Army Ordnance Corps (India): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Army Ordnance Corps
| unit_name                     = Army Ordnance Corps
| native_name =
| native_name                   =  
| image =  
| image                         =  
| alt =
| alt                           =  
| caption =
| caption                       =  
| dates = {{Start date and age|1775|04|08}} <ref name="Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries - TOI">{{cite web|author1=Chethan Kumar|title=Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-Ordnance-Corp-Arming-the-army-beyond-centuries/articleshow/33459340.cms|website=Times of India|access-date=25 May 2016|date=8 April 2014|archive-url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-Ordnance-Corp-Arming-the-army-beyond-centuries/articleshow/33459340.cms?|archive-date=11 July 2016}}</ref>
| dates                         = {{Start date and age|1775|04|08}} <ref name="Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries - TOI">{{cite web|author1=Chethan Kumar|title=Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-Ordnance-Corp-Arming-the-army-beyond-centuries/articleshow/33459340.cms|website=Times of India|access-date=25 May 2016|date=8 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711204557/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-Ordnance-Corp-Arming-the-army-beyond-centuries/articleshow/33459340.cms|archive-date=11 July 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| country = {{flag|British India}} (1775-1947)<br />{{flag|India}} (1947-Present)
| country                       = {{flag|India}} (1947–Present)
| countries =
| countries                     =  
| allegiance ={{flag|British Empire}}<br />{{flag|Republic of India}}
| allegiance                   = {{flag|Republic of India}}
| branch ={{army|British India}}<br />{{army|India}}
| branch                       = {{army|India}}
| type =  
| type                         =  
| role = Material and logistic support
| role                         = Material and logistic support
| size =
| size                         =  
| command_structure =
| command_structure             =  
| garrison =  
| garrison                     =  
| garrison_label =
| garrison_label               =  
| nickname =
| nickname                     =  
| patron =
| patron                       =  
| motto = Sua Tela Tonanti <br/> [[English language|English]]: {{lang|en|To the thunderer – His Arms or To the Soldier – His fighting needs}}
| motto                         = Sua Tela Tonanti <br/> [[English language|English]]: {{lang|en|To the thunderer – His Arms or To the Soldier – His fighting needs}}
| colors = {{color box|#1C5EB4}} {{color box|#F92B35}}<br />Navy blue & Red
| colors                       = {{color box|#1C5EB4}} {{color box|#F92B35}}<br />Navy blue & Red
| colors_label = <!-- or | colours_label = -->
| colors_label                 = <!-- or | colours_label = -->
| march =  
| march                         =  
| mascot =
| mascot                       =  
| anniversaries = 8 April <ref name="240th Army Ordnance Corps Day on 08 Apr 2015 - PIB">{{cite web|title=240th Army Ordnance Corps Day on 08 Apr 2015|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=118067|website=PIB|access-date=25 May 2016}}</ref>
| anniversaries                 = 8 April<ref name="240th Army Ordnance Corps Day on 08 Apr 2015 - PIB">{{cite web|title=240th Army Ordnance Corps Day on 08 Apr 2015|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=118067|website=PIB|access-date=25 May 2016|archive-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616231515/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=118067|url-status=live}}</ref>
| equipment =
| equipment                     =  
| equipment_label =
| equipment_label               =  
| battles = [[World War I]]<br/>[[World War II]]<br/>[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]<br/>[[Sino-Indian War of 1962]]<br />[[Indo-Pak War of 1965]]<br />[[Indo-Pak War of 1971]]<br/> [[1999 Kargil Conflict]]
| battles                       = [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]<br/>[[Sino-Indian War of 1962]]<br />[[Indo-Pak War of 1965]]<br />[[Indo-Pak War of 1971]]<br/> [[1999 Kargil Conflict]]
| decorations =
| decorations                   =  
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours               =  
| battle_honours_label =
| battle_honours_label         =  
| disbanded =
| disbanded                     =  
| flying_hours =
| flying_hours                 =  
| website = [http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Jxk0Uinr35CyePD51ne6sQ==&ParentID=Y+GhSyy6umu7p3cuU82kKA== Indian Army Ordnance Corps Official Site]
| website                       = {{Official website|1=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Jxk0Uinr35CyePD51ne6sQ==&ParentID=Y+GhSyy6umu7p3cuU82kKA== |name=indianarmy.nic.in}}
<!-- Commanders -->
<!-- Commanders -->| current_commander             =  
| current_commander =
| commander1                   = [[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]] SC Tande
 
