Book Review [133] :An Incredible War - IAF in Kashmir War 1947-48

An Incredible War - IAF in Kashmir War 1947-1948 by Air Marshal (retd) Bharat Kumar is a brilliantly researched book on the role of Indian Air Force in Kashmir war.

Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947 

Maharaja of Kashmir signed standstill agreement with Pakistan on 12^th August 1947 but no such agreement with India. Pakistan started pressurizing Kashmir by withholding supplies of Kerosene, gasoline, food, edible oils, salt etc.

Colonel Akbar Khan (later Major General) was put in charge of the operation of the invasion of Kashmir by tribesmen. The full scale invasion was launched along the Domel road. The Domel road links to Baramula and then to Srinagar.

On 24^th October, Radio Pakistan announced the formation of the provisional government of Kashmir with Sardar Mohammed Ibrahim as its head. The government was recognized by Pakistan. The broadcast also alleged that Maharaja had fled from Kashmir. Operation Gulmarg was the name given to the main invasion that was launched on 22^nd Oct 1947. The invading raiders consisted of tribesmen, members of Muslim League, ex-Indian National Army personnel, ex-Servicemen led by Pakistani Army personnel.

The main column of raiders drove down the Domel road and headed for Srinagar. These columns were held up at Uri by the brave action of the state forces under the command of Brigadier Rajinder Singh who died defending his state but the progress of raiders were slowed down. Rajinder Singh left with about 100 men and reached Uri on 22^nd Oct. First engagement took place on 23^rd Oct, enemy suffered heavy casualties but Rajinder Singh lost one of his platoons. He got the Uri Bridge blown up, this slowed the raiders down. He delayed the enemy at Mahura on Oct 25^th and gave a determined fight at Rampur Buniyar till 0100 hrs on 27^th Oct. He was hit in arm and leg but he continued to rally his men, unfortunately he was captured by raiders never to be seen again. He was the first Indian to be awarded MVC. By Oct 24 the raiders had over run Uri and reached Baramula. Baramula was pillaged, raped etc on 26^th Oct but this gave crucial time to Maharaja and Indian forces.

The information of the launch of the Raider's offensive was conveyed by the C-in-C of Pakistan Army Major General Douglas Gracey to General Sir Rob Lockhart the C-in-C of Indian Army on 24^th Oct evening.  General Lockhart did not give this update to Nehru but to Mountbatten. Nehru came to know about this after 6 crucial hours from Mountbatten. Maharaja appealed for Indian assistance on 24^th Oct 11 PM. Defence Cabinet Committee (DCC)  met on 25^th Oct at 10 AM, Mountbatten view that since Maharaja had not acceded so it won’t be justified to send Indian forces to Kashmir prevailed. Though Indian Army was asked to prepare for the assistance/operation on an urgent basis and Shri V P Menon was sent to Kashmir to assess the situation and discuss the question of accession with Maharaja.  Menon was accompanied by Colonel Sam Manekshaw (later Field Marshal) and Wing Commander H C Dewan to Kashmir. Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession on 26^th Oct. There were only two all weather air strips – Jammu and Srinagar but both were for Maharaja’s private light aircraft, not fit for heavy aircraft.  Srinagar airfield was like Jammu and kutcha grass strip and was usable only in summers and definitely not after Nov. Gilgit also had a short airstrip.

Role of British Officers

Junagadh Nawab announced on 15^th August 1947 the accession of his state to Pakistan. The accession was accepted after almost a month by Pakistan on 13^th Sept 1947. When the need of invasion of Junagadh arrived the three Service chiefs of Indian Army wrote a joint letter to the cabinet that Indian Armed Forces are not in a position to undertake a serious campaign (the same armed forces had come out with flying colors during WW II) and that British soldiers would not take part in any operation which would involve a clash with another Dominion. This was nothing sort of a mutiny and these officers should have been sacked. The three chiefs got a tongue lashing from the Governor General. Mountbatten managed to obtain the chairman ship of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) normally PM should the chairman. By virtue of this office Mountbatten was almost always able to influence the decision of this committee.

DCC consisted of Governor General, PM, Deputy PM, Defence Minister and any other Minister the PM desired. This was different in Pakistan, there Political leadership enjoyed strict control over armed forces.

