Military operations in Ladakh (1948) - Revision history

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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=January ~~2022~~}}		{{Short description\|Operations during the Indo-Pakistani war}}
	{{EngvarB\|date=January ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=January 2020}}
	'''Military operations''' took place in '''[[Ladakh]]''' in '''1948''' during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947~~\|conflict in Jammu and Kashmir~~]] between the [[Indian Army]] and [[Pakistan]]i raiders infiltrated to capture the [[Kashmir and Jammu (princely state)\|~~kingdom of~~ Jammu and Kashmir]]. ~~The eviction~~ of this invading force of tribal raiders, who enjoyed numerical superiority, better lines of communication, commanding high ground and superior logistics, was a major military achievement for the small force of [[India\|Indian soldiers]].		{{EngvarB\|date=January 2020}}

			{{Infobox military conflict
			\| conflict = ''1947 Military operations in Ladakh''
			\| place = [[Ladakh]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)\|Jammu and Kashmir]]
			\| partof = the [[Kashmir conflict]] and [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]]
			\| image = {{Location map\|India Ladakh
			\|width = 280
			\|float = right
			\|label = Leh
			\|position = none
			\|mark = Red pog.svg <!--green dot-->
			\|lat_deg = 34.152597583665454 <!-- default: lat_dir = N -->
			\|lon_deg = 77.57463005532288 <!-- default: lon_dir = E -->
			}}
			\| image_size =
			\| alt =
			\| caption =
			\| date = March 1948 – January 1949
			\| combatant1 = {{army\|India}}<br />
			[[4th Gorkha Rifles\|2/4 Gorkha Rifles]] (1 company)<br />
			[[8th Gorkha Rifles\|2/8 Gorkha Rifles]] (2 companies)<br />
			[[77th Indian Infantry Brigade\|77 Parachute Brigade]]<br />
			[[7th Light Cavalry\|7 Cavalry]]<br />
			[[Jammu and Kashmir Rifles\|Jammu and Kashmir State Forces detachment]]
			\| combatant2 = Pakistani tribal militias
			'''Supported by:'''<br>{{flagicon\|Pakistan}} [[Pakistan]]<ref>{{Cite book \|last=Singh \|first=K.Brahma \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=psTeAAAAMAAJ&q=History%20of%20Jammu%20Kashmir%20rifles \|title=History of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, 1820-1956 The State Force Background \|publisher=Lancer International \|year=1990 \|isbn=9788170620914 \|language=en \|format=Hardcover\|pp=239-240}}</ref>
			\| result = Indian victory
			\| commander1 = [[Kodandera Subayya Thimayya\|Gen. K.S. Thimayya]]<br />
			Lt. Col. H.S. Parab
			\| commander2 = Unknown
			\| territory = India successful in pushing back tribal raiders and holding Ladakh
			\| campaignbox =
			}}

			'''Military operations''' took place in '''[[Ladakh]]''' in '''1948''' during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948]] between the [[Indian Army]] and [[Pakistan]]i raiders infiltrated to capture the [[Kashmir and Jammu (princely state)\|Jammu and Kashmir state]].{{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani war of 1947-1948}}

