Waging and winning wars

OUTSTANDING VICTORIES OF THE INDIAN ARMY 1947-1971: Col. Bhaskar Sarkar; Lancer Publishers and Distributors, 56, Gautam Nagar, New Delhi-110049. Rs. 495.

THE AUTHOR has selected 11 battles of the Indian army wherein success was achieved by tactical boldness, innovation and following the principles of war which are very well-known.

These battles, fought at a brigade or battalion level, record some important turning points in the Indo-Pakistan wars during the period 1947-1971. Each battle has been analysed by the author with the help of sketches and recapitulating the background of each operation.

The chapters have been further sub-divided to portray the objectives of both sides, their strength and the actual conduct culminating in victory to the Indian army units.

An analysis has also been added to bring forth the major factors that helped in the success of the Indian army and conversely the failure of Pakistan units to attain their objectives.

The language is very simple, devoid of complicated terminology and also pays sufficient attention to the units which contributed to the ultimate success.

For example in the battle of Assaluttar and Phillora of 1965, the author has brought forth the key features of leadership, tactical skills, training and the high standards of individual combat units that paved the way for the resounding victories.

From the 1971 operations, the battles of Beyra and Siylhet have been recapitulated to bring forth the importance of surprise, initiative, flexibility and improvisation in the tactical operations.

In the last chapter, ``Making of a General'' the author has outlined the character, qualities and traits that are essential for the higher commanders to prove their mettle in the battlefield. Here again, examples of Indian field commanders have been quoted to depict the case illustrations of higher leadership.

It has been argued that intellectual ability, originality and boldness are the important facets that have propelled higher leadership; at the same time careerism and egoism have been deplored for their ill effects on an otherwise capable higher commander.

A very useful book for all army officers starting from the junior-most to those in higher command who need to learn lessons from these battles and incorporate them in their thinking.

Brig. A. THYAGARAJAN (Retd.)

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