| commander1_label             = Director General Ordnance Services
| commander1 =[[Lieutenant general|Lieutenant General]] RKS Kushwaha
| commander2                   = Lt Gen SC Tande <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/223002.pdf|title=Gazette of India No 45|date=2020-11-07|access-date=2020-11-24|archive-date=2021-02-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201134513/http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/223002.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| commander1_label =Director General Ordnance Services
| commander2_label             = Colonel Commandant
| commander2 =Lt Gen Rajesh Rana, VSM<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/223002.pdf|title=Gazette of India No 45|date=2020-11-07|access-date=2020-11-24}}</ref>  
| commander3                   =  
| commander2_label =Colonel Commandant
| commander3_label             =  
| commander3 =
| commander4                   =  
| commander3_label =
| commander4_label             =  
| commander4 =
| commander5                   =  
| commander4_label =
| commander5_label             =  
| commander5 =
| commander6                   =  
| commander5_label =
| commander6_label             =  
| commander6 =
| commander7                   =  
| commander6_label =
| commander7_label             =  
| commander7 =
| commander8                   =  
| commander7_label =
| commander8_label             =  
| commander8 =
| commander9                   =  
| commander8_label =
| commander9_label             =  
| commander9 =
| notable_commanders           = <!-- Insignia -->
| commander9_label =
| identification_symbol         =  
| notable_commanders =
| identification_symbol_label   =  
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol_2       =  
| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol_2_label =  
| identification_symbol_label =
| identification_symbol_3       =  
| identification_symbol_2 =
| identification_symbol_3_label =  
| identification_symbol_2_label =
| identification_symbol_4       =  
| identification_symbol_3 =
| identification_symbol_4_label =  
| identification_symbol_3_label =
| identification_symbol_5       =  
| identification_symbol_4 =
| identification_symbol_5_label = <!-- Aircraft -->
| identification_symbol_4_label =
| aircraft_attack               =  
| identification_symbol_5 =
| aircraft_bomber               =  
| identification_symbol_5_label =
| aircraft_electronic           =  
<!-- Aircraft -->
| aircraft_fighter             =  
| aircraft_attack =
| aircraft_helicopter           =  
| aircraft_bomber =
| aircraft_helicopter_attack   =  
| aircraft_electronic =
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo     =  
| aircraft_fighter =
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =  
| aircraft_helicopter =
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =  
| aircraft_helicopter_attack =
| aircraft_helicopter_transport =  
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer   =  
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =
| aircraft_helicopter_utility   =  
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
| aircraft_interceptor         =  
| aircraft_helicopter_transport =
| aircraft_patrol               =  
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =
| aircraft_recon               =  
| aircraft_helicopter_utility =
| aircraft_trainer             =  
| aircraft_interceptor =
| aircraft_transport           =  
| aircraft_patrol =
| aircraft_tanker               =  
| aircraft_recon =
| aircraft_general             =  
| aircraft_trainer =
| aircraft_transport =
| aircraft_tanker =
| aircraft_general =
}}
}}


The '''Army Ordnance Corps''' (abbreviated as AOC) is an active corps of the [[Indian Army]] and a major formation responsible for providing material and logistical support to the Indian Army during war and peace. The history of the Ordnance Corps dates back to the 18th century, which makes it one of the oldest formations of the Indian Army.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) NISG">{{cite web|title=Army Ordnance Corps (AOC)|url=http://nisg.org/project/38|website=nisg.org|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="History of Army Ordnance Corps Army Official" />
The '''Army Ordnance Corps''' (abbreviated as '''AOC''') is an active corps of the [[Indian Army]] and a major formation responsible for providing material and logistical support to the Indian Army during war and peace.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) NISG">{{cite web|title=Army Ordnance Corps (AOC)|url=http://nisg.org/project/38|website=nisg.org|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=27 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627125549/http://nisg.org/project/38|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="History of Army Ordnance Corps Army Official" />


