| The Naval task was
to gain control of the seaward approaches to the Bays
of Marmagao and Aguada,
prevent interference by Portuguese naval units, occupy
Anjadip Island and provide fire support
to the troops.
At first light on 18 December
61 the Navy went into action under the command of Rear
Admiral BS Soman, then Flag Officer
Commanding, Indian Fleet. The ships conducted their
mission in three geographical areas.
INS Delhi was assigned to play
the stellar role of Diu. On spotting two
Portuguese vessels, she opened up with her guns and
sank one of them, while the other was scuttled by her
crew. Delhi also supported the Indian Army's advance
into Diu, neutralizing the citadel and the airfield's
control tower with her bombardment.
Meanwhile naval ships had been
patrolling off Marmagao and on the morning of 18
December they saw the Portuguese figate Afonso de
Albuquerque in harbour. Her guns were firing at the
Indian Air Force. Indian naval ships Betwa, Beas
and Cauvery closed in and engaged the frigate
from a range of 8,000 yards. She was badly hit and
huge fires broke out. Her crew swiftly abandoned her.
As assault party from INS
Venduruthy landed ashore to capture Anjadip,
helped by heavy firing from INS Trishul. It managed to
gain control over the southern part of the island,
overcoming stiff resistance. A second party landed
from INS Mysore to firm up communications.
The capture of the northern
part of the island proved more difficult; it was only
after the 4.5" guns from Trishul intensively
raked the fortified position that the garrison
eventually surrendered.
For that
spirited action, the Navy won twelve decorations -
three of them posthumously. |
