Acting Captain Arvind Nilkanth Jatar

On 08 April 1948, 19 Infantry Brigade started its advance to Rajauri MR Square Sheet No. 43K7. The Central India Horse (CIH) less two squadrons was to support the 4 Dogras for the attack on Barwali Ridge Square 3704 Map Sheet No. 43K8. Acting Captain Arvind Nilkanth Jatar volunteered to go with the Company in the attack as it was felt that without an Armoured Corps officer, successful support would not be possible. Captain Jatar carried the 46 set on his back because the operator has had sprained ankle while crossing the river. When the right forward company of the Dogras was half way up to the objective they were held up by heavy enemy medium gunfire from the right ridge. Without any regard to his personal safety, Captain Jatar moved across the bullet and mortar swept river, to the left forward Company of the Dogras. While crossing the river, his wireless set was hit by a burst of medium machine gun fire. This officer once again did a most courageous thing by standing up in full view of the enemy and indicating targets by means of a handkerchief tied to the wireless mast. It was solely due to his signalling that very heavy close support of the tank fire was given to the Dogras for five continuous hours, which made it possible for them to take the objective.

Throughout the battle, this officer conducted himself with superb courage and with no regard to his personal safety. It was mainly due to this officer’s initiative and coolness and shattering fire that tanks were able to give a most needed close support to the Dogras. On 10 April 1948, Captain Jatar was in the leading tank. At Nerian MR Square 3903 Map Sheet No. 43KB, the tanks had to leave the road and advance along the riverbed of Tawi. Captain Jatar crossed the river three times ahead of his tanks and on all these occasions he was under automatic fire. He was first to reach Chingas MR Square 3609 Map Sheet No. 43K8. Once again, this officer displayed initiative, courage and devotion to duty. By walking in front of the tank, he saved the tanks from getting bogged in the river. On 12 April 1948 during the advance to Rajauri this officer again crossed and re-crossed the river Tawi 11 times, all the times ahead of the tank.

After Rajauri was captured at 1845 hours Captain Jatar was ordered to go back about 2½ miles and pull out and recover two tanks, which had been bogged in the river. With extreme boldness and noteworthy leadership, he got the tanks out and brought them to harbour at 0130 hours. It was mainly due to his dauntless determined efforts that all ranks reached the objective. The enemy was surprised that he left behind hundreds of Indian Nationals, mostly women who had been collected in the village of Gordan Bala MR Square 3629 Map Sheet No 43K7 to be taken away and be butchered. The enemy also left behind ammunition and arms. The hurry in which the enemy left proves that they never expected the Indian tanks to move across the treacherous bed of the river, which was full of boulders. The following extracts from the Special Situation Report No.18/D/GS (I) HQ JAK Force dated 15 April 1948, which relates the work of Captain Jatar, "I consider advance was only made possible by excellent navigation by leading tank." For conspicuous gallantry, Acting Captain Arvind Nilkanth Jatar was honoured with the Maha Vir Chakra. He retired from the Army with the rank of Brigadier. Jai Hind!! Jai Jawan!!