==History==
==History==


===Pre-independence===
===Pre-independence===
The history of ordnance in India dates back to the 15th century.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries - TOI"/> The early ordnance stores in the Indian sub-continent were established by the [[British East India Company]] for their logistical requirements. Following the military expansion of the company, the needs of military troops increased which in turn required the support of an ordnance department. By accepting the report of then Commander-in-Chief of the [[Bengal Presidency|Bengal Army]], [[John Clavering (British Army officer)|Lieutenant General Sir John Clavering]], the Board of Ordnance was established on April 8, 1775.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries - TOI"/> This is considered to be the first step towards the recognition of the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC). Initially the board was put under the control of the Bengal Presidency.{{Citation needed|date=November 2016}}
The history of ordnance in India dates back to the 15th century.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries - TOI"/> The early ordnance stores in the Indian sub-continent were established by the [[British East India Company]] for their logistical requirements. Following the military expansion of the company, the needs of military troops increased which in turn required the support of an ordnance department. By accepting the report of then Commander-in-Chief of the [[Bengal Presidency|Bengal Army]], [[John Clavering (British Army officer)|Lieutenant General Sir John Clavering]], the Board of Ordnance was established on April 8, 1775.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries - TOI"/> This is considered to be the first step towards the recognition of the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC). Initially the board was put under the control of the Bengal Presidency.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}
[[File:Stamp of India - 1975 - Colnect 313174 - Bicentenary Indian Army Ordnance Corps - Stylized Cannons.jpeg|thumb|right|305x305px|1975 stamp to commemorate the bicentenary Indian Army Ordnance Corps]]
With the increasing influence of the British crown over the sub-continent, the number of British troops increased significantly. In 1874, a "Special Ordnance Commission" was appointed by the government to prepare a report on the establishment of a new ordnance system at the national level. The report which was submitted on 7 April 1875 recommended a centralized system and the establishment of ordnance factories in the country. A report by the Army in India Commission, which was constituted in May 1879 by [[Robert Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton|Lord Lytton]],<ref name=Bulwer-Lytton group="Note">[[Viceroy and Governor-General of India]] from 12 April 1876 to 8 June 1880.</ref> recommended the establishment of a centralized all-India organisation, headed by a Director General of Ordnance. On 1 April 1884, the Ordnance Department of India came into existence. The Ordnance's three Presidencies<ref name=presidenciesofbr group="Note">[[Bengal Presidency]], [[Madras Presidency]], and [[Bombay Presidency]]</ref> of the [[British Raj]] were integrated into one. An Inspector General of Ordnance was appointed to each Presidency and was responsible to the Director General at the national level. Following the [[Partition of Bengal (1905)]], the Ordnance was split into two, each with an Inspector General. Several reorganizations took place during the tenure of [[Herbert Kitchener|Lord Kitchener]] as the [[Commander-in-Chief, India|Commander-in-Chief of India]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}


With the increasing influence of the British crown over the sub-continent, the number of British troops increased significantly. In 1874, a "Special Ordnance Commission" was appointed by the government to prepare a report on the establishment of a new ordnance system at the national level. The report which was submitted on 7 April 1875 recommended a centralized system and the establishment of ordnance factories in the country. A report by the Army in India Commission, which was constituted in May 1879 by [[Robert Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton|Lord Lytton]],<ref name=Bulwer-Lytton group="Note">[[Viceroy and Governor-General of India]] from 12 April 1876 to 8 June 1880.</ref> recommended the establishment of a centralized all-India organisation, headed by a Director General of Ordnance. On 1 April 1884, the Ordnance Department of India came into existence. The Ordnance's three Presidencies<ref name=presidenciesofbr group="Note">[[Bengal Presidency]], [[Madras Presidency]], and [[Bombay Presidency]]</ref> of the [[British Raj]] were integrated into one. An Inspector General of Ordnance was appointed to each Presidency and was responsible to the Director General at the national level. Following the [[Partition of Bengal (1905)]], the Ordnance was split into two, each with an Inspector General. Several reorganizations took place during the tenure of [[Herbert Kitchener|Lord Kitchener]] as the [[Commander-in-Chief, India|Commander-in-Chief of India]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2016}}
Overruling the report of the [[Esher Report|Esher Committee of 1919]] recommended that a civilian member be in charge of civil business. A military officer was put in-charge of manufacture and production as Master General of Supply. Later in 1929, the office of Master of General of Supply was rechristened Master General of Ordnance.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}
 
