Infantry Regiments: The cutting edge of Soldiering

JBH22

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"It is one of the simplest truths of war that the thing which enables an infantry soldier to keep going with his weapons is the near presence or the presumed presence of a comrade"

S.L.A. Marshal 'Men Against Fire', 1947​

The Indian civilization is a rich mosaic of many diverse ethnic groups and cultures, a Rainbow Coalition. Waves of successive emigrations from the Central Asian heartland to the rich alluvial plains of India created this melting pot of many cultures and ethnic groups. The Indian Army is a microcosm that faithfully represents the rich and vibrant diversity of the Indian macrocosm. India can boast of many fighting ethnic groups who have thousands of years of soldiering behind them. Some of the ethnic groups found in our Regiments today were mentioned in the epic Mahabharata some 3500 years ago. The Mahabharata mentions the Dogratas and Tigratas (the Dogras of today) it mentions the soldiers of Mathura (Ahirs, Jats, Yadavas) and Maghada (Bihar).



It also mentions Naga warriors (like Ghatotkach) and warriors from Kamrupa (Assam) who were experts in handling war elephants. The famed fighting ethnic groups like Dogras, Rajputs, Sikhs, Jats, Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Biharis and Assamese were moulded by the British into the European Regimental system. Initially, the British Indian units did their own recruitment. Then a mother or base depot was established to train and supply recruits. These metamorphosed into the Regimental Centres that today train and supply recruits to various battalions of the Regiment (that are generally serially numbered). Thus, depending upon the size of the Regiment, a Centre could feed from six to twenty battalions.

The Regimental Centre is the 'alma mater'; it is the repository of its traditions, trophies and artifacts. The new recruit joins the Centre, becomes a trained soldier, takes his oath of loyalty and joins his Battalion. Some two decades later he returns to the Regimental Centre for his release and discharge drill. He goes back home as a retired soldier and pensioner. This unique Regimental system creates a mini ethno-universe of sorts – a cultural microcosm that faithfully replicates and preserves the cultural and ethnic background and context that the recruit comes from. It is the primary system of bonding for combat and creates an extended family system. It gives the recruit and young officer an identity and a deep sense of belonging. It forges the bonds of camaraderie and trust that see the soldier through the stress and trauma of combat.

The recruit is taught to die for the Izzat, the honour, of his Paltan and the Colours of his Rgiment. The central credos are 'Nam', 'Namak' and 'Nishan'. Nam signifies the good name of the unit, Namak signifies fidelity to the salt and the oath the soldier takes, the Nishan is its sacred flag or emblem that can never be lowered on the battlefield. It must always flutter triumphantly. It is an amazing system for combat motivation and bonding. The Regimental system has stood the test o repeated wars and conflicts.



Indian Regiments have performed superbly in the first and Second World Wars in diverse battlefields over the whole world. Post-Independence they have kept up this sterling performance. The most recent test of the Regimental system came with Kargil and once again the sterling worth of the Indian Regimental system and the ethos it generates was proved beyond a shadow of doubt. The CNN, BBC, Star TV and other channels put martial India on telematic display for the whole world to see.

The Regimental system, in essence, is the primary basis for combat motivation in the Indian Army. It provides a sense of military identity – through unique and colourful uniforms and accoutrement – hackles, lanyards, cap badges and shoulder flashes and ornate turbans that tie the recruit to centuries of martial traditions of bravery and sacrifice as a way of life. Regiments have their Colours, their sacred Flags. They have their battle honours, their rich customs and traditions and rituals. Rituals tie us to our origins. These weave the skein of a distinct ethno identity dedicated to fostering combat bonds, cohesion and tremendous motivation.

On Republic Day the Indian Regiments present a carnival of colours, pomp and pageantry. Beyond these colours and ceremonials, however, lies a matchless system for combat bonding and combat motivation that has stood the test of time. This Rainbow of Regiments has served India very well in all her wars. These have become unique and immortal national institutions beyond compare. These must be nurtured and preserved. The Indian Army has three types of Regiments:-

* Single Class: Like the Sihs, Dogras, Jats or Garhwalis. These have troops from a single class.
* Fixed Class: Regiments like the Grendiers, Rajputana Rifles, Rajputs or Kumaonis have fixed ethnic groups, viz Dogras and Jats, Jats and Rajputs, or Ahirs and Kumaonis or Dogras and Sikhs or Rajputs and Gujars etc.
* All India All Class: These were generally raised in the post-independence period and contain a heterogeneous mix of all Indian classes. Stellar examples are the Guards and Parachute Regiments or the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

From these simple organizational ingredients has been born a tremendous system of combat cohesion, combat bonding and combat motivation. Men do not sacrifice themselves in the battlefield for the pay they get. Many years ago Philip Mason had written "Men may come to the colours for pay, but it is not for the pay alone that they win the Victoria Cross". The Regimental system motivates them to make the supreme sacrifice.

In the pages that follow, the colourful Regiments of the Indian Army are presented in brief outline.

http://www.indiandefencereview.com/military-and-space/Infantry-Regiments-The-cutting-edge-of-Soldiering.html
 
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JBH22

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The Brigade of the Guards

War Cry:Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyare

Regimental Crest



Regimental Battalions: 1st Battalion (former 2 Punjab)
.................................2nd Battalion(former 1 Grenadiers)
.................................3rd Battalion (former 1 Rajputana Rifles)
.................................4th Battalion (former 1 Rajput)
.................................5th Battalion
.................................6th Battalion
.................................7th Battalion
.................................8th Battalion
.................................9th Battalion
.................................10th Battalion
.................................11th Battalion
.................................12th Battalion
.................................13th Battalion
.................................14th Battalion
.................................15th Battalion
.................................16th Battalion
.................................17th Battalion
.................................18th Battalion
.................................19th Battalion (Anti-tank guided missile regiment)

# Honours & Awards: 2 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 1 Padma Bushan, 8 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 6 Maha Vir Chakras, 4 Kirti Chakras, 46 Vir Chakras, 18 Shaurya Chakras, 77 Sena Medals, 10 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 16 Vishisht Seva Medals, 45 Mention-in-Despatches, 151 COAS's Commendation Cards and 79 GOC-in-C's Commendation Cards.

The first all class mixed regiment was raised in August 1949, by grouping the senior most battalions from four senior infantry regiments. The Regiment was accorded the senior position in the infantry and takes first rank in the arm.

Punjab, Grenadiers, Rajputana Rifles and Rajput Regiments provided the battalions that started the Brigade of the Guards. Succeeding battalions were raised by direct recruitment. Its battalions have formed part of United Nation forces in Gaza (Middle East) and Angola.

The Regiment is to wholly convert to Mechanised Infantry role. One of its battalions is operating anti-tank guided missiles at present while four of its battalions are in Recce & Support role.

Guards have made a special name for themselves in the Indian Army, by their combat record and excellence in almost all fields of war and peace. The regimental insignia is the mythological eagle king, Garuda. The Regimental Centre is in Kamptee, near Nagpur, in Maharashtra.

The Chief of Army Staff is the Honorary Colonel, and President of India is the Colonel in Chief. 4 Guards Mechanised (1 Rajput) has the unique distinction of having an extra Junior Commissioned Officer on its establishment to carry the Honorary Colour (the only battalion in the entire Commonwealth awarded this honour for collective gallantry).

Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Delhi 1803; Egypt 1876-1917; British East Africa 1878; Afghanistan 1878-80; Kandahar 1880; Burma 1891; China 1900; East Africa 1914-1916; Mesopotamia 1914*1918, Egypt 1915, Gallipoli 1915, France and Flanders 1915, Kutal Amarah 1915; Palestine 1916-1918; Tigris 1916; Macedonia 1918; Afghanistan 1919; Donbaik 1943; Italy 1943-1945; Burma 1945; J&..K 1947-1948; Selinghar; Carnatic; Mysore; Ava; Pegu; Suez Canal; Neils, Krithia; Loos; Aden; Point-551; Kanghaw; Naushera; Mangalore; Hyderabad; Gaza; Megiodo; Nablus; Curais; Seringapatnam; Beurabone; Punjab; Mooltan; Persia; Reshire; Khooshab; Central India; Basra; Shaiba; Ctesiphon; Defence of Kut-AI-Amarnath; Sidi Barrani; Keren; Cassino; Castele Hill; Leswarree; Deig; Bharatpore; Khelat; Mahrakpore; Chillanwallah; Goojerat and Punjab.

