Lt. Col. A.B. Tarapore

 Lt. Col. A.B. Tarapore: The Tank Hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak War

Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzoji Tarapore, fondly known as Adi, was born on August 18, 1923, in Bombay. His military heritage traced back to General Ratanjiba, a commander under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Enrolled in Sardar Dastur Boys School, Poona, he excelled in athletics, gymnastics, and sports. Driven by a passion for armored warfare, he joined the Hyderabad State Forces in 1942, later transferring to the prestigious Poona Horse regiment after Hyderabad's merger with India.

Military Achievements and the 1965 Indo-Pak War

The Poona Horse regiment, raised in 1817, played a pivotal role in India's military history, fighting in both World Wars and later in India's post-independence conflicts. 

On 11 September 1965, the Poona Horse Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore, was assigned the critical task of leading the main armored thrust to capture Phillora in the Sialkot Sector during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. As the regiment advanced between Phillora and Chawinda, they faced a sudden counter-attack by Pakistan's heavily armored forces from Wazirwali.

Despite being outnumbered, Lt. Col. Tarapore held his ground and launched a determined assault on Phillora, supported by an infantry battalion. Under relentless enemy tank and artillery fire, he remained resolute, inspiring his troops to fiercely engage and destroy nearly 60 Pakistani tanks, while suffering only nine tank losses.

Lt. Col. Tarapore's Leadership and Sacrifice

Refusing evacuation even after sustaining injuries, Lt. Col. A.B. Tarapore continued to lead his regiment in securing strategic locations, capturing Wazirwali on 14 September, followed by Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on 16 September 1965. His tenacity ensured vital support for the infantry assault on Chawinda, one of the largest tank battles of the war.

Despite his tank being hit multiple times, he stayed in command until he was mortally wounded. His ultimate sacrifice and strategic brilliance led to a decisive Indian victory in the sector, earning him the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, posthumously.

Legacy and Honors

For his exceptional bravery, Lt. Col. A.B. Tarapore was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award. His leadership in the tank battles of Phillora and Chawinda, where he inspired his regiment to hold their ground despite superior enemy firepower, remains legendary in the annals of Indian military history. He was cremated in Jassoran as per his wishes, and his ashes were later immersed in Poona.

Today, his name is synonymous with valor, leadership, and unwavering commitment, inspiring generations of Indian soldiers. The Poona Horse regiment continues to uphold his legacy with pride, having earned the title ‘Fakhr-e-Hind’ for their extraordinary achievements during the 1965 and 1971 wars.