Page 152 - Leadership in the Indian Army

The enemy was building up for an attack on Naushera, and it was vital to
wrest Kot from them before this happened. Usman assured Cariappa that he
would capture the feature within the next few days.

Kot lay about 9 kilometres north-east of Naushera and overlooked the
Naushera Tawi valley to the north, south and south-west for about 10
kilometres. It served as a transit camp for the enemy, since it lay on their
route from Rajauri to Siot. The strength of the enemy battalion was
estimated to be about 500 men, most of whom were deserters from the State
Forces and ex-servicemen of the Indian Army. They were reported to have
two or three 3-inch mortars and one or two medium machine-guns, in

addition to four light machine-guns and about 400 rifles. The defences at
Kot had mutual support with the enemy position at Pathradi.
The operation for the capture of Kot was code-named KIPPER, the name
by which Cariappa was affectionately known in the army. Usman planned
the operation meticulously. He decided to attack both features
simultaneously, with one battalion for each feature. While 3 Para MLI was

to advance on the right and capture Pathradi and Uparla Dandesar, 2/2
Punjab, which had been given to him for the operation, was to attack from
the left and capture Kot. The attack was to be supported by a squadron of 7
Cavalry, a company less a platoon of Mahar machine-gunners, and two
batteries of field artillery. The IAF was asked to provide some air support, if
required, from their base at Jammu. A deception plan was also made to give
the enemy the impression that an advance to Jhangar was in the offing.

Mules and ponies were hired, and it was given out that they would be
required to go to Jhangar.
To ensure the element of surprise, Usman had decided on a silent attack.
Having moved off at last light on 31 January, the troops of 3 Para MLI were
almost on the objective before first light next morning when a dog in the
village of Pathradi began to bark and alerted the enemy, who opened up

with everything he had. The assaulting troops rushed forward to charge the
enemy, with the famous war cry of the Marathas— Bol Shri Chatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai. There was hand-to-hand fighting, and the bayonet
was used with effect. The enemy withdrew, leaving several dead and
wounded. After consolidating the defences at Pathradi, a company was sent
to Uparla Dandesar, which was captured by midday.
The attack on Kot was launched at 0630 hrs on 1 February 1948. By 0700

hrs, it appeared that the feature had been captured, and 2/2 Punjab sent a