Page 12 - Seniors Today Dec 2019
P. 12
History
The Battle
of Boyra
The Indian armed forces are well known for having supported the liberation of
Bangladesh from Pakistan in the war of 1971. Ajit Apte recounts the blow-by-blow
action
The first operational Krupman bridge at Boyra, by the 268 Army Engineers Regiment
During the 1971 War on the Eastern Front, West held by Pakistan’s 38 Frontier Force
in the Jessore-Khulna sector, I had the great Rifles. However, the battalion was directed to
opportunity to be part of the newly raised 2 halt further offensive and not to cross the river
Corps, which was tasked to advance and capture Kabadak. Our 14 Field Regiment’s 98 Field
Jessore Khulna as part of the offensive plans to Battery was in direct support to this battalion,
liberate East Pakistan and create Bangladesh, or and my battery 99 Field Battery along with the
what is known as the Liberation of Bangladesh. remaining regiment with our Serra Battery were
I was the Artillery Gun Position Officer (GPO) in support to 4 Sikh.
of my Quebec Battery, of 14 Field Regiment in Meanwhile, 14 Punjab battalion (Ex 42 Infantry
direct support of 1 JAK Rifles. This battalion Brigade) was deployed in area Garibpur by
had our course mate 2/Lt Jasbir Sarai, a dear 3amon 21 November with C Squadron 45 CAV
friend and colleague from the NDA days, and (PT 76s) wading through the river Kabadak in
also Lt UC Gupta (ACA of 35th NDA course). support of 14 Punjab firm base.
The other NDA coursemates were Bharat Jhamb On the morning of 21 November 1971, the
with 26 Madras, PK Chowdhry with 14 Punjab famous tank battle of Garibpur was fought.
battalion, Surinder Mohla with the 9 Infantry The deployment of forces for the battle had
Division Signal Regiment, and Tamal Roy with commenced on 20 November itself. Our 14
the Engineers Regiment of the same formation. Punjab Battalion was in Garibpur and fought a
We also had 4 Sikh and 26 Madras on our Order gallant battle there. My battery, 99 Field Battery
of Battle (ORBAT). (Q Battery) was allotted in support for this
On receipt of intelligence of withdrawal of Pak battle. Pakistan’s 107 Infantry Brigade launched
troops from Barni post area, 4 Sikh advanced a counter-attack with their 3rd Independent
and secured all areas west of Chaugacha on Armoured Squadron after dawn and our own
the main road leading to Jessore from North Armour Regiment was involved in a fierce
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