Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore was one of the most distinguished armoured commanders of the Indian Army. A courageous officer and an inspiring leader, he commanded the Poona Horse during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and led his men through some of the fiercest armoured battles of the conflict.
Born on 18 August 1923 in Mumbai, Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore was commissioned into the Hyderabad State Forces before joining the Indian Army. He became part of the Poona Horse, one of the Army's historic armoured regiments, and built a reputation for professional competence, courage and strong leadership.
When war broke out in September 1965, Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore was commanding the Poona Horse in the Sialkot Sector. His regiment was tasked with advancing against strongly defended enemy positions and engaging Pakistani armour in a difficult battlefield environment.
The Battle of Phillora and Chawinda
Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore led his regiment from the front during the advance towards Phillora. The fighting involved intense exchanges between Indian and Pakistani armoured forces, with enemy tanks, artillery and anti-tank weapons creating a highly dangerous battlefield.
During the fighting, Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore was wounded. Despite his injuries, he refused to leave the battlefield and continued commanding his regiment. His presence among his men strengthened their resolve as the Poona Horse pressed ahead against determined opposition.
The regiment went on to capture important enemy positions, including Wazirwali, Jassoran and Butur-Dograndi. Throughout these operations, Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore remained at the forefront, directing the battle and maintaining the momentum of his regiment despite the continuing danger.
His leadership was particularly significant during the fighting around Chawinda. His regiment engaged large numbers of enemy tanks while operating under heavy fire. Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore continued to command his men with determination, placing the mission and the safety of his troops above his own.
The Final Sacrifice
On 16 September 1965, Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore was leading his regiment during the continuing battle in the Chawinda area when his tank was hit. He was mortally wounded while fighting at the forefront and made the supreme sacrifice on the battlefield.
His courage and leadership during the campaign were recognised with the Param Vir Chakra, posthumously, India's highest military gallantry award. The honour recognised his exceptional leadership, determination and courage in the face of intense enemy opposition.
Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore's name remains inseparably linked with the valour of the Poona Horse during the 1965 war. His decision to remain with his men despite being wounded and his determination to lead from the front have made his story an enduring part of the Indian Army's military heritage.
On 16 September, The Honour Post pays tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore, PVC, for his courage, leadership and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
