September 14–19, 1965 saw a major tank battle at Chawinda, with the third and heaviest attack taking place on the morning of September 19. This is regarded as one of the biggest tank fights since the Second World War.
In an attempt to take Chawinda, the First Armored Division, 8 Mountain Division, and 26 Infantry Division of India launched the attack, sending about 300 tanks and more than 2,000 infantry soldiers.
Pakistani soldiers successfully repelled the attack by using infantry, tanks, and artillery. Indian units that were advancing were allegedly severely damaged by Pakistani shelling.
There have been reports of significant losses for the Indian forces; estimates place the number of casualties at about 800, and the number of prisoners seized at over 1,000. In the fight, 180 tanks are said to have been lost by the Indian First Armored Division.
