Sikh Light Infantry
Encyclopedia
The Sikh Light Infantry previously known as The Mazabhi and Ramdasia Sikh Regiment is an elite
Regiment of the Indian Army
. Its name was changed to the Sikh Light Infantry in 1944. The Sikh Light Infantry is the successor unit to the Mazhabi
Sikh Pioneers 23rd
, 32nd
and 34th Sikh Pioneers
. The Sikh Light Infantry inherited the battle honours, colours and traditions of the Mazhabi
Sikh Pioneers on its merging with a few Ramdasia companies in 1941.
The Sikh Light Infantry is famous for recruiting Mazhabi Sikh
Soldiers; who are famous for their extraordinary courage and tenacity on the battlefield. In its life of nearly one century under the British Raj
, the Sikh Light infantry and its predecessors the 23rd, 32nd and 34th Royal Sikh Pioneers distinguished themselves with loyalty to the British Crown and her Empire
in numerous conflicts in and around the Indian Subcontinent
including both the First World War and the Second World War. Since India's Independence from Britain
in 1947, the regiment has gone from strength to strength and has continued to set exceptional standards. Today, the Sikh Light Infantry has expanded beyond it's primary Infantry role and holds an elite
regimental status. Since Independence the Sikh Light Infantry has also established a very versatile reputation, with its soldiers expanding into Airborne
, Marine commando Forces and Special Forces
roles respectively. The 9th battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry conducts special Amphibious assaults similar in nature to the Royal Marines
of the United Kingdom
. The 11th battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry has earned the notorious nickname "Steel Fist". The exploits of the regiment know no bounds and its soldiers are able to engage all varieties of enemy combatants in virtually all environments. The versatility of the Sikh Light Infantry has seen the regiment conduct operations from the Siachen Glacier
, the highest battlefield in the world, to Counter-terrorism
. The Sikh Light infantry conducts operations as part of the United Nations Emergency Force
. The Regimental motto is Deg Tegh Fateh, meaning prosperity in peace and victory in war. The motto has great significance with the tenth and most martial Sikh guru; Guru Gobind Singh
as the Mazhabis are very closely associated with him. The Sikh Light Infantry insignia is a Chakram or Quoit
, with a mounted Kirpan
. The insignia was designed to honour the Mazhabi Sikh community's Akali Nihang ancestry.
. The first Corps of Mazhabi Sikh Pioneers, the fore bearer of the Sikh Light Infantry, was formed in 1850. The British had recognised the great fighting qualities and prowess of these soldiers in the Anglo-Sikh Wars
. The stubborn and sustained resistance offered by them and their ability to maintain themselves frugally amazed them. The British had admiration for the Mazhabi as they made capital soldiers. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
also had a great admiration for their bravery and enlisted the Mazhabis freely into the khalsa army; Which he nurtured into an excellent instrument of war. Being afraid, however, to form the Mazhabis into a separate corps, he attached a Mazhabi company to existing battalions.
Soldiering has been a way of life for the Sikh
s of Punjab for centuries. After the Indian rebellion of 1857
the Bengal army regiments were replaced by the Punjabis as the major source of manpower for the British Army
in India
, but their loyalty had to be carefully nurtured. The British made many mistakes, at first failing even to recognize the religious significance of the Sikhs' beards and long hair. Performing well in World War I
, the 23rd Sikh Pioneers
, 32nd Sikh Pioneers
and 34th Sikh Pioneers
were then disbanded in 1933, a traumatic experience for the community. However, the Sikh Pioneers were re-raised for the Second World War, becoming the Mazhabi and Ramdasia Sikh Regiment before being re-named the Sikh Light Infantry in 1944. The reconquest of Burma
was essentially an Indian Army campaign. It was here that the Sikh Light Infantry was deployed. The fledgling regiment tasted blood and earned its first battle honours. Most of the Sikhs in the Light Infantry consist of Mazhabi, and some Ramdasia Sikhs.