	==Relief of Leh==		==Relief of Leh==
	Pakistani raiders had besieged and reduced [[Skardu]] in early 1948.<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947">{{cite book \|title=History of Operations In Jammu and Kashmir 1947-1948 \|last1=Prasad\|first1=S.N.\|last2=Dharm Pal \|year=1987 \|publisher=History Department, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (printed at Thomson Press (India) Limited) \|location=New Delhi \|pages=418 }}.</ref>{{Rp\|300–305}} It was vital that Leh, the next likely target, be relieved before it was attacked by the raiders. Maj Prithi Chand, a [[Lahaul and Spiti district\|Lahauli]] officer with a band of 40 volunteers from the 2nd Battalion, [[Dogra Regiment]] began a hazardous mid-winter ascent of [[Zojila]] pass on 16 February 1948, with rifles and ammunition for the garrison. They reached Leh on 8 March, where an ad hoc force for defence was organised, followed soon by a Jammu and Kashmir State Forces detachment bringing additional weapons.<ref name="Slender">{{cite book \|title=Slender Was the Thread: Kashmir Confrontation 1947-48 \|last=Sen \|first=Maj Gen L. P. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Orient Longman \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=0-86131-692-4 \|pages=308 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYHXmx4cOUsC \|access-date=4 August ~~2022~~}}</ref>{{rp\|195–199}}		Pakistani raiders had besieged and reduced [[Skardu]] in early 1948.<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947">{{cite book \|title=History of Operations In Jammu and Kashmir 1947-1948 \|last1=Prasad\|first1=S.N.\|last2=Dharm Pal \|year=1987 \|publisher=History Department, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (printed at Thomson Press (India) Limited) \|location=New Delhi \|pages=418 }}.</ref>{{Rp\|300–305}} It was vital that Leh, the next likely target, be relieved before it was attacked by the raiders. Maj Prithi Chand, a [[Lahaul and Spiti district\|Lahauli]] officer with a band of 40 volunteers from the 2nd Battalion, [[Dogra Regiment]] began a hazardous mid-winter ascent of [[Zojila]] pass on 16 February 1948, with rifles and ammunition for the garrison. They reached Leh on 8 March, where an ad hoc force for defence was organised, followed soon by a Jammu and Kashmir State Forces detachment bringing additional weapons.<ref name="Slender">{{cite book \|title=Slender Was the Thread: Kashmir Confrontation 1947-48 \|last=Sen \|first=Maj Gen L. P. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Orient Longman \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=0-86131-692-4 \|pages=308 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYHXmx4cOUsC \|access-date=4 August 2010}}</ref>{{rp\|195–199}}

	==Reinforcement of Leh==		==Reinforcement of Leh==
	The slow advance of raiders permitted reinforcement of Leh by air by a company of 2nd Battalion, [[4 Gorkha Rifles]] (2/4 GR) and later a company of 2nd Battalion, [[8th Gorkha Rifles]] (2/8 GR) by air just in time to repulse the raiders.<ref name="Rescue">{{cite book \|title=Operation Rescue:Military Operations in Jammu & Kashmir 1947-49\|last=Sinha \|first=Lt. Gen. S.K. \|year=1977 \|publisher=Vision Books \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-7094-012-5 \|pages=103–127\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SMwBAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=4 August ~~2022~~}}</ref>{{rp\|109}} Had the raiders kept advancing they could have captured Leh easily. The garrison of Leh held despite shortage of troops, weapons and ammunition, sickness and fatigue. In August another company of 2/8 GR was flown in by air and the remaining part of the battalion, codenamed ''Arjun'' column, with a large column of supplies on mules, trekked to Leh from [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh\|Manali]]. Another large mule column, codenamed ''Chapati'' column, followed in September to provide adequate supplies for the winter.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|110–111}} Lt Col (later Col) HS Parab, CO 2/8 GR, was airlifted to Leh on 23 Aug and later designated Commander, Leh Brigade (though the force never exceeded two battalions in strength).<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|336}} Spirited small unit actions and ~~guerilla~~ raids on both banks of the Indus effectively held the raiders at bay throughout September and October.		The slow advance of raiders permitted reinforcement of Leh by air by a company of 2nd Battalion, [[4 Gorkha Rifles]] (2/4 GR) and later a company of 2nd Battalion, [[8th Gorkha Rifles]] (2/8 GR) by air just in time to repulse the raiders.<ref name="Rescue">{{cite book \|title=Operation Rescue:Military Operations in Jammu & Kashmir 1947-49\|last=Sinha \|first=Lt. Gen. S.K. \|year=1977 \|publisher=Vision Books \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-7094-012-5 \|pages=103–127\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SMwBAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=4 August 2010}}</ref>{{rp\|109}} Had the raiders kept advancing they could have captured Leh easily. The garrison of Leh held despite shortage of troops, weapons and ammunition, sickness and fatigue. In August another company of 2/8 GR was flown in by air and the remaining part of the battalion, codenamed ''Arjun'' column, with a large column of supplies on mules, trekked to Leh from [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh\|Manali]]. Another large mule column, codenamed ''Chapati'' column, followed in September to provide adequate supplies for the winter.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|110–111}} Lt Col (later Col) HS Parab, CO 2/8 GR, was airlifted to Leh on 23 Aug and later designated Commander, Leh Brigade (though the force never exceeded two battalions in strength).<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|336}} Spirited small unit actions and guerrilla raids on both banks of the Indus effectively held the raiders at bay throughout September and October.

