3rd & 5th Battalions, 5th Gorkha Rifles
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 1, 1990 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 1,000,000 |
| Perforation | Comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Black | Ochre |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1271 Stamp Number IN 1330 Stanley Gibbons IN 1422 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Army | Headgear | Men | Military Forces |
The 3rd and 5th Battalions of the 5th Gorkha Rifles have a distinguished history marked by valor and significant contributions during various military operations. Here are key details about their formation, notable battles, and honors:
3rd Battalions of 5th Gorkha Rifles (3/5 GR)
- Formation and Early Service:
- Raised as the 3/5 Royal Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) at Ferozpur on 28th November 1916.
- Served in Afghanistan and Mesopotamia during the First World War.
- Disbanded in 1921 and re-raised at Abbotabad on 1st October 1940.
- World War II Service:
- Served in Burma as part of the 23rd Infantry Division.
- Awarded the Battle Honour ‘Tiddim’ for outstanding action in the battle of Tiddim.
- Participated in post-war operations in Indonesia.
- Post-Independence Operations:
- Engaged in the Hyderabad Operation.
- Active in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
- Served on the Northern and Eastern borders of India.
- Proud tally of awards in various wars and operations since 1st October 1940.
5th Battalions of 5th Gorkha Rifles (5/5 GR)
- Formation and Early Service:
- Raised on 1st October 1940 as the Third Battalion of the Sixth Gorkha Rifles at Abbotabad (West Pakistan).
- Re-designated as the Fifth Battalion of the Fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) on 1st January 1948.
- World War II Service:
- Part of operations in Burma as part of the 77th Independent Infantry Brigade under General Wingate’s “Special Force”.
- Exemplary bravery in capturing Mogaung on 23rd June 1944, winning two Victoria Crosses on the same day.
- Recipients: Captain Michael Allmand (Posthumous) and Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun.
- Post-Independence Operations:
- Participated in the Hyderabad action in 1948 and awarded the first Ashoka Chakra Class I of free India to Naik Nar Bahadur Thapa.
- Distinguished performance in Nagaland during the 1965 operations.
- Proud tally of awards in various wars and operations since 1st October 1940.
- Honours:
- Battle Honours: Chindits, Mogaung, and Sittang.
- Theatre Honours: Burma and East Pakistan.
These battalions have demonstrated exceptional bravery and have been integral to several key military operations, earning numerous honors and accolades for their service.