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| Past Commanders = | | Past Commanders = | ||
| ceremonial_chief = | | ceremonial_chief = | ||
| colonel_of_the_regiment = Maj Gen | | colonel_of_the_regiment = Maj Gen Sandeep Singh | ||
| notable_commanders = General [[Vishwa Nath Sharma]], [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], ADC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldsherwoodians.com/greats/index.htm?http://www.oldsherwoodians.com/greats/vnsharma.htm|title=Gen VN Sharma profile|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> | | notable_commanders = General [[Vishwa Nath Sharma]], [[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], ADC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldsherwoodians.com/greats/index.htm?http://www.oldsherwoodians.com/greats/vnsharma.htm|title=Gen VN Sharma profile|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> | ||
<!-- Insignia --> | <!-- Insignia --> | ||
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| battles = | | battles = | ||
| anniversaries = | | anniversaries = | ||
| decorations = [[Shaurya Chakra]] 1<br/>[[Vir Chakra]] 1<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/rajvinder-singh-cheema|title=RC Cheema VrC|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref><br/>[[Sena Medal]] 1<br/>[[ Mentioned in dispatches]] 3<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1974/O-1253-1974-0019-55503.pdf|title= Gazette of India No 19|date=1974-11-05|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref><br/> COAS Commendation Cards 9<br/> VCOAS Commendation Cards 2<br/> GOC-in-C Commendation Cards 22<br/>Jeevan Raksha Padak 1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1999/W_16_2013_212.pdf|title= Gazette of India No 16|date=1999-04-17| access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> | | decorations = [[Shaurya Chakra]] 1<br/>[[Vir Chakra]] 1<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/rajvinder-singh-cheema|title=RC Cheema VrC|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref><br/>[[Sena Medal]] 1<br/>[[Mentioned in dispatches]] 3<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1974/O-1253-1974-0019-55503.pdf|title= Gazette of India No 19|date=1974-11-05|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref><br/> COAS Commendation Cards 9<br/> VCOAS Commendation Cards 2<br/> GOC-in-C Commendation Cards 22<br/>Jeevan Raksha Padak 1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1999/W_16_2013_212.pdf|title= Gazette of India No 16|date=1999-04-17| access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> | ||
| battle_honours =Theatre honour "Punjab 1971" | | battle_honours =Theatre honour "Punjab 1971" | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''66th Armoured Regiment''' is an armoured regiment which is part of the [[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]] of the [[Indian Army]]. <ref name="Nath2009">{{cite book|last=Nath|first=Ashok|title=Izzat: historical records and iconography of Indian cavalry regiments, 1750-2007|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sGQeQwAACAAJ|year=2009|publisher=Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, United Service Institution of India|isbn=978-81-902097-7-9|pages= | '''66th Armoured Regiment''' is an armoured regiment which is part of the [[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]] of the [[Indian Army]].<ref name="Nath2009">{{cite book|last=Nath|first=Ashok|title=Izzat: historical records and iconography of Indian cavalry regiments, 1750-2007|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sGQeQwAACAAJ|year=2009|publisher=Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, United Service Institution of India|isbn=978-81-902097-7-9|pages=644–646}}</ref> | ||
== Formation == | == Formation == | ||
The regiment was raised on 1 September 1966 by Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Narinder Singh at [[Ahmednagar]] as the "66th Cavalry". The name was changed on 14 January 1967 to 66th Armoured Regiment.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | The regiment was raised on 1 September 1966 by Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Narinder Singh at [[Ahmednagar]] as the "66th Cavalry". The name was changed on 14 January 1967 to 66th Armoured Regiment.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | ||
The first officers for the regiment came from the Armoured Corps, but the Junior Commissioned Officers and men were drawn from the [[Regiment of Artillery (India)| Regiment of Artillery]]. The Regiment broke new ground by recruiting [[Ahir]]s and [[Maratha]]s, classes which had not previously served in the Armoured Corps. It also started inducting [[South India]]ns from 1968. Unlike other regiments, there are no single-class squadrons, but classes mixed right down to tank troop level.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | The first officers for the regiment came from the Armoured Corps, but the Junior Commissioned Officers and men were drawn from the [[Regiment of Artillery (India)|Regiment of Artillery]]. The Regiment broke new ground by recruiting [[Ahir]]s and [[Maratha]]s, classes which had not previously served in the Armoured Corps. It also started inducting [[South India]]ns from 1968. Unlike other regiments, there are no single-class squadrons, but classes mixed right down to tank troop level.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | ||