Post-Independence. Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar.

Theatre Honours. J&K 1947-1948, Rajasthan-1965, Punjab-1965, East Pakistan-1971 and J&K-1971.
 
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The Parachute Regiment



Regimental Battalions:
.................................5th Battalion
.................................6th Battalion
.................................7th Battalion
.................................8th Battalion ------> 16 Mahar ------> 12 Mech. Inf.
.................................1st Battalion (former 1 Punjab) ----------> 1 Para (SF)
.................................2nd Battalion (former 3 Maratha LI) ------> 2 Para (SF)
.................................3rd Battalion (former 1 Kumaon) ----------> 3 Para (SF)
.................................4th Battalion ----------------------------> 4 Para (SF)
.................................9th Battalion ----------------------------> 9 Para (SF)
.................................10th Battalion ---------------------------> 10 Para (SF)
.................................21st Battalion (former 21 Maratha LI) -----> 21 Para (SF)

Honours & Awards: 2 Ashok Chakras, 10 Maha Vir Chakras, 6 Kirti Chakras, 2 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 3 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 47 Vir Chakras, 22 Shaurya Chakras, 98 Sena Medals, 3 Bar to Sena Medals, 11 Yudh Seva Medals and 8 Vishisht Seva Medals.

50 Independent Parachute Brigade was the first Indian airborne formation. It was raised in 1945. Subsequently, 51 Parachute Brigade was also raised in 1965 but converted in 1976 to an infantry brigade. The Paratroopers saw their first airborne action in 1945 when a battalion group was dropped at Elephant Point for the battle of Rangoon.

After Independence, in 1952, these specially trained Parachute Units from The Punjab, Maratha and Kumaon Regiments were transferred to the newly raised Parachute Regiment. These formed the 1 Para (1/2 Punjab) 2 Para (3 Maratha) and 3 Para (1 Kumaon). Subsequent to this, five Parachute Battalions and two Parachute (Commando) Battalions were raised. However, 8 Para was converted in 1976 and converted to 16 Mahar and later to 12 Mechanised Infantry.

The Parachute Regiment undertook its first post-independence airborne operation when 2 Parachute battalion group was dropped near Tangail in Bangladesh on 11 December 1971 and was also the first unit of the Indian Army to enter Dhaka. The 9 and 10 Para Commandos proved their mettle in 1971 by conducting lightning raids in Mandhol (across Munawar Tawi) and in Chachro (Sind) respectively.

The Parachute Regiment took active part in the liberation of Goa in 1961 and in Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka) with nearly 80% of the Regiment deployed in the Island in 1987-89. 3 Para and 6 Para conducted air landed operations in aid of the Government of Maldives. The Parachute Battalions have in addition to their participation in other campaigns, formed part of United Nations Operations in Gaza and Korea. Today, the Parachute Regiment is perhaps the only Regiment to have taken part in every theatre and every operation in and outside the country.

Recently, the Parachute Commando Battalions of the Regiment have been redesignated as the Parachute (Special Forces) Battalions. On 1 February 1996, 21 Maratha Light Infantry joined the Regiment designated as 21 Parachute (Special forces).

As a recognition of its distinguished service, the Regiment was presented its new colours by the President on 6 Oct 1967.

Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Lucknow, Sholinghur, Carnatic, Mysore, Mehidpore, Nagpore, Nowah, Central India, Ava, pegu, Abyssinia, Afghanistan, Burma, China, Helles, Aden, Meggiddo, Baghdad, Basra, Laos, Suez Canal, Egypt, North West Frontier, Mesopotamia, East Africa, Defence of Kut-AI-Amara, Khan Baghdadi, Persia, Shaiba, Ctesiphon, Tigris, Sharon, Palestine, Nablus, British Somali Land, Pratelle Pass, San Martino Sogliano, Barbera, North Africa, Shweli, Keren, Mersa Matruh, Monte Cavallo, Monte Farneto, lleastello, Monte Della Gorace, Indica Bridge Head, Italy, Magwe, Kama and Sittang.
Post-Independence. Bridge and Chachro, Shelatang, Naushera, punch, Jhanger, Jammu & Kashmir, Hajipir, Poongli, Bridge and Chachro.
 
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The Mechanised Infantry Regiment

War Cry:Bol Bharat Mata Ki Jai



Regimental Battalions: 1st Battalion (former 1 Madras, raised 1776)
.................................2nd Battalion (former 1 Jat LI, raised 1803)
.................................3rd Battalion (former 1/8 Gorkha Rifles, raised 1824)
.................................4th Battalion (former 1 Sikh, raised 1846)
.................................5th Battalion (former 14 Kumaon, raised 1832)
.................................6th Battalion (former 1 Garwhal Rifles, raised 1886)
.................................7th Battalion (former 1 Dogra, raised 1887)
.................................8th Battalion (former 7 Punjab, raised 1941)
.................................9th Battalion (former 7 Grenadiers, raised 1949)
.................................10th Battalion (former 20 Maratha LI, raised 1949)
.................................11th Battalion (former 18 Rajputana Rifles, raised 1941)
.................................12th Battalion (former 16 Mahar, raised 1965)
.................................13th Battalion (former 18 Rajput, raised 1941)
.................................14th Battalion (former 16 JAK Rifles, raised 1976)
.................................15th Battalion
.................................16th Battalion
.................................17th Battalion (Recon & Support Regiment)
.................................18th Battalion
.................................19th Battalion (Recon & Support Regiment)
.................................20th Battalion
.................................21st Battalion
.................................22nd Battalion
.................................23rd Battalion (Recon & Support Regiment)
.................................24th Battalion (former 20th Rajput, raised ?)
.................................25th Battalion

It is the youngest regiment of the -Indian Army and is a unique blend of military heritage originating since 1776 and the latest state of the art equipment profile. After 1965 Indo-Pak war, a need was felt to provide matching mobility to infantry units operating with armoured formations. In 1969 some of the oldest battalions from various infantry regiments were equipped with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), TOPAZ, SKOT and BTR-60. These battalions remained affiliated with their erstwhile Infantry Regiments and Regimental Centres.

Fourteen old infantry battalions which were mechanised are 1 Madras (raised - 1776), 1 Jat LI (raised 1803), 1/8 Gorkha Rifles (raised 1824), 1 Sikh (raised 1846), 14 Kumaon (raised 1832), 1 Garhwal Rifles (raised 1886),1 Dogra (raised 1887), 7 Punjab (raised 1941), 7 Grenadiers (raised 1949, 20 Maratha LI (raised 1949), 18 Rajputana Rifles (raised 1941), 16 Mahar (raised 1965), 18 Rajput (raised 1941) and 16 JAK Rifles (raised 1976).

In 1977-78 Mechanised Infantry units were equipped with BMP-1 Infantry Combat Vehicles (lCVs). To fulfill the requirement of the common battle and training philosophy of mechanized warfare, the Mechanised Infantry Regiment was raised on 2 April 1979 and the affairs of the regiment were transferred from Directorate General of Infantry to Directorate General Mechanised Forces. The Regiment was raised and nurtured under the watchful eyes of its first Colonel of the Regiment, General K Sundarji, PVSM, ADC. New Battalions were raised by pooling in manpower from old battalions.

The Regimental crest is a rifle bayonet mounted on the' BMP*1, depicting the infantry and mechanised facets of the Regiment. The President conferred Colours to the Regiment on 24 February 1988 at Mechanised Infantry Regiment~1 Centre (MIRe), Ahmednagar, in a unique parade where 14 Colours were laid down and 24 Colours presented.