The two homogeneous Sikh regiments are the Sikh Light Infantry and the Sikh Regiment
, the former with 18 regular battalions and together totalling 36 battalions that account for a significant proportion of Indian Army's infantry.
in 1908. (The 32nd Sikh Pioneers followed this). The 23rd and 32nd Regiments gave such an excellent account of themselves, establishing outstanding standards, that it was decided to raise another Regiment of Sikh Pioneers from the 34th Fatehgarh Levy, which had been raised from Mazbhi sikh Pioneers on March 28, 1887. Thus, the well-known trio of Sikh Pioneers that won fame through their deeds of glory was complete.
Lt Gen Sir George Mac Munn, Commended the Regt for their memorable service, he wrote "The sikh Pioneers were, for three quarters of a century, in the forefront of almost every campaign from the China Wall to the Flanders Rats."
, the 23rd, 32nd and 34th Sikh Pioneers, which were originally one battalion regiments were developed into three battalions each. Soon these battalions were tramping over the battlefields of Egypt, Europe, Palestine and Mesopotamia leaving indelible imprints wherever they went. Once again a number of Battle Honours -"Egypt 1916-17"; "Gaza"; "Megiddo"; "Sharon"; "Nablus"; "Palestine 1917-18"; and "Aden" emblazoned the glorious record of the Sikh Pioneers. There were ten battalions of Sikh Pioneers (including the Training Battalion) when the armistice
was declared in 1919.
The 1/34th Sikh Pioneers won the title of "Royal" during the Great War. They made a bronze screen from the driving bands of enemy shells. The unit armourer and blacksmith made this highly burnished screen, proudly displaying the magnificent achievements of the Sikh Pioneers as epitomized in their Battle Honors. The 34th Royal Sikh Pioneers presented this screen to King George V
in 1933. It was through the personal intervention of Brig. F.R.L. Goadby (32nd Sikh Pioneers) and Lt Gen. Sir RA Savory, the first Colonel of the Regiment, that Queen Elizabeth II presented the historic screen back to the Regiment on October 4, 1975. The screen was unveiled by Brig AK Chatterjee, VSM, Colonel of the Regiment, at a special Durbar on April 9, 1977.
Another remarkable victory was registered on December 21, 1919, when two companies of the 3/34th Sikh Pioneers, alone on a hill top (Black Hill) with no more than a knee-high wall and a few strands of barbed wire in front, gallantly faced and repelled waves of attacks on them by hordes of Mahsuds. There was grim hand-to-hand fighting with Capt. B. L. Gupta (he was awarded the Military Cross), the Indian Medical Officer with the Battalion, tending the wounded under constant enemy fire. The Battalion was awarded one DSO, two Military Crosses and a Bar to Military Cross. Twelve Indian Viceroy's Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks received well-merited decorations.
That night General Skeen published a complimentary Column Order announcing that in honor of the gallant action of the 3/34th Sikh Pioneers, a stone from the unfinished Black Hill Picquet be brought to the camp and formed as the base for the pioneer picuet memorial silverMess trophy. This trophy was presented by the 3/34th on their disbandment in June 1921, to the 1st Battalion of the 34th Royal Sikh Pioneers. When the Sikh Pioneers were disbanded in 1933, the curator of the British War Museum took this famous trophy. It was later given on a permanent loan to the SIKH LI and is housed in the Regimental Museum. As a result of the post-war reorganization of 1923, the battalions of the Sikh Pioneers were in 1929, reduced to a Corps HQ with one battalion from each of the three regiments.
on December 8, 1932, when the Sikh Pioneers paraded for the last time. Drawn up in line 1,600 strong were the 1st and 2nd Battalions, once the 23rd, 32nd and 34th, with the Corps Headquarters and the massed bands. At the saluting point was a crowd of spectators including many old bemedalled pensioners of the Sikh Pioneer regiments.
and Sialkot
on July 1, 1942 and August 15, 1942 respectively. Recruitment had been opened up to the Ramdasia Sikhs.
