Battle of Longewala

The Battle of Longewala was one of the major decisive battles fought on the Western sector during the India - Pakistan War of 1971. On the night of 04/05 Dec 1971, Pakistan forces comprising 4000 soldiers, T-59 & Sherman tanks, and a medium artillery battery attacked Longewala border post held by 23 PUNJAB. Inspite of being outnumbered, Indian soldiers gallantly held the post and requisitioned support of IAF. At the dawn of 5th Dec 1971, the Hunter aircraft based at Jaisalmer wreaked havoc on the Pakistani troops with their devastating fire power. The Hunters of 122 Squadron flew 18 sorties and destroyed 36 enemy tanks, 100 vehicles and killed 200 Pakistan soldiers in a very short span of time thwarting the advance of Pakistani army in its tracks.