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This is an unusual conflict, in that both of the tanks involved were developed in the West – most post-war tank battles either involved wartime surplus or tanks provided by the rival sides in the Cold War. In this case Pakistan had a force of American M48 Pattons, while India had a mixed force of British Centurion tanks.
The book starts with a look at the development of the two tanks, the versions in use in the conflict, and how they ended up in Indian and Pakistani use. This is followed by a section on the build up to war, and the conflict itself. There is also some interesting material on the problems faced by the inexperienced senior commanders on both sides.
One thing we don't get is any particular analysis of the clashes between the M48s and the Centurions. There is some comparison of technical features during the analysis of the individual tanks, and a history of the conflict itself, but I was expecting a more detailed examination of some the clashes between the two types.
Chapters
Chronology
Design and Development
Technical Specifications
The Combatants
The Strategic Situation
Combat
Statistics and Analysis
Aftermath
Author: David R. Higgins
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 2016
Publisher: Osprey
Year: 80