Overruling the report of the [[Esher Report|Esher Committee of 1919]] recommended that a civilian member be in charge of civil business. A military officer was put in-charge of manufacture and production as Master General of Supply. Later in 1929, the office of Master of General of Supply was rechristened Master General of Ordnance.{{Citation needed|date=November 2016}}
[[File:Stamp of India - 1975 - Colnect 313174 - Bicentenary Indian Army Ordnance Corps - Stylized Cannons.jpeg|thumb|right|305x305px|1975 stamp to commemorate the bicentenary Indian Army Ordnance Corps]]
With of start of the [[Second World War]] in September 1939, the AOC began a major expansion that continued to the end of the war in 1945. The number of installations rose from 10 to 77 in the span of six years. On 1 May 1943, the Indian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (IEME) was separated from Indian Armed Ordnance Corps.<ref name="History of Army Ordnance Corps Army Official">{{cite web|title=History of Army Ordnance Corps|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Jxk0Uinr35CyePD51ne6sQ==&ParentID=Y+GhSyy6umu7p3cuU82kKA==|website=Indian Army|publisher=MoD|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity">{{cite web|author1=John Pike|title=Army Ordnance Corps|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/aoc.htm|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 1920-1945 Book">{{cite book|author1=Alan Henry Fernyhough|author2=Henry Edward David Harris|title=History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 1920–1945|date=1967|publisher=Royal Army Ordnance Corps, University of Michigan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsDAAAAMAAJ|format=Digital}}</ref><ref name="The Indian encyclopaedia : biographical, historical, religious, administrative, ethnological, commercial and scientific">{{cite book|author1=Subodh Kapoor|title=The Indian Encyclopaedia: Biographical, Historical, Religious, Administrative, Ethnological, Commercial and Scientific|date=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788177552683|edition=1st|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FUjzWFsz5fwC&dq|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="The Indian Army, 1939–47: Experience and Development">{{cite book|author1=Patrick Rose|title=The Indian Army, 1939–47: Experience and Development|date=2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781317027645|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QEGrCwAAQBAJ|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="Technical Services: Ordnance & IEME">{{cite book|author1=P. N.Khera|title=Technical Services: Ordnance & IEME|publisher=Combined Interservices Historical Section (India & Pakistan)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0YnfAAAAMAAJ|access-date=18 June 2016|language=en}}</ref>


