Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore, fondly remembered as Adi, was a valiant soldier of the Indian Army whose name is etched in Indian military history for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Indo-Pak War of 1965. Born into a family with a proud military heritage, he carried forward the tradition of valor and commitment to the nation. With an indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to duty, he led from the front in one of the fiercest tank battles of the war, displaying exceptional tactical acumen and courage under fire. In this article, we delve into his heroic actions that not only turned the tide of battle but also earned him India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. His legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations of soldiers who strive to uphold the ideals of bravery and sacrifice.
Early Life and Military Career
Born on 18 August 1923 in Bombay, Maharashtra, Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore hailed from a distinguished lineage. According to his bio on the Indian Army website, his ancestor, Ratanjiba, served as a military leader under the legendary Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. At the age of seven, Tarapore was enrolled in Sardar Dastur Boys School, Poona, where he excelled in sports such as athletics, gymnastics, boxing, swimming, tennis, and cricket.
He began his military journey on 1 January 1942 when he was commissioned into the 7 Hyderabad Infantry of the Hyderabad State Forces. Tarapore harbored a deep desire to serve in an armored regiment, a dream that came true when Major General El-Edroos, the Chief-in-Command of the State Forces, recognized his bravery. His commission was later revised to 1 January 1945 following the merger of Hyderabad with the Union of India, and he was posted to the Poona Horse regiment on 1 April 1951.
The Poona Horse Regiment
Poona Horse, an armored regiment of the Indian Army, has a rich history dating back to its formation on 15 July 1817 as a result of the Treaty of Poona. Over the years, the regiment saw action in World War I and World War II and later became an integral part of independent India’s military forces. The regiment played a pivotal role in major military campaigns, including Operation Polo in Hyderabad (1948), the Indo-Pak War of 1965, and the Battle of Basantar in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
The Battle of Phillora
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was a defining moment in the history of the Indian Army, particularly the tank battle at Phillora in the Sialkot sector. Pakistan, under the belief that India was militarily weak following the Sino-Indian War of 1962, launched an aggressive campaign to seize Jammu and Kashmir. The war commenced on 24 April 1965, with Pakistan violating international agreements by advancing into Indian territory.
During this conflict, the Poona Horse regiment, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Tarapore, was tasked with delivering the main armored thrust in the Kaloi-Phillora axis. On 11 September 1965, he led his regiment in an audacious surprise attack on Phillora from the rear. However, as the regiment advanced between Phillora and Chawinda, it was met with a powerful counterattack by Pakistan’s heavy armor from Wazirali.
Despite being heavily outnumbered and under intense enemy fire, Lt. Col. Tarapore held his ground and led his squadron with remarkable determination. Though wounded in action, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead from the front. Over the next few days, he spearheaded successive operations, capturing Wazirali on 14 September and Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi on 16 September.
During the fierce battle, his tank was hit multiple times, yet he continued to rally his men. His leadership inspired his regiment to destroy approximately sixty enemy tanks while suffering only nine tank casualties. However, his own tank was engulfed in flames, and he made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield.
Legacy of a Hero
Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzarji Tarapore’s gallantry and indomitable spirit in battle were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His heroic actions were instrumental in securing critical victories for India during the war. He was cremated in Jassoran on 17 September 1965, in accordance with his wishes, and his ashes were later immersed in the Sangam in Poona.
For his extraordinary courage and selfless sacrifice, Lt. Col. Tarapore was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. His legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers and remains a shining example of valor, duty, and dedication to the nation.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
Comments