like Indian forces might break through, Pakistan’s counter-attacks intensified. The arrival of reinforcements helped turn the tide, and soon Indian tanks found themselves in a fierce battle for survival. By September 13 1965, the Indian advance had stalled. Pakistani forces held their ground, and Phillora remained in their control. It was a major blow to India’s plan to capture Sialkot.
The Aftermath
The Battle of Phillora was a turning point in the 1965 war. Indian forces had the numbers, but Pakistan’s determination and tactical brilliance kept Phillora safe. It wasn’t just a win for Pakistan—it was a statement. Phillora became a symbol of resistance, showing that even against a larger force, Pakistan could hold its ground.
The Takeaway
Phillora proved that numbers aren’t everything in war. It’s about strategy, timing, and pure willpower. India’s big plans didn’t quite work out. Instead of blazing through to Sialkot, they got stuck in Phillora. Pakistan scored a solid tactical win, showing that sometimes defense is the best offense.
The Battle of Chawinda: The Ultimate Tank Showdown – September 14-22, 1965
Setting the Scene
September 1965. The village of Chawinda, located near Sialkot, was about to become the stage for one of the largest tank battles since World War II. Indian forces, after being stalled at Phillora, shifted their focus to Chawinda. Their goal was simple: break through and capture Sialkot. But Pakistan wasn’t about to let that happen. With over 600 tanks between them, the stage was set for an epic showdown.
The Plan
India, still reeling from the setbacks at Phillora, was determined to push through Chawinda and deliver a decisive blow. The plan was to overwhelm Pakistan’s defenses with sheer numbers and firepower. Pakistan, on the other hand, knew Chawinda was the key to holding Sialkot. Losing it would mean opening the door to further Indian advances. Led again by Brigadier Abdul Ali Malik, Pakistan’s forces braced for a massive tank battle.
The First Move
For a week, India’s offensive had stalled, unable to break through the defenses along the railway line running from Sialkot to Narowal.
On September 14, Indian forces launched their assault on Chawinda. Tanks from both sides clashed in open fields, with the roar of engines and the thunder of artillery filling the air. At first, Indian forces made some headway, advancing into Pakistani territory. But Pakistan was ready. Their defense stiffened, and the battlefield turned into a chaotic back-and-forth, with tanks exploding and fields turning into dust clouds.
The battle escalated on September 16, 1965, when the Indian I Corps launched a fresh, full-scale attack aimed at seizing key positions—Badiana, Chawinda, and Zafarwal—known as the “Devil’s Triangle.”
Indian forces, comprising the formidable 1st Armoured Brigade, including Hodson’s Horse & Poona Horse regiments, advanced toward Chawinda. Their aim was to cut off the critical Chawinda-Pasrur road and capture key villages surrounding the town. The Indian plan was to isolate Chawinda and open the way to further strategic points such as Pasrur and the crossings over the Marala-Ravi Link Canal. However, the fierce resistance from Pakistan’s 6th Armoured Division quickly turned the tide.
On the battlefield, Hodson’s Horse, supported by Indian infantry, made slow progress against a thin but determined Pakistani defense. The Pakistanis, led by 11th Cavalry and later reinforced by the , fought back tenaciously, preventing the Indian forces from making significant headway. Despite the Indians gaining control of the Badiana-Chawinda road after a day of heavy fighting, they were unable to advance more than three kilometers. By nightfall, the Pakistani side had regrouped and reinforced their positions, ready for the next phase of the battle.
The Turning Point
On the other side of the battlefield, Poona Horse, another elite Indian armoured regiment, struck a Pakistani company at Jassoran. Pakistani defenses faltered briefly under pressure, and the village fell to the Indian forces. However, a series of swift counter-attacks by Pakistan, led by the brave Maj. Raza of the 25th Cavalry, soon reversed the Indian gains. Raza, who had returned to battle despite injuries sustained earlier in the conflict, led his squadron in a ferocious charge that forced Poona Horse to retreat.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani Air Force played a crucial role in disrupting Indian momentum. A well-timed airstrike by PAF Sabres targeting Indian administrative vehicles early in the offensive delayed the Indian armoured division’s advance, buying valuable time for the Pakistani forces to regroup and reorganize.
The Final Stand
As the fighting escalated over the following days, the Indian offensive faced stiff resistance on multiple fronts. On September 18, Pakistani forces mounted a powerful counter-offensive that pushed Indian troops back across the railway line, destroying several Indian Centurion tanks in the process. The tide of the battle began to shift as Pakistani forces, combining armoured tactics, artillery, and air support, managed to halt the Indian advances and defend the pivotal positions of the “Devil’s Triangle.”
The battle reached its climax on the night of September 18-19, when the Indian I Corps launched a desperate attack, supported by artillery and armoured units, to break through the Pakistani lines. The Indian 6th Mountain Division managed to approach the railway line near Chawinda but was met with a devastating counter-attack by the Pakistani 25th Cavalry. Pakistani tanks, artillery, and infantry fought relentlessly, halting the Indian advance just short of its objectives.
