New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- India responded decisively once provoked. On the night of 6/7 September 1965, formations crossed into Pakistani Punjab. 3 JAT, 15 Dogra and 13 Punjab, supported by the Scinde Horse, advanced to the outskirts of Lahore (Bata Nagar), breaching the formidable Ichhogil Canal. The 3rd Battalion of the Jat Regiment (3 JAT), under the unwavering command of Lt Col Desmond Hayde, with Capt Baldev Raj Varma as his adjutant, demonstrated extraordinary gallantry in the capture of Dograi. They not only seized the position once but twice, each time against heavily fortified Pakistani resistance.
The assaults incurred a high toll, with significant casualties, including the grievous wounding of Capt Baldev Raj Varma, who survived, c...