Battle of Ichogil Bund

The Battle of Ichogil Bund was a skirmish fought from 22 September to 23 September 1965[2][3] as part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 in which approximately two Pakistani companies attempted to re-occupy the eastern bund of the Ichhogil Canal. It resulted in an Indian victory, and the contested section of the canal was re-captured by the 9th Battalion Madras Regiment,[2] under the command of Lieutenant Colonel B.K. Satyan.[1][4]

Battle of Ichogil Bund
Part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Date 22–23 September 1965 Location Ichogil Canal
Belligerents
India	Pakistan
Units involved
9th Battalion, Madras Regiment	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Indian claims: 27[1]–49 dead[2] 65 wounded[2]	Indian claims: 48 dead 11 captured

The battle was notable for being fought after the cease-fire had been signed on September 22. Fighting began around midnight and lasted for about 2 and a half hours. Accounts differ: between 27 and 49 Indian soldiers died.[2][3][1] Pakistani casualties included 48 dead and 11 captured.[2]

The Ichogil Canal was constructed by the Pakistanis in the 1950s partly as a defensive obstacle to prevent an invasion of Lahore. At 45 m (148 ft) wide and 5 m (16 ft) deep, it presents a serious obstacle for military forces.[2] Much of the battle was fought from across the canal, with tanks providing fire support to a ground team which had crossed the canal.[2]

See also

• Battle of Asal Uttar
• Battle of Chawinda
• Khemkaran

References

1. Service, Tribune News. "Ichhogil battle remembered". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
2. Capt, R.S.G. (2005). Major Defence Operations Since 1947. Ocean Books. ISBN 9788188322671. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
3. Empire's First Soldiers By D.P. Ramachandran, p. 197, Lancer Publishers, 2008
4. Ramachandran, D. P. (8 September 2015). "The might of the Thambis". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 May 2020.