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The officers of Pak Army who made the supreme sacrifise 50 years ago on this day of 1st Sept 1965:
5. Major Mian Raza Shah SJ, belonged to the famous Kaka Khel family of Village Sardar Killi, Umerzai, Charsadda. Raza Shah started his early schooling in Islamia High School, Peshawar and subsequently joined prestigious Lawrence college, Ghora Gali, Murree. He made his mark in academics and sports earning College colours and setting a record for the longest Javelin throw, a record yet to be broken.
Raza Shah heads the list of Martyrs (Shaheeds) on the War Memorial at Lawrence College, erected in honour of the gallant Gallians who laid down their lives for the country.
In May 1957, Raza Shah joined Pakistan Army as a gentleman cadet of 20 PMA Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. At the time, Pakistan used to send one cadet from every course for training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom. Raza Shah earned this honour. He justified his selection and became a member of the Academy's Hockey and Football teams. And, at the end of his training he was awarded the "Overseas Cane" for overall best performance by an allied cadet.
Commissioned in Pakistan Army on 18 October 1959, Raza Shah joined 11th Cavalry (Frontier Force) at Nowshera. About two years later the Shah of Iran, Raza Shah Pehalvi visited Pakistan and attended the festival of Horse and Cattle Show at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. A chosen group of young subalterns, Raza Shah included, was introduced to the Royal dignitary. The Shah of Iran was surprised when this handsome cavalry officer introduced himself as lieutenant Raza Shah. "Oh really", was the spontaneous remark by Shah of Iran.
In late August 1965, he was assigned the command of C (Charlie) Squadron, 11 Cavalry, equipped with M36B2's, a problematic turret-less tank not known for envious technical performance. To give the coveted command of a difficult squadron to an officer so young reflected the confidence that his commanding officer had in Raza Shah.
When the Indians had captured the Haji Pir Pass in Azad Kashmir by 28 August 1965, and were threatening Muzafarabad, the Pakistan Army launched a counter offensive on 1 September 1965 across the cease-fire line to relieve pressure on our forces defending Muzafarabad. The objective of this counter offensive was Chamb, Jourian and Akhnoor in Indian Held Kashmir.
On the eve of battle, the just appointed squadron commander, Captain Raza Shah bubbling with confidence and excitement gave a pep talk to his troops poised for combat the following day. "Tomorrow we shall Inshallah go into battle against a wicked enemy", said Raza Shah adding, "Those of you who know me will find me leading the front. And, those who do not know me yet shall not fail in discovering me." Raza Shah proved to be a man of his words.
Captain Raza Shah, was given the objective to capture Chak Pandit, a village south of Chamb, in the first phase of the battle. The enemy had very strong defences in the area and had well entrenched tanks and anti-tank weapons.
As the battlefield shivered with machine-gun fire, thundering of tank guns and artillery bombardment, Raza shah, undeterred, continued with a steady advance destroying several enemy tanks and positions in the process.
His steadfast perseverance in battle and unyielding commitment for maintaining the momentum of attack without regard to his personal safety in the battlefield littered with hostile fire showed his character, courage and gallantry beyond the call of duty in keeping with the highest traditions of cavalry and Pakistan Army.
By 10:00 am, the objective given to his squadron was within the firing range of its tanks, and a few minutes separated him from his operational goal. Suddenly his own tank was hit by the fire of an enemy Recoilless Rifle hiding in the brick kiln close to village Chak Pundit. All the crew-members of the tank, barring its driver, Ghulam Khan, were caught in the intense inferno that instantly raged in the tank. It precluded any chance of evacuation from the burning tank or escape from fire. Ghulam Khan, the only eyewitness in the episode, sustained burn injuries and was evacuated for treatment. Raza met his Creator at the young age of 28 and was the first officer to have embraced shahadat on 1 Sept 1965. Along with Major Raza Shah, 19 other ranks of 11 Cavalry Regiment made the supreme sacrifise on the first day of this battle plus another 15 from this regiment embraced shahadat before the ceasefire took place.
Mian Raza Shah was a Captian in September 1965 and was promoted to the Major rank after embracing shahadat.
