Sir,

It was heartening to see the surviving members of the 1971 Indo-Pak War visit Mysuru (Star of Mysore dated Nov. 15). In this regard, I would like to bring to the readers a proud part played by a member of the Mysore royal family in the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

The two intense tank battles of this war were fought at Phillora (Punjab, Pakistan) by Hodson’s Horse (4 Horse) and Poona Horse (17 Horse) and at Asal Uttar (Punjab, India) fought by 3 Cavalry, 8 Cavalry, Deccan Horse (9 Horse) and Scinde Horse (14 Horse), debilitated Pakistan’s armour and demoralised their soldiers.

Pakistani tank crews began to avoid engaging Indian armoured units and even abandoned many of their fully functional tanks which were captured intact. Many tank crews, hiding  after abandoning their tanks, were also captured.

The ‘Battle of Phillora’ began on Sept. 10 when the Indian 1st Armoured Division, with four armoured regiments and supporting forces under command, attacked positions in the Sialkot sector held by the Pakistani 6th Armoured Division.

After three days, the Pakistanis withdrew with the loss of 66 tanks. The Indians admitted to the loss of 6 Centurions.

At first light on Sept. 11, in the wake of an intense artillery bombardment, C Squadron started its advance as planned. Within minutes the enemy artillery opened up and troops were also subjected to enemy air attack.

The Squadron Commander, Major Desaraj Urs, was hit by shrapnel in the eye, but he refused to be evacuated and gallantly led his squadron till Rurki Kalan was captured. He was evacuated thereafter. He lost  his eye though.

Major C. Desaraj Urs was the grandson of Maharajakumari Smt. Krishnajammanni (P.K. Sanitorium was named after her and she was the second daughter of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar and Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana) and Colonel Jagirdar Desaraj Urs, CIE,  MVO (Chief Commandant of Mysore State Forces and fought in many wars).

They owned the Karanji Mansion in Mysore and Maj C. Desaraj Urs sold it in 1965 to the Department of Posts and currently houses the Department’s Postal Training Institute. He is survived by his wife Rajakumari Chinnamamba Devi and two daughters.

Long live their memory and their immortal contributions.

— Raja Chandra

Bengaluru

16.11.2024