Page 360 - Leadership in the Indian Army

Thakurdwara. Surprisingly, the regiment waited until last light before the
leading squadron commenced breaching the minefield. Once again, no
enemy was encountered, and a firm base was secured across the minefield.

A squadron of 17 Horse was moved up to take over the firm base and
relieve 4 Horse for further advance.
Unknown to Indian troops, Pakistani armour was present in the area. B
Squadron of Pak 20 Lancers had withdrawn behind the first defensive
minefield at Thakurdwara on the night of 5–6 December, and the next day,
when 4 Horse was advancing, the squadron was strafed by the IAF and
withdrew to the next minefield at Barkaniyan by last light on 6 December.

It was joined by a squadron of 33 Cavalry (Pattons), and soon thereafter the
rest of 20 Lancers had also concentrated behind the second minefield. On
the morning of 7 December, 17 Horse was moved from Bhoi Brahmana to
guard the western flank. To the east, the operations of 39 Infantry Division
with 7 Cavalry in support, had not made much progress and were still to
cross the first minefield. The enemy had developed Dehlra and Chakra as a

strong defensive position, and a squadron ex-Poona Horse was sent to
Dadwan Kalan to mask Chakra and secure Bari, while 4 Horse was orderd
to clear Darman and Ghamrola. After completing its task, 4 Horse moved
forward to Barkaniyan, and Poona Horse less two squadrons was moved
from Rayian to Gala, with the other two squadrons at Bhoi Brahmana and
Sadwal–Dadwan Kalan.
Information of a likely enemy counter-attack at Mukhwal was received on

the afternoon of 8 December. 17 Horse less two squadrons, with a company
of 18 Rajputana Rifles under command, was ordered to secure Mukhwal.
As the column was moving along a high embankment, it came under air
attack. Only the leading tanks could get off the road, while the rest of the 2-
kilometre-long column continued to move in single file along the narrow
road. Hanut was in the leading tank, and had managed to get off the road

and into the tall elephant grass. However, he saw sortie after sortie of
enemy aircraft coming in to attack the column with bombs and rockets.
Expecting most of his tanks to have been destroyed, he asked all stations to
report casualties after the attack was over. Everyone was surprised and
relieved to find that there were none. Having witnessed their shooting skills,
the Poona Horse treated the Pakistani Air Force with contempt for the rest
of the war.