Battle of Ichogil Bund

The Battle of Ichogil Bund also known as the Battle of BRB Canal was a skirmish fought from 22 to 23 September 1965^[2][5] as part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965^[6] by the 9th Battalion Madras Regiment,^[2] under the command of Lieutenant Colonel B.K. Satyan.^[1][3]

Battle of Ichogil Bund
Part of the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965
Pakistani soldiers engaging with Indian forces at the BRB Canal
Date 22–23 September 1965 (1 day) Location Ichogil Canal, Punjab, Pakistan
Belligerents
India	Pakistan
Units involved
9th Battalion, Madras Regiment	3rd Battalion, Baluch Regiment
Strength
800–900 (1 battalion)	150–250 (2 companies)
Casualties and losses
Indian claims: 27[1]–49 dead[2] 65 wounded[2] Neutral claims: 49 dead[2] 17 centurion tanks destroyed or captured[2] Pakistani claims: 60 dead and 21 centurion tanks destroyed[2]	Indian claims: 48 dead 11 captured and 80 jumped into the canal and washed away. [3][4][2] Neutral claims: 48 dead[2] Pakistani claims: 27 dead[2]

Background

The Ichogil Canal in present-day

The Ichogil Canal was constructed by the Pakistani government in the 1950's partly as a defensive obstacle to prevent an hypothetical invasion of Lahore. At 45 m (148 ft) wide and 5 m (16 ft) deep, it presents a serious obstacle for any invading military force.^[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.^[7]

The battle

The battle was notable for being fought after the cease-fire had been signed on 22 September. Fighting began around midnight and lasted for about two and a half hours. India claimed that on 16 September, its soldiers had crossed the canal and were just six miles from the city of Lahore. The Indian attempts to advance on the Harike-Burki road, according to Pakistan's spokesman, had been thwarted. India attempted thirteen major offensives on this front, all of which Pakistan repelled successfully.^[8]

Casualties and losses

Accounts differ, Indian sources claim that between 27 and 49 Indian soldiers died.^[2][5][1] And Pakistani casualties included 48 dead, 11 captured and 80 jumped into the canal and were washed away, presumably dead.^[2]

See also

• Indo-Pakistan Wars
• Operation Grand Slam