With of start of the [[Second World War]] in September 1939, the AOC began a major expansion that continued to the end of the war in 1945. The number of installations rose from 10 to 77 in the span of six years. On 1 May 1943, the Indian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (IEME) was separated from Indian Armed Ordnance Corps.<ref name="History of Army Ordnance Corps Army Official">{{cite web|title=History of Army Ordnance Corps|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Jxk0Uinr35CyePD51ne6sQ==&ParentID=Y+GhSyy6umu7p3cuU82kKA==|website=Indian Army|publisher=MoD|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=16 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616183829/http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Jxk0Uinr35CyePD51ne6sQ%3D%3D&ParentID=Y%20GhSyy6umu7p3cuU82kKA%3D%3D|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity">{{cite web|author1=John Pike|title=Army Ordnance Corps|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/aoc.htm|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924063942/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/aoc.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 1920-1945 Book">{{cite book|author1=Alan Henry Fernyhough|author2=Henry Edward David Harris|title=History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 1920–1945|date=1967|publisher=Royal Army Ordnance Corps, University of Michigan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsDAAAAMAAJ|format=Digital|access-date=2019-08-16|archive-date=2020-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211040356/https://books.google.com/books?id=YtsDAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Indian encyclopaedia : biographical, historical, religious, administrative, ethnological, commercial and scientific">{{cite book|author1=Subodh Kapoor|title=The Indian Encyclopaedia: Biographical, Historical, Religious, Administrative, Ethnological, Commercial and Scientific|date=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788177552683|edition=1st|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FUjzWFsz5fwC&dq|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=5 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805132118/https://books.google.com/books?id=FUjzWFsz5fwC&dq|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Indian Army, 1939–47: Experience and Development">{{cite book|author1=Patrick Rose|title=The Indian Army, 1939–47: Experience and Development|date=2016|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781317027645|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QEGrCwAAQBAJ|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=5 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805132114/https://books.google.com/books?id=QEGrCwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Technical Services: Ordnance & IEME">{{cite book|author1=P. N.Khera|title=Technical Services: Ordnance & IEME|publisher=Combined Interservices Historical Section (India & Pakistan)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0YnfAAAAMAAJ|access-date=18 June 2016|language=en|archive-date=5 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805132114/https://books.google.com/books?id=0YnfAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:H20220126107469.jpg|thumb|Army Ordnance Corps Marching Contingent, Republic Day Parade, 2022]]
===Post-independence===
===Post-independence===
After India became republic on 25 January 1950, the corps was rechristened as the Army Ordnance Corps dropping the prefix Indian.<ref name="History of Army Ordnance Corps Army Official"/><ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity" />
After India became republic on 25 January 1950, the corps was rechristened as the Army Ordnance Corps dropping the prefix Indian.<ref name="History of Army Ordnance Corps Army Official"/><ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity" />
==Role and function==
==Role and function==
The Army Ordnance Corps main responsibility is to provide material and logistics support to the Indian Army and, if required, to the Navy and Air Force during war and peace. The inventory Army Ordnance Corps is responsible ranges from clothing (e.g. coats, sleeping bags, gloves, goggles, etc.) to vehicles, equipment and munitions (e.g. bullets, artillery shells, missiles, etc.). The supply of fuel, fodder, and medicines are maintained by the [[Indian Army Service Corps]], the [[Military Farms Service (India)|Military Farms Service]]/[[Indian Army Remount and Veterinary Corps|Army Remount and Veterinary Corps]] and the [[Army Medical Corps (India)|Army Medical Corps]] respectively.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) NISG" /><ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity" /><ref name="Role and Functions Indian Army Off">{{cite web|title=Role and Functions|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=usm53+sQj8BAHicQ1O8DTQ==&ParentID=7xtuh6O61gsIb6Xhx8FNbQ==&flag=OTpdSX45doZ1S5rIbRv7xQ==|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref>
The Army Ordnance Corps main responsibility is to provide material and logistics support to the Indian Army and, if required, to the Navy and Air Force during war and peace. The inventory Army Ordnance Corps is responsible ranges from clothing (e.g. coats, sleeping bags, gloves, goggles, etc.) to vehicles, equipment and munitions (e.g. bullets, artillery shells, missiles, etc.). The supply of fuel, fodder, and medicines are maintained by the [[Indian Army Service Corps]], the [[Military Farms Service (India)|Military Farms Service]]/[[Indian Army Remount and Veterinary Corps|Army Remount and Veterinary Corps]] and the [[Army Medical Corps (India)|Army Medical Corps]] respectively.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) NISG" /><ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity" /><ref name="Role and Functions Indian Army Off">{{cite web|title=Role and Functions|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=usm53+sQj8BAHicQ1O8DTQ==&ParentID=7xtuh6O61gsIb6Xhx8FNbQ==&flag=OTpdSX45doZ1S5rIbRv7xQ==|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011172418/http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=usm53+sQj8BAHicQ1O8DTQ==&ParentID=7xtuh6O61gsIb6Xhx8FNbQ==&flag=OTpdSX45doZ1S5rIbRv7xQ==|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Training academy==