The Regiment has actively participated in 'Operation Pawan' in Srilanka, 'Operation Rakshak' in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir and 'Operation Vijay' in Jammu & Kashmir. The Regiment has the unique distinction of operating in the High Altitude Areas of Ladakh and Sikkim. It also specialises ink amphibious, heliborne and airborne Operations. The Regiment has successfully participated UN Peace Keeping Operations in Somalia, Angola and Sierra Leone. The Regiment is affiliated to the Indian Naval Ship Gharial.
 
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The Punjab Regiment

War Cry:Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal, Durga Mata Ki Jai



# Regimental Battalions: 3rd Battalion
.................................9th Battalion
.................................13th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................14th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................15th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................16th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................17th Battalion
.................................18th Battalion
.................................19th Battalion
.................................20th Battalion
.................................21st Battalion
.................................22nd Battalion
.................................23rd Battalion
.................................24th Battalion
.................................25th Battalion
.................................26th Battalion
.................................27th Battalion
.................................28th Battalion
.................................29th Battalion
# 1st Battalion --------> 1 Parachute (Special Forces)
# 2nd Battalion --------> 1 Guards
# 4th Battalion --------> Disbanded in 1938
# 7th Battalion --------> 8th Mech. Inf.
# 8th Battalion --------> Disbanded after World War II
# 10th Battalion -------> Regimental Centre

Honours & Awards
: 2 Padma Bushan, 1 Padma Shri, 4 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 18 Maha Vir Chakras, 9 Kirti Chakras, 1 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, 6 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 56 Vir Chakras, 29 Shaurya Chakras, 1 Yudh Seva Medal, 121 Sena Medals, 19 Vishisht Seva Medals and 117 Mention-in-Despatches.

The Punjab Regiment is one of the oldest regiment of the Indian Army. It traces its origin to 1761 when the first battalion was raised at Trichinopoly. The first four battalions of what later became the 2nd Punjab Regiment and finally the Punjab Regiment were raised during the hostilities in the Carnatic in South India between 1761 and 1776. The numbers and titles of the battalions changed during the successive reorganisations of the Madras Presidency Army and later of the Indian Army during the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries. The names changed from Coast Sepoys to Carnatic Battalions to Madras Native Infantry to The Punjab Regiment.

The Regimental Centre was first raised at Loralai and was shifted to Multan in 1922, Meerut in 1929 and its present location in Ramgarh, Bihar in 1976. In 1951, four battle experienced battalions of the former princely states of Punjab joined the Regiment. These were a battalion each from the Jind and Nabha States Forces and the First and Second Battalions of Patiala Infantry. They are now designated as the 13, 14, 15 and 16 Punjab. Additional battalions were raised since 1963. The class composition of the Regiment is Sikh and Dogras at 50 percent each. There are also other Indian classes from north India represented in .some battalions of the Regiment.

The Regiment insignia is a Galley, an ancient Greek or Roman warship with a bank of oars and sail. It is perhaps the only Infantry insignia of a naval vessel anywhere. It was awarded to the 69th Punjabis (later 2nd Battalion of 2nd Punjab Regiment) in recognition of the readiness to serve overseas, after the battalion had fought in eight overseas campaigns by 1824. In recent years the Punjab Regiment has contributed towards United Nations Peacekeeping Operations by sending two of its battalions overseas, ie in Gaza and Angola (3 and 14 Punjab, respectively). First and Second battalion of Punjab Regiment were chosen to form the elite 1 Parachute (Special Force) and 1 Guards, respectively. The motto of the Regiment is Sthal wa Jal, or, By Land and Sea. The Regimental Centre is at Ramgarh, Bihar.

Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Sholinghur, Carnatic, Mysore, Mehidpore, Ava, China, Pegu, Lucknow, Burma, Afghanistan, Loos, Flanders, Hellis, Krithia, Gallipoli, Suez, Egypt, Sharon, Nablus,* Palestine, Aden, Kut-al-Amara, Baghdad, Mesopotamia, North Western Frontier, Mersa Metruh, Buthidaung, Ngakyedauk Pass, Imphal, Kangla Tongbi, Tonzang, Kennedy Peak, Meiktila, Pyinmana, Malaya, Ipoh, Singapore, Kern and Casa Bettini.

Post-Independence. Zoji La, Ichhogil, Dograi, Barki, Kalidhar, Bedori, Nangi Tekri, Brachil Pass, Laungewala and Garibpur.
 
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The Madras Regiment

War Cry:Veer Madrasi Adi Kollu Adi Konu Adi Kollu



# Regimental Battalions: 2nd Battalion (old 75th Carnatic Infantry)
.................................3rd Battalion (old 79th Carnatic Infantry)
.................................4th Battalion (old 83rd Wallajahbad LI)
.................................5th Battalion
.................................6th Battalion
.................................7th Battalion
.................................8th Battalion
.................................9th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................10th Battalion
.................................11th Battalion (old Territorial Battalion)
.................................12th Battalion (old Territorial Battalion)
.................................16th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................17th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................18th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................19th Battalion
.................................25th Battalion (old garrison battalion)
.................................26th Battalion (old garrison battalion)
.................................27th Battalion (old garrison battalion)
.................................28th Battalion (old coastal defence battalion)
# 1st Battalion ------> 1 Mech. Inf.

Honours & Awards: 1 Ashok Chakra, 5 Maha Vir Chakras, 32 Vir Chakras, 97 Sena Medals, 9 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 7 Kirti Chakras, 17 Shaurya Chakras, 1 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, 16 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 32 Vishisht Seva Medals, 151 Mention-in-Despatches, 210 COAS's Commendation Cards, 140 GOC-in-C's Commendation Cards, 3 Jeevan Rakshak Padak and 2 Unit Citations (3 and 25 Madras).
The Madras Regiment today stands firmly and proudly on the deep rooted foundation of valour and sacrifice displayed by the warriors of South India. The four great Kingdoms of Chalukyas, Cholas, Pandiyas and Cheras ruled various parts of South India till the end of 9th Century AD. Medieval India saw the rise of the Cholas whose empire extended from West Bengal in the east to south of Bombay in the west and covering the entire South India less the Cheras in Travancore and encompassing the islands of Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cambodia and Sumatra. The soldiers of the Madras Regiment are the descendants of the Pallavas, Cholas' Pandiyas, Telugus and Cheras whose history of valour is unparalleled.

The origin of the Madras Regiment in Its present form can be traced to the occasion when the levies were organised into companies of 100 men each, and two battalions were thus raised on 4 December 1758 and placed under Command Colonel (later Lord) Robert Clive to defend Fort St George at Madras. Thus, the Madras Regiment became the oldest element of Indian Infantry. The number of battalions of the Regiment soon increased to a maximum of 52 battalions in 1826.

In a significant event, influencing the turn of history, the Madras Native Infantry spearheaded the storming of Seringapatnam Fort in the Fourth Mysore War in 1799. On 23 September 1803, the Madras army under Marquise Wellesely defeated the Peshwa army at a place called Assaye and won the acclaim of all. In recognition of the fierce fighting capabilities displayed during the battle of Assaye, the insignia of an Assaye Elephant was awarded to the Madras Native Infantry and the same is worn on the belt by all ranks of the Regiment to this day.

Despite outstanding services rendered during many wars, as part of the overall reductions during the period 1870-1903, the Regiment was reduced to 20 battalions and another 15 battalions were converted to First, Second and Eighth Punjab Regiment. Between 1923-28, on grounds of economy, the Regiment was further reduced to only four Territorial battalions and one University Training Corps battalion.

After independence, the Infantry battalions of Travancore, Cochin and Mysore State force were amalgamated into the Madras Regiment.

Post-independence saw the consolidation of the Regiment and re-affirmation of the versatility and valour of the South Indian troops when the battalions of the Regiment fought fierce battles during J&K operations in 1947-48. Sino-Indian conflict 1962. Indo-Pak War 1965 and 1971. The deployment of as many as seven battalions of the Regiment in Sri Lanka during 'Operation Pawan' in 1987-89 was a testimony to the faith the Indian Army reposed in the loyalty, dedication and valour of the troops of the Madras Regiment. Two battalions of the Regiment have been awarded unit Citation by the COAS in recognition of their splendid service in combating insurgency in J&K/Punjab. Further, two battalions of the Regiment served the nation on the world's highest battlefield in the subzero Siachen Glacier.
 
