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The Burning Chaffees: A Soldier's First-Hand Account of the 1971 War
In 1971, India waged a momentous war against Pakistan. But before all-out war, an even more significant tank battle was fought on 21 November 1971 by the C Squadron 45 Cavalry, which demolished the Pakistani General A.A.K. Niazi's plans of victory and set the stage for the utter routing of the Pakistani Army.
Equipped with the amphibious PT-76 tanks, the Indian Army's C Squadron 45 Cavalry was unleashed to swim across the River Kabodak, near the Boyra salient (now in Bangladesh), to counter the threat from East Pakistan. On 21 November 1971, the two warring armies clashed in a tank versus tank battle at Garibpur. In one fell swoop, Pakistan's 3 (Independent) Armoured Squadron, consisting of fourteen American M-24 Chaffee tanks, was completely destroyed and two of its infantry battalions were badly mauled. This was followed by the shooting down of three Sabre F-86 jets for the loss of two PT-76 tanks on the Indian side. And thus, the biggest attack planned by General A.A.K. Niazi to teach the Indians and the Mukti Bahini a lesson had gone up in smoke.
This battle was a victory and a decisive one at that. It was a trumpet call to the rest of the world of India's intent to stand up for human liberty and dignity in this war of liberation.
On 3 December 1971, Pakistan declared war. The rest is history.
The Burning Chaffees is a thrilling account of the pivotal battle of 21 November by Brigadier B.S. Mehta.
Equipped with the amphibious PT-76 tanks, the Indian Army's C Squadron 45 Cavalry was unleashed to swim across the River Kabodak, near the Boyra salient (now in Bangladesh), to counter the threat from East Pakistan. On 21 November 1971, the two warring armies clashed in a tank versus tank battle at Garibpur. In one fell swoop, Pakistan's 3 (Independent) Armoured Squadron, consisting of fourteen American M-24 Chaffee tanks, was completely destroyed and two of its infantry battalions were badly mauled. This was followed by the shooting down of three Sabre F-86 jets for the loss of two PT-76 tanks on the Indian side. And thus, the biggest attack planned by General A.A.K. Niazi to teach the Indians and the Mukti Bahini a lesson had gone up in smoke.
This battle was a victory and a decisive one at that. It was a trumpet call to the rest of the world of India's intent to stand up for human liberty and dignity in this war of liberation.
On 3 December 1971, Pakistan declared war. The rest is history.
The Burning Chaffees is a thrilling account of the pivotal battle of 21 November by Brigadier B.S. Mehta.
300 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 13, 2024
The Burning Chaffee:
Without sharing too many details it is very important to understand why the book is named as The Burning Chaffees. Basically Chaffees were the tanks deployed by Pakistani forces to counter Indian Armed Forces and the term Burning clearly illustrates what was left of those Chaffees. The book provides ample amount of information on how the PT-76 and T-55 tanks along with the forces helped the India win the Bangladesh Liberation War.
This books has instances where we experience the bond and camaraderie between the soldiers, it also provides a glimpse on Brigadier B.S. Mehta personal life, a brief about what led India to go on war with Pakistan, the struggles and losses faced by the Indian Armed forces and also the strategies used by the forces.
There were many instances where as a reader I felt how can individuals survive such situations, on top of that lead soldiers, making sure there are minimal casualties.
I could imagine the darkness during night scenarios, I could imagine water in the tank when it was in the river and I could only imagine the courage required to lead a platoon after such heavy losses.
There are few places in the book where the author gets into technicalities. I personally had to go back and research about few things.
This book is a sure recommendation and worth the readers time.
Without sharing too many details it is very important to understand why the book is named as The Burning Chaffees. Basically Chaffees were the tanks deployed by Pakistani forces to counter Indian Armed Forces and the term Burning clearly illustrates what was left of those Chaffees. The book provides ample amount of information on how the PT-76 and T-55 tanks along with the forces helped the India win the Bangladesh Liberation War.
This books has instances where we experience the bond and camaraderie between the soldiers, it also provides a glimpse on Brigadier B.S. Mehta personal life, a brief about what led India to go on war with Pakistan, the struggles and losses faced by the Indian Armed forces and also the strategies used by the forces.
There were many instances where as a reader I felt how can individuals survive such situations, on top of that lead soldiers, making sure there are minimal casualties.
I could imagine the darkness during night scenarios, I could imagine water in the tank when it was in the river and I could only imagine the courage required to lead a platoon after such heavy losses.
There are few places in the book where the author gets into technicalities. I personally had to go back and research about few things.
This book is a sure recommendation and worth the readers time.
February 5, 2022
Superb read - gives a very detailed account of how the army operates especially the complex linkages between the different parts of the organisation. It also speaks volumes about the leadership skills an army officer needs to possess to successfully lead men in the most difficult circumstances.
It’s a tale of bravery as well as human spirit and how the Army men are simple humans trying to overcome the perpetual fear of mortality regular civilians can never imagine.
It’s a tale of bravery as well as human spirit and how the Army men are simple humans trying to overcome the perpetual fear of mortality regular civilians can never imagine.
November 19, 2023
First hand account from a young operational commander in forward area.
Dynamic and rapidly evolving situations call for quick decisive, practical, and imperfect solutions; one never has the advantage of hindsight or the luxury of time to go through established channel of approvals.
Many memorable quotes and lessons from this awesome book.
To quote one - An individual with a tooth ache is more concerned about his pain than all the gems of tactical wisdom the commander may bequeath to him.
Recommended must read!
Dynamic and rapidly evolving situations call for quick decisive, practical, and imperfect solutions; one never has the advantage of hindsight or the luxury of time to go through established channel of approvals.
Many memorable quotes and lessons from this awesome book.
To quote one - An individual with a tooth ache is more concerned about his pain than all the gems of tactical wisdom the commander may bequeath to him.
Recommended must read!
April 7, 2023
There is going to be a movie on this book. I thought why not read this book before bollywood spoil for us. As for content of this book. Go for it.
February 16, 2024
Very well written book
April 25, 2024
Superb write up 👌
March 30, 2025
Better than the movie 🎥🍿. Exceptional story of one of India's first few all ranks regiments. Must read if you enjoy military histories.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews