→History: Added accurate content |
robot: Create/update articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page. |
||
| (2 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Short description|Infantry regiment of the Indian Army}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} | |||
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2013}} | {{Use Indian English|date=January 2013}} | ||
{{Infobox Military Unit | {{Infobox Military Unit | ||
| Line 5: | Line 6: | ||
| image = Emblem of Ladakh Scouts.png | | image = Emblem of Ladakh Scouts.png | ||
| image_size = 200px | | image_size = 200px | ||
| caption = Regimental | | caption = Regimental insignia of the Ladakh Scouts | ||
| dates = 1963–present | | dates = 1963–present | ||
| country = {{flag|India}} | | country = {{flag|India}} | ||
| Line 14: | Line 15: | ||
| size = 5 battalions | | size = 5 battalions | ||
| command_structure = | | command_structure = | ||
| garrison = Phyang,<ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/ladakh-organises-inter-school-competitions-to-celebrate-spirit-of-indian-army/</ref><ref>https://joinindianarmyr.in/ladakh-scouts-result/</ref> [[Leh]], [[Ladakh]]<ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/90-young-soldiers-join-ladakh-scouts-regiment-in-leh-101623557134464.html</ref> | | garrison = Phyang,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/ladakh-organises-inter-school-competitions-to-celebrate-spirit-of-indian-army/|title = Ladakh organises inter school competitions to celebrate spirit of Indian army|date = 28 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://joinindianarmyr.in/ladakh-scouts-result/|title=Ladakh Scouts Relation Result 2020 Declared 23 Feb Result}}</ref> [[Leh]], [[Ladakh]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/90-young-soldiers-join-ladakh-scouts-regiment-in-leh-101623557134464.html|title = 90 young soldiers join Ladakh Scouts Regiment in Leh|date = 13 June 2021}}</ref> | ||
| garrison_label = Regimental Centre | | garrison_label = Regimental Centre | ||
| equipment = | | equipment = | ||
| equipment_label = | | equipment_label = | ||
| nickname = ''Snow Warriors'', ''Snow | | nickname = ''Snow Warriors'', ''Snow Leopards'' | ||
| patron = | | patron = | ||
| motto = | | motto = | ||
| Line 27: | Line 28: | ||
| battles = | | battles = | ||
| anniversaries = | | anniversaries = | ||
| decorations = 1 [[Unit citation]], 1 [[Ashok Chakra]], 2 [[Mahavir Chakra]], 2 [[Kirti Chakra]], 2 [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]s, 26 [[Vir Chakra]], 6 [[Shaurya Chakra]], 3 [[Yudh Seva Medal]]s, 64 [[Sena Medal]]s, 13 [[Vishisht Seva Medal]]s, 13 Mentions-in-Dispatches, 67 Chief | | decorations = 1 [[Unit citation]], 1 [[Ashok Chakra]], 2 [[Mahavir Chakra]], 2 [[Kirti Chakra]], 2 [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]]s, 26 [[Vir Chakra]], 6 [[Shaurya Chakra]], 3 [[Yudh Seva Medal]]s, 64 [[Sena Medal]]s, 13 [[Vishisht Seva Medal]]s, 13 Mentions-in-Dispatches, 67 Chief of Army Staff commendation cards, 2 [[Jeevan Raksha Padak]]<ref name=gs-ladakhscouts>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/rgt-ladakh.htm|title=Ladakh Scouts|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org}}</ref> | ||
| battle_honours = <!-- Commanders --> | | battle_honours = <!-- Commanders --> | ||
| current_commander = | | current_commander = | ||
| Line 41: | Line 42: | ||
| identification_symbol_2_label = | | identification_symbol_2_label = | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[File:Ladakh Scout on break. Near Leh. 2010.jpg|thumb|Ladakh Scout on break | [[File:Ladakh Scout on break. Near Leh. 2010.jpg|thumb|305x305px|Ladakh Scout soldier on a break near [[Leh]], 2010]] | ||
The Ladakh Scouts were formed in 1963 by spinning off the Ladakhi battalions of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Militia]]. They were converted into an Army [[regiment]] in 2000. The Ladakh Scouts recruits mainly from India's [[Ladakhi people|Ladakhi]] and [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] ethnic communities, and is among the army's most decorated units. Its soldiers have been honoured with over 300 gallantry awards and citations including a [[Unit citation]], one [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashok Chakra]], ten [[Maha Vir Chakra]]s and two [[Kirti Chakra]]s. | The '''Ladakh Scouts''' is an [[infantry regiment]] of the [[Indian Army]], nicknamed the "Snow Warriors" or "[[Snow Leopards]]".<ref name=gs-ladakhscouts/> The regiment specialises in [[mountain warfare]], and its primary role is to guard India's borders in the high altitudes of the [[Union territory|Union Territory]] of [[Ladakh]]. | ||
The Ladakh Scouts were formed in 1963 by spinning off the Ladakhi battalions of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Militia]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}} They were converted into an Army [[regiment]] in 2000.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}} The Ladakh Scouts recruits mainly from India's [[Ladakhi people|Ladakhi]] and [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] ethnic communities, and is among the army's most decorated units. Its soldiers have been honoured with over 300 gallantry awards and citations including a [[Unit citation]], one [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashok Chakra]], ten [[Maha Vir Chakra]]s and two [[Kirti Chakra]]s.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}} | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
