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{{Short description|Regiment of the Indian Army}} | |||
{{for|the British Army unit|Brigade of Guards}} | {{for|the British Army unit|Brigade of Guards}} | ||
{{Infobox Military Unit | {{Infobox Military Unit | ||
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| type = Foot Guards | | type = Foot Guards | ||
| role = [[Mechanized Infantry]] | | role = [[Mechanized Infantry]] | ||
| size = 23 | | size = 23 battalions | ||
| command_structure = | | command_structure = | ||
| garrison = [[Kamptee]], [[Maharashtra]]. | | garrison = [[Kamptee]], [[Maharashtra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/first-agniveer-batch-arrive-guards-regimental-centre-training-8357013/|title=Members of first Agniveer batch arrive at Guards Regimental Centre for training|date=2023-01-02|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | ||
| garrison_label = Regimental Centre | | garrison_label = Regimental Centre | ||
| equipment = [[Indo-Pakistan War of 1947|Jammu & Kashmir - 1947-48]], [[1965 war|Rajasthan - 1965]], [[1965 war|Punjab - 1965]], [[Bangladesh liberation war|East Pakistan - 1971]] and [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|Jammu & Kashmir - 1971]] | | equipment = [[Indo-Pakistan War of 1947|Jammu & Kashmir - 1947-48]], [[1965 war|Rajasthan - 1965]], [[1965 war|Punjab - 1965]], [[Bangladesh liberation war|East Pakistan - 1971]] and [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|Jammu & Kashmir - 1971]] | ||
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| patron = | | patron = | ||
| motto = ''Pahla Hamesha Pahla (First Always First)'' | | motto = ''Pahla Hamesha Pahla (First Always First)'' | ||
| colors = ''Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyare (I am the son of | | colors = ''Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyare (I am the son of Eagle,<ref>https://www.learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=eagle&dir=au {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2025}}</ref> Say O my Beloved)'' | ||
| colors_label = War Cry | | colors_label = War Cry | ||
| march = | | march = | ||
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| battles = | | battles = | ||
| anniversaries = | | anniversaries = | ||
| decorations = 1 [[Param Vir Chakra]], 2 [[Ashoka Chakra]]s, 1 [[Padma Bhushan]], 8 Param Vishisht Seva | | decorations = 1 [[Param Vir Chakra]], 2 [[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]]s, 1 [[Padma Bhushan]], 8 [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]]s, 6 [[Maha Vir Chakra]]s, 4 [[Kirti Chakra]]s, 46 [[Vir Chakra]]s, 18 [[Shaurya Chakra]]s, 77 [[Sena Medal]]s, 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 | ||
| battle_honours = Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar | | battle_honours = Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar | ||
<!-- Commanders -->| current_commander = | |||
| current_commander_label = | |||
| ceremonial_chief = | |||
| ceremonial_chief_label = | |||
| colonel_of_the_regiment =Major General Pankaj Malhotra, AVSM, SM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/in.gazette.central.w.2025-12-27.268912/|title=Gazette of India, No 52|date=2025-12-27|access-date=2026-01-16}}</ref> | |||
| colonel_of_the_regiment_label = | |||
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol = [[Garuda]] - A mythological eagle king. | <!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol = [[Garuda]] - A mythological eagle king. | ||
| identification_symbol_label = Regimental Insignia | | identification_symbol_label = Regimental Insignia | ||
| identification_symbol_2 = Red over Yellow | | identification_symbol_2 = Red over Yellow | ||
| identification_symbol_2_label = Hackle | | identification_symbol_2_label = Hackle | ||
| identification_symbol_3 = [[File: | | identification_symbol_3 = [[File:Brigade of the Guards flag.jpg|150px]] | ||
| identification_symbol_3_label = Flag | | identification_symbol_3_label = Flag | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Brigade of The Guards''' is a [[mechanised infantry]] regiment | The '''Brigade of The Guards''' is a [[mechanised infantry]] [[regiment]] of the [[Indian Army]]. It was raised as the first "all India", "all class" [[infantry]] unit of the Army where troops from all parts of India serve together, as opposed to other regiments that recruit from specific regions, ethnic groups or religions. | ||
The Brigade of The Guards distinguished itself by being awarded the most battle honours after Indian independence. The regiment was the brain-child of Field Marshal [[K. M. Cariappa]], who was the first Indian commander-in-chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army. He raised the Brigade of the Guards and coined the phrase | The Brigade of The Guards distinguished itself by being awarded the most battle honours after [[Indian independence movement|Indian independence]] in 1947. The regiment was the brain-child of [[Field marshal (India)|Field Marshal]] [[K. M. Cariappa]], who was the first Indian commander-in-chief (C-in-C) and Field Marshal of the Indian Army. He raised the Brigade of the Guards and coined the phrase – ''The Guards, The Elite''. | ||
The [[President of India]] is the Honorary Colonel-in-Chief and the [[Chief of Army Staff (India)|Chief of Army Staff]] is the Colonel-in-Chief of The Guards. The Guards Regimental Centre is at [[Kamptee]] in [[Maharashtra]]. The Brigade of The Guards was the senior most [[line infantry]] regiment of the Indian Army before its selection and conversion to the mechanised infantry role. It now holds the title of the senior most infantry regiment in an honorary/ceremonial capacity. Together with the [[Mechanised Infantry Regiment]], they form part of the 'Mechanised Infantry' arm, which along with the [[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]] form the Mechanised Forces. | The [[President of India]] is the Honorary Colonel-in-Chief and the [[Chief of Army Staff (India)|Chief of Army Staff]] is the Colonel-in-Chief of The Guards. The Guards Regimental Centre is at [[Kamptee]] in [[Maharashtra]]. The Brigade of The Guards was the senior most [[line infantry]] regiment of the Indian Army before its selection and conversion to the mechanised infantry role. It now holds the title of the senior most infantry regiment in an honorary/ceremonial capacity. Together with the [[Mechanised Infantry Regiment]], they form part of the ''Mechanised Infantry'' arm, which along with the [[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]] form the ''Mechanised Forces''. | ||
==History and raising== | ==History and raising== | ||
[[File:Guards marching contingent jointly won award for the best marching contingent among the two services in Republic Day Parade-2015.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The Guards marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the 66th Republic Day Parade, 2015|alt=|right]] | [[File:Guards marching contingent jointly won award for the best marching contingent among the two services in Republic Day Parade-2015.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The Guards marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the 66th Republic Day Parade, 2015|alt=|right]] | ||
The Brigade of Guards was raised in 1949 on the lines of the elite [[Foot guards|Guards]] units of the world, particularly, the [[Coldstream Guards]] of the [[British Army]]'s [[Guards Division]]. The regiment was raised to implement the government's policy of encouraging Army recruitment from classes and regions which had been under-represented in the forces. Raised as The Guards Brigade, the old system of class composition was replaced with recruitment open to all regions, castes, creeds, and sections of society. | The Brigade of Guards was raised in 1949 on the lines of the elite [[Foot guards|Guards]] units of the world, particularly, the [[Coldstream Guards]] of the [[British Army]]'s [[Guards Division]]. The regiment was raised to implement the government's policy of encouraging Army recruitment from classes and regions which had been under-represented in the forces. Raised as The Guards Brigade, the old system of class composition was replaced with recruitment open to all regions, castes, creeds, and sections of society.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/releases98/lyr2001/rsep2001/05092001/r050920014.html|title=General S Padmanabhan - Honorary Colonel Of The Brigade Of The Guards|date=2001-09-05|access-date=2024-11-03}}</ref> | ||
Prior to the raising of the Guards, Indian Army infantry regiments derived their name and troop composition from region, religion or sub-caste. There was a message with its formation that the country comes before everything else, including religion and caste. The regiment was formed as the first mixed class Indian regiment to be raised after Indian independence by [[Field Marshal]] [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa|KM Cariappa]] [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]]. Three of the Army's oldest and most distinguished battalions were converted as Guards battalions in 1949: | Prior to the raising of the Guards, Indian Army infantry regiments derived their name and troop composition from region, religion or sub-caste. There was a message with its formation that the country comes before everything else, including religion and caste. The regiment was formed as the first mixed class Indian regiment to be raised after Indian independence by [[Field Marshal]] [[Kodandera Madappa Cariappa|KM Cariappa]] [[Order of the British Empire|OBE]]. Three of the Army's oldest and most distinguished battalions were converted as Guards battalions in 1949: | ||
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From its raising till 1964, the [[Colonel#Colonel_of_the_Regiment|Colonel of the Regiment]] was the serving [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Chief of the Army Staff]]. On 1 January 1964, [[Brigadier]] (later [[Lieutenant General (India)|Lieutenant General]]) [[N. C. Rawlley|NC Rawlley]] became the first Colonel of the Regiment of the Brigade of the Guards. The Chiefs of the Army Staff continue to be the Honorary Colonels of the Brigade of Guards.<ref>{{cite web |title=h3 |url=http://www.sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2010/aug16-10/h3.htm |website=www.sainiksamachar.nic.in}}</ref> | From its raising till 1964, the [[Colonel#Colonel_of_the_Regiment|Colonel of the Regiment]] was the serving [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Chief of the Army Staff]]. On 1 January 1964, [[Brigadier]] (later [[Lieutenant General (India)|Lieutenant General]]) [[N. C. Rawlley|NC Rawlley]] became the first Colonel of the Regiment of the Brigade of the Guards. The Chiefs of the Army Staff continue to be the Honorary Colonels of the Brigade of Guards.<ref>{{cite web |title=h3 |url=http://www.sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2010/aug16-10/h3.htm |website=www.sainiksamachar.nic.in}}</ref> | ||
Currently the Brigade of the Guards consists of | Currently the Brigade of the Guards consists of 23 regular battalions and 2 [[Territorial Army (India)|territorial]] battalions and 1 RR ([[Rashtriya Rifles]]) battalion.<ref name="BR1">{{Cite web |title=THE BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS |url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/army/Army/Regiments/Guards.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411222921/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Regiments/Guards.html |archive-date=2009-04-11 |website=Bharat Rakshak}}</ref> In the 1980s, the Indian Army began to increase the number of mechanized infantry battalions on its order of battle. As part of this program, the battalions of the Brigade of Guards were eventually converted to mechanized infantry.<ref name="Bn">{{cite web|url=https://www.aftdelhi.nic.in/assets/judgement/2013/OA/OA-331-2012%20Col%20LC%20Dahiya%20Vs%20Union%20Of%20India%20%20Ors.pdf|title=Details of Bns|date=2013-04-26|access-date=2021-11-05}}</ref> | ||
==Regimental Centre== | |||
Soon after its raising, the Brigade of the Guards Regimental Centre was started as a training company at the [[Rajputana Rifles]] Training Centre at [[Delhi Cantonment]] on 6 June 1950. It was later upgraded to the Guards Training Wing at the same location. The centre then moved to [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], where it became operational on 11 June 1956. The centre moved to its present location in [[Kamptee]] near the city of [[Nagpur]] in October 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/about/the-corps-of-engineers/regimental-centre-the-brigade-of-the-guards-infantry-arms-and-services|title=REGIMENTAL CENTRE|access-date=2024-11-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/brigade-guards-recruits-pass-colourful-ceremony-1795931.html|title=Brigade of Guards recruits pass out in colourful ceremony|date=2014-11-10|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> After their initial infantry training, Guardsmen undertake their mechanised conversion at [[Mechanised Infantry Regiment#Mechanised Infantry Institutions|Mechanised Infantry Centre and School]] at [[Ahmednagar]]. | |||
==Operations== | ==Operations== | ||
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===1971 Liberation War=== | ===1971 Liberation War=== | ||
{{main|Indo-Pakistan War of 1971}} | {{main|Indo-Pakistan War of 1971}} | ||
In the 1971 war, the Brigade of the Guards participated in actions on both the Eastern and the Western fronts. The 14th Guards earned their first PVC ( Param Vir Chakra) through L/Nk [[Albert Ekka]] of Bravo Company, for heroism in the Gangasagar theatre: he single-handedly turned the tide against Pakistani defenders firing downrange with LMG's and MMG's from the top of a fortified structure, putting the entire operation in jeopardy. | In the 1971 war, the Brigade of the Guards participated in actions on both the Eastern and the Western fronts. The 14th Guards earned their first PVC ( Param Vir Chakra) through L/Nk [[Albert Ekka]] of Bravo Company, for heroism in the Gangasagar theatre Near [[Tripura|TRIPURA]]: he single-handedly turned the tide against Pakistani defenders firing downrange with LMG's and MMG's from the top of a fortified structure, putting the entire operation in jeopardy. | ||
<!--Capt. (now Brig.retd.) Ran Sher Singh Ranawat, KC, SM; 9 Bn Guards trained the Mukti Bahini from Jan 1971 onwards, behind enemy lines. He was active in the Sylhet sector as MI officer along with the 9th Bn. For his services during this time, he was decorated with the Kirti Chakra (Ashok Chakra IInd class) for single-handedly defusing a bomb planted to blow up a railway bridge by insurgents in Assam. He was also awarded a Sena Medal for gallantry during the siege of Dacca. He went on to command the 9th Guard, Raj Rif in Punjab during the bad years-1988 & then a unit in Arunachal Pradesh. He commanded the College of Combat & was an AX grade Commando. He oversaw the conversion of his unit to the 3rd Mech Inf (9th Guard). He was in charge of 12th sector Rashtriya Rifles (Badgam) in Kashmir He was promoted to Brigadier & retired as Deputy Dir. Gen. (UP & Uttaranchal). He spent 16 of his first 22years as an officer serving in the field (as opposed to peace stations). He belongs to the Sisodia Viramdevot thikana of Kankarwa in Mewar, Rajasthan. His brother Col. Ran Vijay Singh Ranawat served in the 2nd & 3rd Guards & commanded the 3rd Guards. He retired as Provost-Marshall of the Corps of Military Police in Rajasthan. He participated in the 1965 war being awarded a Mention-in-despatches & was in the reserves in 1971. | <!--Capt. (now Brig.retd.) Ran Sher Singh Ranawat, KC, SM; 9 Bn Guards trained the Mukti Bahini from Jan 1971 onwards, behind enemy lines. He was active in the Sylhet sector as MI officer along with the 9th Bn. For his services during this time, he was decorated with the Kirti Chakra (Ashok Chakra IInd class) for single-handedly defusing a bomb planted to blow up a railway bridge by insurgents in Assam. He was also awarded a Sena Medal for gallantry during the siege of Dacca. He went on to command the 9th Guard, Raj Rif in Punjab during the bad years-1988 & then a unit in Arunachal Pradesh. He commanded the College of Combat & was an AX grade Commando. He oversaw the conversion of his unit to the 3rd Mech Inf (9th Guard). He was in charge of 12th sector Rashtriya Rifles (Badgam) in Kashmir He was promoted to Brigadier & retired as Deputy Dir. Gen. (UP & Uttaranchal). He spent 16 of his first 22years as an officer serving in the field (as opposed to peace stations). He belongs to the Sisodia Viramdevot thikana of Kankarwa in Mewar, Rajasthan. His brother Col. Ran Vijay Singh Ranawat served in the 2nd & 3rd Guards & commanded the 3rd Guards. He retired as Provost-Marshall of the Corps of Military Police in Rajasthan. He participated in the 1965 war being awarded a Mention-in-despatches & was in the reserves in 1971. | ||
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===UN operations and counter-insurgency operations=== | ===UN operations and counter-insurgency operations=== | ||
One the first deployments overseas, both for this newly formed regiment as well as for the newly independent India, was to | One the first deployments overseas, both for this newly formed regiment as well as for the newly independent India, was to Indo-china, where the 2nd Bn. was posted, in 1954, to support the [[International Control Commission]]: India was the lead-nation for the project, and from its own history was well-aware of how risky the task of Partition could be. Detachments of the battalion provided both security and an air of authority to the various subordinate headquarters in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and the all-India regiment exemplified the national commitment to a fraught operation.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DdxDcxj_wn4C&q=Ho+Chi+minh+with+M+J+Desai&pg=RA1-PT123|title=Indian Army After Independence|isbn=9781935501619|last1=Praval|first1=Major K. C.|date=1987 |publisher=Lancer Publishers LLC }}</ref> | ||
The Brigade of the Guards has also taken part in UN peace keeping operations in [[Gaza City|Gaza]] and [[Angola]]. | The Brigade of the Guards has also taken part in UN peace keeping operations in [[Gaza City|Gaza]] and [[Angola]]. | ||
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==Regimental battalions== | ==Regimental battalions== | ||