==Training academy==
The Army Ordnance Corps centre in [[Secunderabad]] is the training academy of the corps. The AOC centre is responsible to impart training to the ordnance corps personnel. Apart from military training, the AOC personnel are also trained in different kinds of repair works, ancillary trades such as carpentry, tailoring, saddlery, driving etc.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity" /><ref name="AOC Centre">{{cite web|title=AOC Centre|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp4PLT_Alone3P_samerow2C.aspx?MnId=z7keCWkNDrmFEwTzz2ApLQ==&ParentID=U1VebrpKeMr+I7V1ZY18fA==|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref>
The Army Ordnance Corps centre in [[Secunderabad]] is the training academy of the corps. The AOC centre is responsible to impart training to the ordnance corps personnel. Apart from military training, the AOC personnel are also trained in different kinds of repair works, ancillary trades such as carpentry, tailoring, saddlery, driving etc.<ref name="Army Ordnance Corps  - globalsecurity" /><ref name="AOC Centre">{{cite web|title=AOC Centre|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp4PLT_Alone3P_samerow2C.aspx?MnId=z7keCWkNDrmFEwTzz2ApLQ==&ParentID=U1VebrpKeMr+I7V1ZY18fA==|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011172413/http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp4PLT_Alone3P_samerow2C.aspx?MnId=z7keCWkNDrmFEwTzz2ApLQ==&ParentID=U1VebrpKeMr+I7V1ZY18fA==|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Regimental insignia==
==Regimental insignia==
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* '''1896''' – In 1896, [[Queen Victoria]] approved the recommendation of the War Office to adopt a badge instead of crest. Separate badges were designed for officers and other personnel but with only small difference on the scroll.
* '''1896''' – In 1896, [[Queen Victoria]] approved the recommendation of the War Office to adopt a badge instead of crest. Separate badges were designed for officers and other personnel but with only small difference on the scroll.
* '''1918''' – After actively taking part in the [[First World War]] on behalf of British, the prefix "Royal" was granted by [[King George V]] and the Corps was renamed the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Subsequently, the crest was modified again in 1918.
* '''1918''' – After actively taking part in the [[First World War]] on behalf of British, the prefix "Royal" was granted by [[King George V]] and the Corps was renamed the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Subsequently, the crest was modified again in 1918.
* '''1922''' – When the Corps was renamed the Indian Army Ordnance Corps in 1922, the crest was again modified. It contained three canon balls and three field pieces on the shield with a crown on the top.
* '''1922''' – When the Corps was renamed the Indian Army Ordnance Corps in 1922, the crest was again modified. It contained three cannon balls and three field pieces on the shield with a crown on the top.
* '''1954''' – After India became a republic in 1950, the prefix "Indian" was dropped and the Corps was renamed the Army Ordnance Corps. The modified crest is similar to the previous one of 1922. It contained three canon balls and three field pieces on a circular shield. The crown was replaced by the [[national emblem of India]] with a pair of crossed swords at the bottom.
* '''1954''' – After India became a republic in 1950, the prefix "Indian" was dropped and the Corps was renamed the Army Ordnance Corps. The modified crest is similar to the previous one of 1922. It contained three cannon balls and three field pieces on a circular shield. The crown was replaced by the [[national emblem of India]] with a pair of crossed swords at the bottom.
* '''1978''' - The newly adopted motto ''Shastra se Shakti'' was incorporated in the scroll.<ref name="Evolution of AOC Crest">{{cite web|title=Evolution of AOC Crest|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=aKqEObsi4nvve1p5mmJtcw==&ParentID=HgaWgByQM+FJcmcV7nzzxg==|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref>
* '''1978''' - The newly adopted motto ''Shastra se Shakti'' was incorporated in the scroll.<ref name="Evolution of AOC Crest">{{cite web|title=Evolution of AOC Crest|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=aKqEObsi4nvve1p5mmJtcw==&ParentID=HgaWgByQM+FJcmcV7nzzxg==|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=20 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420175857/https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=aKqEObsi4nvve1p5mmJtcw==&ParentID=HgaWgByQM+FJcmcV7nzzxg==|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Flag and pennant ===
===Flag and pennant ===
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====Regimental flag====
====Regimental flag====
A navy blue background "with a narrow horizontal saxe blue band between two broader maroon bands across the middle".<ref name="Flags and Colours">{{cite web|title=Flags and Colours|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=AU/Wn1Sj8ntYRfTpbnA9NA==&ParentID=UiyzM/ruC/a0CiCaKUbxpQ==|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref>
A navy blue background "with a narrow horizontal saxe blue band between two broader maroon bands across the middle".<ref name="Flags and Colours">{{cite web|title=Flags and Colours|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=AU%2FWn1Sj8ntYRfTpbnA9NA%3D%3D&ParentID=UiyzM%2FruC%2Fa0CiCaKUbxpQ%3D%3D|website=Indian Army|access-date=18 June 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011172335/http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=AU%2FWn1Sj8ntYRfTpbnA9NA%3D%3D&ParentID=UiyzM%2FruC%2Fa0CiCaKUbxpQ%3D%3D|url-status=live}}</ref>