	==Capture of Zoji La==		==Capture of Zoji La==
	~~[[File:J&K08low.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Operation Duck 15 August 1948 – 1 November 1948]]~~		When Zoji La fell to the Pakistani forces in May 1948, it was vital for the Indians that the pass be recaptured before winter so as to relieve Leh. An unsuccessful frontal attack was launched by [[77th Indian Infantry Brigade\|77 Parachute Brigade]] under Brig Hiralal Atal to capture Zoji La pass.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|112}} Operation Duck, the earlier epithet for this assault, was renamed as Operation Bison by Lt Gen [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa\|Cariappa]], the Western Army commander.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|113}} [[M3 Stuart\|M5 Stuart light tanks]] of [[7th Light Cavalry\|7 Cavalry]] were moved in dismantled conditions through [[Srinagar]] to [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir\|Baltal]] while the superhuman efforts of two field companies of the [[Madras Engineer Group\|Madras Sappers]] working day and night improved the mule track from [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir\|Baltal]] up the Zoji La to Gumri.<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|356–357}} The surprise attack on 1 November by the brigade with armour, led by the division commander [[Kodendera Subayya Thimayya\|Thimayya]] in the lead tank,<ref name="Amazing">{{cite book \|title=Thimayya:An Amazing Life \|last=Khanduri\|first=Chandra B. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Centre for Armed Historical Research, United Service Institution of India, New Delhi through Knowledge World \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-87966-36-X \|page=137 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=6 August 2010}}</ref> and supported by two regiments of [[Ordnance QF 25 pounder\|25 pounders]] and a regiment of [[3.7-inch mountain howitzer\|3.7 inch guns]], saw the enemy being surprised. The pass was forced and the enemy pushed back to Matayan.
	When Zoji La fell to the ~~enemy~~ in May 1948, it was vital for the Indians that the pass be recaptured before winter so as to relieve Leh. An unsuccessful frontal attack was launched by [[77th Indian Infantry Brigade\|77 Parachute Brigade]] under Brig Hiralal Atal to capture Zoji La pass.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|112}} Operation Duck, the earlier epithet for this assault, was renamed as Operation Bison by Lt Gen [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa\|Cariappa]], the Western Army commander.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|113}} [[M3 Stuart\|M5 Stuart light tanks]] of [[7th Light Cavalry\|7 Cavalry]] were moved in dismantled conditions through Srinagar to Baltal while the superhuman efforts of two field companies of the [[Madras Engineer Group\|Madras Sappers]] working day and night improved the mule track from [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir\|Baltal]] up the Zoji La to [[Gumri]].<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|356–357}} The surprise attack on 1 November by the brigade with armour, led by the division commander [[Kodendera Subayya Thimayya\|Thimayya]] in the lead tank,<ref name="Amazing">{{cite book \|title=Thimayya:An Amazing Life \|last=Khanduri\|first=Chandra B. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Centre for Armed Historical Research, United Service Institution of India, New Delhi through Knowledge World \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-87966-36-X \|page=137 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=6 August ~~2022~~}}</ref> and supported by two regiments of [[Ordnance QF 25 pounder\|25 pounders]] and a regiment of [[3.7-inch mountain howitzer\|3.7 inch guns]], saw the enemy being surprised. The pass was forced and the enemy pushed back to [[Matayan]].

	==Liberation of Leh and Kargil==		==Liberation of Leh and Kargil==
	[[File:Kargil War Memorial (~~28606066885~~).jpg\|thumb\|~~left~~\|1947 Ladakh War Memorial of the Indian Army]]		[[File:Kargil War Memorial, Hall of Fame Museum, Leh, Ladakh, India (2016) 1.jpg\|thumb\|right\|1947 Ladakh War Memorial of the Indian Army]]
	Since the raiders were inactive on the Leh front during 77 Para Brigade's operations in Zoji La, Leh Brigade went onto the offensive advancing from Tharu to Marol on the north bank of the [[Indus]] and from Chilling to [[Lamayuru Monastery\|Lamayuru]] to Kargil on the south bank. Another detachment advanced along the [[Shyok River]] clearing opposition on that axis and securing the [[Nubra Valley]] flank.		Since the raiders were inactive on the Leh front during 77 Para Brigade's operations in Zoji La, Leh Brigade went onto the offensive advancing from Tharu to Marol on the north bank of the [[Indus]] and from Chilling to [[Lamayuru Monastery\|Lamayuru]] to Kargil on the south bank. Another detachment advanced along the [[Shyok River]] clearing opposition on that axis and securing the [[Nubra Valley]] flank.

