Bicentenary of Indian Army Ordnance Corps

The battle-readiness of a modern army heavily relies on the timely and accurate availability of necessary munitions. For over two centuries, the Army Ordnance Corps has successfully fulfilled this crucial role. From the muskets used by the Presidency Armies to today’s electronically-operated guns, the Corps has adapted with foresight and dynamism. It traces its origins to 1775, when a Board of Ordnance was proposed by Commander-in-Chief Lt. General Sir John Clavering, and it was reorganized in 1884. In 1922, the ordnance and clothing services were renamed the Indian Army Ordnance Corps (IAOC).

The Corps’ contributions during the Second World War mark a significant chapter in its storied history. In December 1970, the Corps was honored with its colors by the Vice President of India. Today, the Army Ordnance Corps is one of the most complex organizations within the Indian Army, managing an unparalleled range of stores and equipment in terms of number, size, volume, and value. It provides nearly all conceivable requirements for soldiers and paramilitary forces, except for rations, fuel, medical supplies, and certain specialized engineering equipment.

To commemorate the Bicentenary of the Army Ordnance Corps, a special stamp has been issued. The stamp illustration features a stylized form of a cannon, with the varying thickness and color of the three cannons representing the Corps’ growth from 1775 to the present day. (Source: Information sheet issued by the P&T Department)