The re-raised Regiment was known as the "Mazhbi and Ramdasia Sikhs" a nomenclature, which was found uninspiring. The Commander-in-Chief, General Sir Claude 'Auchinleck, wanted this changed and the Director General of Infantry, Maj Gen (later Lt Gen) Reginald Arthur Savory was tasked to find a suitable name for the Regiment. A committee was constituted at Army HQ, after some alternatives like the Sikh Fusiliers, the Sikh Rifles and the Sikh Grenadiers had been considered and examined, the Sikh Light Infantry was chosen. This became prevalent from June 23, 1944.
The newly raised 1st Battalion joined the battlefronts of the
14th Army just a little after three years of being raised. The Battalion was flown to Meiktila (Burma) in February 1945 and became part of the 17th Division(Black Cat). The soldiers of the Battalion gave ample proof of, their valour, fighting in the jungles of Burma for eight months, they won the Battle Honours. "Defence of Meiktila": " Burma 1942-45; "Rangoon Road"; "Pyabwe" and "Sittang 1945".
Hav Chamkaur singh 14 sikh li
(UNEF), in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war cost the battalion more casualties than it suffered in its bloodiest engagement in the 1965 Indian-Pakistan war
, Indian officers have charged. A United Nations
spokesman in New York
said 14 Indians were killed and 16 were wounded. On the first day of the Israeli-Egyptian fighting, an Indian convoy was en route from Camp Rafah
to Gaza
flying the U.N. flag from each jeep and truck. The convoy met an Israeli tank column on the road. It pulled over to the side of the road and stopped to let the Israelis pass. The Israeli tanks went by. The fourth tank stopped, swivelled its turret on the convoy and opened fire from a range of a few feet. The Israeli tank rammed its gun through the windshield of an Indian jeep and decapitated the two men inside. When other Indians went to the assistance of their comrades they were mowed down by machine-gun fire. Another Israeli tank thrust its gun into a U.N. truck, lifted it up and smashed it down on the ground, killing or wounding the occupants. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli tanks put six rounds into the U.N. headquarters, which was flying the U.N. flag. Three more Indian soldiers were killed. One Indian officer said it was deliberate cold-blooded killing of unarmed U.N. soldiers. Later, Israel offered to pay compensation, at the level customary in India, to families of Indian soldiers killed or wounded in the Gaza Strip on the first day of the war. However, an official announcement rejected the Indian charges that the casualties were caused by a deliberate attack on the Sikhs. In Cyprus there was mounting fury among members of the UNEF at what happened to the Sikhs, to the point where some officers said Israel should be expelled from the U.N.http://www.wrmea.org/backissues/0795/9507003.htm
and Kashmir
which Pakistani forces had, notwithstanding the cease-fire, encroached upon. With utter disregard for personal safety, the Battalion assaulted and captured both the preliminary objectives. The enemy brought down heavy artillery fire and counter-attacks three times. Two of the counter-attacks were beaten off with heavy casualties to the enemy. Due to heavy casualties and pressure of the enemy, our troops had to fall back from one of the two hill features. At this stage the Battalion halted the enemy's advance and stabilized the situation.