====Pennant====
====Pennant====
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
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{{Indian Army Arms and Services}}
{{Indian Army Arms and Services}}
[[Category:Administrative corps of the Indian Army]]
[[Category:Administrative corps of the Indian Army]]
[[Category:Ordnance (stores) units and formations]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1775]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1775]]

Revision as of 14:36, 22 December 2022

Army Ordnance Corps
ActiveApril 8, 1775; 249 years ago (1775-04-08) [1]
Country India (1947–Present)
AllegianceTemplate:Country data Republic of India
Branch Indian Army
RoleMaterial and logistic support
Motto(s)Sua Tela Tonanti
English: To the thunderer – His Arms or To the Soldier – His fighting needs
Colors   
Navy blue & Red
Anniversaries8 April[2]
EngagementsIndo-Pakistani War of 1947
Sino-Indian War of 1962
Indo-Pak War of 1965
Indo-Pak War of 1971
1999 Kargil Conflict
Websiteindianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=Jxk0Uinr35CyePD51ne6sQ%3D%3D&ParentID=Y+GhSyy6umu7p3cuU82kKA%3D%3D
Commanders
Director General Ordnance ServicesLieutenant General SC Tande
Colonel CommandantLt Gen SC Tande [3]

The Army Ordnance Corps (abbreviated as AOC) is an active corps of the Indian Army and a major formation responsible for providing material and logistical support to the Indian Army during war and peace.[4][5]

History

Pre-independence

The history of ordnance in India dates back to the 15th century.[1] The early ordnance stores in the Indian sub-continent were established by the British East India Company for their logistical requirements. Following the military expansion of the company, the needs of military troops increased which in turn required the support of an ordnance department. By accepting the report of then Commander-in-Chief of the Bengal Army, Lieutenant General Sir John Clavering, the Board of Ordnance was established on April 8, 1775.[1] This is considered to be the first step towards the recognition of the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC). Initially the board was put under the control of the Bengal Presidency.[citation needed]

1975 stamp to commemorate the bicentenary Indian Army Ordnance Corps

With the increasing influence of the British crown over the sub-continent, the number of British troops increased significantly. In 1874, a "Special Ordnance Commission" was appointed by the government to prepare a report on the establishment of a new ordnance system at the national level. The report which was submitted on 7 April 1875 recommended a centralized system and the establishment of ordnance factories in the country. A report by the Army in India Commission, which was constituted in May 1879 by Lord Lytton,[Note 1] recommended the establishment of a centralized all-India organisation, headed by a Director General of Ordnance. On 1 April 1884, the Ordnance Department of India came into existence. The Ordnance's three Presidencies[Note 2] of the British Raj were integrated into one. An Inspector General of Ordnance was appointed to each Presidency and was responsible to the Director General at the national level. Following the Partition of Bengal (1905), the Ordnance was split into two, each with an Inspector General. Several reorganizations took place during the tenure of Lord Kitchener as the Commander-in-Chief of India.[citation needed]

Overruling the report of the Esher Committee of 1919 recommended that a civilian member be in charge of civil business. A military officer was put in-charge of manufacture and production as Master General of Supply. Later in 1929, the office of Master of General of Supply was rechristened Master General of Ordnance.[citation needed]

With of start of the Second World War in September 1939, the AOC began a major expansion that continued to the end of the war in 1945. The number of installations rose from 10 to 77 in the span of six years. On 1 May 1943, the Indian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (IEME) was separated from Indian Armed Ordnance Corps.[5][6][7][8][9][10]

Army Ordnance Corps Marching Contingent, Republic Day Parade, 2022

Post-independence

After India became republic on 25 January 1950, the corps was rechristened as the Army Ordnance Corps dropping the prefix Indian.[5][6]

Role and function

The Army Ordnance Corps main responsibility is to provide material and logistics support to the Indian Army and, if required, to the Navy and Air Force during war and peace. The inventory Army Ordnance Corps is responsible ranges from clothing (e.g. coats, sleeping bags, gloves, goggles, etc.) to vehicles, equipment and munitions (e.g. bullets, artillery shells, missiles, etc.). The supply of fuel, fodder, and medicines are maintained by the Indian Army Service Corps, the Military Farms Service/Army Remount and Veterinary Corps and the Army Medical Corps respectively.[4][6][11]

