Battle of Dograi

Dograi is a strategically important village as it is located just 1 km from Lahore, the capital of Pakistani Punjab and the 2nd largest city in Pakistan. The village being so close to Lahore gave it a high level of importance as it would be a vital bargaining chip in any territorial negotiations and exchanges after the closure of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.[2][3]

Prior to the main battle, the Indian Army's 3 Jat battalion had already captured Dograi on 6 September 1965 but had to abandon the place as they could not be reinforced due to strafing of supply lines by aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force.[2]

Between 6 September and 20 September, numerous attempts were made to capture Dograi, but were unsuccessful due to the position having been reinforced by the Pakistan Army.

On 20 September, the 3 Jat unit, consisting of 550 men and commanded by Lt Col Desmond Hayde was tasked with recapturing the position.[1]

The defending Pakistani force was composed of troops from 16 Punjab, 3 Baloch, 8 Punjab and 18 Baloch consisting of over 1000 men and supported by tank squadrons.[1][2] 16 Punjab was commanded by Col Golwala.[1][2]

The 3 Jat battalion advanced at night on the flanks of the Pakistani position and launched its attack. The attack was unexpected and the defenders were taken by surprise. Fighting was intense and fierce, initially with guns and grenades, then with bayonets and finally with bare hands. After 27 hours of nonstop combat and flushing out operations, the defending force either surrendered or abandoned the position and came under the control of the Indian Army.[2][3]

The battle resulted in India's capture of Dograi just a day before ceasefire was announced and was used as a valuable bargaining chip in the Tashkent negotiations.[1]

The battle is commemorated by the Indian Army as it was a battle where 550 Indian troops successfully captured a fortified position from over double the number of well entrenched defenders. For gallantry, the Indian Army awarded four MVCs, 4 VrC, 7 Sena Medals, 12 Mention in Dispatches and 11 COAS Commendation Cards. [2][3]