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The Grenadiers

War Cry:Sarvada Shaktishali



# Regimental Battalions: 2nd Battalion (102nd KEO Grenadiers)
.................................3rd Battalion (108th Infantry)
.................................4th Battalion (109th Infantry)
.................................5th Battalion (112th Infantry)
.................................6th Battalion
.................................8th Battalion
.................................9th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................11th Battalion (old Territorial battalion)
.................................12th Battalion
.................................13th Battalion
.................................14th Battalion
.................................15th Battalion
.................................16th Battalion
.................................17th Battalion
.................................18th Battalion
.................................19th Battalion
.................................20th Battalion
.................................21st Battalion
.................................22nd Battalion
# 1st Battalion (101st Grenadiers) ---------------> 2 Guards
7th Battalion (former State Forces unit) ------> 9 Mech. Inf.

Honours & Awards: 3 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 7 Maha Vir Chakras, 4 Kirti Chakras, 2 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 2 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 2 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 33 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 71 Sena Medals and 27 Vishisht Seva Medals.

The oldest Grenadier Regiment of the armies in the Commonwealth belongs to the Indian Army. A composite battalion comprising Grenadier companies of Bombay Sepoys won the famous battle of Talegaon in t 778. By t 784, the group of Grenadier companies had been given the title of Bombay Grenadiers.

The concept of 'Grenadiers' evolved from the practice of selecting the bravest and strongest men for the most dangerous tasks in combat. The Grenadiers have one of the longest unbroken records of existence in the Indian Army.

The Grenadiers have as their insignia, the brass grenade with a white horse worn on the uniform with a white hackle.

The motto of the regiment is 'Sarvada Shaktishali' or Ever Powerful.

The Regimental Centre is at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Mangalore, Mysore, Seringapatnam, Egypt, Kirkee, Koregaum, Beni AIi, Meanee, Hyderabad, Mooltan, Punjab, Central India, Abyssinia, Kandahar, Afghanistan 1878-80, Burma 1885-87, Somalil and, Afghanistan 1919, Great War, Egypt, Gaza, Megiddo, Nablus, Palestine, Aden, Tigris, Kut-el-Amara, Baghdad, Mesopotamia, Africa, Kohima, Kalewa, Meiktila, Taungtha and Pwabwe.

Post-Independence. Gurais, Asal Uttar, Jarpal and Chakra.
 
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The Maratha Light Infantry

War Cry:Bol Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai



* Regimental Battalions: 1st Battalion (old 103rd Mahratta LI)
.................................2nd Battalion (old 105th Mahratta LI)
.................................4th Battalion (old 116th Mahrattas)
.................................5th Battalion (old 117th Mahrattas)
.................................6th Battalion
.................................7th Battalion
.................................8th Battalion
.................................9th Battalion
.................................11th Battalion (old Territorial battalion)
.................................12th Battalion (old Territorial battalion)
.................................14th Battalion
.................................15th Battalion
.................................16th Battalion
.................................17th Battalion
.................................18th Battalion
.................................19th Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................21st Battalion
.................................22nd Battalion (former State Forces unit)
.................................26th Battalion
* Old 3rd Battalion (former 110th Mahrattas) --------> 2 Para (SF)
* Old 10th Battalion (former 114th Mahrattas) -------> Maratha LI Regiment Centre
* 20th Battalion ------------------------------------> 10 Mechanised Infantry
* 21st Battalion ------------------------------------> 21 Para (SF)

Other Military Units with Maratha LI Affiliations

* 101 Infantry Battalion (TA) ------> (Maratha LI)
* 109 Infantry Battalion (TA) ------> (Maratha LI)
* 17 Rashtriya Rifles
* 26 Rashtriya Rifles
* 41 Rashtriya Rifles
* 34 Medium Regiment
* 36 Medium Regiment
* INS Mumbai (Delhi Class Destroyer affiliated on 30 January 2003).

Honours & Awards: 2 Ashok Chakra, 10 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 4 Maha Vir Chakra, 4 Kirti Chakra, 1 ACCL II, 14 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 34 Vir Chakra, 18 Shaurya Chakra, 4 ACCL III, 4 Yudh Seva Medals, 107 Sena Medals, 1 Shaurya Chakra & Bar, 23 Vishisht Seva Medals, 1 Padma Bushan, 1 Arjuna Award and 3 Unit Citations.

The Maratha military qualities were brilliantly optimised in their historic campaigns against the Mughals and the British, under the leadership of Shivaji and succeeding rulers. Maratha armies, comprising both infantry and light cavalry with the Maratha naval power had dominated the military scene in India for three centuries.

One of the famous regiments of the Indian Army, the Maratha Light Infantry is also one of the oldest. Its First battalion, also known as the Jangi Paltan, was raised in 1768 as part of the Bomay Sepoys. The Second battalion had earned the sobriquet of Kali Panchwin.

The Marathas came to special attention in the Great War and have maintained a record of dependability in war and peace.

The class composition of the Regiment is primarily formed by the hardy, frugal, and disciplined people form the former Maratha Empire. The men are drawn from the State of Maharashtra with some percentage from the Marathi speaking areas of Karnataka including Coorg. The Regiment also recruits Muslims from the recruiting areas. The Regimental Centre is at Belgaum, Karnataka.

The quick moving Marathas with their traditions of mountain warfare were ideally suited to and were formed into a light infantry regiment. The Regimental insignia is a bugle and cords with a pair of crossed swords and a shield. They chose the bugle for their insignia, as it best represented the light infantry mode of combat by skirmishers, controlled by orders issued on the bugles. The Regiment were the insignia with a red and green hackle.

Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Mysor, Seedaseer, Seringapatnam, Beni-bu-Ali, Kahun, Mooltan, Gujarat, Punjab, Central India, China, Abysssinia, Afghanistan, Burma, British East Africa, Basra, Shaiba, Ctesiphon, Kut-al-Amara, North West Frontier, Baghda, Megiddo, Sharon, Nablus, Palestine, Sharqat, Mesopotamia, Persia, Tobruk, Keren, Sangro, Tengnooupal, Sangshak, Gothic Line, Ruywa and Senio.

Post-Independence. Naushera, Jhangar, Barki, Hussainiwala, Jamalpur, Burj and Sudih.
 
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JBH22

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The Rajputana Rifles

War Cry:Raja Ram Chandra Ki Jai


The Rajputana Rifles is the senior most Rifle Regiment of the Indian Army. Its first battalion was raised as far back as in January 1775, as it stands today was formed in 1921-22 during general re-organisation of the Indian army. the following battalion of Bomaby and Bengal Army were grouped together to form the sixth group, the Rajputana Rfiles:-

* 104 Welleseley's Rifles - 1 RAJ RIF (1775)
* 120 (PWO) Rajputana Infantry - 2 RAJ RIF (1817)
* 122 Rajputana Infantry - 3 RAJ RIF (1818)
* 123 Outram's Rifles - 4 RAJ RIF (1820)
* 125 Napier's Rifles - 5 RAJ RIF (1835)
* 13 Rajputs (Shekhawati) - 10 RAJ RIF (1835) (The Rgimental Centre)
* 4th Prince Albert Victor's Rajputs - 105 INF BN (TA) RAJ RIF (1922)

Each of these battali9ons had a long and glorious past. They have taken part in some of the bloodiest battles in many theatres of the world. Teh Rajputana Rifles has the unique honour of having won the first Victoria Cross of the Indian Army in 1856. This was awarded to Captain John Augustus Wood of the 2nd Battalion in the Battle of Reshire in Persia.

