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1971: Stories of Grit and Glory from the Indo-Pak War
An under-strength Gorkha battalion undertakes the Indian Army's first heliborne operation deep behind enemy lines, defeating a Pakistani force twenty times its strength. Fighters of the Indian Air force target the Government House in Dhaka in a daring air raid, forcing the Pakistani government in Dhaka to capitulate and surrender. Four battle casualties become close friends at the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune in the war's aftermath. In this collection of true stories, decorated war veteran Major General Ian Cardozo recounts what really happened during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, piecing together every story in vivid detail through interviews with survivors and their families. The book also seeks to commemorate the lives of those who were killed and wounded in this war, which took place fifty years ago. From the tragic tale of the INS Khukri and its courageous captain, who went down with his ship, to how a battalion of the Gorkhas launched what we accept as the last khukri attack in modern military history, these stories reveal what went on in the minds of those who led their men into battle-on land, at sea and in the air
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 27, 2024
5.0 ⭐
GENRE - WAR / MILITARY HISTORY / NON FICTION
On 17th December 2021 India celebrated 50 years of the Indo - Pak 1971 War in which Pakistan surrendered with 93000 soldiers the biggest surrender since World War II, Bangladesh celebrated 50 years of Independence.The war was fought by the Indian Armed Forces with such tactical planning, precision and effectiveness that Pakistan was brought to its haunches in just 13 days.
I love reading books on War not because for the destruction that War brings to society but to read about the struggles it brings to people, societies and countries and how they rise from it.
The Subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947, Pakistan consisted of the Urdu speaking Muslim West and Bengali speaking Muslims in the East. The West believed that they were racially superior and bengalis from the east were not their equal, to add to it the revenue earned from resourceful rich East Pakistan was spend on the development of West Pakistan and by the time it was 1967 it was very evident that the West disregarded the East. The Election of 1970 in Pakistan resulted in Sheikh Mujibur Rehmans Awami League of East Pak wining the National Assembly Election by securing 167 out of 311 seats and defeating Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos Pakistans Peoples Party.
With the West not ready to accept that most of the ministers in the Pakistani cabinet would be Bengalis from East Pakistan General Ayub Khan the than President and Military Dictator of Pakistan jailed Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, imposed Curfew in Dhaka to quell the protest and brought in General Tikka Khan aka BUTHCHER OF EAST PAKISTAN who started the infamous Operation Searchlight, the Pakistan Military used tanks, rockets machine guns against unarmed Bengali citizens slaughtered Men, raped Women and Young girls in an unprecedented orgy of Violence.
What followed was an exodus of battered bengalis from East Pakistan crossing borders and taking Refuge in India unable to withstand the increasing Refuge population gathering at India side of its borders with East Pakistan the than Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi asked the Army Chief General Sam Bahadur Manekshaw to attack East Pakistan and Liberate it from the Pakistanis.
About the Book :- Absolutely loved it, General Ian Cardozo himself participated in this war part of the Gorkha Riffles than a Major he was injured during this war stepped on a land mine and lost his leg what was courageous was he cut off his on leg with a khukhri a dagger of the Gorkha Riffles as he knew his leg had to be amputated.
The book includes many stories, anecdotes and quotes from Officers and Generals from both India and Pakistan. General Ian Cardozo has written this book in simple english but a lot of military terms used.I could never manage to put this book down once it started.Its a book which showcases the Courage, Valor, Grit and Determination of the Indian Army.
A Higly Recommended Read 📚
Thank you 😊
GENRE - WAR / MILITARY HISTORY / NON FICTION
On 17th December 2021 India celebrated 50 years of the Indo - Pak 1971 War in which Pakistan surrendered with 93000 soldiers the biggest surrender since World War II, Bangladesh celebrated 50 years of Independence.The war was fought by the Indian Armed Forces with such tactical planning, precision and effectiveness that Pakistan was brought to its haunches in just 13 days.
I love reading books on War not because for the destruction that War brings to society but to read about the struggles it brings to people, societies and countries and how they rise from it.
The Subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947, Pakistan consisted of the Urdu speaking Muslim West and Bengali speaking Muslims in the East. The West believed that they were racially superior and bengalis from the east were not their equal, to add to it the revenue earned from resourceful rich East Pakistan was spend on the development of West Pakistan and by the time it was 1967 it was very evident that the West disregarded the East. The Election of 1970 in Pakistan resulted in Sheikh Mujibur Rehmans Awami League of East Pak wining the National Assembly Election by securing 167 out of 311 seats and defeating Zulfikar Ali Bhuttos Pakistans Peoples Party.
