Remembering Lt Col AB Tarapore, PVC (P)

Lt Col AB Tarapore, PVC (P)

1. Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore, PVC (P) was born on 19 Aug 1923. After completing his schooling in Pune, Tarapore joined the Hyderabad Army, and was commissioned in January 1942. Initially he joined the Infantry, but he was later transferred to Armoured Regiment, the 1st Hyderabad Imperial Service Lancers. During 2nd World War, he saw action in the Middle East.

2. After the annexation of Hyderabad State by India in 1948, he joined Indian Army and was commissioned again to The Poona Horse (17 Poona Horse) on 01 Apr 1951. Later he attended Tank Technology Training on Centurion Tank in the United Kingdom. He was commanding the Regiment during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. The Regiment was then deployed as the part of 1st Armoured Division. On 11 September 1965, 17 Horse under his command was assigned the task of delivering the main armoured thrust for capturing Phillora in the Sialkot Sector in Pakistan. When the Regiment was thrusting between Phillora and Chawinda, in order to facilitate surprise attack on Phillora from the rear, it was suddenly counter attacked by the enemy’s heavy Armour from Wazirali.

3. Colonel A. B. Tarapore who was then heading the Regiment, defied the enemy’s charge, held his ground and gallantly attacked Philloira. The officer led the Regiment in several tank battles between 11 and 16 September 1965. Though under continuous enemy Tank and Artillery fire, Colonel A. B. Tarapore remained unperturbed throughout the operations. He was wounded in action, refused to be evacuated and led the Regiment continuously. Inspired by his leadership, the Regiment destroyed 60 Pakistani tanks, while India suffered a loss of just 9 and Phillora was cleared on 16 September 1965. He succumbed to his injuries in the battle at Butur - Dograndi on 16 September 1965.

4. The valour displayed by Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Tarapore in this heroic action, which lasted for six days, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He was honoured with country’s highest gallantry award, Param Vir Chakra (Posthumously). Besides, as a mark of respect to the departed military leader, a road in Pune Cantonment was named after him.

5. On this day, let us remember Lieutenant Colonel AB Tarapore, PVC (P), who sacrificed his life at the young age of 42 to safeguard the nation’s frontiers during Indo – Pak war of 1965. ”RANVIR JAI SADA”
“JAI HIND”