During World War II, the battalion of this Regiment fought in every theatre in which the Indian Army was involved. Three of them, the 1st, 4th and medium Machine Gune Battalion fought in Eritrea in North Africa and Italy as part of the famous 4th Indian Division, whose fighting record was among the finest in World War II. It was in the fighting in Keren in Eritrea that Sub Richpal Ram of the 4th Battalion won a Victoria Cross (Posthumous), the first VC of the Battalion and that of the Division in World War II. The second Victoria Cross of the Regiment, during World War II, was won by Company Havildar Major Chhelu Ram again of the 4th Battalion, at Djebel in Tunisia at the end of the North African Campaign. This battalion alone won nearly eighty gallantry awards including two Victoria Crosses in a five year campaign.

The outbreak of hostilities in Kashmir again saw the Rajputana Rifles in the thick of battle. Company Havildar Major Piru Singh of the 6th Battalion earned for the Regiment its first Param Vir Chakra at Tithwal. During the brief period of the Jammu and Kashmir operations the Regiment was awarded 1 PVC, 2 MVCs. 14 VrCs and 49 Mentioned-in-Despatches. In 1970, Captain Umed Singh Mahra of a young battalion the 19th, won for the Regiment its first Ashok Chakra in Counter Insurgency Operations.

Battle Honours

Pre Independence. Mysore, Seringapatnam. Bourbon, Kirkee 1817. Beni Boo Ali, Meeanee 1943, Hyderabad, Aliwal1846, Mooltan, Punjab, Reshire, Bushire 1856, Khooshab, Persia, Central India, Kandahar-1880, Chitral, Afghanistan. Burma, British East Africa, China, Afghanistan 1919, Givenchy 1914, Neuve Chapel, Aubers, Festubert, France and Flanders. Egypt, Gaza, Nebi Samweil, jerusalem, Tel Asur, Megiddo, Sharon, Palestine, Basra, Shaiba, Defence of Kut-al-Arpara, Tigris 1916, Ctesiphon. Baghdad, Mespotamia, Persia, Abbyssinia 1940-41, Syria, 1941, North Africa 1940-1943, Italy 1943-1945, Malaya 1941-42 and Burma 1942-45.

Post-Independence. Punch, Asal Uttar, Charwa, J&K 1965, Basantar and Mynamati.
 

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The Rajput Regiment

War Cry:Bol Bajrang Bali Ki Jai


The Rajput Regiment is from the Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) lineage. 31st Bengal Native Infantry, raised in 1778, later became 3 Rajput. The Rajput Regiment has long beef) praised for its fidelity and courage. 1 Rajput and 2 Rajput (then 2/15th BNI and 1/16th BNI), fought with great courage in the capture of the fort at Bharatpur.

The men had loyally retained the Colours which had been shot to pieces in the earlier battles for the fort, and stitched it up again to raise it at the fort after it was taken.

The Regiment draws its men from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bengal and Punjab. It thus has almost all classes in it, viz Rajputs, Gujars, Brahmins, Bengalis, Muslims, Jats, Ahirs, Sikhs (M&.R) and Dogras.

The regimental insignia is a pair of crossed Katars (Rajput daggers) flanked by three Ashok leaves on either side.

The regimental motto is Sarvatra Vijay, or, Victorious everywhere. The Regimental Centre is at fatehgarh in Uttar Pradesh.

Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Delhi 1803, Laswarree, Deig, Bhrtpore, Afghanistan 1839, Khelat, Cabool 1842, Maharajpore, Moodkee, Ferozeshah, Aliwal, Sobraon, Chillianwallah, Goojerat, Punjab, Lucknow (With a Turretted Gateway), Central India, China 1858-59, Afghanistan 1878-80, Tel El Kabir, Egypt 1882, Burma 1885-87, Pekin 1900, China 1900, Afghanisthan 1919,Macedonia 1918, Suez Cenal, Egypt 1915, Aden, Basra, Kut Al Amara 1915, Ctesiphon, Defence of Kut-Al-Amara, Tigris 1916, Mesopotamia 1914-18, Persia 1915-18, North West Frontier India 1915-17, Donbaik, North Arakan and Pint 551, Defence of Alamein Line, Kohima, El Alamein, Razabil, Nagakyedauk Pass, Relief of Kohima, Taungtha, Sittang 1945, Tiddim Road, Hong Kong, Meiktila, Capture of Meiktila, Defence of Meiktila Rangoon Road.

Post-Independence. Naushera, Zoji La, Khinsar, Madhumati River, Belonia, Khansama and Akhaura.
 

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The Jat Regiment

War Cry:Jat Balwan Jat Bhagwan



Regimental Battalions: 2nd Battalion (former 15th Jat)
.................................3rd Battalion (old 10th Jats)
.................................4th Battalion (old 18th Inf.)
.................................5th Battalion
.................................6th Battalion
.................................7th Battalion (former 11th Jat)
.................................8th Battalion
.................................9th Battalion
.................................11th Battalion
.................................12th Battalion (former 31st Jat)
.................................14th Battalion
.................................15th Battalion
.................................16th Battalion
.................................17th Battalion
.................................18th Battalion
.................................19th Battalion
.................................20th Battalion
.................................21st Battalion

The Jat Regiment claims its origins from the Calcutta Native Militia raised in 1795, which later became an infantry battalion of the Bengal Army. After 1860, there was a substantial increase in the recruitment of the Jats in the Indian Army, however, the Class Regiment the Jats was initially created as infantry units in 1897 from old battalions of the Bengal Army.

In January 1922, at the time of the grouping of the Class Regiments of the Indian Army, the IX Jat Regiment was formed by bringing under a single regiment, four Active and one Training Battalion.

ats are known in Indian history for their skill with weapons and in combat. They had formed part of almost all successful armies of Indian feudal states.

The Regimental insignia is the Roman numeral nine representing its ninth position in the regimental hierarchy of the Indian Army of the 1920s.

The insignia also has a bugle indicating the Light Infantry antecedents of two of its battalions. The Regiment draws its manpower mainly from the peasantry, except a few battalions which have a mixed composition.

The Regimental Centre is at Bareilly, UP, one of the few Centres to remain throughout at its place of origin since January 1922.
Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Nagpur, Afghanistan, Ghuznee, Kandahar, Kabul, Maharajpur, Sobraon, Mooltan, Gujarat, Punjab, Ali Masjid, China, Kandahar 1880, Afghanistan 1879-80, Burma 1885-*87, China 1900, Afghanistan 1919, La Basse, Festubert, Neuve Chapelle, France and Flanders, Shaiba, Ctesiphon, Defence of Kut-al-Amara, Tigris, Khan Baghdadi, Mesopotamia, North West Frontier. Razabil, Kanglatongbi, Kampar, Malaya, Burma, Nungshigum, Jitra, Muar and North Africa.

Post-Independence. Zoji La, Rajauri, J&K 1947-48, Ladakh, Phillora, Dograi, Punjab 1965, J&.K 1971 and East Pakistan 1971.
 

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The Sikh Regiment

War Cry:Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal



* Regimental Battalions: 2nd Battalion
.................................3rd Battalion
.................................4th Battalion
.................................5th Battalion
.................................6th Battalion
.................................7th Battalion
.................................8th Battalion
.................................10th Battalion
.................................11th Battalion
.................................13th Battalion
.................................14th Battalion
.................................16th Battalion
.................................17th Battalion
.................................18th Battalion
.................................19th Battalion
.................................20th Battalion
.................................21st Battalion
.................................22nd Battalion
* 1st Battalion ------> 4th Mech. Inf.
* 9th Battalion ------> Disbanded in 1984


The SIKH Regiment is one of the highest decorated regiments of the Indian Army, with 72 Battle Honours, 15 Theatre Honours and 5 COAS Unit Citations besides 2 PVCs, 14 MVCs, 5 Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1596 other gallantry awards. The chequered history of the Regiment spanning 154 years is bloodied with heroic deeds of valour and courage which have few parallels if any.

