Misra, Saurabh Kumar  <br/><br/>
The 26 Madras battle honour of Siramani: Case study of an infantry battalion in an attack operation 

 - U.S.I Journal   
 - 151(626), Oct-Dec, 2021: p. 466-479 
<br/><br/> The 1971 War which led to the liberation of Bangladesh was mainly an infantry, artillery and engineers war. This was because of the riverine nature of the terrain which hindered vehicular movement. Armour especially heavier tanks were constrained though very useful where they were able to operate. In any case the Pakistani armour and air effort was miniscule in East Pakistan. Conversely, so was the Indian component of similar forces. This article is a case study on the battle which led to the award of the Battle Honour ‘Siramani’ and Theatre Honour ‘East Pakistan’ to 26 MADRAS, a four-year-old infantry battalion. The battalion was given a task which in the Commanding Officers’ assessment was beyond his capability. But when ordered to carry it out, he went about it resolutely. His leadership and the courage and resilience of the troops of 26 MADRAS stood them in good stead. – Reproduced