Hodson’s Horse, attempting to protect the Indian flank, was met with a crushing counter-attack by the Pakistani 19th Lancers. Eight Indian Centurions were destroyed in quick succession, forcing the regiment to retreat in disarray. The Indian Air Force made a rare appearance over the battlefield, launching a strike on Pakistani positions. Despite this, the Indian offensive faltered, and by September 20, Pakistani forces had regained control of the battlefield.
Heroes of Chawinda
Throughout the battle, two figures stood out for their extraordinary leadership—Maj. Gen. Abrar Hussain, commanding Pakistan’s 6th Armoured Division, and Maj. Raza of the 25th Cavalry. Their strategic acumen and resilience under fire turned the tide of battle in Pakistan’s favor. Gen. Abrar, an untested commander at the start of the war, emerged as a hero by the end, leading his division to victory against overwhelming odds. His efforts earned him the prestigious Hilal-e-Jurat, while Maj. Raza was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat for his bravery in combat.
By the end of the Second Battle of Chawinda, the Indian offensive had ground to a halt. Despite superior numbers and firepower, the Indian army had been unable to break through Pakistani defenses or achieve its strategic objectives. The resilience and tenacity of the Pakistani forces, combined with effective use of armoured units, artillery, and air support, had successfully defended Chawinda and the surrounding region.
The Legacy
The battle, marked by its intensity and high stakes, left Chawinda forever etched in history as the site of one of the largest tank battles since World War II. Pakistan’s ability to hold off a much larger Indian force was a major achievement, and Chawinda became a symbol of national pride. The battle showed the world that Pakistan could stand its ground, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Takeaway
Chawinda wasn’t just a victory for Pakistan—it was a statement. It showed that even when outnumbered, the resolve and courage of a determined defense can stop a seemingly unstoppable force. The village of Chawinda and its defenders etched their names into the history books as heroes who refused to back down.
Also See: Legacy and Paradox: Contemporary Relevance of Two-Nation Theory
Operation Dawarka [Operation Somnath]
Setting the Scene
It was September 7, 1965, and the Pakistan Navy was about to stage a dramatic show of force. They assembled a fleet of seven ships, each ready to make a mark. The fleet included the PNS Babur, a light cruiser, the PNS Khaibar, PNS Jahangir, PNS Shah Jahan, and PNS Tippu Sultan, all destroyers, along with the PNS Badr, a frigate, and the PNS Alamgir, a versatile ship. Their target: Dwarka, a key coastal town in India that was critical for Indian Navy operations. With Dwarka under blackout, the mission required pinpoint accuracy and flawless execution.
The Master Plan
Dubbed Operation Somnath, the goal was clear: hit Dwarka hard and fast. Each ship was authorized to fire 50 rounds of high-explosive ammunition. The strategy was to launch a surprise attack from a distance of 5.5 to 6.3 miles, deal substantial damage, and then make a swift escape. The plan was to hit hard and vanish before the enemy could respond effectively.
The Attack
As the fleet moved into position, the attack began. In just about four minutes, the Pakistani ships unleashed a storm of firepower. The PNS Babur led the charge with its heavy artillery, while the destroyers and frigates coordinated their barrage, creating chaos and confusion. The rapid and intense bombardment caused substantial damage and was executed with precision. The fleet then made a quick retreat, avoiding any prolonged exposure to counterattacks.
The Fallout
When Indian Navy officials inspected Dwarka on September 8, the damage was clear. The radar station? Wrecked. The naval air station’s runway, essential for testing the INS Vikrant? Damaged. Around 50 people had lost their lives, and a nearby cement factory also took a hit. The raid wasn’t just a physical blow; it was a psychological one too. The radar station’s destruction meant Indian air raids on Karachi had to stop, as the essential tracking and defense systems were knocked out.
The Aftermath
Back in home waters, the Pakistani fleet returned safely and took up patrol positions about 100 miles off Karachi. They were on high alert, ready for any potential Indian retaliation. However, no Indian response came through. The only Indian warship in the area, the Whitby Class frigate Talwar, was out of action, undergoing repairs in Okha, and couldn’t challenge the raid.
The Big Picture
Operation Dwarka was a classic example of naval strategy executed with precision and daring. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of a well-planned and well-coordinated attack, leaving a lasting impact on Indian naval operations and showcasing the Pakistan Navy’s capability to strike decisively.
The Pathankot Air Raid: A Blitz That Made Waves
The Set-Up
Picture this: September 6, 1965, evening. The calm sky over Pathankot was about to turn into a battlefield. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was gearing up to hit the Indian Air Base there, a key target about 257 kilometers from Peshawar. What was about to go down was a masterclass in aerial warfare.
