5th Battalion the Rajput Regiment

The battalion was raised in 1825 as the 2nd Extra Regiment of the Bengal Native Infantry at erstwhile Cawnpore. It has a rich and glorious history spanning two centuries, throughout which, the battalion has consistently displayed bravery, resilience and sacrifice across diverse conflicts and terrains.

In 1828, it was renamed as 70th Bengal Native Infantry. Early campaigns in which the battalion was inducted include the Battle of Maharajpur (1843) and the Second Sikh War (1848-49), earning battle honours of Punjab, Chillianwallah and Gujarat. Serving with the Indian Expeditionary Force under British rule, the regiment saw action in China (1858-59), Bhutan (1865), and the Second Afghan War (1878-80) where the battalion was honoured with Battle Honours of China, Bhutan and Afghanistan. The saga of courage followed with the Burma War (1885-87) and the Hazara Expedition (1891) where the battle honour of Burma was bestowed on the Battalion. As the 11th Rajputs, the regiment fought in World War I across multiple theatres, including France, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, and later in the Afghan War (1919) earning the Battle Honour of Mesopotamia. Re-designated as the 5th Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment, it fought its epochal last stand and suffered heavy losses defending Hong Kong during World War II where it earned its last pre-independence battle honour of Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the magnitude of loss of personnel due to death, and being taken prisoners of war was so grave that the battalion had to be demobilised after World War II. Captain Mateen Ahmed Ansari was posthumously awarded with George Cross, the only one held by the entire Rajput Regiment, for his unwavering courage in the face of brutal Japanese forces.

The saga of valour does not end here. The Battalion was re-raised as 5th Battalion of the Rajput Regiment in 1962, by Lt Col Brijpal Singh Vr C at Fatehgarh. Post re-raising, the battalion participated in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, where it again demonstrated its mettle. During Operation Pawan, Hav Naipal Singh was posthumously awarded Vir Chakra for supreme sacrifice against the fierce and resilient LTTE.

The battalion also served in Operation Rakshak at challenging locations in the high altitude areas and Operation Vijay. The battalion notably achieved an unscathed tenure during Operation Meghdoot on the challenging Siachen Glacier, a rare feat for any unit guarding the frozen frontier. The Battalion has a unique distinction of presenting Guard Of Honour to three presidents of India, namely Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr Pranab Mukherjee and Shri Ramnath Kovind. In the year 2018, the battalion represented the country at a global platform in the Ex SCO Peace Mission held at Chebarkul, Russia, one of a kind exercise which saw participation of seven foreign countries including Russia, China and Pakistan. It was the first instance when Indian and Pakistani forces participated in a friendly military exercise. With four consecutive unit citations in last decade, including 02 x Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation for its challenging tenures in the field at Kupwara and Poonch and 02 x GOC-in-C Unit Citations at Jutogh and Sri Ganganagar for exceptional performance of duties in peace tenure, the battalion is one of the most professional infantry units of the Indian Army.

During its glorious 200 years, the Rajputs have proved their mettle while fighting in frozen glaciers, mountains, plains, beaches and deserts. Its sterling performance has always showcased professionalism at the epitome of excellence. The brave hearts from this unit have risen to the occasion and displayed their enduring spirit, with utter disregard to their personal safety, laying down their lives in the service of the nation. Due to its glorious history, presently the battalion is acknowledged as Prachand Paanch.

The list of gallantry/distinguished awards bestowed upon the battalion includes 1 Param Vishisht Seva Medal, 3 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 2 Vir Chakra, 1 Shaurya Chakra, 16 Sena Medal (Gallantry), 2 Yudh Seva Medal, 5 Mentions-in-Despatches, 25 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards, 19 Vice Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards, 82 GOC-in-C Commendation Cards and 2 Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Commendation Cards.