BOOK REVIEW

1. Introduction
a. Name of the Book. Battle of Chhamb.
b. Name of Author. Lt Col Ahmad Saeed.
c. Name of the Publisher. Army Education Press.
d. Number of Pages. 88.
e. Number of Chapter. 9.
f. Details of Edition. 2001.
2. Comments on Substance
a. General Comments on the Book as a Whole
(1) This small book is found very useful and thought provoking particularly by
our junior leaders whose main interest largely rests in the domain of tactics.
It is a valuable addition to a number of books, which are currently being
written/produced in the Army Education Directorate.
(2) The present book is based upon a plan narrative of the 23 Division
operations during the Indo-Pak War 1971 by Lt Col Ahmed Saeed, then
GSO-1 of 23 Division. Unfortunately neither the GOC of the Division,
General Eftikhar Khan (Shaheed) lived to lead his formation to the
conclusion of battle nor did the December War of 1971 carry itself through
its natural course. Nevertheless, it can be said that 23 Division were able to
more than accomplish the task assigned to them.
(3) The war was fought between the two adversaries who probably had
identical missions and were evenly poised against each other. Chances
remained wide open to either side right till the end. These are the factors
from which the narrative derives its sustaining interest.
b. Comments on Various Parts/Chapters
(1) In first chapter first of all writer has described the sit in East Pakistan. The sit
was apparently under con, remained uncertain and confused. It was true
that Pak Army had complete hold in all the major towns of East Pakistan but
the countryside still remained, largely, the domain of rebels. Frequent
incidents of grenade lobbing, ambushing of army convoys, mining of roads,
raids on isolated police stations and isolated army post continued to occur.
Then writer very comprehensively illustrates the organization, planning and
 2
the move of 23 Division in the field. After that writer narrates the change of
command of 23 Division and at last the battlefield with Indian posture.
(2) In 2nd chapter writer explains the balance of forces in detail. First of all he is
discussing the two adversaries taking part in the war and then he clearly
takes over for comparison of the two forces. In this chapter writer has
compared the force in detail so that a normal reader can also get benefit out
of these details.
(3) In the third chapter writer has completely explained the operation “Sword of
Allah-I” launched by 23 Division in 1971 war. First of all offensive plan is
explained by writer in detail and then grouping of forces till unit level. The
chapter ends on a comprehensive note on the operation of sword of Allah
that how it begins and then how it ends.
(4) In 4th chapter writer is throwing light on operation Sword of Allah II, which
broke on 3 December 1971. In this chapter writer has also illustrated
struggle for Mandiala Heights carried out on 4 th December and plan for
Palawala fight. At last writer presents a review of two days fighting.
(5) In fifth chapter writer has described the operation Sword of Allah-III. It was
an attack launched by 4 AK Brigade across Tawion 5 December 1971.
Writer has also explained the contest for point 994 and 995, which was
occurred on 6 December. So this chapter includes a brief and
comprehensive note on the incidents of 5 December 1971.
(6) In Sixth chapter writer has explained the fall of Chhamb. First of all he is
illustrating the changing of direction of Indian Army during the fight and all
important incidents which took place on sixth December 1971. This chapter
also includes 20 Armed Brigade attack. Writer has illustrated this attack with
prominent and comprehensive sketch marking.
(7) The seventh chapter includes the details of all incidents, which took place
on 7th and 8th of December 1971. In same chapter the liberation of Chhamb
is also discussed. In this way in my point of view, this is the concluding
chapter of the book.
(8) In last two chapters writer has explained the incidents, which took place on
10 December 1971. Writer has also discussed the fighting carried out by
111 Brigade and 11 cavalry. These chapters also give us a brief detail of
arms and equipment used by 23 Division in the battle.
 3
3. Conclusion. “The battle of Chhamb” written by Lt Col Ahmed Saeed is a worth
reading book. It includes all details and incidents happened during the operation. It also gives a
chance to the reader to critically examine the decision taken place regarding battlefield at all
levels. It is an interesting book and a very good guide for young leaders.
 4

CO’s REMARKS
ON
BOOK REVIEW
BATTLE OF CHHAMB
BY
LT COL AHMAD SAEED

1.

Sta : Okara Cantt Lt Col

CO
Date : Jun 01 (Muhammad Altaf)
 5

BOOK REVIEW
BATTLE OF CHHAMB
BY
LT COL AHMAD SAEED
WRITTEN BY
PA-35235 CAPT ANJUM MUMTAZ