	On the Zoji La front, 77 Parachute Brigade launched a deliberate attack and captured Matayan on 13 November and [[Dras]] on 15 November. The brigade linked up on 24 November at [[Kargil town\|Kargil]] with Indian troops advancing from [[Leh]] while the ~~enemy~~ withdrew northwards toward [[Skardu]].<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|126}} The Indian pursuit was halted by fierce ~~enemy~~ action at Chathatang as the ~~enemy~~ soldiers blew themselves under Indian tanks to save their posts, 5 km ahead of the Marol fork of the Indus. The strong ~~enemy~~ defenses, on both banks of the Indus, resisted till 1 January 1949 when a ceasefire was called.		On the Zoji La front, 77 Parachute Brigade launched a deliberate attack and captured Matayan on 13 November and [[Dras]] on 15 November. The brigade linked up on 24 November at [[Kargil town\|Kargil]] with Indian troops advancing from [[Leh]] while the Pakistani positions withdrew northwards toward [[Skardu]].<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|126}} The Indian pursuit was halted by fierce military action at Chathatang as the Pakistani soldiers blew themselves under Indian tanks to save their posts, 5 km ahead of the Marol fork of the Indus. The strong Pakistani defenses, on both banks of the Indus, resisted till 1 January 1949 when a ceasefire was called.
			==See also==

			* [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts]]
			* [[Kargil war]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	~~[[Category~~:Ladakh]]		{{DEFAULTSORT:Ladakh 1948}}
	[[Category:~~Indo-Pakistani War~~ of ~~1947–1948~~]]		[[Category:History of Ladakh]]
	[[Category:Military operations ~~involving India\|Ladakh~~]]		[[Category:Military operations of the India–Pakistan war of 1947–1948]]

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← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 5 April 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=January ~~2020~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=January 2022}}
	{{EngvarB\|date=January ~~2020~~}}		{{EngvarB\|date=January 2022}}
	'''Military operations''' took place in '''[[Ladakh]]''' in '''1948''' during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947\|conflict in Jammu and Kashmir]] between the [[Indian Army]] and [[Pakistan]]i raiders infiltrated to capture the [[Kashmir and Jammu (princely state)\|kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir]]. The eviction of this invading force of tribal raiders, who enjoyed numerical superiority, better lines of communication, commanding high ground and superior logistics, was a major military achievement for the small force of [[India\|Indian soldiers]].		'''Military operations''' took place in '''[[Ladakh]]''' in '''1948''' during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947\|conflict in Jammu and Kashmir]] between the [[Indian Army]] and [[Pakistan]]i raiders infiltrated to capture the [[Kashmir and Jammu (princely state)\|kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir]]. The eviction of this invading force of tribal raiders, who enjoyed numerical superiority, better lines of communication, commanding high ground and superior logistics, was a major military achievement for the small force of [[India\|Indian soldiers]].

