The Bombay Sappers War Memorial
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | January 31, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 302,350 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Nenu Gupta Smt. Vinita Sinha |
| Catalog Codes |
Colnect codes IN 2024.01.31-01 Michel IN 3981 Yvert et Tellier IN 3623 Stanley Gibbons IN 3896 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | First World War | Monuments |
Honouring the Legacy of the Bombay Engineer Group
The Bombay Engineer Group, popularly known as the Bombay Sappers, is one of the most distinguished units of the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers. Its origins trace back to 1777, with the formation of a company of Pioneer Lascars in Bombay under the Bombay Presidency. Officially, the Group’s history begins in 1820, when these pioneers were reorganized into Sappers and Miners, laying the foundation for a legacy of valor and technical excellence. Recognizing their invaluable service during World War I, the Group was honored with the title “Royal” in 1921.
A Tradition of Bravery and Honour
The Bombay Sappers earned their first Battle Honour—Beni-Boo-Ali in Arabia—in 1821, just a year after reorganization. Since then, they have amassed a remarkable record:
- Pre-independence: 34 Battle Honours and 25 Theatre Honours
- Post-independence: 3 Battle Honours, 6 Theatre Honours, 10 COAS Unit Citations, 2 COAS Certificates of Appreciation, 2 VCOAS Unit Appreciations, 50 GOC-in-C Unit Citations, 1 GOC-in-C Certificate of Appreciation, and 6 Governor Citations
The Group’s gallantry is highlighted by individual awards for the highest acts of bravery:
- Victoria Cross: 2Lt (later Lt Gen) PS Bhagat, Middle East, World War II
- Param Vir Chakra: 2Lt (later Maj) RR Rane, clearing minefields during the 1948 Indo-Pak War
- Ashok Chakra: Nb Sub Gurnam Singh (posthumously, 1973), for saving lives during a Defence Services Staff College demonstration
This remarkable distinction of winning all three top bravery awards is unique in the history of the Indian Army.
Regimental Colours and National Contribution
On 21 February 1990, the Bombay Sappers proudly received their Regimental Colours from Shri R Venkataraman, then President of India. Over the centuries, the Group has not only excelled in battles but also applied its technical skills for nation-building and development projects, showcasing a rare blend of military prowess and societal contribution.
The Bombay Sappers War Memorial
A symbol of courage and remembrance, the Bombay Sappers War Memorial stands at the entrance of the Parade Ground, honoring officers and soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I.
- Foundation laid: 17 February 1923 by Col BB Russel, DSO, RE
- Unveiled: 10 September 1924 by the Governor of Bombay
- Structure: Stone cenotaph with inscriptions in English, Urdu, Gurmukhi, and Marathi
- Enhancements: In 1979, the base was extended with four marble-faced satellite stones for updated inscriptions; in 2023, ascending walls were added to commemorate the centenary and honor the fallen
The War Memorial has become an inseparable symbol of the Bombay Sappers’ history and legacy, central to all ceremonial and commemorative parades. Since 1984, it has also served as the official emblem of the Bombay Sappers, replacing the British Crown.
Commemorative Stamp: Celebrating 100 Years
To mark the centenary of the Bombay Sappers War Memorial in 2024, the Department of Posts is delighted to issue a commemorative Bombay Sappers stamp. This special release not only celebrates the courage, dedication, and technical expertise of the Group but also shares their inspiring story with philatelists and history enthusiasts across the nation.
The Bombay Sappers stamp immortalizes a legacy of valor, technical mastery, and service to the nation, making it a must-have for collectors and admirers of military history.
First Day Cover
