Thread by @indiannavy

#Reliving1971
On evening of 03 Dec 1971, then PM Smt Indira Gandhi announced-
''I speak to you at a moment of grave peril to our country...The Pakistan Air Force suddenly struck at our airfields in Amritsar, Pathankot, Srinagar, Avantipur, Utterlai, Jodhpur, Ambala & Agra''
(1/n)

The first hostilities had broken-out between India & Pakistan!
However, known to a few, Pakistani Submarine Ghazi was already on the prowl on the Eastern coast of India since end-Nov - its target, the aircraft carrier #INSVikrant - the pride of #IndianNavy (2/n).
#NavalArchives

In fact, from 27 Nov onwards, PNS Ghazi hung around 5-10 miles off the harbour entrance, armed with torpedoes & mines, waiting for Vikrant.
Did Ghazi get its target? Or did Vikrant manage to counter the deadly submarine?
To know more, watch this space (3/n)

#SwarnimVijayVarsh

#Reliving1971
On #13Nov 1971, 14 days before PNS Ghazi arrived off #Vizag looking for the Indian aircraft carrier, #Vikrant with Seahawks, Alizes & Alouettes embarked, left Chennai (then Madras) for #Andaman & #Nicobar islands with rest of the recently formed #EasternFleet (4/n)

This was a deliberate, calculated strategic move to counter Pakistan's attempt to attack #Vikrant.
So while Vikrant & the #EasternFleet worked itself up in #Andaman, Ghazi awaited its unexpected fate at the mouth of #Visakhapatnam harbour (5/n).

Did hunter get its prey? Or...

#Reliving1971
#WeRemember the afternoon of #01Dec 1971, two days before the war broke out - VAdm N Krishnan, then #FOCINC, #ENC summoned Lt Cdr Inder Singh, Commanding Officer (CO), #INSRajput to his office. The Admiral had an astounding order to pass (6/n)

#SwarnimVijayVarsh

#IndianNavy was certain that PNS Ghazi was anywhere between Chennai (then Madras) & Visakhapatnam, intending to attack #INSVikrant as soon as hostilities broke out. The FOCINC ordered CO, Rajput to sail out & act as a decoy to mislead Ghazi into taking her as Vikrant (7/n).

#INSRajput was also ordered to send misleading signals (messages).
On #02Dec 1971, Rajput sailed out. Her CO, Lt Cdr Inder Singh’s last words to FOCINC were, “Sir, I am ready to take the challenge!” (8/n)
Was Rajput successful in fooling Ghazi? watch this space for #Reliving1971

#Reliving1971
#WeRemember 03 Dec 1971, India & Pakistan were a few hours away from war. #INSRajput deployed on 02 Dec to mislead PNS Ghazi into taking her for #Vikrant, had returned to Visakhapatnam harbour - unscathed, for fuelling (9/n).

#SwarnimVijayVarsh
#IndianNavalHistory

After topping up supplies, while leaving harbour Rajput observed sudden disturbance in the water. Already on high alert with Action Stns closed up, Rajput carried out an immediate attack with depth charges to maximum impact resulting in a deafening shock from heavy blasts (10/n).

...However, there was little evidence of any damage.

It was only on #05Dec 1971, when divers from #INSAkshay dived at the site of explosions did they confirm the remains of a submarine. Evidence indicated that an internal explosion had sunk her.
A few rare📷s of PNS Ghazi (11/n)

Irrespective of cause, the War had taken its first casualty - a major blow to the Pakistani morale & a definitive strategic advantage to India! It was now time to unleash the potency of #NavalAirPower of INS Vikrant (12/n)
#NavalArchives
Watch this space for more on #Reliving1971

#Reliving1971
#WeRemember
09-10 Dec 1971 - older avatar of #INSBeas (operating in #BayofBengal with #Vikrant & #Brahmaputra) intercepted MV Azul Hasan Maru which was actually 'Anwar Baksh' - a Pakistani merchant ship carrying Pakistani soldiers disguised as labourers (13/n)

Already suspicious of the vessel, Beas immediately despatched 18 of her #bravest, under the leadership of Lt Cdr Raz Bazaz, to board apprehend & seize the vessel.
Was Lt Cdr Bazaz successful or did the enemy get the better of him?(14/n)
Watch this space for more on #Reliving1971

#Reliving1971
INS Beas's Boarding party led by Lt Cdr Raz Bazaz boarded the Pakistani MV, Anwar Baksh, fearlessly faced the threatening crew onboard and with courage & professionalism brought the situation under control, taking the crew as prisoners (15/n).
#BraveSonsofIndia

#INSBeas was also involved in the capture of six contraband carrying ships, sinking of two gun boats, bombardment of Cox's Bazar & providing anti-aircraft cover for #Amphibious operations at Cox's Bazar (16/n).

#SwarnimVijayVarsh
#WeRemember

Beas also carried out ASW operations against enemy submarine on #04Dec 1971, in conjunction with #INSBrahmaputra and #INSKamorta (17/n).

#NavalArchives

Watch this space for more on #Reliving1971

#Reliving1971
#WeRemember the Commando Ops mounted on the riverine port complex of Mongla, Chalna & Khulna on 09/10 Dec 1971.
#IndianNavy Commandos, led by Cdr MN Samant, along with #BorderSecurityForce & #MuktiBahini jointly formed 'Force A'... (18/n)

#SwarnimVijayVarsh

#ForceA sailed on-board INS Panvel, Mukti Bahini gun boats (Padma and Palash) and @BSF_India craft Chitrangada, from Haznabad to the backwaters of East Pakistan, to capture Khulna and Mongla...(19/n)

Manoeuvring his squadron through hazardous & unfamiliar routes Cdr Samant achieved complete surprise & routed the enemy in Mongla, inflicting heavy losses. He then proceeded to attack Khulna to destroy the enemy entrenched in strength (20/n).

#SwarnimVijayParv
#1971IndoPakWar

Cdr Samant inspired his men to rise to the occasion and fight most gallantly. Throughout the operations, Commander Mohan Narayan Rao Samant displayed conspicuous gallantry, dedication and leadership and was awarded the #MahaVirChakra (21/n).

#BraveSonsofIndia
@MoDGoIGA

#Reliving1971
#BraveSonsofIndia
Lieutenant Commander Joseph Pius Alfred Noronha was the Commanding Officer of INS Panvel, which formed part of the force entrusted with the task of attacking enemy targets in Mongla & Khulna areas frm 08-11 Dec 1971 (22/n)

Operating off #Khulna, subjected to incessant air attacks as well as enemy shore defences, Lt Cdr Noronha competently & fearlessly handled #INSPanvel in very restricted waters & managed to effectively engage the enemy positions on the water front (23/n).
#NavalArchives

His bravery, utter disregard to his personal safety, leadership & untiring energy inspired his men to rise to the occasion and his ship’s company fought the enemy in close quarter situation for a prolonged period (24/n).

#हरकामदेशकेनाम
#SwarnimVijayVarsh

Lt Cdr Noronha succeeded in silencing enemy shore defences & caused extensive damage to vital enemy installations. Throughout the operations Lt Cdr Joseph Pius Alfred Noronha, displayed conspicuous gallantry & leadership and was awarded the #MahaVirChakra (25/n).

@MoDGoIGA