A commemorative postage stamp on Centenary of Garhwal Rifles & Garhwal Scouts, one of most decorated of Indian Army infantry regiment :

Issued by India

Issued on May 10, 1987

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative stamp on the centenary of Garhwal Rifles and the Garhwal Scouts.

Description of Designs : The 100p Multicolour stamp has been designed by India Security Press, Nashik Road based on the design given by the Garhwal Rifles. The Cancellation has been prepared by Mrs. Alka Sharma.

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 100 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Paper : Imported unwatermarked Adhesive Gr. coated stamp paper

Number printed : 15,00,000

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printed at : India Security Press

About : 

• LAMENT NOT THE DEATH OF A WARRIOR KILLED ON THE BATTLEFIELD FOR ONE KILLED IN WAR IS RESPECTED IN HEAVEN.
• The above priceless gem enshrined in the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial captures at once the spirit and credo of the Regiment which is celebrating its first centenary in May, 1987.
• Though Garhwalis had rich fighting traditions for several centuries, the raising of a separate Regiment consonant with their distinctive characteristics was a child of timely initiative by no less a military genius than Field Marshal FS Roberts, the then commander-in-chief.
• In May, 1887, the 1^st Battalion of the Regiment was raised at Almora in Kumaon by Lt Col. EP Mainwaring as 2^nd Battalion the 3^rd (The Kumaon) Gurkha Regiment. On 4^th Nov. 1887, the Battalion moved to Lansdowne (then known as Kalundanda). In 1881, the Battalion was redesignated the 39^th (The Garhwali) Regiment of Bengal Infantry. In 1901, 2^nd Battalion, the 39^th Garhwal Rifles was raised.
• The first world war was a turning point in the history of the regiment. The 1^st and 2^nd Battalions which saw active service in France soon carved for themselves many a niche in the temple of fame. While Nk. Darwan Singh Negi won the second Victoria Cross ever awarded to an Indian soldier, Rfn Gobar Singh Negi of the second Battalion soon emulated the former by winning the Victoria Cross in the bloody battle of Nevue Chapelle. Before the carnage of the first world war ended, the Regiment had won 2 Victoria Crosses (VC), 6 Distinguished Service Orders (DSO), 25 Military Crosses (MC), 14 Indian Orders of Merit (IOM) and 21 Indian Distinguished Service Medals (IDSM) apart from such rare foreign awards as Legion D’ Honneur and French Croix D’ Guerre.
• The 3^rd and the 4^th Battalions were raised in 1916 and 1918 respectively. The 4^th Battalion added one more Victoria Cross to the Regiment when in Jan. 1920, Lt WD Kenny was posthumously honoured for his valour in Kotkai (NWFP).
• On 2^nd Feb, 1921, the entire Regiment was conferred the royal title – a unique honour which it shared with only one other Indian Infantry Group : 5 Royal Gurkha Rifles. In 1923, the Regimental War Memorial was unveiled in Lansdowne.
• The sacred shrine of the Regimental Deity, Badrinath whose invocation is the essence of the battle cry, the Regimental War Memorial and the Scarlet Lanyard constitute the mystical trinity that arouse alike the officers and men to formidable feats, above and beyond the call of duty.
• During world war II, five more battalions 4^th (Reraised), 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 25^th (Garrison) battalion were raised. The Regiment saw active service in almost all of the theatres and won 6 DSOs, 25 MCs, 14 IOMs and 21 IDSMs. A rich tapestry of theatre honours ranging from France to Flanders, Macedonia to Afghanistan, Italy to Abyssinia and Burma to Malaya decorate the Regimental banners.
• After Independence, a number of additional battalions have been raised. The Regiment has crowned itself with glory in all of the postwar conflicts and counter insurgency operations by winning 1 Ashoka Chakra, 4 MVCs, 9 KCs and 35 VrCs. 3^rd Battalion rendered distinguished service as a part of the custodian force in Korea in 1953.
• 10^th May, 1987 will be a shining milestone along the path of glory. It has not been easy, nevertheless; the accomplishments have been characterised by great elan, verve and vigour. It is a momentous occasion to review the outstanding achievements of the Regiment with pride and gratification.

Related posts:

Gorkha Rifles Third Battalion The Garhwal Rifles Punjab Regiment 4th Battalion (Outram’s) The Rajputana Rifles The Punjab Regiment & 1 Para (SF) (1 Punjab) First Battalion the Fourth Gorkha Rifles