Third Battalion, the Sikh Regiment

Defence India

February 1, 2006

Third Battalion, the Sikh Regiment

A commemorative postage stamp on the 150 years of the 3^rd Battalion, the Sikh Regiment, an infantry regiment of Indian Army :

Issued by India

Issued on Feb 1, 2006

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the Third Battalion the Sikh Regiment.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh (Based on the photographs provided by the Third Battalion the Sikh Regiment)
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Block of 4 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About :

The Battalion was raised at Lahore on 31 January 1856 as the Bengal Military Police Battalion by Captain Thomas Rattray. At the time of its raising, it had a mixed composition comprising eight Infantry Companies; 1000 strong, and a troop of 200 Cavalrymen. In 1864, it was designated as 45^th Rattray’s SIKHS and became a full fledged Infantry Battalion and in 1885, it was given a pure SIKH status. The present designation dates back to 1947. Ever since its raising, the Battalion has been employed on most challenging assignments both in India and abroad and has had the distinction of discharging all duties most admirably.
In the pre-independence history spanning nearly 91 years, the Battalion not only participated in both the major World Wars but also took part in innumerable major and minor operational actions world over. Immediately after raising it saw action in battle of Arrah in Behar (now Bihar). In 1860, the Battalion conducted operations against Kukies in Chittagong, Buttias in Sikkim and Khasis in Assam. During Afghan Wards, it formed part of the Hazara Field Force and fought against the Arakzais and Khankhel. The battalion also undertook operations in Punjab Frontier. At the turn of the century, the battalion was in Waziristan, where it undertook the Chitral Relief in 1905 and fought the Mohamand operations in 1908. In World War-I, the battalion won a number of laurels in various operations including a memorable action at HAI River in Mesopotamia on 1^st February 1917 while capturing a well defended Turkish position. In World War II, the battalion was in action in Iraq, Syria and Iran.
The post independence history of the Battalion is no less illustrious. In 1948, it fought the Razakars and restored peace in the erstwhile state of Hyderabad. During this action Nk Hardayal Singh was awarded Ashoka Chakra Class II (Posthumously). In 1961, the battalion participated in Operation Vijay for liberation of Goa, and as the advance guard, were the first troops to enter Goa and it won the theatre honour ‘Goa’. During 1965 conflict, the battalion fought some very determined defensive actions in KERAN sector of J&K. While serving in Mizoram and Nagaland from 1969 to 1971 and later from 1982 to 1984, the battalion captured a large number of insurgents and weapons. During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the battalion was deployed in Arunachal Pradesh, established the TURA Camp and trained the erstwhile Muktibahini. The battalion took part in Operation Battle AXE in Mizoram from 82 to 84. The battalion participated in Operation Trident during 87. It also participated in Operation CURB in Tripura in 1988 as part of the Task Force Tripura, when Tripura National Volunteers laid down their arms and surrendered. The battalion has been actively employed in Operation Rakshak in Jammu & Kashmir during the period from 1989 to 1992, 1995, 1997 to 1998 and achieved remarkable success in combating the terrorists. During its last tenure in Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram, the battalion carved a niche with outstanding success in elimination of a large number of terrorists and recover of huge quantity of arms and ammunition. The stupendous achievement was recognized with the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation. Subedar Surinder Singh was awarded with the Ashok Chakra (Posthumously) for his conspicuous gallantry.
The Battalion has earned nine Battle Honours, five Theatre Honours and one COAS Unit Citation for its bravery and heroism in various battles/operations since its raising. In its 150 years of glorious existence, the Battalion has performed outstandingly and continues to excel in all fields including sports where it has performed with equal aplomb. Today, the Battalion is the flagship of the Sikh Regiment and leads the Regiment as a fine example of dedicated service to the Nation.
Text: Material provided by the Third Battalion the Sikh Regiment.