The DCC met on 26^th Oct. Mountbatten and three service chiefs opposed dispatch of troops to Kashmir as in their opinion the airlift involved great risks and danger. These were countered by Indians and it was decided that the risks were worth taking.  It was agreed to airlift troops to Srinagar the next day i.e. on 27^th Oct.

Sardar Patel at once requisitioned all available civil aircraft by means of a radio broadcast. 1 Sikh Battalion commanded by Lt Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai was the first battalion to fly to Kashmir on 27^th Oct morning. RIAF aircraft Dakota played a crucial role. 1 Sikh was to land only if the Srinagar airport was not occupied by the raiders. The first plane landed at Srinagar airport by 1000 hrs on 27^th Oct. 27^th Oct was Eid. PM Nehru instructed Brigadier Hiralal Atal to send code word from Kashmir after reaching there. The ‘Lion’ code meant situation under control and more troops needed while ‘Jackal’ means it would be futile to send more troops. Brigadier sent the code word ‘Lion’ at 1000 hrs on 27^th Oct. The airfield was still not captured by the raiders though the aircraft who took wider circle got hit by the bullets though nothing serious happened.

Only 300 men were sent on 27^th Oct while raiders were more than 5000. During the first three days about 900 men with arms and ammunition were lifted to Srinagar and by 5^th day the entire 161 Brigade was airlifted.

Leaving one company for airfield protection, Ranjit Rai went forward to Baramula with two companies. He was engaged by the raiders on the outskirts of Baramula. He engaged the raiders for better part of 28^th Oct, in face of overwhelming numbers of raiders he withdrew from Baramula to Pattan, half-way between Baramula and Srinagar. During this withdrawal Rai achieved martyrdom. The remaining 1 Sikh were able to hold the raiders.

Battle of Badgam

This battle was caused by withdrawal of Indian forces from Baramula to Pattan on 28/29^th Oct, the enemy thought India was retreating so they advanced. On 3^rd Nov 1947 Major Somnath Sharma of 4 Kumaon held the invaders till his ammunition allowed him and sacrificed his life defending the Srinagar Airfield. His right arm was heavily plastered and yet he fought. He had one company (less than 150 men) and he was attacked by about 700 men. His company was surrounded by 1435 Hrs on 3^rd Nov. His men fought to the last round. He was posthumously awarded PVC. The RIAF machine-gunned the raiders and caused heavy causalities few hours later. About 200 raiders died in RIAF action. The raiders withdrew. By 3^rd Nov the immediate threat to Srinagar airfield had been averted.

Battle of Shalateng

The raiders were on Baramula – Pattan road. The offensive on raider’s position was launched on 7^th Nov. It was a combined attack of RIAF and Army. About 300 raiders were killed in this battle. Baramula was liberated on 8^th Nov. The remaining residents of Baramula welcomed Indian troops.

PM Nehru flew to Srinagar on 9^th Nov. Brigadier L P Sen played a commendable role in Kashmir operations. Uri was liberated on 12^th Nov. He wanted to pursue the raiders to Domel but higher authorities asked him to relieve besieged Poonch instead. With the capture of Uri, the liberation of the valley was complete. The raiders would never threaten the valley again. But we lost the opportunity to capture Muzaffarabad and this is costing us dearly.The raiders before joining the battle used to pray “Kali pagri ke kafiron aur khuda ka bachchon se bachao”. Kali pagri means black turbaned Sikh regiment troops while Khuda ka bachcha means RIAF.

Fall of Gilgit and siege of Skardu

Gilgit province was about 38,000 sq km large and is highly mountainous. The main towns are Gilgit, Skardu and Bunj.  These towns along with Dras and Kargil in Baltistan are important points of communication systems in the area. Kargil was connected to Srinagar via Dras and Zoji La. Gilgit also commanded one of the two main caravan routes from Srinagar via Burzil Pass and Minkata Pass to Kashgar.  An equally important route led eastwards along the Indus to Skardu and Kargil and onwards to Leh. Gilgit had that time a makeshift airstrip. There were no roads leading to Gilgit only tracks and passes.