Although the Regiment's official history dates back to 1846, the biological heritage has its roots in the noble teachings and sacrifices made by the ten Gurus. The SIKH Regiment of today has imbibed the culture and chivalry of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh's erstwhile KHALSA Army. The ethos and traditions of the Regiment got formalised with the raising of 'Regiment of Ferozepore SIKHS' and 'Regiment of Ludhiana SIKHS' on 1 August 1846 by Captain G Tebbs and Lieutenant Colonel P Gordon respectively. A major portion of the substance of the Regiment traces its origins to Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Army. With a humble beginning of two battalions in 1846, today the SIKH fraternity has grown 20 battalion strong.

The Battle of SARAGARHI fought by 36th Sikh (now 4 Sikh) in 1897, is an epitome of VAL OUR, COURAGE, BRAVERY and SACRIFICE.

Havildar Issar Singh with 21 Other Ranks made the supreme sacrifice repulsing 10,000 of the enemy. This sacrifice was recognised by the British Parliament, when it rose to pay its respects to these brave young soldiers. All 22 were awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the then highest decoration for the Indian soldiers. This 'Kohinoor' of the SIKH Regiment is one of the ten most famous battles of the world. Even to this date, this battle forms part of school curriculum in France.

12th September 1897, the day of Battle of SARAGARHI is celebrated as the REGIMENTAL BATTLE HONOURS DAY.

The Regimental insignia comprises the sharp edged quoit, or Chakra which the Khalsa armies had used in combat. The Chakra rings on lion, symbolic of the name (Singh) every Sikh carries. The Regimental motto is Nische Kar Apni Jeet Karon, (Resolved to Win) taken from the Sikh warrior's I prayer before battle. The Regiment draws its men I from amongst the hardy Jat Sikhs. The Regimental Centre is at Ramgarh Cantt (Bihar).
Battle Honours

Pre Independence. Arrah, Behar, Lucknow, China, Ali Masjid, Ahmed Khel, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Suakin, Tofrek, Chitral, Samana, Tirah, Malakand China 1900, NW Frontier, La Basse, St Julien, Armentieres, Aubers, Givenchy, Tsing-Tao, Nauve Chapelle, Festubert, Yepares, Tigris, Suez Canal, Sari Beir, Helles, Krithia, Suvla, Gallipoli, Egypt, Baghdad, Mesopotamia, Kut el Amara, Sharqat, Megiddot, Persia, Sharon, Afghanistan t 919, Mersa Metruh, Omars, Deir ul Sein, North Arakan, Buthidaung, Kangala Tongbi, Nyangyu, Irrawady, Shandatgyi, Keren, Sittang, Kauntan, Niyor, Coriano, Paggio san Giovanni Gothic Line, Monte Calvo, San Marino, Agordat, Kama and Saragarhi.

Post Independence. Sri Nagar, Tithwal, Raja Picquet, Barki, OP Hill, Parbat AIi, Punch and Siramani.
 

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The Sikh Light Infantry
War Cry:Bole So Nlhal, Sat Sri Akal



Regimental Battalions: 1st Battalion
.................................2nd Battalion
.................................3rd Battalion
.................................4th Battalion
.................................5th Battalion
.................................6th Battalion
.................................7th Battalion
.................................8th Battalion
.................................9th Battalion
.................................10th Battalion
.................................11th Battalion
.................................12th Battalion
.................................13th Battalion
.................................14th Battalion
.................................15th Battalion
.................................16th Battalion
.................................17th Battalion
.................................18th Battalion

The Sikh Light Infantry finds its origins in the Sikh Pioneers raised in 1857. 'Sikh Pioneers were used in various campaigns in India and abroad, and highly regarded for their determined resolve to complete the assigned tasks against all opposition.

The Sikh Pioneers were later merged with the Sappers and Miners. The World War and its need for additional troops saw the rise of the, Mazhabi and Ramdasia Sikhs as a regiment in 1941.

This designation was changed to the Sikh Light Infantry in 1944.

In vew of its linkages with the Pioneers the Sikh Light Infantry received its earlier seniority after the Sikh Regiment.

The Sikh Light Infantry draws its man power from the Mazhabi and Ramdasia elements -amongst the Sikhs. They had long formed part of the armies of the Sikhs' Tenth Guru and in later Khalsa armies.

The regimental insignia is the quoit, or the chakra used by the Sikhs in combat, mounted with a kirpan the Sikh dagger.

The regimental motto is Deg Teg Fateh (prosperity in Peace and Victory in War), a phrase taken from the Sikh scriptures.

The Regimental centre is at Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh.
Battle Honours

Pre-Independence. Taku Forts, Pekin, Abyssinia, Peiwar Hotal, Charasia, Afghanistan, Kabul, Kandhar, Chitral,' Egypt, Gaza, Megiddo, Sharon, Nablus, Palestine, Aden, Meiktila, Burma, Rangoon Road, Pyabwe and Sittang.

Post-Independence. OP Hill, Kalidhar, Fatehpur and Parbat Ali.
 

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Ladakh Scouts

Ladakh has been a front for many battles. This resulted in a unique breed of warriors. The Ladakhis took part in all wars fought in India since Independence. The Nunoos, as the Ladakhis are called in affection, are skilled mountain warriors and are unsurpassed in high altitude and white-out operations. Ladakh Scouts has inherited these qualities most naturally.

Indian Army's Ladakh Scouts is a 4,000-man paramilitary unit of local Buddhists and Tibetan commandos. The famed fighters, nicknamed 'Snow Tigers', is one of the Army's most decorated units, with more than 300 gallantry awards to it's credit including one Ashok Chakra, ten Mahavir Chakras and two Kirti Chakras.

With so many families in the hills of Garhwal and Kumaon who have sons (and daughters) in the military, the conflict in Kashmir has taken a heavy toll. The Garhwal Rifles, as well as other Himalayan regiments (the Gurkha Rifles, Ladakh Scouts, Naga Regiments, and Jammu and Kashmir Infantry) were all entrusted with operations in Kargil in 1999. They joined their Sikh, Rajasthani, Mahar, and Bihari brothers as a multicultural and multifaith force on the frontlines, suffering the brunt of casualities in defense of the state.

Ladakh is part of the Indian sector of divided Kashmir. The region of Ladakh spread over an area of 96,701 sq.Km. and consists of two districts, Leh and Kargil. Kashmir fighting has engulfed Ladakh's Buddhists. The 100,000 followers of Tibetan Buddhism who are caught in a half-century of war between local Muslims and Hindus, and between Pakistan and India, for control over the disputed territory. The word Ladakh is the ancient name of the third region of Jammu and Kashmir and not relates to any ethnic group, caste, creed or religion.

The Ladakh Scouts, which is considered to be the "eyes and ears" of the Indian Army, had been serving the nation ever since its inception, under most inhospitable high altitude and arctic weather conditions with zeal and dedication. Not only this unit served the nation by guarding the high altitude and inhospitable borders but has also helped directly or indirectly to build the shattered economy of Ladakh which had suffered badly due to three wars with Pakistan and one war with China. The Ladakh scouts in its short history of nearly 50 years have earned countless distinctions and gallantry awards as one of the highly decorated unit in the Indian Army, while rendering service to the nation.

The Ladakh Scouts was raised in 1963 in the wake of 1962 debacle against Chinese forces. It was the first unit of the Indian Army to successfully launch the counter strike against Pakistani incursions in Kargil operations in 1999 in Batalik sector.

The Ladakh Scouts has a glorious history which dates back 1948 Skirmishes with Pakistan. Soon after independence, in order to save Ladakh from the Qabalies (intruders) who came from across the border; the "National Guards" were formed out of the local Ladakhi warriors. In 1952 they formed the erstwhile 7th J&K Militia. The 14th J&K Militia was subsequently raised in 1959 at Srinagar. On first June 1963, Ladakh Scouts (I Border Scouts) was raised by the merger of 7th and 14th J&K militia. During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Ladakh Scouts launched a brilliant attack in Turtok Sector and advanced 22 kms into the enemy territory in just 14 days, thereby liberating 804 sq kms of area. During 1971 operations, 804 sq km of Turtuk was liberated by Ladakh Scouts for which they were honoured with the Battle Honour "Turtuk - 1971".