	==Relief of Leh==		==Relief of Leh==
	Pakistani raiders had besieged and reduced [[Skardu]] in early 1948.<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947">{{cite book \|title=History of Operations In Jammu and Kashmir 1947-1948 \|last1=Prasad\|first1=S.N.\|last2=Dharm Pal \|year=1987 \|publisher=History Department, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (printed at Thomson Press (India) Limited) \|location=New Delhi \|pages=418 }}.</ref>{{Rp\|300–305}} It was vital that Leh, the next likely target, be relieved before it was attacked by the raiders. Maj Prithi Chand, a [[Lahaul and Spiti district\|Lahauli]] officer with a band of 40 volunteers from the 2nd Battalion, [[Dogra Regiment]] began a hazardous mid-winter ascent of [[Zojila]] pass on 16 February 1948, with rifles and ammunition for the garrison. They reached Leh on 8 March, where an ad hoc force for defence was organised, followed soon by a Jammu and Kashmir State Forces detachment bringing additional weapons.<ref name="Slender">{{cite book \|title=Slender Was the Thread: Kashmir Confrontation 1947-48 \|last=Sen \|first=Maj Gen L. P. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Orient Longman \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=0-86131-692-4 \|pages=308 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYHXmx4cOUsC \|access-date=4 August ~~2010~~}}</ref>{{rp\|195–199}}		Pakistani raiders had besieged and reduced [[Skardu]] in early 1948.<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947">{{cite book \|title=History of Operations In Jammu and Kashmir 1947-1948 \|last1=Prasad\|first1=S.N.\|last2=Dharm Pal \|year=1987 \|publisher=History Department, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (printed at Thomson Press (India) Limited) \|location=New Delhi \|pages=418 }}.</ref>{{Rp\|300–305}} It was vital that Leh, the next likely target, be relieved before it was attacked by the raiders. Maj Prithi Chand, a [[Lahaul and Spiti district\|Lahauli]] officer with a band of 40 volunteers from the 2nd Battalion, [[Dogra Regiment]] began a hazardous mid-winter ascent of [[Zojila]] pass on 16 February 1948, with rifles and ammunition for the garrison. They reached Leh on 8 March, where an ad hoc force for defence was organised, followed soon by a Jammu and Kashmir State Forces detachment bringing additional weapons.<ref name="Slender">{{cite book \|title=Slender Was the Thread: Kashmir Confrontation 1947-48 \|last=Sen \|first=Maj Gen L. P. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Orient Longman \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=0-86131-692-4 \|pages=308 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYHXmx4cOUsC \|access-date=4 August 2022}}</ref>{{rp\|195–199}}

	==Reinforcement of Leh==		==Reinforcement of Leh==
	The slow advance of raiders permitted reinforcement of Leh by air by a company of 2nd Battalion, [[4 Gorkha Rifles]] (2/4 GR) and later a company of 2nd Battalion, [[8th Gorkha Rifles]] (2/8 GR) by air just in time to repulse the raiders.<ref name="Rescue">{{cite book \|title=Operation Rescue:Military Operations in Jammu & Kashmir 1947-49\|last=Sinha \|first=Lt. Gen. S.K. \|year=1977 \|publisher=Vision Books \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-7094-012-5 \|pages=103–127\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SMwBAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=4 August ~~2010~~}}</ref>{{rp\|109}} Had the raiders kept advancing they could have captured Leh easily. The garrison of Leh held despite shortage of troops, weapons and ammunition, sickness and fatigue. In August another company of 2/8 GR was flown in by air and the remaining part of the battalion, codenamed ''Arjun'' column, with a large column of supplies on mules, trekked to Leh from [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh\|Manali]]. Another large mule column, codenamed ''Chapati'' column, followed in September to provide adequate supplies for the winter.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|110–111}} Lt Col (later Col) HS Parab, CO 2/8 GR, was airlifted to Leh on 23 Aug and later designated Commander, Leh Brigade (though the force never exceeded two battalions in strength).<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|336}} Spirited small unit actions and guerilla raids on both banks of the Indus effectively held the raiders at bay throughout September and October.		The slow advance of raiders permitted reinforcement of Leh by air by a company of 2nd Battalion, [[4 Gorkha Rifles]] (2/4 GR) and later a company of 2nd Battalion, [[8th Gorkha Rifles]] (2/8 GR) by air just in time to repulse the raiders.<ref name="Rescue">{{cite book \|title=Operation Rescue:Military Operations in Jammu & Kashmir 1947-49\|last=Sinha \|first=Lt. Gen. S.K. \|year=1977 \|publisher=Vision Books \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-7094-012-5 \|pages=103–127\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SMwBAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=4 August 2022}}</ref>{{rp\|109}} Had the raiders kept advancing they could have captured Leh easily. The garrison of Leh held despite shortage of troops, weapons and ammunition, sickness and fatigue. In August another company of 2/8 GR was flown in by air and the remaining part of the battalion, codenamed ''Arjun'' column, with a large column of supplies on mules, trekked to Leh from [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh\|Manali]]. Another large mule column, codenamed ''Chapati'' column, followed in September to provide adequate supplies for the winter.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|110–111}} Lt Col (later Col) HS Parab, CO 2/8 GR, was airlifted to Leh on 23 Aug and later designated Commander, Leh Brigade (though the force never exceeded two battalions in strength).<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|336}} Spirited small unit actions and guerilla raids on both banks of the Indus effectively held the raiders at bay throughout September and October.