Gilgit area was occupied by Sikhs in 1842 and Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846. In 1852 there was a revolt and Dogra rule was thrown out. In 1860 Maharaja regained possession but the area never remained under effective rule of Srinagar. Gilgit came under British rule in 1889 and it took over the military and political administration of the tribal region.   
 In 1935 the entire Gilgit region was leased to British for 60 years. The lease lapsed in June 1947 because of British plan for departure. Maharajah appointed Brigadier Ghansara Singh as Governor of Gilgit on 30^th June 1947. He flew to Gilgit on 30^th June along with Major General H L Scott, Chief of J & K state forces. The local population welcomed the return of Maharaja Administration. Major William Brown was one senior British officer in Gilgit. The subordinate chiefs were Mir of Hunza, Mir of Nagar, Raja of Punial and chiefs of Kosh Ghizar. The Mirs of Hunza and Nagar were hostile. The Gilgit scouts mainly came from Hunza and Nagar regions and their commander was relative of both the Mirs. Maharaja failed to act against the hostile elements and Major Brown staged a coup with the aid of Agency staff and Gilgit scouts and imprisoned Brigadier Ghansara Singh on 31^st Oct 1947. At the time of this treachery, Gilgit was garrisoned by 6 J & K Infantry, less about 2 companies with headquarters at Bunji, about 54 km from Gilgit. The battalion comprised of Sikhs and Muslims in equal proportion. Captain Matheson, on instructions from Major Brown stormed and captured Bunji, massacred the Sikh troops. Major Brown hoisted the Pakistani flag on 3^rd Nov 1947. The region was taken over by Sardar Mohammed Khan. Major Brown returned to England in 1948 and he was awarded MBE by British government.

The news of the treachery at Gilgit reached Srinagar almost a week later. There were not enough forces to take any action against the treachery. On 21^st November 1947, Lt Colonel Sher Jung Thapa was asked to move to Skardu from Leh and defend Skardu with the remaining elements of 6 J&K Infantry. He reached Skardu on 3^rd Dec. He had just 40 Sikhs and 31 Muslim troops to defend Skardu against more than 600 hostiles. He fortified his defenses on Skardu fort. The strength of Thapa troops increased to 285 men by 15^th Feb because of reinforcements. The situation of Thapa was desperate by April 9, 1948 and he requested Srinagar for an immediate help. General Thimayya ordered Thapa to withdraw from Skardu and join another column near Marol on 16^th May. India had already lost Kargil and Dras by then so any help to Skardu was almost impossible.  Thapa said its impossible to withdraw as he had women and children along with combatants.  Lt General Thimayya asked RIAF to strike the invaders at Skardu but it was rejected. He raised the matter with Defense Minister. Defence Minister said it was not practical.

The RIAF went into action starting on 19^th June 1948, the raiders suffered heavy causalities. The RIAF dropped supplies but about 50% fell into enemy hands.

Under desperate situation and as ordered by General Thimayya, Thapa surrendered the fort on 15 August 1948 what followed was a massacre. All the Sikhs were shot dead. Thapa became a PoW and survived because he knew C-in-C Gracey of Pakistan Amry. The siege lasted more than 6 months. Thapa was awarded MVC. The Pakistani commanders reported back to HQ that “All Sikhs shot, all women raped”. The entire Hindu population of Skardu was reduced to ashes by Pakistani forces. We lost Skardu because Indian Army and RIAF did not fully appreciate its importance and failed to allocate adequate resources.

RIAF continued bombing Skardu and Gilgit. In Oct 1948 Skardu was heavily bombed by RIAF. RIAF also flew offensive operations in Chilas.

Ladakh

There are three important valleys in this region - Indus, Zanskar and Nubra. Zanskar is more remote and its in south while Nubra is in north.  Akshai Chin (now in Chinese hands), Baltistan, Skardu, Kargil are also parts of Ladakh plateau. Zoji La pass connects Ladakh plateau to the Kashmir valley. Srinagar can be reached from Leh through Dras via Zoji La. Leh was summer capital while Skardu was the winter capital of Ladakh.

In 1947, J & K State forces had only 8 Infantry battalions i.e. about 4000 men. One Battalion less two companies was deployed at Bunji, two platoons at Kargil, One company less a platoon was at Skardu and Leh had just one company less a platoon. After the departure of Thapa to Skardu only 33 men remained at Leh.

