Battle of Longewala: Difference between revisions

The Pakistani troops, meanwhile, had underestimated the post's defensive capability due to the difficulty of approach over sand, conducting the attack at night and in full-moon light, against stiff resistance from a well-prepared defensive position located on a dominant height. Attacking with virtually no air cover, they took too long to close for an assault on the position, and failed to anticipate the availability of Indian [[close air support]]. Given that Pakistan's [[Sherman tank]]s and [[Type 59 tank|T-59/Type 59]] Chinese tanks were slow on the sandy [[Thar Desert]], some military analysts have opined that the attack may have been poorly planned and executed, given the terrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/army-orbat-corps-aor.htm|title=Pakistan Army Order of Battle — Corps Sectors|access-date=14 January 2022}}</ref> Some Pakistani tanks suffered engine failure due to overheating in trying to extricate themselves, and were abandoned. The open desert battleground provided little to no cover for the tanks and infantry from air attacks. The plan to capture Longewala may have been good in conception, but failed due to lack of air cover. As a result, two tank regiments failed to take Longewala.

For his part, the Indian company commander, Maj. (later Brig.) Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, was decorated with India's second-highest gallantry award, the [[Maha Vir Chakra]]. Several other awards were earned by members of the defending company and the battalion's commander. On the other hand, the Pakistani divisional commander was dismissed from service. However, the commander of the Pakistani 51 Brigade who mounted the daring attack and crossed into Indian territory was later awarded Pakistan's high award, the [[Sitara-e-Imtiaz]].