In 1948, the "[[Nubra Guards]]" were raised from local Ladakhi warriors to patrol India's mountainous border in the Ladakh region.<ref name=ia-lshist>{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=q2SS7SL4DIY6BgcIF2CvQw==&ParentID=pTysHD2D5n/sfjXrwhyAPA==|title=Ladakh Scouts|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref> In 1952, the Nubra Guards were merged as the 7th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Militia (which itself later became the [[Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry]]). The 14th Battalion of the militia was also raised from Ladakh in 1959. | In 1948, the "[[Nubra Guards]]" were raised from local Ladakhi warriors to patrol India's mountainous border in the Ladakh region.<ref name=ia-lshist>{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=q2SS7SL4DIY6BgcIF2CvQw==&ParentID=pTysHD2D5n/sfjXrwhyAPA==|title=Ladakh Scouts|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref> In 1952, the Nubra Guards were merged as the 7th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Militia (which itself later became the [[Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry]]). The 14th Battalion of the militia was also raised from Ladakh in 1959. | ||
[[File:Ladakh Scouts mountaineering.jpg|thumb|305x305px|Mountaineering Expedition of Zedang Sumpa Battalion of Ladakh Scouts, which scaled five virgin peaks above 6000 metres located in the Central Rimo Glacier, October 2021.]] | |||
On 1 June 1963, following the [[Sino-Indian War of 1962]], Col. S.P Salunke formed the Ladakh Scouts by spinning off the 7th and 14th Battalions of the J&K Militia, and the unit was given the role of [[reconnaissance]] and [[interdiction]] in the high-altitude border regions by the [[Government of India]]. | On 1 June 1963, following the [[Sino-Indian War of 1962]], Col. S.P Salunke formed the Ladakh Scouts by spinning off the 7th and 14th Battalions of the J&K Militia, and the unit was given the role of [[reconnaissance]] and [[interdiction]] in the high-altitude border regions by the [[Government of India]]. | ||
| Line 55: | Line 57: | ||
On 2 June 2013, it celebrated its Golden Jubilee to mark the merger between the Nubra Guards and the 7th Battalion of the J&K light infantry. | On 2 June 2013, it celebrated its Golden Jubilee to mark the merger between the Nubra Guards and the 7th Battalion of the J&K light infantry. | ||
==Units== | |||
The regiment currently consists of 5 [[battalion]]s, with support personnel affiliated to other arms of the Indian army seconded in on rotation. | The regiment currently consists of 5 [[battalion]]s, with support personnel affiliated to other arms of the Indian army seconded in on rotation. | ||
| Line 65: | Line 67: | ||
===Operation Meghdoot=== | ===Operation Meghdoot=== | ||
{{Main|Operation Meghdoot}} | {{Main|Operation Meghdoot}} | ||
Units of the Ladakh Scouts were deployed with 3rd Kumaon | Units of the Ladakh Scouts were deployed with 3rd Kumaon regiment to capture the [[Siachen Glacier]] in April 1984, as a part of [[Operation Meghdoot]].<ref name=ia-meghdoot>{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp3PLMMCRM6C.aspx?MnId=GWOq5gm/3bWnw01bjgMFeA==&ParentID=PUXKeyfrbKTnUWp2lVC0YA==|title=Operation Meghdoot|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref> | ||
===Kargil War=== | ===Kargil War=== | ||
{{Main|Kargil War}} | {{Main|Kargil War}} | ||
The Ladakh Scouts were one of the first units to be deployed in combat action for [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]]. Its units displayed exemplary gallantry and won numerous awards, including a [[Maha Vir Chakra]] for [[Sonam Wangchuk|Major Sonam Wangchuk]]. The Scouts were awarded a ''Unit Citation'' for their gallantry during the battles of Point 5000 on 5–6 July 1999, Dog Hill on the night 30 June | The Ladakh Scouts were one of the first units to be deployed in combat action for [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]]. Its units displayed exemplary gallantry and won numerous awards, including a [[Maha Vir Chakra]] for [[Sonam Wangchuk|Major Sonam Wangchuk]]. The Scouts were awarded a ''Unit Citation'' for their gallantry during the battles of Point 5000 on 5–6 July 1999, Dog Hill on the night 30 June – 1 July, and Padma Go on 9–10 July 1999, in the Batalik Sector. The citation recognised the unit's performance with distinction during [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]] and display of ''exemplary valour and grit in the face of the enemy''.<ref name=gs-ladakhscouts/> | ||
==Distinctions== | ==Distinctions== | ||
[[File:The Ladakh Scouts Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg|thumb|305x305px|The Ladakh Scouts Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018|alt=|right]] | [[File:The Ladakh Scouts Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg|thumb|305x305px|The Ladakh Scouts Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018|alt=|right]] | ||
