In September 1965, war broke out between India and Pakistan. Pakistan started a big attack called “Operation Grand Slam”. They wanted to cut off India’s route to Kashmir and win quickly in Punjab. Pakistan’s main weapon was its 1st Armoured Division, which had over 200 M48 Patton tanks. These tanks were made in America and were very powerful. Pakistani leaders believed these tanks could not be beaten and would easily drive towards the Beas River. Their first target was an area called Khem Karan. But they did not expect the bravery of the Indian Army or a small village named Asal Uttar.
What happened near Asal Uttar between September 8th and 10th was a famous victory for India. Indian soldiers showed amazing courage and smart tactics. This battle stopped Pakistan’s attack and destroyed many of their tanks. The area became known as “Patton Nagar”, meaning “City of Pattons”, because so many were defeated there.
The Indian Army faced a big challenge. Pakistan had more modern tanks. India mostly had older British Centurion tanks (many with new, strong 105mm guns), some old American Sherman tanks, and a few light French AMX-13 tanks. On paper, the Patton tanks seemed much better.
But Indian military leaders were smart. Lt Gen. Harbaksh Singh was in overall charge, with Maj. Gen. Gurbaksh Singh and Brig. Thomas K. Theogaraj leading on the ground. They used the land to their advantage. Indian engineers cleverly broke the banks of nearby canals. This flooded the fields with water, making the ground soft and muddy. The heavy Patton tanks, which weighed 45 tons, got stuck or moved very slowly on this wet ground.
The Indian soldiers prepared a U-shaped trap. Infantry soldiers dug into defensive positions. Indian tanks, like the 3rd Cavalry (Centurions), 9th Deccan Horse (Shermans), and 8th Light Cavalry (AMX-13s), hid in the tall sugarcane fields. The sugarcane provided good cover. The plan was to lead the Pakistani tanks into this muddy trap where their advanced features wouldn’t help them much.
When the Pakistani Pattons moved forward, they fell into the trap. The wet ground made it hard for them to move. Indian tanks then fired from three sides, often at close range. The Indian Centurion tanks, with their powerful guns, were very effective against the Pattons. The older Sherman tanks also fought bravely. Individual Indian soldiers showed incredible courage. One hero was Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid from the 4th Grenadiers. He had a recoilless rifle mounted on his jeep. He moved his jeep bravely from one hiding spot to another, even when enemy tanks were firing. He destroyed at least three Patton tanks before he was killed. For his bravery, he received the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest award for courage.
The battle lasted for three days. Pakistani tank commanders were confused by the strong Indian defence and the difficult ground. Their tank groups broke apart. Indian tank crews fought with great skill. Many waited until the Pattons were very close before firing to make sure their shots hit.
By September 10th, Pakistan’s attack was completely stopped. About 97 Pakistani Patton tanks were destroyed or left behind. Many were captured by Indian soldiers. India lost fewer tanks than our enemy. Pakistan’s powerful 1st Armoured Division was badly defeated and could not fight effectively for the rest of the war. This victory greatly boosted India‘s confidence. It showed that the “invincible” Patton tanks could be beaten.
The Battle of Asal Uttar was a very important moment in the 1965 war. It proved that good strategy, brave leadership, clever use of the land, and the amazing courage of Indian soldiers could defeat a stronger enemy. It is a proud story of Indian military success.