The regiment currently consists of a total of | The regiment currently consists of a total of 23 battalions for Regular Army, one for [[Rashtriya Rifles]] and two for [[Territorial Army (India)|Territorial Army]]. The majority of these operate as standard mechanized infantry, 6 operate in the reconnaissance and support role (3 wheeled and 3 tracked), one is equipped as an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) battalion and three (including two territorial army battalions) remain as infantry. Today, the regiment is one of three in the [[Indian Army]] that is made up of men from the different castes and regions of [[India]]. | ||
[[File:Stamp of India - 2003 - Colnect 158344 - 2 Guards 1 Grenadier - 225 Years.jpeg|thumb|right|305x305px|2003 postal stamp to commemorate '225 years of 2nd Battalion of the Guards (1 Grenadiers)'.]] | [[File:Stamp of India - 2003 - Colnect 158344 - 2 Guards 1 Grenadier - 225 Years.jpeg|thumb|right|305x305px|2003 postal stamp to commemorate '225 years of 2nd Battalion of the Guards (1 Grenadiers)'.]] | ||
[[File:Stamp of India - 1998 - Colnect 161877 - Uniforms 1798 - 1998.jpeg|thumb|right|305x305px|1998 postal stamp to mark the bicentenary of 4th Battalion of the Guards (former 1st battalion, 7th Rajput)]] | [[File:Stamp of India - 1998 - Colnect 161877 - Uniforms 1798 - 1998.jpeg|thumb|right|305x305px|1998 postal stamp to mark the bicentenary of 4th Battalion of the Guards (former 1st battalion, 7th Rajput)]] | ||
[[File: Infantry Combat Vehicle passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The contingent of the 10th Battalion, Brigade of the Guards on [[BMP-2]] passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade, 2017|alt=|right]] | [[File: Infantry Combat Vehicle passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The contingent of the 10th Battalion, Brigade of the Guards on [[BMP-2]] passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade, 2017|alt=|right]] | ||
The list of battalions is as follows: | The list of battalions is as follows:<ref name="BR1"/> | ||
{{Expand list|date=November 2024}} | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
! scope="col" style="width: 75px;"| Battalion | |||
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;"| Raising Date | |||
! scope="col" style="width: 300px;"| Former designations | |||
! scope="col" style="width: 220px;"| Remarks | |||
! scope="col" style="width: 40px;"| References | |||
|- | |||
|1st Battalion | |||
|1759 {{refn|group=nb|The Indian Army List, 1923 gives the date of raising between 1762 and 1765.<ref name="Armylist">{{cite web|url= https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.278900/page/n613/mode/2up?q=%222nd+Punjab+Regiment%22&view=theater |title= The Indian Army List, 1923|access-date=2024-11-10}}</ref>}} | |||
|10th Battalion Coast Sepoys (1759), 10th Carnatic Battalion (1769), 9th Carnatic Battalion (1770), 9th Madras Battalion (1784), 1st Battalion, 9th Madras Native Infantry (1796), 9th Madras Native Infantry (1824), 9th Madras Infantry (1885), [[69th Punjabis]] (1903), 2nd battalion, [[2nd Punjab Regiment]] (1922), [[Punjab Regiment (India)|2 Punjab]] | |||
|Raised at Madura (now [[Madurai]]). Battle honours - 31 - Pre-independence - ''Carnatic, Sholinghur, Mysore, Ava, Pegu''. {{refn|group=nb|Incomplete list}} Post independence – ''Naushera''. Designated as 1 Guards on 1 April 1951, mechanised in March 1994. | |||
|<ref name="Armylist"/><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/indianinfantry/69thpunjabis.htm|title= 69th Punjabis|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|2nd Battalion | |||
|22 Nov 1778{{refn|group=nb|The Indian Army List, 1923 gives the date of raising as 1779.<ref name="Armylist"/>}} | |||
|8th Regiment of Bombay Sepoys (1778), 8th Grenadier Regiment of Bombay Sepoys (1783), 1st Grenadier Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry (1793), 1st Grenadier Bombay Infantry (1901), [[101st Grenadiers]] (1903), 1st Battalion, 4th Bombay Grenadiers (1922), 1st Battalion, [[The Grenadiers]]. | |||
|Raised at [[Bombay]]. Battle honours - ''Mangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Kandahar 1880, Afghanistan 1878–80, Burma 1885–87, Somaliland 1901–04, East Africa 1914–16, Egypt, Gaza, Megiddo, Nablus, Palestine 1917–18''. Post independence – ''Gurais''. Became 2 Guards on 1 August 1952. | |||
|<ref name="Armylist"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grenadiers.info/indian/ |title = Indian Army Grenadiers Regiment}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://istampgallery.com/2-guards-1-grenadiers-225-years/|title=2 Guards (1 Grenadiers)|date=22 November 2003 |access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://samsshopping.com/product/2-guards-1-grenaiers-225-years-defence-br/|title=2 Guards|date=2003-11-23|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref><ref name="Sarbans">{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Sarbans|title=Battle Honours of the Indian Army, 1757-1971|year=1993|publisher=Vision Books|page=|isbn=978-8170941156}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.istampgallery.com/2-guards-1-grenadiers-225-years/|title=2 Guards (1 Grenadiers) of India|date=2003-11-22| access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|3rd Battalion | |||
|10 Jan 1775 | |||
|5th Battalion, Bombay Sepoys (1775), 9th Battalion, Bombay Sepoys (1778), 2nd Battalion, 2nd Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry (1796), 4th Bombay Native Infantry (1824), 4th Bombay Infantry (or Rifle Corps) (1885), 4th (1st Battalion Rifle Corps) Bombay Infantry (1889), 4th Bombay Rifles – (1901), [[104th Wellesley's Rifles]] (1903), 1st Battalion, [[6th Rajputana Rifles]] (1921), 1st Battalion, [[Rajputana Rifles]] (1945) | |||
|Battle honours (pre-independence) 28; (post-independence) – ''Gadra Road''. 3 Guards on 1 September 1949, mechanised in December 1991. | |||
|<ref name="Armylist"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://samsshopping.com/product/3-guards-1-raj-rif/|title=3 Guards|date=2015-09-08|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref><ref name="Sarbans"/> | |||
|- | |||
|4th Battalion | |||
|1798 | |||
|2nd Battalion, 15th Regiment of [[Bengal Native Infantry]] (1798), 31st Bengal Native Infantry (1824), 31st Bengal Native (Light) Infantry (1858), 2nd Bengal Native (Light) Infantry (1861), 2nd (The Queen's Own) Regiment of Bengal Native (Light) Infantry (1876), 2nd (The Queen's Own) Regiment of Bengal (Light) Infantry (1885), 2nd (Queen’s Own) Rajput Regiment of Bengal (Light) Infantry (1897), 2nd (Queen’s Own) Rajput Light Infantry (1901), [[2nd Queen Victoria's Own Rajput Light Infantry]] (1911), 1st light infantry battalion, [[7th Rajput Regiment]] (1922), 1st battalion, [[Rajput Regiment]] (1947). | |||
|Raised at [[Sasaram]]. Battle honours (pre-independence) - ''[[Battle of Delhi, 1803|Delhi 1803]], [[Laswari|Laswaree]], [[Deeg|Deig]], [[Bharatpur, India|Bhurtpore]], [[Kalat (Pakistan)|Khelat]]. [[First Anglo-Afghan War|Afghanistan]], [[Maharajpur, Madhya Pradesh|Maharajpore]], [[Punjab (British India)|Punjaub]], [[Battle of Chillianwala|Chillianwallah]], [[Battle of Gujarat|Goojerat]], [[Central India Campaign (1858)|Central India]], [[Second Anglo-Afghan War|Afghanistan 1879-80]], [[Third Burmese War|Burma 1885-87]], [[Boxer Rebellion|China 1900]]''; (post-independence) – ''Akhaura''. The battalion has won two [[Victoria Cross]]es and one [[Param Vir Chakra]]. Designated 4 Guards on 26 January 1950. | |||
|<ref name="Armylist"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/indianinfantry/2ndrajputltinf.htm|title=2nd Rajput Light Infantry|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.istampgallery.com/battalion-4-guards-1-rajput/|title=Fourth Battalion Brigade of the Guards (1 Rajput)|date=1998-09-15|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/4-guards-stirring-saga-of-courage-and-sacrifice-587739/|title=4 Guards' stirring saga of courage and sacrifice|date=2024-02-06|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|5th Battalion | |||
|1960 | |||
| | |||
|Reconnaissance & Support, battle honour – ''Burki''. | |||
|<ref name="Sarbans"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gunsinstamps.blogspot.com/2015/10/5th-battalion-brigade-of-guards-golden.html|title=5th Battalion Brigade of the Guards - Golden Jubilee|date=2010-08-25|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|6th Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|7th Battalion | |||
|1 Jan 1963 | |||
| | |||
|Raised at Kota, Rajasthan; mechanised in 2003. Battle honour – ''Shingo River Valley''. | |||
|<ref name="Sarbans"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://samsshopping.com/product/7th-battalion-brigade-of-the-guards/|title=7 Guards|date=2013-10-29|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|8th Battalion | |||
|1 Oct 1963 | |||
| | |||
|Raised at Kota, Rajasthan; mechanised in 1998. Battle honour – ''Hilli''. | |||
|<ref name="Sarbans"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://samsshopping.com/product/8th-battalion-brigade-of-the-guards/|title=8 Guards|date=2013-11-23|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|9th Battalion | |||
|1 Apr 1964 | |||
| | |||
|Raised at Kota, Rajasthan. Battle honour – ''Sylhet''. | |||
|<ref name="Sarbans"/><ref>{{cite web|url= https://samsshopping.com/product/9th-bn-brigade-of-the-guards/|title=9 Guards|date=2014-04-01|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|10th Battalion | |||
|1 Jan 1965 | |||
| | |||
|Raised at Kota, Rajasthan; mechanised in 1988. Ashok Chakra Battalion. | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://samsshopping.com/product/10th-battalion-brigade-of-the-guards/|title=10 Guards|date=2015-10-03|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
The Brigade of Guards | |- | ||
|11th Battalion | |||
|1 Jun 1966 | |||
| | |||
|Raised at [[Babina, Uttar Pradesh]] as a para commando battalion, then converted to regular infantry; mechanised in 2011. | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://samsshopping.com/product/eleventh-battalion-brigade-of-the-guards/|title=11 Guards|date=2016-06-01|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|12th Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|Reconnaissance & Support | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|13th Battalion | |||
|4 Jan 1968 | |||
|31st Battalion, Brigade of the Guards (I) | |||
|Raised as a specialised unit for counter-insurgency operation in the [[Northeast India|Northeast]]. Now in regular mechanised infantry role. | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gunsinstamps.blogspot.com/2015/01/13th-battalion-brigade-of-guards-silver.html|title=13th Battalion Brigade of the Guards - Silver Jubilee|date=1993-01-04|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|14th Battalion | |||
|13 Jan 1968 | |||
| | |||
|Param Vir Chakra battalion, battle honour – ''Ganga Sagar''. | |||
|<ref name="Sarbans"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/golden-jubilee-celebrations-of-brigade-of-the-guards-begin/articleshow/56507474.cms|title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations|newspaper=The Times of India |date=2017-01-13|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.defstrat.com/magazine_articles/battles-that-made-history-14/#:~:text=After%20the%20capture%20of%20Gangasagar,the%20Battle%20Honour%20'Gangasagar'.|title= Battle Honours of The Indian Army – 27 (1971 War) Gangasagar|date=2021-11-05|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|15th Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|Reconnaissance & Support | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|16th Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|17th Battalion | |||
|1981 | |||
| | |||
|Nicknamed ''Tank Busters''. Raised in Kamptee as a specialised anti tank guided missile battalion, first to be equipped with [[MILAN]]. Had deployed 9 missile detachments during [[Kargil War]]. Converted to Reconnaissance & Support role after mechanisation. | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gunsinstamps.blogspot.com/2015/03/17th-battalion-brigade-of-guards-silver.html|title=17th Battalion The Brigade of the Guards - Silver Jubilee|date=2006-04-01|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bajwa |first=Mandeep Singh |date=2012-06-26 |title=4 Sikh moving to Chandimandir |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/4-sikh-moving-to-chandimandir/story-y280nydEB3Trmvb0NApuzN.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251101074845/https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/4-sikh-moving-to-chandimandir/story-y280nydEB3Trmvb0NApuzN.html |archive-date=2025-11-01 |access-date=2025-11-01 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |quote=The 17 Guards, popularly known as the Tankbusters, was raised as an ATGM (anti-tank guided missile) battalion... effectively used for bunker-bursting, providing much-needed fire support capacity to the battalions they were embedded with.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|18th Battalion | |||
|1985 | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gunsinstamps.blogspot.com/2015/09/18th-battalion-brigade-of-guards-silver.html|title=18th Battalion Brigade of the Guards - Silver Jubilee|date=2010-02-11|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|19th Battalion | |||
|1985 | |||
| | |||
|Reconnaissance & Support | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gunsinstamps.blogspot.com/2015/09/19th-battalion-brigade-of-guards-silver.html|title=19 Guards Silver Jubilee|date=2010-04-03|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|20th Battalion | |||
|?2016 | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/4-new-mechanised-battalions-for-army-349271/|title=4 new mechanised battalions for Army|date=2017-01-11|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref> | |||
|-style="background:#D0FFD0" | |||
|21st Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|[[Rashtriya Rifles]] | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://capsindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Debalina-Chaterjee.pdf|title=Rashtriya Rifles In Kashmir: India's Counter-Terrorist Force|date=2012-01-01|access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|22nd Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|23rd Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|- | |||
|24th Battalion | |||
|1966 | |||
|17th battalion, [[The Grenadiers]] | |||
|Raised as a camel battalion in [[Bikaner]]. Nicknamed ''The Desert Hawks''. Motorised Infantry Regiment. Became 24 Guards in 2023. Reconnaissance & Support battalion. | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url= https://samsshopping.com/product/17th-battalion-the-grenadiers-motorised/|title= 17th Battalion The Grenadiers (Motorised)|date=2016-11-10|access-date=2024-11-10}}</ref> | |||
|-style="background:#FFD0D0" | |||
|117th Battalion | |||
|1960 | |||
| | |||
|[[Territorial Army (India)|Territorial Army]] (based at [[Tiruchirappalli|Tiruchirapalli]]), nicknamed the ''Trichy Terriers''. | |||
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/TA-jawans-to-embark-on-cycle-rally/article16148461.ece#:~:text=The%20117%20Infantry%20Battalion%20(Territorial,Madras%20on%20October%201%2C%201962.|title=TA jawans to embark on cycle rally|newspaper=The Hindu |date=2010-08-28|access-date=2024-11-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gunsinstamps.blogspot.com/2015/10/117-infantry-battalion-ta-guards-golden.html|title=117 Infantry Battalion (TA) The Guards - Golden Jubilee|date=2010-10-01|access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref> | |||
|-style="background:#FFD0D0" | |||
|125th Battalion | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|[[Territorial Army (India)|Territorial Army]] (based at Tirumalagiri, [[Secunderabad]]) | |||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uniindia.com/recruitment-for-territorial-army-in-hyderabad-will-be-conducted-from-october-15-to-25/south/news/1737896.html#google_vignette|title=Recruitment|date=2019-09-23|access-date=2024-11-09}}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
==Traditions== | |||
;Crest | |||
The regimental crest consists of the image of [[Garuda]] with a scroll below inscribed ‘BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS’. Garuda is a mythological bird and is the mount of the Hindu God [[Vishnu]]. It symbolises the values of invulnerability, immortality, elegance, strength, courage and vitality.<ref name="BR1"/> | |||
;Uniform | |||
The uniform of the Brigade of The Guards includes a yellow and red lanyard on the right shoulder. Instead of a brass title on the [[epaulette]], guardsmen wear red arm titles with the words ‘THE GUARDS’. The rank slides are embroidered in red over olive green straps. The green beret (common to all infantry units in India) has the regimental crest on a red-yellow-red vertical striped diamond base stitched to the beret and a red over yellow [[hackle]]. Guardsmen wear brass buttons on the uniform instead of the traditional green buttons. The regimental turban is worn by personnel during ceremonial occasions, parades, on guard duty and by those in the regimental band. It consists of a red background with yellow and red stripes. | |||
;Regimental tune | |||
The four senior battalions and the Guards Training Centre each have their own march past for the Pipes and Drums. The 1 GUARDS plays ''Nachtlager En Grenada'', 2 GUARDS plays ''Back O’Benachie'', 3 GUARDS plays ''With Wellesley’s Rifles at Keren'', 4 GUARDS plays ''The Cock O’ the North'', and the Guards Training Centre plays ''Hundred Pipers''. In 1966, the Brigade adopted the march past of the 2nd Guards ''Back O’ Benachie'' for the Pipes and Drums. The ''Cariappa March'' was approved for the Brass Band of the 3rd Battalion and the centre in 1970.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=NfhK/2yptneKivyEGs1deg==&ParentID=t2VlARi2C7yBSJqx98xtcg==|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army}}</ref> | The four senior battalions and the Guards Training Centre each have their own march past for the Pipes and Drums. The 1 GUARDS plays ''Nachtlager En Grenada'', 2 GUARDS plays ''Back O’Benachie'', 3 GUARDS plays ''With Wellesley’s Rifles at Keren'', 4 GUARDS plays ''The Cock O’ the North'', and the Guards Training Centre plays ''Hundred Pipers''. In 1966, the Brigade adopted the march past of the 2nd Guards ''Back O’ Benachie'' for the Pipes and Drums. The ''Cariappa March'' was approved for the Brass Band of the 3rd Battalion and the centre in 1970.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=NfhK/2yptneKivyEGs1deg==&ParentID=t2VlARi2C7yBSJqx98xtcg==|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army}}</ref> | ||