	==Capture of Zoji La==		==Capture of Zoji La==
	[[File:J&K08low.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Operation Duck 15 August 1948 – 1 November 1948]]~~<br>~~		[[File:J&K08low.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Operation Duck 15 August 1948 – 1 November 1948]]
	When Zoji La fell to the enemy in May 1948, it was vital for the Indians that the pass be recaptured before winter so as to relieve Leh. An unsuccessful frontal attack was launched by [[77th Indian Infantry Brigade\|77 Parachute Brigade]] under Brig Hiralal Atal to capture Zoji La pass.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|112}} Operation Duck, the earlier epithet for this assault, was renamed as Operation Bison by Lt Gen [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa\|Cariappa]], the Western Army commander.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|113}} [[M3 Stuart\|M5 Stuart light tanks]] of [[7th Light Cavalry\|7 Cavalry]] were moved in dismantled conditions through Srinagar to Baltal while the superhuman efforts of two field companies of the [[Madras Engineer Group\|Madras Sappers]] working day and night improved the mule track from [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir\|Baltal]] up the Zoji La to [[Gumri]].<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|356–357}} The surprise attack on 1 November by the brigade with armour, led by the division commander [[Kodendera Subayya Thimayya\|Thimayya]] in the lead tank,<ref name="Amazing">{{cite book \|title=Thimayya:An Amazing Life \|last=Khanduri\|first=Chandra B. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Centre for Armed Historical Research, United Service Institution of India, New Delhi through Knowledge World \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-87966-36-X \|page=137 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=6 August ~~2010~~}}</ref> and supported by two regiments of [[Ordnance QF 25 pounder\|25 pounders]] and a regiment of [[3.7-inch mountain howitzer\|3.7 inch guns]], saw the enemy being surprised. The pass was forced and the enemy pushed back to [[Matayan]].		When Zoji La fell to the enemy in May 1948, it was vital for the Indians that the pass be recaptured before winter so as to relieve Leh. An unsuccessful frontal attack was launched by [[77th Indian Infantry Brigade\|77 Parachute Brigade]] under Brig Hiralal Atal to capture Zoji La pass.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|112}} Operation Duck, the earlier epithet for this assault, was renamed as Operation Bison by Lt Gen [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa\|Cariappa]], the Western Army commander.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|113}} [[M3 Stuart\|M5 Stuart light tanks]] of [[7th Light Cavalry\|7 Cavalry]] were moved in dismantled conditions through Srinagar to Baltal while the superhuman efforts of two field companies of the [[Madras Engineer Group\|Madras Sappers]] working day and night improved the mule track from [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir\|Baltal]] up the Zoji La to [[Gumri]].<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp\|356–357}} The surprise attack on 1 November by the brigade with armour, led by the division commander [[Kodendera Subayya Thimayya\|Thimayya]] in the lead tank,<ref name="Amazing">{{cite book \|title=Thimayya:An Amazing Life \|last=Khanduri\|first=Chandra B. \|year=1969 \|publisher=Centre for Armed Historical Research, United Service Institution of India, New Delhi through Knowledge World \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-87966-36-X \|page=137 \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ \|access-date=6 August 2022}}</ref> and supported by two regiments of [[Ordnance QF 25 pounder\|25 pounders]] and a regiment of [[3.7-inch mountain howitzer\|3.7 inch guns]], saw the enemy being surprised. The pass was forced and the enemy pushed back to [[Matayan]].

	==Liberation of Leh and Kargil==		==Liberation of Leh and Kargil==
	[[File:Kargil War Memorial (28606066885).jpg\|thumb\|left\|1947 Ladakh War Memorial of the Indian Army]]		[[File:Kargil War Memorial (28606066885).jpg\|thumb\|left\|1947 Ladakh War Memorial of the Indian Army]]
	Since the raiders were inactive on the Leh front during 77 Para ~~Brigade’s~~ operations in Zoji La, Leh Brigade went onto the offensive advancing from Tharu to Marol on the north bank of the [[Indus]] and from Chilling to [[Lamayuru Monastery\|Lamayuru]] to Kargil on the south bank. Another detachment advanced along the [[Shyok River]] clearing opposition on that axis and securing the [[Nubra Valley]] flank.		Since the raiders were inactive on the Leh front during 77 Para Brigade's operations in Zoji La, Leh Brigade went onto the offensive advancing from Tharu to Marol on the north bank of the [[Indus]] and from Chilling to [[Lamayuru Monastery\|Lamayuru]] to Kargil on the south bank. Another detachment advanced along the [[Shyok River]] clearing opposition on that axis and securing the [[Nubra Valley]] flank.