In 1965, 5 Sikh Light Infantry was holding picket in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani troops had occupied a complex of hills called "OP Hill" in Mendar Sector. The complex dominated Road Mender Balnoi, thus isolating one infantry battalion and its administrative base at Balnoi. Earlier attempts to dislodge the enemy having failed, 5 Sikh L.I. was selected and moved to Mendar Sector to take part in a bridge attack on OP Hill. The battalion was new and its officers were very young, only one company commander had more than three years' service. The Commanding Officer decided to personally lead the assault. The approaches to the feature were heavily mined and, anticipating an attack, the enemy had ensured heavy concentration of artillery fire. The attack was launched before midnight on 2 November 1965. The morale of troops was very high and the Battalion captured its objective in a lightning move from a totally unexpected direction. Having surprised the enemy, the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Sant Singh (now Brig. Sant Singh, MVC, (Bar) (Retd.)) decided to exploit the advantage and ordered the capture of three more objectives which were assigned to another Battalion. The highest feature and the ground of tactical importance for the enemy was captured by midnight. The hills reverberated with the sound of the success signal- "Reveille on the bugle
". Subsequently, two more objectives were captured, thus completing four attacks in one night. The highlights of the attacks were the enthusiasm displayed by men and launching of additional attacks without waiting for orders from the Brigade Commander. Throughout, the enemy put up a very tough fight and each bunker had to be cleared after hand-to-hand fighting. For taking most spectacular initiative in launching three additional attacks and for displaying conspicuous gallantry and inspiring leadership, the Commanding Officer (Lt Col. Sant Singh) was awarded Maha Vir Chakra
. One more Maha Vir Chakra was awarded to Naik Darshan Singh (Posthumous). Besides these; one Vir Chakra
(Posthumous), four Sena Medal
s (2 Posthumous) and five Commendation Cards were awarded. The Regiment was bestowed Battle Honour
"Chuh-i-Nar 1965". In North East sector 5 Sikh L.I. was given a task of making new posts following Sino-India pact in 90s. Showing the valour, courage and great enthusiasm task was completed in most difficult terrain without the help of any engineering regiments. Four Commendation Cards were awarded and front post was named after Sohan Singh (Hony. Capt. Sohan Singh retd.)
6 Sikh L.I. operated in Chamb Sector against Pakistani infiltrators and regular forces. The Battalion resisted every attempt by the enemy to infiltrate/raid/lay ambushes in the Battalion Sector. The Battalion withstood worst ever shelling 15 August 1965 and stood out valiantly in their posts on the cease-fire line to the admiration of all troops despite intensive enemy shelling, disruption of communications and increased casualties. The stand of the battalion enabled 191 Brigade Group to reorganize, regroup and take offensive action to reoccupy posts vacated on 15–17 August 1965. 6 Sikh L.I. were ordered to retake lost posts of Maira
and Nathan, with one company 3 Mahar and one troop 'C' squadron 20 Lancers under command, reoccupied both posts on 17 August 1965. Vigorious offensive action by all ranks kept the enemy at bay and delayed his offensive till 1 September 1965, by the time he was able to concentrate his armour, infantry, artillery, RCL, and MMG mounted on jeeps and infantry in greater strength to pierce through wide gaps between posts, outnumbered, outshelled, outgunned and threatened own posts on cease-fire line with encirclement and annihilation in details.
On 1 September 1965, the battalions artillery and air support failed, any communication or reinforcement ultimately disintegrated and it was no longer possible to hold out. Devastated but undeterred by Pakistan air force and artillery, Battalion Headquarters with remnants of one company and 'C' squadron 20 Lancers underwent continuous shelling, withdrew before midnight on 1 September 1965 on orders from Headquarters 191 Infantry Brigade Group. The battalion fought with its back against the wall against innumerable odds and stood up well. It was indeed a great satisfaction that the battalion carried out the duty to its best ability. It was this feeling in fact that made the Battalion to quickly absorb reinforcement, re-equip and be operational to take on any task assigned to it culminating in the capture of Trig point 3776 (Kalidhar) on 4 October 1965. In this battle all ranks showed tenacity of purpose, determination, courage, devotion to duty and a spirit of self-sacrifice.
On the night of 3 October 1965 the Battalion was given the task of clearing the same objective with the help of a Mahar battalion. In the morning on 4 October 1965, 6 Sikh L.I. secured it objectives in spite of treacherous cliffish terrain, heavy enemy opposition and shelling, the battalion continued to advance up a very steep slope in the face of intensive enemy artillery fire and opposition by Infantry. Despite casualties and strong opposition, our troops continued to press forward and successfully secured three other important features by evening of the same day. The enemy staged three counter-attacks in heavy strength supported by artillery fire but they were all repulsed with heavy casualties.