The period from 1982 to 1985 witnessed the reorganisation. In 1983, Ladakh Scouts was reorganised into a Headquarter and two wings viz "Karakoram Wing" and the "Indus Wing". The regiment has been pioneers in the Siachen Glacier during operation Meghdoot. During operation Vijay the Scouts performed their classical role in cliff assault which was instrumental in achieving success in the operation.

The Ladakhi Scouts, a small force of a few battalions, displayed several gallant acts during Operation Vijay and won quite a few gallantry awards, including a Maha Vir Chakra for Major Sonam Wangchuk. The Chief of Army Staff made a special instant award of "Unit Citation" to Ladakh Scouts for their meritorious and gallant performance during the battles of Point 5000 on night 05/06 July Dog Hill on night 30 June/01 July , and Padma Go on night 09/10 July 1999, in Batalik Sector. The unit performed with distinction during Operation "Vijay" and displayed exemplary valour and grit in the face of the enemy.

In August 1999 the Indian Army planned a multi-prong strategy to combat Islamic terrorism in Kashmir region. It includes increased recruitment of Kashmiri youths, strengthening of the Ladakh Scouts by merging it with the army as a regiment, and setting up of a new corps headquarters at Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The central idea of the strategy be to strengthen Indian army's presence on the Line of Control with additional deployment of 'early warning troops' such as the Ladakh Scouts.

The Ladakh Scouts underwent another reorganisation in June 2000 when it was converted into a full fledged regiment with four infantry battalions. In September 2000 the Indian Government approved a proposal to restructure the Ladakh Scouts, on the lines of infantry regimental centers. This paved the way for raising more battalions. The raising of 'additional battalions' of the Scouts would in the long run mean decrease in deployment from other sectors, thus saving high costs of redeployment. With the up gradation of status for the Ladakh Scouts, Indian Army would be left with only three scout units -- Garhwal and Kumaon Scouts deployed on Indo-Tibet border, and a small detachment of Dogra Scouts. With this restructuring, the regiment of Ladakh Scouts obtained the same status as other regiments of the Indian Army

The fifth battalion was raised on July 31, 2002. The battalions of Ladakh Scouts are deployed in Southren Glacier areas like Karu, Nubra, Leh and Partapur.

During operation Vijay, Ladakh Scouts was conferred upon 55 gallantry awards including 1 Mahavir Chakra, 6 Vir Chakra, 2 Yudh Seva Medals, 15 Sena Medals, 7 Mentions-in-Dispatches, 16 Chief Of Army Staff Commendation Cards and 8 GOC-in-C commendation cards. On September 18, 1999, Ladakh Scouts Regiment was honoured with the Chief Of Army Staff citation and Banner.

With one Ahok Chakra, 11 Mahavir Chakra, 2 Kirti Chakra, 2 Ati Vishishth Seva Medals, 26 Vir Chakra, 6 Saurya Chakra, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 64 Sena Meals, 13 Vishist Seva Medals, 13 Mentions-in-Dispatches, 67 Chief Of Army Staff commendation cards and 2 Jeevan Raksha Padak to its credit, Ladakh Scouts could be considered one of the highly decorated regiments of the Indian Army.
 

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DOGRA REGT

The Dogra Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, formerly the 17th Dogra Regiment when part of the British Indian Army.
FormationThe regiment has the Dogra people from the Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and the hill regions of Punjab. The current regiment was formed in 1922 through the amalgamation of three separate regiments of Dogras as the 17th Dogra Regiment. They were:

1st Battalion - Formerly the 37th (Prince of Wales's Own) Dogras
2nd Battalion - Formerly the 38th Dogras
3rd Battalion - Formerly the 1st Battalion, 41st Dogras
10th (Training) Battalion - Formerly the 2nd Battalion, 41st Dogras
The 41st Dogras were an infantry regiment of the British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1900, when they were raised as the 41st (Dogra) Bengal Infantry.After World War I the Indian government reformed the army moving from single battalion regiments to multi battalion regiments.[1] It dropped 17th from its title in 1945 and was allocated to India upon its independence in 1947.

Enlisting in the army is seen as an honourable pursuit for Dogras, with the earnings of the soldiers of the regiment forming a sizeable part of the local economy. The regiment currently has 18 battalions. The 1st Battalion was reroled in 1981 to become the 7th Battalion, Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

Soldiering has not only become a substantial part of the economic structure of the Dogra Hills, but created social and cultural traditions built on the people's association with the army. The regiment has produced one Army Chief, General Nirmal Chander Vij. The General also served as the 10th Colonel-in-Chief of the Dogra Regiment and the Dogra Scouts.

In the pre-Independence era, the Dogras had to their credit three Victoria Crosses and 44 Military Cross awards besides 312 other awards. Two battalions of the 17th Dogra Regiment (2nd and 3rd Battalions) also fought in the Malayan Campaign and, after the Fall of Singapore, a large number of the captured troops later went on to join the Indian National Army.

Units
2nd Battalion

3rd Battalion
4th Battalion
5th Battalion
6th Battalion
7th Battalion
8th Battalion
9th Battalion
10th Battalion
11th Battalion
12th Battalion
13th Battalion
14th Battalion
15th Battalion
16th Battalion
17th Battalion
18th Battalion
19th Battalion

Battle Honours
Pre-Independence combined battle honours of 37th (Prince of Wales's Own) Dogras, 38th Dogras, 41st Dogras

The Great War: La Bassée 1914, Festubert 1914 '15, Givenchy 1914, Neuve Chapelle, Aubers, France and Flanders 1914-15, Egypt 1915, Megiddo, Nablus, Palestine 1918, Tigris 1916, Kut al Amara 1917, Baghdad, Mesopotamia 1915-18, Aden, NW Frontier India 1915 '17
Afghanistan 1919
The Second World War: Kota Bahru, Malaya 1941-42, Donbaik, Nunshigum, Magwe, Kennedy Peak, Burma 1942-45
Post Independence

Jhangar, Rajauri, Jammu and Kashmir 1947-48, Hajipir, Raja Picquet-Chand Tekri, OP Hill (NL 1053), Jammu and Kashmir 1965, Asal Uttar, Dograi, Punjab 1965, Suadhi, Siramani, Chauddagram, East Pakistan 1971, Dera Baba Nanak, Punjab 1971 where Lt col Narinder Singh Sandhu displayed Valour and Courage and in the true traditions of the Indian Army won The Maha Vir Chakra.
The Highest Gallantry Award with Dogra Regiment in post-independence era is Ashok Chakra that was conferred posthumously to Maj. Sandeep Shankla in 1992 by then President of India Shri. R. Venkataraman. Maj. Sandeep Shankla belonged to the 18th Battalion of the Dogras.
"The total collapse of the Pakistan Army's resistance is one of the most intriguing puzzles of the war in the East" wrote the Sunday Times on December 7, 1971 as Pakistan surrendered. The credit for the fall of Suadih, a small village but a strong bastion of Pak army's most fortified position in Bangladesh, went to 9 Dogra. This led to the ultimate liberation of East Pakistan and the proud triumph of the Indian Army. For this herculean task, the battalion was awarded the battle honour of Suadih.
 

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Mahar Regiment



Regimental Centre: Saugor, Madhya Pradesh.
Regimental Insignia: A pair of crossed Vickers medium machine guns, mounted on a tripod with a dagger. The dagger was initially the Pillar of Koregaon, where the combined British and Mahar troops defeated the overwhelming Maratha Army. The pillar was subsequently removed and was replaced with a dagger.
Motto: Yash Sidhi (Success & Attainment).
War Cry: Bolo Hindustan Ki Jai (Say Victory to India).

The Mahar Regiment is an Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army. Although it was originally intended to be a regiment consisting of troops from the Mahars in Maharashtra, the Mahar Regiment is one of the only regiments in the Indian Army that is composed of troops from all communities and regions of India.

