Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore — Veer Gatha

During the 1965 war, Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Tarapore commanded 17 Horse in a series of armoured battles in the Sialkot sector between 11 and 16 September. Though wounded, he refused evacuation and continued to lead his regiment until he was killed on 16 September.

Early life and background

Born in Bombay and schooled in Pune, Tarapore was commissioned into the Hyderabad State Forces in 1942 and saw service in the Middle East during the Second World War. After 1948 he joined the Indian Army and was posted to the Poona Horse.

Historical context

In September 1965 Indian armoured formations advanced into the Sialkot sector, leading to intense tank battles around Phillora and Chawinda.

Key achievements

Leading 17 Horse from the front, Tarapore took part in the capture of Phillora and continued to command through days of heavy fighting despite being wounded.

Important events and milestones

1942 Commissioned into the Hyderabad State Forces.
1951 Commissioned into the Indian Army; joins the Poona Horse.
11–16 September 1965 Leads 17 Horse in the Sialkot sector.
16 September 1965 Killed in action.

Awards and honours

Param Vir Chakra (posthumous).

His sacrifice

Lieutenant Colonel Tarapore was killed when his tank was hit on 16 September 1965. He was forty-two.

Enduring legacy

The Poona Horse counts two Param Vir Chakra recipients among its officers — Tarapore in 1965 and Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in 1971.

References

This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.