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The Philatelist

The issued stamp, shown actual size

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  • Commemorative Stamp
  • 1 October 1990

3rd & 5th Battalions, 5th Gorkha Rifles

Fifty years of two Gorkha battalions.

Date of issue October 1, 1990
Denomination Rs. 2
Quantity printed 1000000
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Perforation comb 13
Watermark No Watermark
Colours Black | Ochre
Printing process Photogravure
Catalogue codes Michel IN 1271 Stamp Number IN 1330 Yvert et Tellier IN 1069 Stanley Gibbons IN 1422

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About this stamp

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.

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