The Battalion re-organized itself for the next assault on Kalidhar Trig Point 3776 despite heavy casualties and fatigue. The feature was finally cleared of the Pakistani intruders by mid-day on 5 October 1965. In this action the Battalion displayed remarkable courage, determination and self sacrifice for which one Maha Vir Chakra (Lt Col. PK Nandagopal), two Vir Chakras, four Sena Medals (two posthumous); five Mention in Despatches (three Posthumous) and one COAS's Commendation Card were awarded. The Regiment was also awarded the Battle Honour "Kalidhar 1965"
In this battle, three officers, one JCO and 32 Ors sacrificed their life and approximately 100 others were wounded. A young battalion, within five years of its raising, had fought its maiden battle in masterly style and had come of age. The number of officers killed, wounded is tribute to the quality of glowing leadership provided by them.
8 Sikh L.I was awarded the Battle Honour "Fathepur" for this heroic action. Medals awarded for the battle include, one Mahavir Chakra, five Vir Chakras (2 posthumous), four Sena Medals (2 posthumous) and two Mention-in Despatches (Posthumous).
10 Sikh L.I. spearheaded the advance of 85 Infantry Brigade Northward through the Sind Desert along the railway line Munabao
-Naya Chor completing all the operational tasks given to it with distinction, right up to the day of cease fire, during the Indo-Pak operations in 1971. Kajlor the first objective, was overrun on 4 December 1971 and the second phase of the attack became redundant as the enemy flew helter-skelter without any loss to our troops. Next day advance was resumed and Khokh-Ropar Railway station saw the enemies blood turn to water with the battle cry of 'Bole so Nihal' the advance coming to a temporary halt at Bhitala as the administrative echelons had failed to negotiate the treacherous sand of the Sind desert.
The advance was maintained along Vasarbha railway station through December 5–7, 1971. By 1700 hrs on December 7, 10 Sikh L.I. reached Parche Jiveri station (now called Bahadur Nagar). The enemy strafed the battalion, wherein Sep. Kulwant Singh was killed while bringing down an enemy Sabre by his LMG fire and was awarded the Sena Medal for this brave deed. The Battalion firmed in on 8 December on approaching Naya Chor enemy defence. The key to the enemy defences was a dominating feature, Parbat Ali. The enemy brought down heavy artillery fire and country attacked twice but were beaten back and decided wisely to withdraw. The battalion firmed in and remained there till last light on 12 December.
10 Sikh L.I. was ordered to capture Village Parche Jiveri (Bahadur Nagar) and on the night of 14 December the battalion launched its attack. The assaulting companies ran into a mine-field
and Maj Arora was severally wounded. Seeing the situation Commanding Officer Lt Col. Basant Singh left his post and himself moved up along with his Intelligence Officer, late Capt Bahadur Singh, Vir Chakra. While the Commanding Officer, was inspiring his troops, Capt Bahadur Singh, went up to the Artillery officer's post and continued to direct artillery fire until hit by an enemy bullet in the head, and died on the spot. The attack went in through the minefields and heavy enemy fire. The enemy fled leaving behind 20 dead, two recoilless guns and a Jeep, besides vast quantities of ammunition. The battalion acquitted itself in an exemplary manner throughout this brief war and was awarded Battle Honour "Parbat Ali" and theater honour "Sind 1971". Besides gallantry awards; five Vir Chakra, seven Sena Medals and three Mention-in-Despatches were awarded.
, and the saga of the heroic fight put in by twenty-nine men have embedded themselves into the realms of history without an iota of doubt. The Battalion (less two companies) at Palali air fields in Sri Lanka, was tasked to capture LTTE military headquarters at Jaffna University. At midnight the first Mi-8 helicopter
of the 10th Battalion Parachute Regiment, Delta Company, took off for the landing zone, soon followed by the second Mi-8 helicopter. The platoon for Delta company led by late Maj. Birendra Singh, had to face tough resistance landing amidst heavy and accurate enemy machine gun fire. The LTTE had intercepted radio communications allowing them advanced knowledge of the planned raid. The follow-up helicopters which were airborne were ordered to return to Palali, as three of the five helicopters having been hit resulted in no further landing behind the enemy lines in the LTTE strongest foothold. Amidst the confusing situation the remaining members of the Battalion was ordered to advance on vehicles to establish link with the beleaguered platoon of Delta Company. All communication had snapped, the last transmission from late Maj Birendra Singh of 13th Battalion, The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, stating; "Not to worry, We'll hold on...."