==Equipment== | ==Equipment== | ||
The regiment was raised with [[Sherman tank]]s and re-equipped in November 1969 with [[Vijayanta]] tanks.<ref name="Nath2009"/> In 1987, the Regiment converted to [[T-72]] tanks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.philamart.com/Listing/Details/3064667/66-Armoured-RegimentIndian-Army-Postal-Cover-APO|title=66 Armoured - Indian Army Postal Cover |access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> | The regiment was raised with [[Sherman tank]]s and re-equipped in November 1969 with [[Vijayanta]] tanks.<ref name="Nath2009"/> In 1987, the Regiment converted to [[T-72]] tanks.<ref name="philamart.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.philamart.com/Listing/Details/3064667/66-Armoured-RegimentIndian-Army-Postal-Cover-APO|title=66 Armoured - Indian Army Postal Cover |access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> | ||
==Operations== | ==Operations== | ||
The 66th Armoured Regiment fought in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] as the integral armoured regiment of the [[15th Infantry Division (India)|15th Infantry Division]] ([[XI Corps (India)|XI Corps]]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Praval|first=KC|title=Indian Army After Independence|date=2009|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=978-1935501107}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forceindia.net/guest-column/guts-grit-and-glory/bravehearts-victory/|title=Guts, Grit and Glory - Braveheart’s Victory|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> For its performance in operations, it was awarded the [[battle honour|theatre honour]] "Punjab 1971". After the war, the 66th participated in full strength in the [[Republic Day Parade]] of 26 January 1972, which was the victory parade to commemorate India's victory in the 1971 war.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | The 66th Armoured Regiment fought in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] as the integral armoured regiment of the [[15th Infantry Division (India)|15th Infantry Division]] ([[XI Corps (India)|XI Corps]]).<ref>{{cite book|last=Praval|first=KC|title=Indian Army After Independence|date=2009|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=978-1935501107}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forceindia.net/guest-column/guts-grit-and-glory/bravehearts-victory/|title=Guts, Grit and Glory - Braveheart’s Victory|access-date=2020-11-26}}</ref> For its performance in operations, it was awarded the [[battle honour|theatre honour]] "Punjab 1971". After the war, the 66th participated in full strength in the [[Republic Day Parade]] of 26 January 1972, which was the victory parade to commemorate India's victory in the 1971 war.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | ||
The regiment has also participated in [[Operation Brasstacks|Operation Trident]], [[Kargil War|Operation Vijay]], [[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff|Operation Parakram]] and in counter insurgency operations.<ref | The regiment has also participated in [[Operation Brasstacks|Operation Trident]], [[Kargil War|Operation Vijay]], [[2001–2002 India–Pakistan standoff|Operation Parakram]] and in counter insurgency operations.<ref name="philamart.com"/> | ||
The Regiment again took part in the Republic Day Parade in 1991 with its newly acquired T-72 tanks.<ref | The Regiment again took part in the Republic Day Parade in 1991 with its newly acquired T-72 tanks.<ref name="philamart.com"/> | ||
==Presentation of Guidon and Standard== | ==Presentation of Guidon and Standard== | ||
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The shoulder title consists of the numeral "66" within a diamond-shaped tank troop formation sign in brass.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | The shoulder title consists of the numeral "66" within a diamond-shaped tank troop formation sign in brass.<ref name="Nath2009"/> | ||
The Regimental colours are ‘Flame Orange and Charcoal Grey’, which signify qualities of ‘strength and resilience’.<ref | The Regimental colours are ‘Flame Orange and Charcoal Grey’, which signify qualities of ‘strength and resilience’.<ref name="philamart.com"/> | ||
The Regimental Motto is मान या वीरगति (Maan Ya Veergati), which translates to "Honour or Valiant Death". | The Regimental Motto is मान या वीरगति (Maan Ya Veergati), which translates to "Honour or Valiant Death". | ||
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{{Indian Army Armoured Corps |state=expanded}} | {{Indian Army Armoured Corps |state=expanded}} | ||
[[Category:Armoured and cavalry regiments of the Indian Army from 1947]] | [[Category:Armoured and cavalry regiments of the Indian Army from 1947]] | ||
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1966]] | [[Category:Military units and formations established in 1966]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:12, 31 December 2021
