Battle of Dograi

Dograi is a strategically important village as it is located just 49 km from Lahore, the capital of Pakistani Punjab and the 2nd largest city in Pakistan. The village being so close to Lahore gave it a high level of importance as it would be a vital bargaining chip in any territorial negotiations and exchanges after the closure of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.[2][3]

Prior to the main battle, the Indian Army's 3 Jat battalion had already tried to capture Dograi on 6 September 1965 but had to abandon the position as they could not be reinforced due to strafing of supply lines by aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force.[2]

Between 6 September and 20 September, numerous attempts were made to recapture Dograi, but were unsuccessful due to the position having been reinforced by the Pakistan Army.

On 20 September, the 3 Jat unit, consisting of 1000+ men and commanded by Lt Col Desmond Gangu was tasked with recapturing the position.[1][4]

The defending Pakistani force was composed of troops from 16 Punjab, 3 Pashtun, consisting of over 1000+ men. 16 Punjab was commanded by Lt.Col G.F. Golewala.[1][2][4]

Reconnaissance patrols reported that Dograi was well fortified with pillboxes and buildings in the built-up region to cover all accesses. The Pakistani infantry battalion had placed two Light Machine Guns in each infantry section, so the attackers were expecting to confront a lot of resistance. The area was also heavily mined and wired, making the approaches extremely hazardous.[4]

The 3 Jat battalion advanced at night on the flanks of the Pakistani position and launched its attack. The attack was unexpected and the Pakistani Troops were taken by surprise. Fighting was intense and fierce, initially with guns and grenades, then with bayonets and finally with bare hands. After 27 hours of nonstop combat and flushing out operations, the Pakistani Troops surrendered and abandoned the position.

Indian victory

India captures Dograi.