Here’s the story behind Hyderabad’s iconic Patton Tank perching on Tank Bund road

This M-47 Patton Tank happens to be one of the 66 tanks knocked out by the Indian Army in December 1971 and presented to the people of the twin cities by Lt Gen WAG Pinto

Hyderabad: As ‘Operation Sindoor’ resonates with the entire nation for its punitive retribution on Pakistan for the dastardly Pahalgam massacre in Jammu & Kashmir, a five decade-old war trophy from the hostile neighbour occupies a place of pride in the heart of Hyderabad.

The M-47 Patton Tank, which Indian soldiers took from a defeated Pakistan army during the 1971 war, is perched on the busy Tank Bund road that connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The disabled tank happens to be a war trophy from the Battle of Basantar in Pakistan between December 15 and 17 in 1971. This happens to be one of the 66 tanks knocked out by the Indian Army in December 1971 and presented to the people of the twin cities by Lt Gen WAG Pinto.

A black granite plaque installed in front of the Patton Tank reveals the history.

“Bash On Regardless presented to the citizens of the Twin Cities on 26 Nov 1973 by Major General WAG Pinto, PVSM, and all ranks 54 INF Division (The Bash-on-Regardless Bison Division) as a token of esteem and appreciation for their unstinted support ever since the division was raised in Hyderabad-Secunderabad in October 1966. This M-47 Patton is one of the 66 tanks knocked out by the Division in the wake of its swift advance and capture of 988 SQM KMS of enemy territory during the 14 day war of Dec 1971,” the plaque reads.

In 2011, retired Lt Gen Pinto released a book titled ‘Bash on Regardless’ written by him at the 54th Infantry Division, Headquarters Bolarum in Secunderabad Cantonment. The book contains his war experiences. The 54th Infantry Division, headed by Lt Gen Pinto, entered Pakistan territory along with his battalion after routing the enemy in the battle. He told his battalion that they were entering Pakistan and no passports were required.

“So, bash on regardless”. He advised his battalion, “First let your mind go blank,” and then he explained war strategies to tackle the most decisive battles of the Indo-Pak War.

However, the iconic war trophy has now developed rust due to poor maintenance and the painted olive-green finish has faded with visitors frequently climbing it for photographs and selfies.

History of Battle of Basantar:

The Battle of Basantar, also known as the Battle of Shakargarh or Battle of Barapind (December 4–16, 1971), was one of the vital battles fought as part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in the western sector of India.

The Indian troops won a hard-fought battle that secured this area in the Punjab/Jammu sector. The name Battle of Basantar encompasses the entire gamut of battles and skirmishes fought in the Shakargarh sector.