With the West not ready to accept that most of the ministers in the Pakistani cabinet would be Bengalis from East Pakistan General Ayub Khan the than President and Military Dictator of Pakistan jailed Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, imposed Curfew in Dhaka to quell the protest and brought in General Tikka Khan aka BUTHCHER OF EAST PAKISTAN who started the infamous Operation Searchlight, the Pakistan Military used tanks, rockets machine guns against unarmed Bengali citizens slaughtered Men, raped Women and Young girls in an unprecedented orgy of Violence.
What followed was an exodus of battered bengalis from East Pakistan crossing borders and taking Refuge in India unable to withstand the increasing Refuge population gathering at India side of its borders with East Pakistan the than Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi asked the Army Chief General Sam Bahadur Manekshaw to attack East Pakistan and Liberate it from the Pakistanis.
About the Book :- Absolutely loved it, General Ian Cardozo himself participated in this war part of the Gorkha Riffles than a Major he was injured during this war stepped on a land mine and lost his leg what was courageous was he cut off his on leg with a khukhri a dagger of the Gorkha Riffles as he knew his leg had to be amputated.
The book includes many stories, anecdotes and quotes from Officers and Generals from both India and Pakistan. General Ian Cardozo has written this book in simple english but a lot of military terms used.I could never manage to put this book down once it started.Its a book which showcases the Courage, Valor, Grit and Determination of the Indian Army.
A Higly Recommended Read 📚
Thank you 😊
October 29, 2021
Excellent and eye opening
May 28, 2025
Very engaging.
August 30, 2021
Book Review
1971: Stories of Grit and Glory from the Indo-Pak War by Ian Cardozo
Genre: Memoirs
Publisher: Penguin eBury Press
Price: Paperback Rs 339/-, Kindle Rs 188.33 (Available on Amazon)
My rating: ****
This book by Ian Cardozo are real-life stories from the 1971 Indo-Pak war. These are first-person accounts of the author and many other defence services officers – the preparations that went into it, the strategies that our forces employed, the courage that they displayed, the sacrifices made by our soldiers; it was a combination of all these and many other factors which resulted in victory. The author was a participant in the war as an army officer, and lost a leg during the operation.
As one reads through the book, one understands the reasons why India had to enter the war, why Sam Manekshaw insisted on the war to be deferred till December, how a perfect understanding between the politicians, the bureaucrats, and the three wings of the defence forces – army, air force, and navy – helped in the final outcome. Each member of the defence forces showed extraordinary courage.
It is a fast paced insightful read, written in a narrative style. The author has avoided using many defence terms, or going into details of bureaucratic process. The focus is to narrate events and stories of people who participated in those incidents. This is what makes the book relatable.
I am glad that the book belongs to my library.
#penguinrandomhouseindia #eburypublishing #iancardozo #bookreviews #bookreview #thewriterswarmth
1971: Stories of Grit and Glory from the Indo-Pak War by Ian Cardozo
Genre: Memoirs
Publisher: Penguin eBury Press
Price: Paperback Rs 339/-, Kindle Rs 188.33 (Available on Amazon)
My rating: ****
This book by Ian Cardozo are real-life stories from the 1971 Indo-Pak war. These are first-person accounts of the author and many other defence services officers – the preparations that went into it, the strategies that our forces employed, the courage that they displayed, the sacrifices made by our soldiers; it was a combination of all these and many other factors which resulted in victory. The author was a participant in the war as an army officer, and lost a leg during the operation.
As one reads through the book, one understands the reasons why India had to enter the war, why Sam Manekshaw insisted on the war to be deferred till December, how a perfect understanding between the politicians, the bureaucrats, and the three wings of the defence forces – army, air force, and navy – helped in the final outcome. Each member of the defence forces showed extraordinary courage.
It is a fast paced insightful read, written in a narrative style. The author has avoided using many defence terms, or going into details of bureaucratic process. The focus is to narrate events and stories of people who participated in those incidents. This is what makes the book relatable.
I am glad that the book belongs to my library.
#penguinrandomhouseindia #eburypublishing #iancardozo #bookreviews #bookreview #thewriterswarmth
August 29, 2021
This book simply takes you right into the heart and soul of the men and the actions that gave us the unprecedented and comprehensive victory won by the Indian Armed Forces and the people of Bangla Desh on the backs of exemplary leadership at the Military, Political, and Administrative levels.
What stands out is the beautiful and evocative manner in which Gen Cardozo enlists the readers heart and mind in this superb book, taking the reader personally into the fields of battle, on ground, at sea, and in the air, virtually living the actions depicted. I have no hesitation in rating this as one of the best written war books that I have read.
What stands out is the beautiful and evocative manner in which Gen Cardozo enlists the readers heart and mind in this superb book, taking the reader personally into the fields of battle, on ground, at sea, and in the air, virtually living the actions depicted. I have no hesitation in rating this as one of the best written war books that I have read.
March 20, 2022
This book is a must read for those Indian Army and War aficionados who want to know more about the war, about the brave soldiers who fought it; how they braved all the odds and at the risk of their lives made victory possible.