Elite
Elite refers to an exceptional or privileged group that wields considerable power within its sphere of influence...
Regiment of the Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
. Its name was changed to the Sikh Light Infantry in 1944. The Sikh Light Infantry is the successor unit to the Mazhabi
Mazhabi
A Mazhabi Sikh is a member of the Rangretta clans Churas who have embraced the sikh faith who are mainly found in the Punjab region, Kashmir and Rajastan...
Sikh Pioneers 23rd
23rd Sikh Pioneers
The 23rd Sikh Pioneers were a regiment of the British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1857, when they were known as the 15th Regiment of Punjab Infantry....
, 32nd
32nd Sikh Pioneers
The 32nd Sikh Pioneers were a regiment of the Indian Army during British rule. The regiment was founded in 1857 as the Punjab Sappers ....
and 34th Sikh Pioneers
34th Sikh Pioneers
The 34th Sikh Pioneers was an infantry regiment of the British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1857, when they were raised as the Punjab Sappers....
. The Sikh Light Infantry inherited the battle honours, colours and traditions of the Mazhabi
Mazhabi
A Mazhabi Sikh is a member of the Rangretta clans Churas who have embraced the sikh faith who are mainly found in the Punjab region, Kashmir and Rajastan...
Sikh Pioneers on its merging with a few Ramdasia companies in 1941.
The Sikh Light Infantry is famous for recruiting Mazhabi Sikh
Mazhabi
A Mazhabi Sikh is a member of the Rangretta clans Churas who have embraced the sikh faith who are mainly found in the Punjab region, Kashmir and Rajastan...
Soldiers; who are famous for their extraordinary courage and tenacity on the battlefield. In its life of nearly one century under the British Raj
British Raj
British Raj was the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; The term can also refer to the period of dominion...
, the Sikh Light infantry and its predecessors the 23rd, 32nd and 34th Royal Sikh Pioneers distinguished themselves with loyalty to the British Crown and her Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
in numerous conflicts in and around the Indian Subcontinent
Indian subcontinent
The Indian subcontinent, also Indian Subcontinent, Indo-Pak Subcontinent or South Asian Subcontinent is a region of the Asian continent on the Indian tectonic plate from the Hindu Kush or Hindu Koh, Himalayas and including the Kuen Lun and Karakoram ranges, forming a land mass which extends...
including both the First World War and the Second World War. Since India's Independence from Britain
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in 1947, the regiment has gone from strength to strength and has continued to set exceptional standards. Today, the Sikh Light Infantry has expanded beyond it's primary Infantry role and holds an elite
Elite
Elite refers to an exceptional or privileged group that wields considerable power within its sphere of influence...
regimental status. Since Independence the Sikh Light Infantry has also established a very versatile reputation, with its soldiers expanding into Airborne
Airborne
- Music :* Airbourne , an Australian hard rock band* Airborne , a jazz band based in Connecticut* Airborne * Airborne * Airborne...
, Marine commando Forces and Special Forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
roles respectively. The 9th battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry conducts special Amphibious assaults similar in nature to the Royal Marines
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The 11th battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry has earned the notorious nickname "Steel Fist". The exploits of the regiment know no bounds and its soldiers are able to engage all varieties of enemy combatants in virtually all environments. The versatility of the Sikh Light Infantry has seen the regiment conduct operations from the Siachen Glacier
Siachen conflict
The Siachen Conflict, sometimes referred to as the Siachen War, is a military conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed Siachen Glacier region in Kashmir. The conflict began in 1984 with India's successful Operation Meghdoot during which it wrested control of the Siachen Glacier from...
, the highest battlefield in the world, to Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism
Counter-terrorism is the practices, tactics, techniques, and strategies that governments, militaries, police departments and corporations adopt to prevent or in response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.The tactic of terrorism is available to insurgents and governments...
. The Sikh Light infantry conducts operations as part of the United Nations Emergency Force
United Nations Emergency Force
The first United Nations Emergency Force was established by United Nations General Assembly to secure an end to the 1956 Suez Crisis with resolution 1001 on November 7, 1956. The force was developed in large measure as a result of efforts by UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld and a proposal...