Training academy

The Army Ordnance Corps centre in Secunderabad is the training academy of the corps. The AOC centre is responsible to impart training to the ordnance corps personnel. Apart from military training, the AOC personnel are also trained in different kinds of repair works, ancillary trades such as carpentry, tailoring, saddlery, driving etc.[6][12]

Regimental insignia

Crest

File:Evolution of AOC Crest (Indian Army).png
Evolution of AOC crest from 1855
  • 1855 – The first crest of the Corps was adopted in 1855 with the motto of the corps Sua Tela Tonanti.
  • 1896 – In 1896, Queen Victoria approved the recommendation of the War Office to adopt a badge instead of crest. Separate badges were designed for officers and other personnel but with only small difference on the scroll.
  • 1918 – After actively taking part in the First World War on behalf of British, the prefix "Royal" was granted by King George V and the Corps was renamed the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Subsequently, the crest was modified again in 1918.
  • 1922 – When the Corps was renamed the Indian Army Ordnance Corps in 1922, the crest was again modified. It contained three cannon balls and three field pieces on the shield with a crown on the top.
  • 1954 – After India became a republic in 1950, the prefix "Indian" was dropped and the Corps was renamed the Army Ordnance Corps. The modified crest is similar to the previous one of 1922. It contained three cannon balls and three field pieces on a circular shield. The crown was replaced by the national emblem of India with a pair of crossed swords at the bottom.
  • 1978 - The newly adopted motto Shastra se Shakti was incorporated in the scroll.[13]

Flag and pennant

File:AOC Flag and Pennat.jpg
Flag and pennant

Regimental flag

A navy blue background "with a narrow horizontal saxe blue band between two broader maroon bands across the middle".[14]

Pennant

The pennant is a triangle rotated through 90 degrees in a clockwise direction with the navy blue color filled in. The red coloured oval is present at the extreme right. The standard dimensions of the pennant are 0.9 meters by 0.6 meters with the red oval of 0.3 meters.[14]

Colours

The Corps' regimental colours were awarded on 8 December 1970, by then Vice President of India, Gopal Swarup Pathak at the Army Ordnance Centre in Secunderabad. The colour is a silken flag filled with scarlet, and the Corps' crest in the center surrounded by Ashoka and Lotus leaves.[14]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 12 April 1876 to 8 June 1880.
  2. ↑ Bengal Presidency, Madras Presidency, and Bombay Presidency

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chethan Kumar (8 April 2014). "Army Ordnance Corp: Arming the army beyond centuries". Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 July 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  2. ↑ "240th Army Ordnance Corps Day on 08 Apr 2015". PIB. Archived from the original on 16 June 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  3. ↑ "Gazette of India No 45" (PDF). 2020-11-07. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-02-01. Retrieved 2020-11-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Army Ordnance Corps (AOC)". nisg.org. Archived from the original on 27 June 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "History of Army Ordnance Corps". Indian Army. MoD. Archived from the original on 16 June 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 John Pike. "Army Ordnance Corps". www.globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  7. ↑ Alan Henry Fernyhough; Henry Edward David Harris (1967). History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 1920–1945 (Digital). Royal Army Ordnance Corps, University of Michigan. Archived from the original on 2020-02-11. Retrieved 2019-08-16.
  8. ↑ Subodh Kapoor (2002). The Indian Encyclopaedia: Biographical, Historical, Religious, Administrative, Ethnological, Commercial and Scientific (1st ed.). New Delhi: Cosmo Publications. ISBN 9788177552683. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  9. ↑ Patrick Rose (2016). The Indian Army, 1939–47: Experience and Development. Routledge. ISBN 9781317027645. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  10. ↑ P. N.Khera. Technical Services: Ordnance & IEME. Combined Interservices Historical Section (India & Pakistan). Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  11. ↑ "Role and Functions". Indian Army. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  12. ↑ "AOC Centre". Indian Army. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  13. ↑ "Evolution of AOC Crest". Indian Army. Archived from the original on 20 April 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Flags and Colours". Indian Army. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.


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