The Attack Kicks Off
At exactly 5:30 PM, PAF Squadron No. 19 kicked off their operation. Their goal? Wipe out the Indian Air Force’s Squadron No. 23 in one swift, decisive strike. They dove in with precision, aiming to strike hard and fast before the enemy even had a chance to react.
The Action
In just 30 minutes, the Pathankot Air Base was in chaos. PAF jets took out 13 Indian fighter jets, including seven MiG-21s, leaving them wrecked on the runway. With their aircraft destroyed, Indian pilots scrambled for cover in trenches, unable to mount any effective defense.
By 6:00 PM, the base was seriously damaged, effectively putting it out of commission for the rest of the war. The PAF pilots executed their mission flawlessly, facing heavy anti-aircraft fire but returning home without any losses.
The Aftermath
Indian Air Marshal Raghvendran later admitted how shocking and intense the raid was. The sudden attack forced Indian pilots into trenches, making any counter-attack impossible. The Pathankot raid was a textbook example of how to disrupt enemy operations with speed and precision.
The Impact
This strike wasn’t just a quick win; it showed off the PAF’s tactical edge and had a major impact on the 1965 air war. The successful raid on Pathankot demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to carry out high-stakes operations and gave them a strategic upper hand in the skies.
The Battle of Sargodha: A Sky-High Showdown
The Situation
September 7, 1965, was a defining day for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a major assault on the strategically crucial Sargodha Air Base. The base was a key target for the Indians, aiming to cripple Pakistani air power. But the PAF had its ace in the hole—Squadron Leader Muhammad Mahmood Alam, known as MM Alam.
Alam’s Command
MM Alam, leading No. 11 Fighter Squadron, was on high alert. Under his leadership, the squadron had already flown 227 sorties over 17 days of conflict. They had taken down ten Hawker Hunters and three Gnats, and had inflicted damage on three more enemy aircraft.
The Aerial Clash
On this crucial day, Alam and his squadron faced off against the incoming Indian jets. The action began in the late afternoon, and Alam’s response was nothing short of spectacular. He piloted his F-86 Sabre with remarkable skill and precision. In a stunning display of aerial combat, Alam shot down five Indian Hawker Hunter jets in less than a minute. This incredible feat occurred during an interception mission, where the Indian aircraft were heading towards the Sargodha base to launch their attack.
The Impact
Alam’s swift and decisive action had a profound impact. By the end of the engagement, not only had the Indian attack been thwarted, but the morale of the Indian Air Force took a significant hit. The destruction of these five enemy aircraft in such a short span showcased Alam’s exceptional flying skills and tactical acumen, making it a legendary moment in air combat history.
Aftermath
MM Alam’s performance at Sargodha was a game-changer. His actions ensured the safety of the base and demonstrated the effectiveness of the PAF’s defensive capabilities. The Indian attack was effectively neutralized, reinforcing the PAF’s strength and resilience during the conflict.
In the annals of aerial warfare, the Battle of Sargodha stands out as a testament to MM Alam’s extraordinary skill and courage. His actions on that day not only defended his base but also set a new standard for air combat excellence.
The PAF Strike on Kalikunda Air Base: A Bold Raid in 1965
Setting the Scene
On September 7, 1965, the Indo-Pak War was heating up, and the skies were buzzing with activity. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was gearing up for a decisive operation. Among their targets was the Kalikunda Air Base, a key Indian facility located in West Bengal, which was crucial for the Indian Air Force’s operations.
The Plan
The PAF’s mission was straightforward but high-risk: launch a surprise raid on the Kalikunda base to disrupt Indian air operations and create a psychological edge. The plan was to strike swiftly, inflict maximum damage, and get out before the Indian defenses could fully react.
The Strike
As twilight fell, PAF aircraft took to the skies for what would become a notable strike. The operation involved a coordinated attack by several PAF fighters, including F-86 Sabres. The PAF’s approach was stealthy, taking advantage of the cover of darkness and the element of surprise.
The raid was executed with precision. Pakistani pilots launched their attack on the Kalikunda base’s critical installations, including aircraft parked on the tarmac and key infrastructure. The PAF fighters unleashed their payloads, causing significant explosions and fires.
Impact and Aftermath
The strike was a success. The Kalikunda base suffered considerable damage, including the destruction of several aircraft and damage to the runway and support facilities. This created a temporary setback for the Indian Air Force and disrupted their operational plans.
The PAF’s daring raid not only inflicted material damage but also served as a morale booster for Pakistani forces. It showcased their ability to conduct deep strikes and challenge Indian air superiority.
Legacy
The raid on Kalikunda remains a notable chapter in the 1965 Indo-Pak War, demonstrating the PAF’s capability for precision strikes and strategic impact. It was a reminder of the high stakes and bold tactics that defined the aerial engagements of the conflict.