;Colours | |||
1 GUARDS was the first and as of 2020, is the only battalion to receive Colours from the [[President of India]] in front of the [[Red Fort]] in [[New Delhi]], with the colours being [[Presentation of Colours|presented]] on 20 September 1962. The centre and the 2nd to 14th battalions received colours from President [[VV Giri]] at [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] on 16 March 1973. Battalions 15 to 19 were presented with colours by [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|COAS]] General [[Gopal Gurunath Bewoor]] at Kamptee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=9rC01f9K3k6zfNiWVbVIrw==&ParentID=3qzOZvRAZ4C0KC5MsB9lOg==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army}}</ref> | 1 GUARDS was the first and as of 2020, is the only battalion to receive Colours from the [[President of India]] in front of the [[Red Fort]] in [[New Delhi]], with the colours being [[Presentation of Colours|presented]] on 20 September 1962. The centre and the 2nd to 14th battalions received colours from President [[VV Giri]] at [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] on 16 March 1973. Battalions 15 to 19 were presented with colours by [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|COAS]] General [[Gopal Gurunath Bewoor]] at Kamptee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=9rC01f9K3k6zfNiWVbVIrw==&ParentID=3qzOZvRAZ4C0KC5MsB9lOg==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army}}</ref> | ||
==Gallantry awards== | ==Gallantry awards== | ||
{{Incomplete list|date=November 2024}} | |||
;[[Param Vir Chakra]] | |||
*Naik [[Jadunath Singh]] - 1st battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment, later 4 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1045|title=Jadunath Singh|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> | |||
*Lance Naik [[Albert Ekka]] - 14 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1062|title=Albert Ekka|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> | |||
;[[Ashoka Chakra (military decoration)|Ashoka Chakra]] | |||
*Captain [[Jasbir Singh Raina]] - 10 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1082|title=Jasbir Singh Raina|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> | |||
;[[Maha Vir Chakra]] - 6 | |||
*Lieutenant [[Kishan Singh Rathore]] - 1st battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment, later 4 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1172|title=Kishan Singh Rathore|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> | |||
*Lance Naik Nar Bahadur Chhetri - 12 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://x.com/adgpi/status/1731478548710302142|title=Lance Naik Nar Bahadur Chhetri|date=2023-12-04}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant Colonel Shamsher Singh - 8 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1431|title=Shamsher Singh|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> | |||
*Second Lieutenant Shamsher Singh Samra - 8 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1315|title=Kishan Singh Rathore|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> | |||
*Lance Naik Ram Ugrah Pandey - 8 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1319|title=Ram Ugrah Pandey|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref> | |||
;[[Kirti Chakra]] - 4 | |||
*Captain Dinesh Prasad Mathur - 1 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/2766|title=Captain Dinesh Prasad Mathur|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
*Captain Ransher Singh Ranawat - 9 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/2856|title=Captain Ransher Singh Ranawat|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant Colonel Israr Rahim Khan - 10 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/3224|title=Lieutenant Colonel Israr Rahim Khan|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
*Havildar Sarwan Singh - 10 Guards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/4289|title=Havildar Sarwan Singh|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
;Others | |||
*[[Padma Bhushan]] - 1 | |||
*[[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]] - 8 | |||
*[[Vir Chakra]] - 46 | |||
*[[Shaurya Chakra]] - 18 | |||
*[[Sena Medal]] - 77 | |||
*[[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal]] - 10 | |||
*[[Yudh Seva Medal]] - 3 | |||
*[[Vishisht Seva Medal]] - 16 | |||
*[[Mentioned in dispatches|Mention-in-Despatches]] - 45 | |||
*[[Commendation Card (Indian Army)|COAS's Commendation Cards]] - 151 | |||
*[[Commendation Card (Indian Army)|GOC-in-C's Commendation Cards]] - 79 | |||
==Battle honours== | ==Battle honours== | ||
===Pre-independence=== | ===Pre-independence=== | ||
[[Delhi 1803]]; | [[Delhi 1803]]; Selinghar; [[Third Anglo-Mysore War|Carnatic]]; [[Fourth Anglo-Mysore War|Mysore]]; [[First Anglo-Burmese War|Ava]]; [[Second Anglo-Burmese War | ||
|Pegu]]; [[Raid on the Suez Canal|Suez Canal]]; Nels, Krithia; Laos; [[Aden]]; Point-551; Kanghaw; Naushera; Mangalore; Hyderabad; Gaza; Megiodo; Nablus; Curais; Seringapatnam; Beurabone; Punjab; Mooltan; Persia; Reshire; Khooshab; Central India; Basra; Shaiba; Ctesiphon; [[Siege of Kut|Defence of Kut-Al-Amara]]; Sidi Barrani; Keren; Cassino; Castele Hill; Leswarree; Deig; Bharatpore; Khelat; Mahrakpore; Chilianwallah; Goojerat; Punjab; Egypt 1876–1917; British East Africa 1878; [[Afghanistan 1878–80]]; Kandahar 1880; Burma 1891; [[Boxer Rebellion|China 1900]]; East Africa 1914–1916; Mesopotamia 1914–1918, Egypt 1915, [[Gallipoli 1915]], [[Western Front (World War I)|France and Flanders 1915]], [[Siege of Kut|Kutal Amarah 1915]]; Palestine 1916-1918; [[Tigris 1916]]; Macedonia 1918; [[Afghanistan 1919]]; Donbaik 1943; [[Italy 1943–45]]; [[Burma campaign|Burma 1945]]; Jammu and Kashmir 1947–1948.<ref name="Indian Army">{{cite web |url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/infantry/inf_gds.html |title=Archived Document |access-date=2009-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829075729/http://www.indianarmy.nic.in/infantry/inf_gds.html |archive-date=2009-08-29 }}</ref> | |||
===Post-independence=== | ===Post-independence=== | ||
Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar.<ref name="Indian Army"/> | Akhaura, [[Battle of Burki|Burki]], Gadra Road, [[Battle of Hilli|Hilli]], Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar.<ref name="Indian Army"/> | ||
==Notable Officers== | |||
*Lieutenant General [[N. C. Rawlley|Naveen Chand Rawlley]] {{small|[[PVSM]], [[AVSM]], [[MC]]}} - GOC-in-C [[Eastern Command (India)|Eastern Command]], 1973 - 1974 and [[Vice Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Army Staff]], 1974 - 1975<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oldcottonians.org/obituary_lt_gen_naveen_rawlley.htm|title=Lt. Gen. Naveen Rawlley|access-date=2024-11-12}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General [[WAG Pinto|Walter Anthony Gustavo Pinto]] {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM}}}} - GOC-in-C [[Central Command (India)|Central Command]], 1980 - 1982<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/victor-of-basantar-lt-gen-pinto-passes-away-at-97-101616765068642.html|title='Victor of Basantar' Lt Gen Pinto passes away at 97|date=2021-03-26|access-date=2024-11-12}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General Suraj Prakash Malhotra {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM}}}} - GOC-in-C [[Northern Command (India)|Northern Command]], 1980 - 1982 | |||
*Lieutenant General AK Handoo {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Northern Command, 1985 - 1987 | |||
*Lieutenant General CN Somanna {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM}}}} - [[Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Deputy Chief of the Army Staff]], 1985 - 1986 | |||
*Lieutenant General KB Mehta {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Central Command, 1986 - 1987 | |||
*Lieutenant General OP Nandrajog {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Central Command, 2006 - 2008 | |||
*Lieutenant General SR Ghosh {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|SM}}}} - GOC-in-C [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]], 2009 - 2012<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/lt-gen-ghosh-last-of-the-1971-war-veterans-retires/story-UB9EMPun2MdaCgeUvOqaGM.html|title=Lt Gen Ghosh, last of the 1971 war veterans, retires|date=2012-05-31|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=2024-11-12|language=en}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General Ashok Singh {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|SM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C [[Southern Command (India)|Southern Command]], 2013 - 2015<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lt Gen Ashok Singh takes over as Southern Army commander – Indian Express |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/lt-gen-ashok-singh-takes-over-as-southern-army-commander/1067713/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527073637/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/lt-gen-ashok-singh-takes-over-as-southern-army-commander/1067713 |archive-date=27 May 2014 |access-date=2024-11-12|website=archive.indianexpress.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General Sanjeev Madhok {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C [[Army Training Command]], 2013 - 2015<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pioneer |first1=The |title=lt Gen Madhok takes over command of Army training |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2013/state-editions/Lt-gen-madhok-takes-over-command-of-army-training.html |website=The Pioneer |language=en|access-date=2024-11-12}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General [[Surinder Singh (general)|Surinder Singh]] {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Western Command, 2016 - 2019<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/lt-gen-surinder-singh-takes-over-as-goc-in-c-3036878/|title=Lt Gen Surinder Singh takes over as GOC-in-C|date=2016-09-18|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2024-11-12|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General [[Iqroop Singh Ghuman]] {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Central Command, 2019 - 2021<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/naravane-appointed-as-new-vice-chief-of-indian-army-four-army-commanders-appointed/articleshow/70339637.cms|title=Naravane appointed as new Vice Chief of Indian Army, four army commanders appointed|first1=Shaurya Karanbir|last1=Gurung|website=The Economic Times|date=23 July 2019 |access-date=12 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General JB Chaudhari {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|SM|VSM}}}} - Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), 2022 - 2024 | |||
==See also== | |||
* [[List of regiments of the Indian Army]] | |||
==Notes== | |||
{{reflist|group=nb}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
Latest revision as of 09:20, 24 March 2026
| Brigade of The Guards | |
|---|---|
.svg) Regimental Insignia of the Brigade of The Guards | |
| Active | 1949 - Present |
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Army |
| Type | Foot Guards |
| Role | Mechanized Infantry |
| Size | 23 battalions |
| Regimental Centre | Kamptee, Maharashtra.[1] |
| Motto(s) | Pahla Hamesha Pahla (First Always First) |
| War Cry | Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyare (I am the son of Eagle,[2] Say O my Beloved) |
| Theatre Honours | Jammu & Kashmir - 1947-48, Rajasthan - 1965, Punjab - 1965, East Pakistan - 1971 and Jammu & Kashmir - 1971 |
| Decorations | 1 Param Vir Chakra, 2 Ashoka Chakras, 1 Padma Bhushan, 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 |
| Battle honours | Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment | Major General Pankaj Malhotra, AVSM, SM[3] |
| Insignia | |
| Regimental Insignia | Garuda - A mythological eagle king. |
| Hackle | Red over Yellow |
| Flag |  |
The Brigade of The Guards is a mechanised infantry regiment of the Indian Army. It was raised as the first "all India", "all class" infantry unit of the Army where troops from all parts of India serve together, as opposed to other regiments that recruit from specific regions, ethnic groups or religions.
The Brigade of The Guards distinguished itself by being awarded the most battle honours after Indian independence in 1947. The regiment was the brain-child of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, who was the first Indian commander-in-chief (C-in-C) and Field Marshal of the Indian Army. He raised the Brigade of the Guards and coined the phrase – The Guards, The Elite.
The President of India is the Honorary Colonel-in-Chief and the Chief of Army Staff is the Colonel-in-Chief of The Guards. The Guards Regimental Centre is at Kamptee in Maharashtra. The Brigade of The Guards was the senior most line infantry regiment of the Indian Army before its selection and conversion to the mechanised infantry role. It now holds the title of the senior most infantry regiment in an honorary/ceremonial capacity. Together with the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, they form part of the Mechanised Infantry arm, which along with the Armoured Corps form the Mechanised Forces.
History and raising[edit | edit source]
The Brigade of Guards was raised in 1949 on the lines of the elite Guards units of the world, particularly, the Coldstream Guards of the British Army's Guards Division. The regiment was raised to implement the government's policy of encouraging Army recruitment from classes and regions which had been under-represented in the forces. Raised as The Guards Brigade, the old system of class composition was replaced with recruitment open to all regions, castes, creeds, and sections of society.[4]
Prior to the raising of the Guards, Indian Army infantry regiments derived their name and troop composition from region, religion or sub-caste. There was a message with its formation that the country comes before everything else, including religion and caste. The regiment was formed as the first mixed class Indian regiment to be raised after Indian independence by Field Marshal KM Cariappa OBE. Three of the Army's oldest and most distinguished battalions were converted as Guards battalions in 1949:
- 2nd Battalion, Punjab Regiment - 1st Battalion
- 1st Battalion, The Grenadiers - 2nd Battalion
- 1st Battalion, Rajputana Rifles - 3rd Battalion
A year later, they were joined by the 1st Battalion, Rajput Regiment as the 4th Battalion. It was the only regiment of foot guards in the Indian Army. Though the Brigade of The Guards is only 70 years old, its constituent battalions go back as far as 225 years and between them share 93 battle honours earned around the globe.[5]
From its raising till 1964, the Colonel of the Regiment was the serving Chief of the Army Staff. On 1 January 1964, Brigadier (later Lieutenant General) NC Rawlley became the first Colonel of the Regiment of the Brigade of the Guards. The Chiefs of the Army Staff continue to be the Honorary Colonels of the Brigade of Guards.[6]
Currently the Brigade of the Guards consists of 23 regular battalions and 2 territorial battalions and 1 RR (Rashtriya Rifles) battalion.[7] In the 1980s, the Indian Army began to increase the number of mechanized infantry battalions on its order of battle. As part of this program, the battalions of the Brigade of Guards were eventually converted to mechanized infantry.[8]
Regimental Centre[edit | edit source]
Soon after its raising, the Brigade of the Guards Regimental Centre was started as a training company at the Rajputana Rifles Training Centre at Delhi Cantonment on 6 June 1950. It was later upgraded to the Guards Training Wing at the same location. The centre then moved to Kota, where it became operational on 11 June 1956. The centre moved to its present location in Kamptee near the city of Nagpur in October 1976.[9][10] After their initial infantry training, Guardsmen undertake their mechanised conversion at Mechanised Infantry Centre and School at Ahmednagar.
Operations[edit | edit source]
1962 Indo-China War[edit | edit source]
1965 Indo-Pakistan War[edit | edit source]
1971 Liberation War[edit | edit source]
In the 1971 war, the Brigade of the Guards participated in actions on both the Eastern and the Western fronts. The 14th Guards earned their first PVC ( Param Vir Chakra) through L/Nk Albert Ekka of Bravo Company, for heroism in the Gangasagar theatre Near TRIPURA: he single-handedly turned the tide against Pakistani defenders firing downrange with LMG's and MMG's from the top of a fortified structure, putting the entire operation in jeopardy.
Operation Blue Star (1984)[edit | edit source]
This was an Indian military action carried out between 1 and 8 June 1984 to capture the extremist Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers along with demolition of the buildings of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar, Punjab.
The 10th battalion under Lt. Col. Ishrar Rahim Khan was located in Jalandhar in 1984 and moved to Amritsar to assist the civil administration. Along with 1 Para, 10 Guards moved in from the north entrance to the temple and, though suffering heavy casualties, achieved their objectives. The unit was awarded one Ashok Chakra (Capt. Jasbir Singh Raina), one Kirti Chakra and three Shaurya Chakras. Total casualties suffered by the unit were 19 killed and 50 wounded.
UN operations and counter-insurgency operations[edit | edit source]
One the first deployments overseas, both for this newly formed regiment as well as for the newly independent India, was to Indo-china, where the 2nd Bn. was posted, in 1954, to support the International Control Commission: India was the lead-nation for the project, and from its own history was well-aware of how risky the task of Partition could be. Detachments of the battalion provided both security and an air of authority to the various subordinate headquarters in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and the all-India regiment exemplified the national commitment to a fraught operation.[11]
The Brigade of the Guards has also taken part in UN peace keeping operations in Gaza and Angola.
The regiment has also been used in counter-insurgency operations within India.[5]
Regimental battalions[edit | edit source]
The regiment currently consists of a total of 23 battalions for Regular Army, one for Rashtriya Rifles and two for Territorial Army. The majority of these operate as standard mechanized infantry, 6 operate in the reconnaissance and support role (3 wheeled and 3 tracked), one is equipped as an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) battalion and three (including two territorial army battalions) remain as infantry. Today, the regiment is one of three in the Indian Army that is made up of men from the different castes and regions of India.
The list of battalions is as follows:[7]
| Battalion | Raising Date | Former designations | Remarks | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Battalion | 1759 [nb 1] | 10th Battalion Coast Sepoys (1759), 10th Carnatic Battalion (1769), 9th Carnatic Battalion (1770), 9th Madras Battalion (1784), 1st Battalion, 9th Madras Native Infantry (1796), 9th Madras Native Infantry (1824), 9th Madras Infantry (1885), 69th Punjabis (1903), 2nd battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment (1922), 2 Punjab | Raised at Madura (now Madurai). Battle honours - 31 - Pre-independence - Carnatic, Sholinghur, Mysore, Ava, Pegu. [nb 2] Post independence – Naushera. Designated as 1 Guards on 1 April 1951, mechanised in March 1994. | [12][13] |
| 2nd Battalion | 22 Nov 1778[nb 3] | 8th Regiment of Bombay Sepoys (1778), 8th Grenadier Regiment of Bombay Sepoys (1783), 1st Grenadier Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry (1793), 1st Grenadier Bombay Infantry (1901), 101st Grenadiers (1903), 1st Battalion, 4th Bombay Grenadiers (1922), 1st Battalion, The Grenadiers. | Raised at Bombay. Battle honours - Mangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Kandahar 1880, Afghanistan 1878–80, Burma 1885–87, Somaliland 1901–04, East Africa 1914–16, Egypt, Gaza, Megiddo, Nablus, Palestine 1917–18. Post independence – Gurais. Became 2 Guards on 1 August 1952. | [12][14][15][16][17][18] |
| 3rd Battalion | 10 Jan 1775 | 5th Battalion, Bombay Sepoys (1775), 9th Battalion, Bombay Sepoys (1778), 2nd Battalion, 2nd Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry (1796), 4th Bombay Native Infantry (1824), 4th Bombay Infantry (or Rifle Corps) (1885), 4th (1st Battalion Rifle Corps) Bombay Infantry (1889), 4th Bombay Rifles – (1901), 104th Wellesley's Rifles (1903), 1st Battalion, 6th Rajputana Rifles (1921), 1st Battalion, Rajputana Rifles (1945) | Battle honours (pre-independence) 28; (post-independence) – Gadra Road. 3 Guards on 1 September 1949, mechanised in December 1991. | [12][19][17] |
| 4th Battalion | 1798 | 2nd Battalion, 15th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry (1798), 31st Bengal Native Infantry (1824), 31st Bengal Native (Light) Infantry (1858), 2nd Bengal Native (Light) Infantry (1861), 2nd (The Queen's Own) Regiment of Bengal Native (Light) Infantry (1876), 2nd (The Queen's Own) Regiment of Bengal (Light) Infantry (1885), 2nd (Queen’s Own) Rajput Regiment of Bengal (Light) Infantry (1897), 2nd (Queen’s Own) Rajput Light Infantry (1901), 2nd Queen Victoria's Own Rajput Light Infantry (1911), 1st light infantry battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment (1922), 1st battalion, Rajput Regiment (1947). | Raised at Sasaram. Battle honours (pre-independence) - Delhi 1803, Laswaree, Deig, Bhurtpore, Khelat. Afghanistan, Maharajpore, Punjaub, Chillianwallah, Goojerat, Central India, Afghanistan 1879-80, Burma 1885-87, China 1900; (post-independence) – Akhaura. The battalion has won two Victoria Crosses and one Param Vir Chakra. Designated 4 Guards on 26 January 1950. | [12][20][21][22] |
| 5th Battalion | 1960 | Reconnaissance & Support, battle honour – Burki. | [17][23] | |
| 6th Battalion | ||||
| 7th Battalion | 1 Jan 1963 | Raised at Kota, Rajasthan; mechanised in 2003. Battle honour – Shingo River Valley. | [17][24] | |
| 8th Battalion | 1 Oct 1963 | Raised at Kota, Rajasthan; mechanised in 1998. Battle honour – Hilli. | [17][25] | |
| 9th Battalion | 1 Apr 1964 | Raised at Kota, Rajasthan. Battle honour – Sylhet. | [17][26] | |
| 10th Battalion | 1 Jan 1965 | Raised at Kota, Rajasthan; mechanised in 1988. Ashok Chakra Battalion. | [27] | |
| 11th Battalion | 1 Jun 1966 | Raised at Babina, Uttar Pradesh as a para commando battalion, then converted to regular infantry; mechanised in 2011. | [28] | |
| 12th Battalion | Reconnaissance & Support | |||
| 13th Battalion | 4 Jan 1968 | 31st Battalion, Brigade of the Guards (I) | Raised as a specialised unit for counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast. Now in regular mechanised infantry role. | [29] |
| 14th Battalion | 13 Jan 1968 | Param Vir Chakra battalion, battle honour – Ganga Sagar. | [17][30][31] | |
| 15th Battalion | Reconnaissance & Support | |||
| 16th Battalion | ||||
| 17th Battalion | 1981 | Nicknamed Tank Busters. Raised in Kamptee as a specialised anti tank guided missile battalion, first to be equipped with MILAN. Had deployed 9 missile detachments during Kargil War. Converted to Reconnaissance & Support role after mechanisation. | [32][33] | |
| 18th Battalion | 1985 | [34] | ||
| 19th Battalion | 1985 | Reconnaissance & Support | [35] | |
| 20th Battalion | ?2016 | [36] | ||
| 21st Battalion | Rashtriya Rifles | [37] | ||
| 22nd Battalion | ||||
| 23rd Battalion | ||||
| 24th Battalion | 1966 | 17th battalion, The Grenadiers | Raised as a camel battalion in Bikaner. Nicknamed The Desert Hawks. Motorised Infantry Regiment. Became 24 Guards in 2023. Reconnaissance & Support battalion. | [38] |
| 117th Battalion | 1960 | Territorial Army (based at Tiruchirapalli), nicknamed the Trichy Terriers. | [39][40] | |
| 125th Battalion | Territorial Army (based at Tirumalagiri, Secunderabad) | [41] |
Traditions[edit | edit source]
- Crest
The regimental crest consists of the image of Garuda with a scroll below inscribed ‘BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS’. Garuda is a mythological bird and is the mount of the Hindu God Vishnu. It symbolises the values of invulnerability, immortality, elegance, strength, courage and vitality.[7]
- Uniform
The uniform of the Brigade of The Guards includes a yellow and red lanyard on the right shoulder. Instead of a brass title on the epaulette, guardsmen wear red arm titles with the words ‘THE GUARDS’. The rank slides are embroidered in red over olive green straps. The green beret (common to all infantry units in India) has the regimental crest on a red-yellow-red vertical striped diamond base stitched to the beret and a red over yellow hackle. Guardsmen wear brass buttons on the uniform instead of the traditional green buttons. The regimental turban is worn by personnel during ceremonial occasions, parades, on guard duty and by those in the regimental band. It consists of a red background with yellow and red stripes.
- Regimental tune
The four senior battalions and the Guards Training Centre each have their own march past for the Pipes and Drums. The 1 GUARDS plays Nachtlager En Grenada, 2 GUARDS plays Back O’Benachie, 3 GUARDS plays With Wellesley’s Rifles at Keren, 4 GUARDS plays The Cock O’ the North, and the Guards Training Centre plays Hundred Pipers. In 1966, the Brigade adopted the march past of the 2nd Guards Back O’ Benachie for the Pipes and Drums. The Cariappa March was approved for the Brass Band of the 3rd Battalion and the centre in 1970.[42]
- Colours
1 GUARDS was the first and as of 2020, is the only battalion to receive Colours from the President of India in front of the Red Fort in New Delhi, with the colours being presented on 20 September 1962. The centre and the 2nd to 14th battalions received colours from President VV Giri at Kota on 16 March 1973. Battalions 15 to 19 were presented with colours by COAS General Gopal Gurunath Bewoor at Kamptee.[43]
Gallantry awards[edit | edit source]
- Naik Jadunath Singh - 1st battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment, later 4 Guards[44]
- Lance Naik Albert Ekka - 14 Guards[45]
- Captain Jasbir Singh Raina - 10 Guards[46]
- Maha Vir Chakra - 6
- Lieutenant Kishan Singh Rathore - 1st battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment, later 4 Guards[47]
- Lance Naik Nar Bahadur Chhetri - 12 Guards[48]
- Lieutenant Colonel Shamsher Singh - 8 Guards[49]
- Second Lieutenant Shamsher Singh Samra - 8 Guards[50]
- Lance Naik Ram Ugrah Pandey - 8 Guards[51]
- Kirti Chakra - 4
- Captain Dinesh Prasad Mathur - 1 Guards[52]
- Captain Ransher Singh Ranawat - 9 Guards[53]
- Lieutenant Colonel Israr Rahim Khan - 10 Guards[54]
- Havildar Sarwan Singh - 10 Guards[55]
- Others
- Padma Bhushan - 1
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal - 8
- Vir Chakra - 46
- Shaurya Chakra - 18
- Sena Medal - 77
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal - 10
- Yudh Seva Medal - 3
- Vishisht Seva Medal - 16
- Mention-in-Despatches - 45
- COAS's Commendation Cards - 151
- GOC-in-C's Commendation Cards - 79
Battle honours[edit | edit source]
Pre-independence[edit | edit source]
Delhi 1803; Selinghar; Carnatic; Mysore; Ava; [[Second Anglo-Burmese War |Pegu]]; Suez Canal; Nels, Krithia; Laos; 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-Al-Amara; Sidi Barrani; Keren; Cassino; Castele Hill; Leswarree; Deig; Bharatpore; Khelat; Mahrakpore; Chilianwallah; Goojerat; Punjab; 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 1943–45; Burma 1945; Jammu and Kashmir 1947–1948.[56]
Post-independence[edit | edit source]
Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar.[56]
Notable Officers[edit | edit source]
- Lieutenant General Naveen Chand Rawlley PVSM, AVSM, MC - GOC-in-C Eastern Command, 1973 - 1974 and Vice Chief of the Army Staff, 1974 - 1975[57]
- Lieutenant General Walter Anthony Gustavo Pinto PVSM - GOC-in-C Central Command, 1980 - 1982[58]
- Lieutenant General Suraj Prakash Malhotra PVSM - GOC-in-C Northern Command, 1980 - 1982
- Lieutenant General AK Handoo PVSM - GOC-in-C Northern Command, 1985 - 1987
- Lieutenant General CN Somanna PVSM - Deputy Chief of the Army Staff, 1985 - 1986
- Lieutenant General KB Mehta PVSM - GOC-in-C Central Command, 1986 - 1987
- Lieutenant General OP Nandrajog PVSM, AVSM, VSM - GOC-in-C Central Command, 2006 - 2008
- Lieutenant General SR Ghosh PVSM, AVSM, SM - GOC-in-C Western Command, 2009 - 2012[59]
- Lieutenant General Ashok Singh PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM - GOC-in-C Southern Command, 2013 - 2015[60]
- Lieutenant General Sanjeev Madhok PVSM, AVSM, VSM - GOC-in-C Army Training Command, 2013 - 2015[61]
- Lieutenant General Surinder Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM - GOC-in-C Western Command, 2016 - 2019[62]
- Lieutenant General Iqroop Singh Ghuman PVSM, AVSM - GOC-in-C Central Command, 2019 - 2021[63]
- Lieutenant General JB Chaudhari PVSM, SM, VSM - Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), 2022 - 2024
See also[edit | edit source]
Notes[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Members of first Agniveer batch arrive at Guards Regimental Centre for training". 2023-01-02. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ https://www.learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=eagle&dir=au [bare URL]
- ↑ "Gazette of India, No 52". 2025-12-27. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
- ↑ "General S Padmanabhan - Honorary Colonel Of The Brigade Of The Guards". 2001-09-05. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Brigade of the Guards".
- ↑ "h3". www.sainiksamachar.nic.in.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "THE BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 2009-04-11.
- ↑ "Details of Bns" (PDF). 2013-04-26. Retrieved 2021-11-05.
- ↑ "REGIMENTAL CENTRE". Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ↑ "Brigade of Guards recruits pass out in colourful ceremony". 2014-11-10. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ Praval, Major K. C. (1987). Indian Army After Independence. Lancer Publishers LLC. ISBN 9781935501619.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 "The Indian Army List, 1923". Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ↑ "69th Punjabis". Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "Indian Army Grenadiers Regiment".
- ↑ "2 Guards (1 Grenadiers)". 22 November 2003. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "2 Guards". 2003-11-23. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 Singh, Sarbans (1993). Battle Honours of the Indian Army, 1757-1971. Vision Books. ISBN 978-8170941156.
- ↑ "2 Guards (1 Grenadiers) of India". 2003-11-22. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "3 Guards". 2015-09-08. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "2nd Rajput Light Infantry". Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "Fourth Battalion Brigade of the Guards (1 Rajput)". 1998-09-15. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "4 Guards' stirring saga of courage and sacrifice". 2024-02-06. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "5th Battalion Brigade of the Guards - Golden Jubilee". 2010-08-25. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "7 Guards". 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "8 Guards". 2013-11-23. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "9 Guards". 2014-04-01. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "10 Guards". 2015-10-03. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "11 Guards". 2016-06-01. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "13th Battalion Brigade of the Guards - Silver Jubilee". 1993-01-04. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "Golden Jubilee Celebrations". The Times of India. 2017-01-13. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "Battle Honours of The Indian Army – 27 (1971 War) Gangasagar". 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "17th Battalion The Brigade of the Guards - Silver Jubilee". 2006-04-01. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ Bajwa, Mandeep Singh (2012-06-26). "4 Sikh moving to Chandimandir". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 2025-11-01. Retrieved 2025-11-01.
The 17 Guards, popularly known as the Tankbusters, was raised as an ATGM (anti-tank guided missile) battalion... effectively used for bunker-bursting, providing much-needed fire support capacity to the battalions they were embedded with.
- ↑ "18th Battalion Brigade of the Guards - Silver Jubilee". 2010-02-11. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "19 Guards Silver Jubilee". 2010-04-03. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "4 new mechanised battalions for Army". 2017-01-11. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "Rashtriya Rifles In Kashmir: India's Counter-Terrorist Force" (PDF). 2012-01-01. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ↑ "17th Battalion The Grenadiers (Motorised)". 2016-11-10. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ↑ "TA jawans to embark on cycle rally". The Hindu. 2010-08-28. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ↑ "117 Infantry Battalion (TA) The Guards - Golden Jubilee". 2010-10-01. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ↑ "Recruitment". 2019-09-23. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ↑ "The Official Home Page of the Indian Army".
- ↑ "The Official Home Page of the Indian Army".
- ↑ "Jadunath Singh". Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ↑ "Albert Ekka". Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ↑ "Jasbir Singh Raina". Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ↑ "Kishan Singh Rathore". Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ↑ "Lance Naik Nar Bahadur Chhetri". 2023-12-04.
- ↑ "Shamsher Singh". Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ↑ "Kishan Singh Rathore". Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ↑ "Ram Ugrah Pandey". Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ↑ "Captain Dinesh Prasad Mathur". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "Captain Ransher Singh Ranawat". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "Lieutenant Colonel Israr Rahim Khan". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "Havildar Sarwan Singh". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 "Archived Document". Archived from the original on 2009-08-29. Retrieved 2009-09-08.
- ↑ "Lt. Gen. Naveen Rawlley". Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ↑ "'Victor of Basantar' Lt Gen Pinto passes away at 97". 2021-03-26. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ↑ "Lt Gen Ghosh, last of the 1971 war veterans, retires". Hindustan Times. 2012-05-31. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ↑ "Lt Gen Ashok Singh takes over as Southern Army commander – Indian Express". archive.indianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ↑ Pioneer, The. "lt Gen Madhok takes over command of Army training". The Pioneer. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ↑ "Lt Gen Surinder Singh takes over as GOC-in-C". The Indian Express. 2016-09-18. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ↑ Gurung, Shaurya Karanbir (23 July 2019). "Naravane appointed as new Vice Chief of Indian Army, four army commanders appointed". The Economic Times. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