Operation Sledge was the code name for the capture of Leh, was planned by Pakistan Army and launched from Gilgit in mid Feb 1948. On 16 Feb, 1948 Brigadier L P Sen sent 1 platoon of 2 Dogras under Major Prithi Chand followed by two platoons so the State forces for the defence of Leh and to train the locals for the defence of Leh. Major Chand and his platoon reached Leh on 8 March 1948. He was accompanied by an energetic Ladakhi engineer Sonam Narboo. Narboo was assigned the task of making a makeshift airstrip at Leh. He made it ready by 6 April 1948.

Pakistani raiders made a 4 pronged attack simultaneously at Gund, Pindras, Dras and Kargil on 10^th May 1948. Only Kargil attack was successful. With the fall of Kargil, situation in Leh became desperate. The raiders were at the gates of Leh on 23^rd May 1948. The airfield was located at a height of 3256 m and RIAF had no experience of flying at that height, it was then the highest airfield in the world.

Air Commodore Mehar Singh created history on 24^th May 1948 when he landed his ancient Dakota at Leh negotiating the mountains towering more than 5000 m. His passenger was Major General Thimayya. It was an unprecedented feat. Dakota and other RIAF aircrafts had no Oxygen support. On 1^st June Mehar Singh led the RIAF 6 aircrafts to fly an entire company of one Gurkha Battalion to Leh. The local people were thrilled and they welcomed Indian forces with all the hospitality as their disposal. RIAF saved Leh at the most critical time of its history. More reinforcement s came through Manali route.

Dras fell to raiders in early June 1948. There was just one company of 1 Patiala between Dras and Srinagar to ensure Zoji La remains open. Leh was getting isolated. The raiders came close to Nimu only about 30 km from Leh on 12^th July, the situation of Leh again became desperate by 13^th July. But the defenders continued their valiant effort. Reinforcements arrived to Leh on 15^th August 1948.

Zoji La Operations

The raiders controlled all approaches to Zoji La from the Kargil side by 7 July. Indian Army made many attacks on the raider positions in Sept but all attempts failed to dislodge the raiders. RIAF also attacked bunkers with bombs. Kargil and Zoji La were in the hands of the raiders at the end of Sept 1948. These two locations are keys to the defence of Ladakh. It was necessary to clear them before the onset of winter.

Indian Army planned an all out offensive to capture Zoji La. Major General Thimayya personally flew an air reconnaissance mission over Zoji La on 15^th Oct 1948 piloted by Mehar Singh. There was a complete secrecy in bringing up the tanks. The tanks were brought from Jammu in complete secrecy. The attack finally went through on 1 Nov 1948. The attack was total and enemy was shocked. Zoji La pass was cleared within 12 hours. Indian offensive continued and RIAF bombed the enemy positions. Dras was captured on 13^th Nov. Kargil was captured on 23^rd Nov 1948. The onset of winter made any other operation impossible. Mehar Singh aka Mehar Baba was awarded MVC. He died in an air crash in 1952. For raiders he was either a magician or a prophet.

Western Operations

By 15^th Oct, the raiders had penetrated into Poonch and Mirpur. The focus of India was on saving valley so initially this sector did not receive much attention. The state forces had been surrounded by enemies at Mirpur, Kotli, Poonch, Jhangar, Naushara, Rajouri etc. These forces were sheltering thousands of lives almost exclusively all of them were non-Muslims. J & K PM M C Mahajan pleaded with Nehru on 3^rd Nov to save the besieged forces. RIAF carried out the recon of Kotli, Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Sangram areas on 3^rd Nov. RIAF attacked enemy positions in Kotli areas. Rajouri fell in Nov and about 30,000 persons were massacred and abducted and 1500 refugees at Chingas were killed.

Rawalkot was evacuated by state forces and joined Poonch garrison along with 600 refugees. Naushara and Jhangar were relieved by Nov 19. Kotli garrison was relieved on 27^th Nov and 9000 refugees were saved. Unfortunately the garrison at Mirpur could not be relieved due to paucity of troops but it managed to fight out its way to Jhangar bringing about 10,000 refugees.