[[File:The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the President s Colours to all five Ladakh Scouts Battalions at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, Leh, in Jammu & Kashmir on August 21, 2017.jpg|thumb|305x305px|The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the President's Colours to all five Ladakh Scouts Battalions at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, Leh, in Jammu & Kashmir on 21 August 2017]] | [[File:The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the President s Colours to all five Ladakh Scouts Battalions at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, Leh, in Jammu & Kashmir on August 21, 2017.jpg|thumb|305x305px|The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the President's Colours to all five Ladakh Scouts Battalions at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, Leh, in Jammu & Kashmir on 21 August 2017]] | ||
===Battle honours=== | ===Battle honours=== | ||
* [[Turtuk]], Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 | * [[Turtuk]], Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 | ||
===Gallantry awards=== | ===Gallantry awards=== | ||
[[Maha Vir Chakra]] | [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]] recipient: | ||
*Naib Subedar [[Chhering Mutup]] | |||
[[Maha Vir Chakra]] recipients: | |||
* Colonel [[Sonam Wangchuk]]<ref name=ia-wangchuk>{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp1P2C.aspx?MnId=SXlOMx5srYV33UHMKNg5eg==&ParentID=W1Ii3tzDxmYCyCftX8YuJA==|title=Maj Sonam Wangchuk|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref><ref name=ia-majorwangchuk>{{cite news|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp1P2C.aspx?MnId=muH0EN+gJw958u8zMyzizw==&ParentID=oAobEvhw7gM4lU50tCLuvg==|title=Major Sonam Wangchuk|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref> | * Colonel [[Sonam Wangchuk]]<ref name=ia-wangchuk>{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp1P2C.aspx?MnId=SXlOMx5srYV33UHMKNg5eg==&ParentID=W1Ii3tzDxmYCyCftX8YuJA==|title=Maj Sonam Wangchuk|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref><ref name=ia-majorwangchuk>{{cite news|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp1P2C.aspx?MnId=muH0EN+gJw958u8zMyzizw==&ParentID=oAobEvhw7gM4lU50tCLuvg==|title=Major Sonam Wangchuk|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref> | ||
* Colonel [[Chewang Rinchen]] (with Bar) | * Colonel [[Chewang Rinchen]] (with Bar) | ||
| Line 94: | Line 100: | ||
*64 [[Sena Medal]]s | *64 [[Sena Medal]]s | ||
*13 Mentions-in-Dispatches | *13 Mentions-in-Dispatches | ||
*67 Chief | *67 Chief of Army Staff commendation cards | ||
*2 [[Jeevan Raksha Padak]]s | *2 [[Jeevan Raksha Padak]]s | ||
| Line 103: | Line 109: | ||
* [[List of regiments of the Indian Army]] | * [[List of regiments of the Indian Army]] | ||
* [[Arunachal Scouts]] | * [[Arunachal Scouts]] | ||
* [[Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts]] | |||
* [[Northern Light Infantry Regiment]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 116: | Line 124: | ||
[[Category:Ladakh]] | [[Category:Ladakh]] | ||
[[Category:Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]] | [[Category:Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:55, 3 December 2022
| Ladakh Scouts | |
|---|---|
 Regimental insignia of the Ladakh Scouts | |
| Active | 1963–present |
| Country |  India |
| Allegiance | India |
| Branch |  Indian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Mountain warfare |
| Size | 5 battalions |
| Regimental Centre | Phyang,[1][2] Leh, Ladakh[3] |
| Nickname(s) | Snow Warriors, Snow Leopards |
| War Cry | Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo (Victory to God). |
| Decorations | 1 Unit citation, 1 Ashok Chakra, 2 Mahavir Chakra, 2 Kirti Chakra, 2 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 26 Vir Chakra, 6 Shaurya Chakra, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 64 Sena Medals, 13 Vishisht Seva Medals, 13 Mentions-in-Dispatches, 67 Chief of Army Staff commendation cards, 2 Jeevan Raksha Padak[4] |
| Insignia | |
| Insignia | Himalayan Ibex |
The Ladakh Scouts is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, nicknamed the "Snow Warriors" or "Snow Leopards".[4] The regiment specialises in mountain warfare, and its primary role is to guard India's borders in the high altitudes of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The Ladakh Scouts were formed in 1963 by spinning off the Ladakhi battalions of the Jammu and Kashmir Militia.[citation needed] They were converted into an Army regiment in 2000.[citation needed] The Ladakh Scouts recruits mainly from India's Ladakhi and Tibetan ethnic communities, and is among the army's most decorated units. Its soldiers have been honoured with over 300 gallantry awards and citations including a Unit citation, one Ashok Chakra, ten Maha Vir Chakras and two Kirti Chakras.[citation needed]
History[edit | edit source]
In 1948, the "Nubra Guards" were raised from local Ladakhi warriors to patrol India's mountainous border in the Ladakh region.[5] In 1952, the Nubra Guards were merged as the 7th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Militia (which itself later became the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry). The 14th Battalion of the militia was also raised from Ladakh in 1959.
