MEN OF STEEL
By Talal Malik
In the annals of military history, certain battles transcend their immediate strategic outcomes to become enduring symbols of human valor and tactical brilliance. Among these is the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War’s Battle of Chawinda, where the 25 Cavalry Regiment of Pakistan, under the indomitable leadership of Colonel Nisar Ahmad Khan, achieved a feat that has since been etched in the golden pages of history. This account chronicles how a modestly equipped regiment, consisting of just 44 tanks, successfully repelled and ultimately thwarted the advance of an entire Indian Armored Division, earning the distinguished title of the “Men of Steel.”
On September 8, 1965, the Indian Army launched a formidable assault on Pakistani territory, aiming to deliver a decisive blow that would break Pakistani resistance and secure a strategic advantage. At the vanguard of this offensive was the Indian 1st Armored Division, commanded by Lt. General Rajinder Singhsparrow—a division equipped with Centurion and Sherman tanks, which were considered state-of-the-art and virtually invincible at the time.
Facing this overwhelming force was the 25 Cavalry Regiment, under the command of Lt. Colonel Nisar Ahmad Khan. With only two squadrons at his disposal, Ahmad Khan confronted a daunting challenge: he was tasked with defending against an enemy that vastly outnumbered and outgunned his own forces. Despite these unfavorable odds, Ahmad Khan resolved to engage the enemy directly, demonstrating a level of audacity and resolve that would soon become legendary.
The confrontation took place at Chawinda, a location destined to be immortalized as the site of one of the most intense tank battles of the 20th century. As the Indian armored columns advanced, Ahmad Khan and his men mounted a counteroffensive with such ferocity and precision that it took the Indian forces by surprise. The 25 Cavalry, executing a series of rapid and expertly coordinated maneuvers, struck with devastating effect, disrupting the momentum of the Indian advance.
Accounts from Indian military officers, including those of Lt. General Harbackh Singh, later revealed the extent of the fear and confusion that gripped the Indian forces during these crucial days. The 1st Armored Division, paralyzed by indecision, hesitated for 48 hours—mistakenly believing they were facing an entire Pakistani division rather than just two squadrons of the 25 Cavalry. This critical miscalculation allowed Pakistani forces to fortify their positions at Chawinda, transforming the battlefield into a formidable stronghold that would prove impenetrable.
The extraordinary bravery and tactical acumen of the 25 Cavalry did not go unnoticed. Even the adversary acknowledged their valor. In his memoir “Missed Opportunities”,Major General Lachman Singh of the Indian Army credited the 25 Cavalry with single-handedly halting the Indian advance and preventing what could have been a catastrophic defeat for Pakistan. He vividly described the aftermath at Chawinda, where the wreckage of Indian Centurions and Sherman’s lay scattered across the battlefield—a testament to the prowess of the “men of steel” who had brought them down. This epithet, first used by an adversary, would henceforth be indelibly associated with the 25 Cavalry.
The impact of this battle extended far beyond the immediate tactical victory. The determined resistance mounted by the 25 Cavalry not only altered the course of the 14-day war but also had a profound psychological effect on the Indian forces. The specter of facing such a formidable opponent cast a long shadow over subsequent Indian strategic decisions, contributing to their inability to achieve significant territorial gains.
At the heart of this extraordinary victory was colonel NisarAhmad Khan, a soldier whose leadership and tactical genius have since become the stuff of legend. Born on March 23, 1919, Ahmad Khan was commissioned into the Indian Army on March 21, 1943, and later joined the newly formed Pakistani Army following the partition of India in 1947. In 1962, he was given the responsibility of raising and commanding the 25 Cavalry, a regiment that, under his leadership, would soon distinguish itself as one of the most formidable armored units in the history of modern warfare.
Ahmad Khan’s leadership was characterized by an unwavering sense of duty, a profound commitment to his men, and an unshakeable belief in their ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges. This belief was put to the ultimate test during the Battle of Chawinda, where the 25 Cavalry, under his command, secured a place in history as a unit that embodied the very essence of courage and resilience.
Colonel Nisar Ahmad Khan lived a long and illustrious life, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire military professionals and historians alike. His story, and that of the 25 Cavalry, stands as a testament to the power of determination, leadership, and the indomitable spirit of a soldier. They were not just men; they were the Men of Steel.
The Battle of Chawinda and the heroic stand of the 25 Cavalry represent a defining moment in Pakistan’s military history. It is a narrative of how a small yet resolute force, led by visionary leadership, can alter the course of a war and leave an indelible mark on history. The courage and tactical brilliance displayed by Colonel Nisar Ahmad Khan and his men are not merely remembered—they are celebrated as a beacon of valor for future generations. Their legacy endures, a testament to the extraordinary feats that can be achieved when resolve and righteousness converge on the battlefield.
malik73talal@gmail.com