C-in-C of Indian Army tried to persuade Indian PM Nehru to evacuate Poonch but Nehru declined.  It was an herculean task to maintain the besieged garrison at Poonch. There were about 40,000 refugees in the town. On 29^th March 1948, Poonch was completely surrounded.

The raiders were actively engaged in clearing out all Hindus from the areas between Akhnur and Bhimbar. Hindus were massacred in large numbers and villages were burnt. On 2^nd Dec, about 45,000 refugees crossed the Chenab river bridge and crossed to Jammu from Akhnur. Indian army captured Chhamb on 10^th Dec 1947 but RIAF lost two aircrafts in this effort. Jhangar was lost to raiders on 24^th Dec. It was a vital link between Mirpur and Kotli and not too far from Naushara. About 6000 raiders captured it. The 2500 strong raiders attacked Naushara on 24^th Dec night. The attack was successfully repulsed with heavy casualties on both sides.

Battle of Naushara

The enemy gathered in large numbers about 15000 strong and stormed Naushara on 6^th Feb 1948. Brigadier Usman was Indian commander in this sector. India achieved a decisive victory here and more than 2000 enemy troops were killed in the battle. Naushara was saved.

Capture of Rajouri

There were wide scale reports of barbaric actions taken on non-Muslims by the raiders in Rajouri town. The advance to Rajouri commenced on 8^th April 1948. Indians captured the town on 12^th April just in time to save the lives of 1500 refugees, mostly women. Of these, 300 to 500 had been lined up to be shot. The non-Muslims were massacred in large numbers and their decaying bodies were left in open pits. RIAF played a key role.

Advance to Tithwal

Tithwal lies to the north of Muzaffarabad. 1 Sikh captured Kupwara on 12^th Feb. The operation to capture Tithwal was launched on 18^th May and it was captured on 23^rd May with enemy withdrawing across the river Kishanganga. The Kishanganga bridge was attacked on 24^th April with the help of RIAF. It was a daring attack. Indians did not press the advantage here otherwise we could have threatened Muzaffarabad itself. Pakistan counterattacked and recaptured some vital ground. UNCIP visited India in July and on its appeal Indian Spring Offensive was halted. Pakistan exploited this situation and captured some grounds along Kishanganga river. In August India tried to damage Kishanganga bridge but failed.

Defence committee of the Cabinet in its meeting of 30^th Sept ordered for an appreciation to be prepared for the capture of Muzaffarabad and an attack on Mirpur. The appreciation was prepared by General Cariappa. The plan for invasion of Muzaffarabad and Mirpur did not come as ceasefire came into effect on  Jan 1949.

Relief of Poonch (Operation Punching)

Poonch had about 40,000 Hindu and Sikh refugees. It was attacked by raiders since Oct 1947. RIAF attacked the positions of raiders from 3^rd Nov 1947 onwards and blunted their attacks. There were about 3000 troops at Poonch - 2000 from J &K State forces and 1000 of Indian Army. The raiders encircled Poonch with the obvious aim of reducing the garrison by starving them and by their firepower.

Lt. Colonel Pritam Singh built a 600 yards long airstrip close to the town in late Nov 1947. The RIAF managed the garrison going through regular sorties. Mehar Singh landed Harvard on this ultra small strip. RIAF continued the supply of provisions and the garrison continued going against all odds. About 35,000 refugees were evacuated by the Dakotas. 9^th Gurkha Battalion was flown in from Jammu to Poonch to reinforce the garrison in Feb 1948.

To reduce the pressure on the air supply of food and to augment stocks, harvesting operations in the fields in the neighboring enemy-held areas were carried out by the refugees at Poonch. The refugees were escorted by the Indian troops.

The sorties of RIAF to Poonch were halted after March 1948 in face of accurate firings by Pakistani Army. The enemy noose tightened by Sept 1948 and they brought up 25 pounder guns. In the three phase operation Poonch was captured on 20^th Nov 1948 after almost one year siege.

Royal Indian Air Force played a stellar role in the defence of Jammu and Kashmir. Wing Commodore Mehar Singh achieved feats that only giants can achieve. It was the first war India fought and Indian Air Force did not let our country down.

Highly Recommended (9/10)