WAR DESPATCHES: Indo-Pak Conflict 1965

by Harbakhsh Singh

The conflict was short and limited, packed with intense activity, major movement, heavy fighting and crucial decisions. The initiative rested with Pakistan to commence hostilities, which they did with a mix of irregular and regular troops and tactics. This is a story of anticipation, of impending actions, of virtual equality of forces engaged in a savage battle of attrition in which no quarters were given or asked. The author, GOC-in-C Western Command during those fateful days provided an essential element of higher command, an unflappable presence under whose command the Army imposed unacceptable levels of losses on the enemy, first toning down their rhetoric, then their confidence, and lastly their ability to sustain very high levels of material losses. There is very little material or records to draw upon for our military studies of warfare in and around the Indian subcontinent. War Despatches narrates for the first time the inside story through original despatches filed by the Army Commander from the war zone. To maintain the authenticity of the Despatches, the military style of writing has been followed in the text as far as possible.

Genres: War, History, Military Fiction, Military History, India

220 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2012

Reviews

[Pali Reen · Rating 3 out of 5]

War Despatches is not a regular action packed war book, but as the author has put it, written to document how the war was conducted, details of which could easily be lost in archives over the passage of time. While reading the book one gets the feel that you are not reading but actually listening to the General himself. His frank opinions of the commanders and their defensive approach to the conduct of operations particularly so soon after the Chinese debacle is starkly in contrast to the civilian hype of the war, as created by our leaders and media. The book talks about leaders who rarely looked beyond what they are taught in the class rooms, there is also the story of demoted colonel redeeming his rank and honour when the the great General put his faith in him and how an ordinary soldier, Abdul Hamid, earns himself a Param Vir Chakra and finds himself in the history books. I was in my early twenties during the 1965 war and cannot forget the hysteria when a captured Patton tank was put on display in Connaught Place in the heart of New Delhi and the stories of the Sabre jets shot out of the skies by the midget Gnats. But reading Lt. Gen. Harbaksh Singh's narration brings more sanity to the personal opinions. The battles of Asal Uttar and Haji Pir were the two major Indian victories that turned the tide of the war, while most of the other battles were more closer to stalemates. However, probably the most fascinating chapter of the book is the final one where the general pays tribute to civilian contribution of the people of Punjab. A must read for all to understand what real nationalism is truly about.

[Ajitabh Pandey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not for light reading and is not a story of 1965. As the name of the book suggests it is war despatches, documented by the author, for the purpose of future training and reference by professionals.
There are several details that emerge out of this book and they were quite an eye-opener. The author, a decorated war veteran and then GOC-In-C of Western Command, has mentioned the details as a true professional. He has not shied away from praising the enemy units for their bravery and strategy where applicable and similarly, he has been bold enough to acknowledge the failures of command and control by his Core and Brigade commanders.

[Vineeth Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and critical account of 1965 operations from the man who was at the forefront of India’s war efforts. What stands out is the author’s willingness to bring out successes and setbacks dispassionately. A must read.