History

Under Shivaji and the Maratha Empire

The Mahars were recruited by the Marathi king Shivaji as scouts and fort guards in his army. They were also heavily recruited by the British East India Company, at one part forming one-sixth of the Company's Bombay Army. The Bombay Army especially favoured the Mahar troops for their bravery and loyalty to the Colours, and also because they could be relied upon during the Anglo-Maratha Wars. They achieved many successes, most notably on 1 January 1818, when 500 men of the 2nd Battalion 1st Regiment of the Bombay Native Light Infantry along with 250 cavalrymen and 24 cannon defeated 20,000 horsemen and 8,000 footsoldiers of the Maratha Army in what would be called the Battle of Koregaon. This battle was commemorated by an obelisk, known as the Koregaon pillar, which featured on the Mahar Regiment crest until Indian Independence. The Bombay Army also saw action in the Indian Mutiny of 1857, and two regiments (the 21st and 27th) joined the revolt under the British.

The Martial Races theory and disbandment

After the Revolt, the British officers of the Indian Army, particularly those who had served in the First and Second Afghan Wars, began to give currency to the Martial Races Theory. This theory basically held that some races and communities among the Indians were naturally warlike, and more suited to warfare than others. A major proponent of this theory was General Lord Roberts of Kandahar, who became Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in the November 1885. There was a gradual "Punjabisation" of the Indian Army to the detriment of the other communities. The final blow for the Mahar troops came in 1892, when it was decided to institute "class regiments" in the Indian Army. The Mahars were left out of these class regiments, and it was notified that the Mahars, among with some other classes, were no longer to be recruited. The Mahar troops, who included 104 Viceroy's Commissioned Officers and a host of Non-commissioned officers and Sepoys were demobilised. For years, the Mahars regarded this event as a great betrayal of their loyalty by a government they had steadfastly served for over a hundred years.

1892-1941

After the demobilisation of the Mahar troops, there were many attempts by the leaders of the Mahar community to persuade the Government to let them serve in the Army once again. Petitions to this effect were drafted by ex-soldiers such as Gopal Baba Walangkar in 1894, and Shivram Janba Kamble in 1904. These petitions were supported in principle by the politician and social reformer Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who was opposed to the Martial Races theory. They were also supported by the Indian National Congress, who were also opposed to the recruiting policies of the Army.

The recruitment policies of the British Indian Army continued until the beginning of the First World War in 1914. The War forced the Government to begin more broad-based recruiting, and the Mahars were at last allowed to enlist in the Army. One battalion of Mahar troops, the 111th Mahars was raised in the June 1917. However, the battalion did not see much service during the War, and in 1920 it was merged with the 71st battalion of the Punjab Regiment. Finally, the battalion was disbanded in March 1921, and the Mahars were once again demobilised.

The period between the wars saw increased efforts by the Mahars to persuade the government to let them enlist in the Army. One proponent of Mahar recruitment was Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, whose father, Sub. Maj. Ramji Maloji Sakpal had been a soldier in the British Indian Army. However, the proposed reorganisation of the Indian Army that was to occur in the 1930s was postponed because of a lack of funds in the Great Depression. In 1939, the Second World War broke out, and once again, the Army was forced to overlook its narrow minded recruitment policies in the face of harsh necessity.

Raising of the Mahar Regiment

In the July 1941, B. R. Ambedkar was appointed to the Defence Advisory Committee of the Viceroy's Executive Council. He used this appointment to exert pressure within the military establishment for a Mahar regiment. He also appealed to the Mahars to join the Army in large numbers. In October, the Army gave in, and the 1st Battalion of the Mahar Regiment was raised in Belgaum under Lt. Col. HJR Jackson of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles and Sub. Maj. Sheikh Hassnuddin. The 2nd Battalion was raised in Kamptee in June 1942 under Lt. Col. JWK Kirwan and Sub. Maj. Bholaji Ranjane. A cap badge was designed for the Regiment by Capt. EEL Mortlemans, an officer of 2nd Mahar. The badge featured the Koregaon Pillar over the word "MAHAR". The third battalion, the 25th Mahars, was raised in Belgaum in the August 1942 by Lt. Col V. Chambier and Sub. Maj. Sardar Bahadur Ladkojirao Bhonsale, and the 3rd Mahars were raised in Nowshera by Lt. Col. RND Frier and Sub. Maj. Bholaji Ranjane. During the War, the 1st and 3rd Mahars served in the North-West Frontier Province, while the 2nd and 25th Battalions were employed on internal security duties within the country. The 2nd Battalion also saw service in the Burma Campaign as a part of the 23rd Indian Division, where they suffered 5 casualties and had one officer Mentioned in dispatches. They also served in Iraq after the War as a part of PAIFORCE. In 1946, the 25th Mahars were disbanded, along with many other garrison battalions of the Indian Army. Its officers and men were largely absorbed by the other three battalions of the Regiment. In the October 1946, the Regiment was converted into a Machine Gun Regiment, and the Regimental Centre was established at Kamptee. Following conversion of the Regiment to a machine-gun regiment, the cap-badge was changed. The new badge had two crossed Vickers machine guns over the Koregaon Pillar, over a scroll that said "The Mahar MG Regiment". The three surviving battalions of the regiment served as a part of the Punjab Boundary Force, and took part in escorting refugees during the Partition of India.

The Border Scouts

The Border Scouts were an irregular force formed by the people of the border villages in East Punjab during Partition. Hailing as they did from the erstwhile greater state of East Punjab (which included the present states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh), the force had people hailing from a greater mix of ethnic, religious and caste backgrounds than was the norm in the Indian Army. They did some useful work defending villages from attacks during partition, and as a reward, were given a more permanent character as the East Punjab Frontier Scouts in 1948. They served along the border with Pakistan as border guards, and were regarded as a useful adjunct of the Punjab Armed Police. The unit was redesignated the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Border Scouts in 1951, with recruitment from different North Indian communities. In 1956, the decision to convert this force into Machine-Gun Regiments was taken, and the three battalions were merged with the Mahar Regiment, the only Indian Machine Gun Regiment in existence at the time. They joined the Regiment as the 4th, 5th and 6th Battalions of the Mahar Regiment, and it is to these units that the Regiment traces its mixed-class composition. The three Battalions style themselves battalions of the Mahar Regiment (Borders) even today.

Composition and Recruitment

The class composition of the Regiment also changed. While 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th and 13th battalions were all pure Mahar battalions, the others were mixed classes right down to the smallest sub-unit level. The conversion training started in November 1963 with 1st Mahar and completed in May 1964 with 10th Mahar. The year 1965 saw all the battalions of the regiment gearing up for operations. These included the newly raised 11th and 12th battalions that had the unique composition of Bengalis, Oriyas and Gujratis - the communities that had been stamped as non-martial by the British. Their entry into the Mahar fraternity added strength to national integration-the distinctive feature which the regiment has always been proud of.

Units

1st Battalion
2nd Battalion
3rd Battalion
4th Battalion (Borders)
5th Battalion (Borders)
6th Battalion (Borders)
7th Battalion
8th Battalion
9th Battalion
10th Battalion
11th Battalion
12th Battalion
13th Battalion
14th Battalion (formerly 31st Mahar)
15th Battalion (formerly 32nd Mahar)
17th Battalion
18th Battalion
19th Battalion

Former Battalions

25th Battalion (disbanded 1946).
16th Battalion (formerly 8th Parachute Regiment) (converted to 12th Mechanised Infantry in 1981)

Allied Units

108th Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (based at Saugor)
115th Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (based at Belgaum)
1st Battalion Rashtriya Rifles
30th Battalion Rashtriya Rifles
51st Battalion Rashtriya Rifles


Post-Independence

Theatre Honours: Jammu & Kashmir - 1947-48, Punjab - 1947-48 and Ladakh - 1962.
Battle Honours: Asal Uttar, Jaurain Kalit, Kalidhar, Tilakpur-Muhadipur, Sehjra, Harar Kalan, Parbat Ali, Thanpir and Shamsher Nagar.
 

W.G.Ewald

Defence Professionals/ DFI member of 2
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I like to see the Regimental crests. Does anybody collect them as a hobby?
 

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