On 1 June 1963, following the Sino-Indian War of 1962, Col. S.P Salunke formed the Ladakh Scouts by spinning off the 7th and 14th Battalions of the J&K Militia, and the unit was given the role of reconnaissance and interdiction in the high-altitude border regions by the Government of India.
After the Kargil War, the Ladakh Scouts was reformed as a standard infantry regiment on 1 June 2000. Its parent regiment is the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, but it trains and fights as an independent unit for all intents and purposes.
On 2 June 2013, it celebrated its Golden Jubilee to mark the merger between the Nubra Guards and the 7th Battalion of the J&K light infantry.
Units[edit | edit source]
The regiment currently consists of 5 battalions, with support personnel affiliated to other arms of the Indian army seconded in on rotation.
Recent Engagements[edit | edit source]
Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971[edit | edit source]
Units of the regiment have been deployed in combat in every major Indian operation since the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. The Scouts also received battle honours in the undeclared western theatre of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 which led to the independence of East Pakistan.
Operation Meghdoot[edit | edit source]
Units of the Ladakh Scouts were deployed with 3rd Kumaon regiment to capture the Siachen Glacier in April 1984, as a part of Operation Meghdoot.[6]
Kargil War[edit | edit source]
The Ladakh Scouts were one of the first units to be deployed in combat action for Operation Vijay. Its units displayed exemplary gallantry and won numerous awards, including a Maha Vir Chakra for Major Sonam Wangchuk. The Scouts were awarded a Unit Citation for their gallantry during the battles of Point 5000 on 5–6 July 1999, Dog Hill on the night 30 June – 1 July, and Padma Go on 9–10 July 1999, in the Batalik Sector. The citation recognised the unit's performance with distinction during Operation Vijay and display of exemplary valour and grit in the face of the enemy.[4]
Distinctions[edit | edit source]
Battle honours[edit | edit source]
- Turtuk, Indo-Pakistan War of 1971
Gallantry awards[edit | edit source]
Ashoka Chakra recipient:
- Naib Subedar Chhering Mutup
Maha Vir Chakra recipients:
- Colonel Sonam Wangchuk[7][8]
- Colonel Chewang Rinchen (with Bar)
Among the awards conferred on the soldiers of the Ladakh Scouts are:
- 1 Unit citation
- 1 Ashok Chakra
- 2 Maha Vir Chakras
- 2 Kirti Chakras
- 26 Vir Chakras
- 6 Shaurya Chakras
- 3 Yudh Seva Medals
- 2 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals
- 13 Vishisht Seva Medals
- 64 Sena Medals
- 13 Mentions-in-Dispatches
- 67 Chief of Army Staff commendation cards
- 2 Jeevan Raksha Padaks
Presidential Colours[edit | edit source]
The high honour of the presentation of presidential colours was given to the regiment on 21 August 2017 by the President of India, who is the constitutional commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces.[9]
See also[edit | edit source]
- List of regiments of the Indian Army
- Arunachal Scouts
- Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts
- Northern Light Infantry Regiment
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Ladakh organises inter school competitions to celebrate spirit of Indian army". 28 October 2014.
- ↑ "Ladakh Scouts Relation Result 2020 Declared 23 Feb Result".
- ↑ "90 young soldiers join Ladakh Scouts Regiment in Leh". 13 June 2021.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Ladakh Scouts". GlobalSecurity.org.
- ↑ "Ladakh Scouts". Indian Army.
- ↑ "Operation Meghdoot". Indian Army.
- ↑ "Maj Sonam Wangchuk". Indian Army.
- ↑ "Major Sonam Wangchuk". Indian Army.
- ↑ "Ladakh Scouts regiment gets President's Colours from Ram Nath Kovind". The Indian Express. 21 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