This book contains some little known stories about some of the campaigns of the war, both on the Eastern and the Western front. Apart from being thoroughly entertaining, it also shed light on some of the little known aspects of the War. For example, everyone knows about the Battle of Longewala via the movie 'Border'. But that was a reel exaggeration. The story in the book is real. It tells us how that one fateful decision by Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri changed the fate of the war and turned the tables on the enemy.
There is also the story of the 'The Gates of Rattocke', where the Indian army outsmarted the enemy, forced them to surrender and returned intact the Gates of the Gurudwara of Rattocke, a small town in Punjab in the Indo-Pak border, thereby restoring the dignity of the town and it's people.
Then there is the story of the Battle of Sylhet, where an undersized Indian infantry division tricked the larger size Pakistani garrison into surrender.
This book is a must read for all true Indian patriots. Read it. read about the brave men who took part in this war and made victory possible. I guarantee that your heart will swell in pride and tears will escape your eyes.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate Brigadier Ian Cardozo on his brilliant work in bringing these stories to light!
Jai Hind!!
This book contains some little known stories about some of the campaigns of the war, both on the Eastern and the Western front. Apart from being thoroughly entertaining, it also shed light on some of the little known aspects of the War. For example, everyone knows about the Battle of Longewala via the movie 'Border'. But that was a reel exaggeration. The story in the book is real. It tells us how that one fateful decision by Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri changed the fate of the war and turned the tables on the enemy.
There is also the story of the 'The Gates of Rattocke', where the Indian army outsmarted the enemy, forced them to surrender and returned intact the Gates of the Gurudwara of Rattocke, a small town in Punjab in the Indo-Pak border, thereby restoring the dignity of the town and it's people.
Then there is the story of the Battle of Sylhet, where an undersized Indian infantry division tricked the larger size Pakistani garrison into surrender.
This book is a must read for all true Indian patriots. Read it. read about the brave men who took part in this war and made victory possible. I guarantee that your heart will swell in pride and tears will escape your eyes.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate Brigadier Ian Cardozo on his brilliant work in bringing these stories to light!
Jai Hind!!
June 9, 2022
Indians in general, know very little about the 1971 Indo-Pak war, apart from 'Battle of Longewala' which was depicted in Hindi movie 'Border'. There are few other movies on the war, but I mentioned only the blockbuster. Many more inspiring movies can be made out of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. This book is a must read for Indians to get insights of the war and to get inspired by the valour of Indian armed forces. Author Ian Cardozo himself was part of this war. Author describes it in vivid detail without getting into complex military terminology and that description plays movie in your mind.
September 22, 2022
An incredible book about an incredible event. The 1971 war has many heroic stories, General Cardozo’s being one of them. Though an army man, General Cardozo covers key events from the Indian Navy and Air Force as well. Each story has a background to the episode described so has the associated bigger picture. Unlike normal military histories, where one gets lost in the descriptions of battle, this book flows easily and is a great read.
Thank you sir!
Thank you sir!
July 21, 2024
One of best books on the Indian military history that I have read. Being a son of a naval officer and an ardent military buff, I learnt a lot about the naval warfare in 1971 war. Especially, the swift and decisive victory on the sea by the killer squadron of the Indian Navy. Ok Moreover, the author takes the reader through the stories of valour and grit of the Indian armed forces during the various battles that unfolded on the land, air, and in the sea.
A must read for every Indian.
A must read for every Indian.
November 29, 2022
Major General Ian Cardozo has bought out the hidden stories from the 1971 war which most of us did not know. There were some stories like the Gates of Rattoke, Sylhet Gurkhas as well the story of the sinking of PNS Ghazi, INS Khukri. He also presented the story of the daughter of Commander Mulla who went down with his ship INS Khukri
April 30, 2024
Must read for anyone interested in the 1971 war. Unlike a historical timeline based narrative, the author has beautifuly broken down some major events in the war and conveyed them like short stories complete in them selves which are bound to fill any reader with interest, wonder, pariotism and immense respect for the protagnists in particular and the armed forces at large. Amazing!
May 9, 2023
Excellent, must read!... very detailed account of specific events. I particularly liked the detailed historic account of naval battle ships and submarines, which some other books do not cover in as much detail!
March 6, 2023
An excellent collection of stories from the 1971 Indo-Pak war. I have read some some of these earlier in other books but many were new to me including some of the insights into the fall of Dhaka.
March 14, 2023
Splendid description of wartime tales from the view point of an iconic soldier, a must read for every Indian!
January 25, 2024
Makes you feel so many emotions, the strongest being gratefulness.
May 25, 2025
One of the best compilation of military stories.
January 27, 2026
superb book. The exemplary way of expressing the war and diagrams and story introduction line up is superb.
July 29, 2021
Essential war stories from the 1971 war minus the jingoism.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews