4th Reunion of Punjab Regiment

The Army, the oldest and largest of India’s three fighting services, revolves around the infantry soldiers who fight on foot with a gun in hand. These foot soldiers, known as Infantry, constitute the largest part of the Army’s combat strength. They proudly inherit the traditions of the old regiments of the British Indian Army and the former Indian State Forces.

The modern Indian Infantry finds its roots in the middle of the 18th century when the East India Company reorganized its field forces. Among the battalions raised at that time, only a few have endured as continuous entities. The oldest surviving representative of these infantry units is the Punjab Regiment. Throughout its long history, the Punjab Regiment has undergone numerous organizational changes, class compositions, and nomenclature alterations.

Originally manned by South Indian Jawans, the Regiment now comprises 50% Sikhs and 50% Dogras. Over two centuries, the Regiment has recruited soldiers from regions spanning from Kanyakumari to Himachal. After Independence, the Regiment absorbed veteran Infantry Battalions from the States of Jind, Nabha, and Patiala while contributing two of its senior battalions to the newly formed Parachute Regiment and Brigade of Guards.

During its 186 years of existence before Independence, the Regiment bravely fought battles in India and overseas, earning numerous battle honors and gallantry awards, including the Victoria Cross. Since Independence, the Regiment has displayed its traditional determination and heroism in all major operations undertaken by the Indian Army.

One remarkable feat was the part played by the 15th Battalion (1st Patiala) in the Capture of Zojila in October 1948. Despite being attacked by the enemy with mortars and machine guns, Naik Chet Singh and his men valiantly fought for seven hours, resulting in the retreat of the raiders and the capture of 36 enemy soldiers.

The Regiment has distinguished itself in various conflicts, including the Hyderabad Police Action, the Chinese Aggression of 1962, and the Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971. Notably, the Regiment played a crucial role in capturing the formidable Ichogil Canal during the 1965 operations and held out against a massive tank force at Loungewala during the Indo-Pak conflict of 1971.

Jhangar, Zojila, Dograi, Barki, Kali Dhar, and Haji Pir are some of the Battle Honours emblazoned on the Regiment’s colors, commemorating its valorous actions throughout history.