| 66th Armoured Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1966 – present |
| Country |  India |
| Allegiance | India |
| Branch |  Indian Army |
| Type | Armour |
| Size | Regiment |
| Nickname(s) | "Flame Riders" |
| Motto(s) | "मान या वीरगति" Maan ya Veergati (Honour or Valiant Death) |
| Colors | Flame Orange and Charcoal Grey |
| March | Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara |
| Equipment | T-72 |
| Decorations | Shaurya Chakra 1 Vir Chakra 1[1] Sena Medal 1 Mentioned in dispatches 3[2] COAS Commendation Cards 9 VCOAS Commendation Cards 2 GOC-in-C Commendation Cards 22 Jeevan Raksha Padak 1[3] |
| Battle honours | Theatre honour "Punjab 1971" |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment | Maj Gen Sandeep Singh |
| Notable commanders | General Vishwa Nath Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, ADC[4] |
| Insignia | |
| Abbreviation | 66 Armd Regt |
66th Armoured Regiment is an armoured regiment which is part of the Armoured Corps of the Indian Army.[5]
Formation[edit | edit source]
The regiment was raised on 1 September 1966 by Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) Narinder Singh at Ahmednagar as the "66th Cavalry". The name was changed on 14 January 1967 to 66th Armoured Regiment.[5] The first officers for the regiment came from the Armoured Corps, but the Junior Commissioned Officers and men were drawn from the Regiment of Artillery. The Regiment broke new ground by recruiting Ahirs and Marathas, classes which had not previously served in the Armoured Corps. It also started inducting South Indians from 1968. Unlike other regiments, there are no single-class squadrons, but classes mixed right down to tank troop level.[5]
Equipment[edit | edit source]
The regiment was raised with Sherman tanks and re-equipped in November 1969 with Vijayanta tanks.[5] In 1987, the Regiment converted to T-72 tanks.[6]
Operations[edit | edit source]
The 66th Armoured Regiment fought in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 as the integral armoured regiment of the 15th Infantry Division (XI Corps).[7][8] For its performance in operations, it was awarded the theatre honour "Punjab 1971". After the war, the 66th participated in full strength in the Republic Day Parade of 26 January 1972, which was the victory parade to commemorate India's victory in the 1971 war.[5] The regiment has also participated in Operation Trident, Operation Vijay, Operation Parakram and in counter insurgency operations.[6]
The Regiment again took part in the Republic Day Parade in 1991 with its newly acquired T-72 tanks.[6]
Presentation of Guidon and Standard[edit | edit source]
On 6 November 1979, the Regiment became the youngest to be presented with the "Guidon" by the then President of India Mr Neelam Sanjiva Reddy. On 6 December 2004, the Chief of Army Staff General Nirmal Chander Vij presented the "Standard" to the Regiment to commemorate the Regiment's 38 years of dedicated service to the nation and valour of the 1971 War.[9]
Notable personnel[edit | edit source]
One of the commandants of the regiment, Lt Col Vishwa Nath Sharma, went on to become the Chief of the Army Staff from 1988 to 1990.[5]
Regimental Insignia[edit | edit source]
The regiment cap badge depicts a Vijayanta tank within a diamond-shaped tank troop formation sign and is devoid of the national emblem, the regiment number or the regimental motto.[5]
The shoulder title consists of the numeral "66" within a diamond-shaped tank troop formation sign in brass.[5] The Regimental colours are ‘Flame Orange and Charcoal Grey’, which signify qualities of ‘strength and resilience’.[6]
The Regimental Motto is मान या वीरगति (Maan Ya Veergati), which translates to "Honour or Valiant Death".
The regiment has gained notoriety for adopting the Death's Head emblem to emblazon their tanks, despite official disapproval. The death's head has a scroll with the regimental motto inscribed. The death's head motif (in silver plate) is used as the officer's pouch badge. The emblem very closely resembles that of the 17th/21st Lancers, an erstwhile cavalry regiment of the British Army from 1922 to 1993.[5]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "RC Cheema VrC". Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ↑ "Gazette of India No 19" (PDF). 5 November 1974. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ↑ "Gazette of India No 16" (PDF). 17 April 1999. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ↑ "Gen VN Sharma profile". Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 Nath, Ashok (2009). Izzat: historical records and iconography of Indian cavalry regiments, 1750-2007. Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, United Service Institution of India. pp. 644–646. ISBN 978-81-902097-7-9.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "66 Armoured - Indian Army Postal Cover". Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ↑ Praval, KC (2009). Indian Army After Independence. Lancer Publishers. ISBN 978-1935501107.
- ↑ "Guts, Grit and Glory - Braveheart's Victory". Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ↑ "Sharp decline in infiltration: Vij". 6 December 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2020.