	On the Zoji La front, 77 Parachute Brigade launched a deliberate attack and captured Matayan on 13 November and [[Dras]] on 15 November. The brigade linked up on 24 November at [[Kargil town\|Kargil]] with Indian troops advancing from [[Leh]] while the enemy withdrew northwards toward [[Skardu]].<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|126}} The Indian pursuit was halted by fierce enemy action at Chathatang as the enemy soldiers blew themselves under Indian tanks to save their posts, 5 km ahead of the Marol fork of the Indus. The strong enemy defenses, on both banks of the Indus, resisted till 1 January 1949 when a ceasefire was called.		On the Zoji La front, 77 Parachute Brigade launched a deliberate attack and captured Matayan on 13 November and [[Dras]] on 15 November. The brigade linked up on 24 November at [[Kargil town\|Kargil]] with Indian troops advancing from [[Leh]] while the enemy withdrew northwards toward [[Skardu]].<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp\|126}} The Indian pursuit was halted by fierce enemy action at Chathatang as the enemy soldiers blew themselves under Indian tanks to save their posts, 5 km ahead of the Marol fork of the Indus. The strong enemy defenses, on both banks of the Indus, resisted till 1 January 1949 when a ceasefire was called.
Line 24:		Line 24:
	[[Category:Ladakh]]		[[Category:Ladakh]]
	[[Category:Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]]		[[Category:Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]]
	[[Category:Military operations involving India]]		[[Category:Military operations involving India\|Ladakh]]

imported>Echo1Charlie: /* Liberation of Leh and Kargil */

2021-07-27T05:15:13Z

Liberation of Leh and Kargil

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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
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'''Military operations''' took place in '''[[Ladakh]]''' in '''1948''' during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947|conflict in Jammu and Kashmir]] between the [[Indian Army]] and [[Pakistan]]i raiders infiltrated to capture the [[Kashmir and Jammu (princely state)|kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir]]. The eviction of this invading force of tribal raiders, who enjoyed numerical superiority, better lines of communication, commanding high ground and superior logistics, was a major military achievement for the small force of [[India|Indian soldiers]].

==Relief of Leh==
Pakistani raiders had besieged and reduced [[Skardu]] in early 1948.<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947">{{cite book |title=History of Operations In Jammu and Kashmir 1947-1948 |last1=Prasad|first1=S.N.|last2=Dharm Pal |year=1987 |publisher=History Department, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. (printed at Thomson Press (India) Limited) |location=New Delhi |pages=418 }}.</ref>{{Rp|300–305}} It was vital that Leh, the next likely target, be relieved before it was attacked by the raiders. Maj Prithi Chand, a [[Lahaul and Spiti district|Lahauli]] officer with a band of 40 volunteers from the 2nd Battalion, [[Dogra Regiment]] began a hazardous mid-winter ascent of [[Zojila]] pass on 16 February 1948, with rifles and ammunition for the garrison. They reached Leh on 8 March, where an ad hoc force for defence was organised, followed soon by a Jammu and Kashmir State Forces detachment bringing additional weapons.<ref name="Slender">{{cite book |title=Slender Was the Thread: Kashmir Confrontation 1947-48 |last=Sen |first=Maj Gen L. P. |year=1969 |publisher=Orient Longman |location=New Delhi |isbn=0-86131-692-4 |pages=308 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYHXmx4cOUsC |access-date=4 August 2010}}</ref>{{rp|195–199}}