On 23 March 1966, President Mohammad Ayub Khan delivered Raza Shah's richly deserved gallantry award of Sitara-i-Jurrat to his father Mian Firdos Shah. It now adorns the quarter guard of the regiment that once had the pleasure of welcoming him in its fold. Major Raza Shah's portrait and ceremonial uniform enrich the officer's Mess of 11th Cavalry Regiment. His younger brother Lt Col Mian Liaquat Shah commanded 11 Cavalry in late 1980s.
6. Major Shah Nawaz SJ, of 8 Baloch Regiment. Major Shahnawaz was a part of the force which launched a counter offensive across the Cease-fire line against Chamb, Jourian and Akhnoor.
The infantry battalion, 8 Baloch was being commanded by Lt. Col. Siddique and was a part of 102 Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier Zafar Ali Khan.
The 102 Brigade was tasked in the phase 1, to capture area west of River Tawi in the Chamb sector, including villages of Mandiala, Ullan Wali, Pir Jamal, Moel, Paur and Burjeal etc. The Brigade was supported by 11 Cavalry, a tank regiment.
The Pakistani attack commenced at 0500 hours 1st September 1965 supported by a terrific pre-H-Hour artillery bombardment which had commenced belching fire at 0330 hours.
The Company of 8 Baloch, commanded by Major Shahnawaz, having the task of capturing villages Moel and Paur, commenced its lightening attack against its objectives and was met with a stiff resistance from well dug in enemy infantry, Recoilless Rifles and tanks. Bitter fighting ensued and by 0900 hours the enemy resistance at Moel was eliminated and 20 prisoners were sent back to the Regimental HQ.
Major Shahnawaz then commenced advance south towards the village of Paur where enemy light tanks were dug in position. Support of 11 Cavalry was called in to deal with the enemy AMX-13 tanks which were effectively dealt after taking a few losses. Major Raza Shah shaheed of 11 Cavalry took part in this particular action, enabling the company of Major Shahnawaz to proceed towards its objective.
Once in the outskirts of Paur, bitter fighting again errupted with heavy losses on both sides. In the heat of the battle, Major Shahnawaz leading his company was hit by a burst from machine gun fire and embraced shahadat. Soon after his company was succesful in finishing the enemy resistance and capturing Paur.
Major Shahnawaz was awarded Sitar e Jurat in recognition of his gallantry services. He had received commission in February 1951 through 3 PMA Long Course.
5. Major Mian Raza Shah SJ, belonged to the famous Kaka Khel family of Village Sardar Killi, Umerzai, Charsadda. Raza Shah started his early schooling in Islamia High School, Peshawar and subsequently joined prestigious Lawrence college, Ghora Gali, Murree. He made his mark in academics and sports earning College colours and setting a record for the longest Javelin throw, a record yet to be broken.
Raza Shah heads the list of Martyrs (Shaheeds) on the War Memorial at Lawrence College, erected in honour of the gallant Gallians who laid down their lives for the country.
In May 1957, Raza Shah joined Pakistan Army as a gentleman cadet of 20 PMA Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. At the time, Pakistan used to send one cadet from every course for training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom. Raza Shah earned this honour. He justified his selection and became a member of the Academy's Hockey and Football teams. And, at the end of his training he was awarded the "Overseas Cane" for overall best performance by an allied cadet.
Commissioned in Pakistan Army on 18 October 1959, Raza Shah joined 11th Cavalry (Frontier Force) at Nowshera. About two years later the Shah of Iran, Raza Shah Pehalvi visited Pakistan and attended the festival of Horse and Cattle Show at Fortress Stadium, Lahore. A chosen group of young subalterns, Raza Shah included, was introduced to the Royal dignitary. The Shah of Iran was surprised when this handsome cavalry officer introduced himself as lieutenant Raza Shah. "Oh really", was the spontaneous remark by Shah of Iran.
In late August 1965, he was assigned the command of C (Charlie) Squadron, 11 Cavalry, equipped with M36B2's, a problematic turret-less tank not known for envious technical performance. To give the coveted command of a difficult squadron to an officer so young reflected the confidence that his commanding officer had in Raza Shah.
When the Indians had captured the Haji Pir Pass in Azad Kashmir by 28 August 1965, and were threatening Muzafarabad, the Pakistan Army launched a counter offensive on 1 September 1965 across the cease-fire line to relieve pressure on our forces defending Muzafarabad. The objective of this counter offensive was Chamb, Jourian and Akhnoor in Indian Held Kashmir.
