Poona Horse Regiment veterans commemorate Battle of Phillora

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 23

For veterans of the elite Poona Horse regiment it was a nostalgic trip down martial history as they got together at Ludhiana to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the famous Battle of Phillora, fought on Pakistani soil in September 1965.

During the Indo-Pak war, the regiment spearheaded the Indian advance into Pakistan and cleared the stronghold of Phillora after a gruelling close range tank battle against Patton tanks, in which 23 enemy tanks were destroyed. It was in this battle, fought in the Sialkot Sector that Lt Col Ardeshir Tarapore was posthumously decorated with the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the nation’s highest award for gallantry.

A large number of veterans as well as serving regimental officers joined in the occasion where regimental bonds were reignited and camaraderie flowed. The regiment, which traces its origin to 1817, has seen action around the globe and has been awarded four Victoria Crosses and two PVCs besides numerous other gallantry awards and battle honours.