==Reinforcement of Leh==
The slow advance of raiders permitted reinforcement of Leh by air by a company of 2nd Battalion, [[4 Gorkha Rifles]] (2/4 GR) and later a company of 2nd Battalion, [[8th Gorkha Rifles]] (2/8 GR) by air just in time to repulse the raiders.<ref name="Rescue">{{cite book |title=Operation Rescue:Military Operations in Jammu & Kashmir 1947-49|last=Sinha |first=Lt. Gen. S.K. |year=1977 |publisher=Vision Books |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-7094-012-5 |pages=103–127|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SMwBAAAAMAAJ |access-date=4 August 2010}}</ref>{{rp|109}} Had the raiders kept advancing they could have captured Leh easily. The garrison of Leh held despite shortage of troops, weapons and ammunition, sickness and fatigue. In August another company of 2/8 GR was flown in by air and the remaining part of the battalion, codenamed ''Arjun'' column, with a large column of supplies on mules, trekked to Leh from [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh|Manali]]. Another large mule column, codenamed ''Chapati'' column, followed in September to provide adequate supplies for the winter.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp|110–111}} Lt Col (later Col) HS Parab, CO 2/8 GR, was airlifted to Leh on 23 Aug and later designated Commander, Leh Brigade (though the force never exceeded two battalions in strength).<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp|336}} Spirited small unit actions and guerilla raids on both banks of the Indus effectively held the raiders at bay throughout September and October.

==Capture of Zoji La==
[[File:J&K08low.jpg|right|thumb|Operation Duck 15 August 1948 – 1 November 1948]]<br>
When Zoji La fell to the enemy in May 1948, it was vital for the Indians that the pass be recaptured before winter so as to relieve Leh. An unsuccessful frontal attack was launched by [[77th Indian Infantry Brigade|77 Parachute Brigade]] under Brig Hiralal Atal to capture Zoji La pass.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp|112}} Operation Duck, the earlier epithet for this assault, was renamed as Operation Bison by Lt Gen [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa|Cariappa]], the Western Army commander.<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp|113}} [[M3 Stuart|M5 Stuart light tanks]] of [[7th Light Cavalry|7 Cavalry]] were moved in dismantled conditions through Srinagar to Baltal while the superhuman efforts of two field companies of the [[Madras Engineer Group|Madras Sappers]] working day and night improved the mule track from [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir|Baltal]] up the Zoji La to [[Gumri]].<ref name="Offl_Hist_1947"/>{{rp|356–357}} The surprise attack on 1 November by the brigade with armour, led by the division commander [[Kodendera Subayya Thimayya|Thimayya]] in the lead tank,<ref name="Amazing">{{cite book |title=Thimayya:An Amazing Life |last=Khanduri|first=Chandra B. |year=1969 |publisher=Centre for Armed Historical Research, United Service Institution of India, New Delhi through Knowledge World |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-87966-36-X |page=137 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZWXfAAAAMAAJ |access-date=6 August 2010}}</ref> and supported by two regiments of [[Ordnance QF 25 pounder|25 pounders]] and a regiment of [[3.7-inch mountain howitzer|3.7 inch guns]], saw the enemy being surprised. The pass was forced and the enemy pushed back to [[Matayan]].

==Liberation of Leh and Kargil==
[[File:Kargil War Memorial (28606066885).jpg|thumb|left|1947 Ladakh War Memorial of the Indian Army]]
Since the raiders were inactive on the Leh front during 77 Para Brigade’s operations in Zoji La, Leh Brigade went onto the offensive advancing from Tharu to Marol on the north bank of the [[Indus]] and from Chilling to [[Lamayuru Monastery|Lamayuru]] to Kargil on the south bank. Another detachment advanced along the [[Shyok River]] clearing opposition on that axis and securing the [[Nubra Valley]] flank.

On the Zoji La front, 77 Parachute Brigade launched a deliberate attack and captured Matayan on 13 November and [[Dras]] on 15 November. The brigade linked up on 24 November at [[Kargil town|Kargil]] with Indian troops advancing from [[Leh]] while the enemy withdrew northwards toward [[Skardu]].<ref name="Rescue"/>{{rp|126}} The Indian pursuit was halted by fierce enemy action at Chathatang as the enemy soldiers blew themselves under Indian tanks to save their posts, 5 km ahead of the Marol fork of the Indus. The strong enemy defenses, on both banks of the Indus, resisted till 1 January 1949 when a ceasefire was called.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Ladakh]]
[[Category:Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]]
[[Category:Military operations involving India]]