On the eve of battle, the just appointed squadron commander, Captain Raza Shah bubbling with confidence and excitement gave a pep talk to his troops poised for combat the following day. "Tomorrow we shall Inshallah go into battle against a wicked enemy", said Raza Shah adding, "Those of you who know me will find me leading the front. And, those who do not know me yet shall not fail in discovering me." Raza Shah proved to be a man of his words.
Captain Raza Shah, was given the objective to capture Chak Pandit, a village south of Chamb, in the first phase of the battle. The enemy had very strong defences in the area and had well entrenched tanks and anti-tank weapons.
As the battlefield shivered with machine-gun fire, thundering of tank guns and artillery bombardment, Raza shah, undeterred, continued with a steady advance destroying several enemy tanks and positions in the process.
His steadfast perseverance in battle and unyielding commitment for maintaining the momentum of attack without regard to his personal safety in the battlefield littered with hostile fire showed his character, courage and gallantry beyond the call of duty in keeping with the highest traditions of cavalry and Pakistan Army.
By 10:00 am, the objective given to his squadron was within the firing range of its tanks, and a few minutes separated him from his operational goal. Suddenly his own tank was hit by the fire of an enemy Recoilless Rifle hiding in the brick kiln close to village Chak Pundit. All the crew-members of the tank, barring its driver, Ghulam Khan, were caught in the intense inferno that instantly raged in the tank. It precluded any chance of evacuation from the burning tank or escape from fire. Ghulam Khan, the only eyewitness in the episode, sustained burn injuries and was evacuated for treatment. Raza met his Creator at the young age of 28 and was the first officer to have embraced shahadat on 1 Sept 1965. Along with Major Raza Shah, 19 other ranks of 11 Cavalry Regiment made the supreme sacrifise on the first day of this battle plus another 15 from this regiment embraced shahadat before the ceasefire took place.
Mian Raza Shah was a Captian in September 1965 and was promoted to the Major rank after embracing shahadat.
On 23 March 1966, President Mohammad Ayub Khan delivered Raza Shah's richly deserved gallantry award of Sitara-i-Jurrat to his father Mian Firdos Shah. It now adorns the quarter guard of the regiment that once had the pleasure of welcoming him in its fold. Major Raza Shah's portrait and ceremonial uniform enrich the officer's Mess of 11th Cavalry Regiment. His younger brother Lt Col Mian Liaquat Shah commanded 11 Cavalry in late 1980s.
6. Major Shah Nawaz SJ, of 8 Baloch Regiment. Major Shahnawaz was a part of the force which launched a counter offensive across the Cease-fire line against Chamb, Jourian and Akhnoor.
The infantry battalion, 8 Baloch was being commanded by Lt. Col. Siddique and was a part of 102 Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier Zafar Ali Khan.
The 102 Brigade was tasked in the phase 1, to capture area west of River Tawi in the Chamb sector, including villages of Mandiala, Ullan Wali, Pir Jamal, Moel, Paur and Burjeal etc. The Brigade was supported by 11 Cavalry, a tank regiment.
The Pakistani attack commenced at 0500 hours 1st September 1965 supported by a terrific pre-H-Hour artillery bombardment which had commenced belching fire at 0330 hours.
The Company of 8 Baloch, commanded by Major Shahnawaz, having the task of capturing villages Moel and Paur, commenced its lightening attack against its objectives and was met with a stiff resistance from well dug in enemy infantry, Recoilless Rifles and tanks. Bitter fighting ensued and by 0900 hours the enemy resistance at Moel was eliminated and 20 prisoners were sent back to the Regimental HQ.
Major Shahnawaz then commenced advance south towards the village of Paur where enemy light tanks were dug in position. Support of 11 Cavalry was called in to deal with the enemy AMX-13 tanks which were effectively dealt after taking a few losses. Major Raza Shah shaheed of 11 Cavalry took part in this particular action, enabling the company of Major Shahnawaz to proceed towards its objective.
Once in the outskirts of Paur, bitter fighting again errupted with heavy losses on both sides. In the heat of the battle, Major Shahnawaz leading his company was hit by a burst from machine gun fire and embraced shahadat. Soon after his company was succesful in finishing the enemy resistance and capturing Paur.
Major Shahnawaz was awarded Sitar e Jurat in recognition of his gallantry services. He had received commission in February 1951 through 3 PMA Long Course.