. The Regimental motto is Deg Tegh Fateh, meaning prosperity in peace and victory in war. The motto has great significance with the tenth and most martial Sikh guru; Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth and last Sikh guru in a sacred lineage of ten Sikh gurus. Born in Patna, Bihar in India, he was also a warrior, poet and philosopher. He succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the leader of Sikhs at a young age of nine...
as the Mazhabis are very closely associated with him. The Sikh Light Infantry insignia is a Chakram or Quoit
Quoit
Quoit may refer to:* Quoit, a single-chambered megalithic tomb, also called a Dolmen* Quoit , a pre-medieval type of brooch* A ring used in the game of Quoits* Chakram, a weapon resembling a gaming quoit* Quoit, Cornwall, a location in England...
, with a mounted Kirpan
Kirpan
The kirpan is a ceremonial sword or dagger carried by orthodox Sikhs. It is a religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in CE 1699, all baptised Sikhs must wear a kirpan at all times....
. The insignia was designed to honour the Mazhabi Sikh community's Akali Nihang ancestry.
History
The Sikh Light Infantry comprises the Mazhabi and Ramdasia Sikh soldiers; well known for their dauntless daring, courage, loyalty and tenacity, is one of the oldest Regiments of the Army. It traces its origin to the middle of the nineteenth century when the first Mazhabi soldiers were recruited into the British Indian ArmyBritish Indian Army
The British Indian Army, officially simply the Indian Army, was the principal army of the British Raj in India before the partition of India in 1947...
. The first Corps of Mazhabi Sikh Pioneers, the fore bearer of the Sikh Light Infantry, was formed in 1850. The British had recognised the great fighting qualities and prowess of these soldiers in the Anglo-Sikh Wars
Anglo-Sikh wars
There have been two Anglo-Sikh wars:*The First Anglo-Sikh War *The Second Anglo-Sikh War...
. The stubborn and sustained resistance offered by them and their ability to maintain themselves frugally amazed them. The British had admiration for the Mazhabi as they made capital soldiers. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji was the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire.-Early life:...
also had a great admiration for their bravery and enlisted the Mazhabis freely into the khalsa army; Which he nurtured into an excellent instrument of war. Being afraid, however, to form the Mazhabis into a separate corps, he attached a Mazhabi company to existing battalions.
Soldiering has been a way of life for the Sikh
Sikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
s of Punjab for centuries. After the Indian rebellion of 1857
Indian Rebellion of 1857
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 began as a mutiny of sepoys of the British East India Company's army on 10 May 1857, in the town of Meerut, and soon escalated into other mutinies and civilian rebellions largely in the upper Gangetic plain and central India, with the major hostilities confined to...
the Bengal army regiments were replaced by the Punjabis as the major source of manpower for the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, but their loyalty had to be carefully nurtured. The British made many mistakes, at first failing even to recognize the religious significance of the Sikhs' beards and long hair. Performing well in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the 23rd Sikh Pioneers
23rd Sikh Pioneers
The 23rd Sikh Pioneers were a regiment of the British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1857, when they were known as the 15th Regiment of Punjab Infantry....
, 32nd Sikh Pioneers
32nd Sikh Pioneers
The 32nd Sikh Pioneers were a regiment of the Indian Army during British rule. The regiment was founded in 1857 as the Punjab Sappers ....
and 34th Sikh Pioneers
34th Sikh Pioneers
The 34th Sikh Pioneers was an infantry regiment of the British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1857, when they were raised as the Punjab Sappers....
were then disbanded in 1933, a traumatic experience for the community. However, the Sikh Pioneers were re-raised for the Second World War, becoming the Mazhabi and Ramdasia Sikh Regiment before being re-named the Sikh Light Infantry in 1944. The reconquest of Burma
Myanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
was essentially an Indian Army campaign. It was here that the Sikh Light Infantry was deployed. The fledgling regiment tasted blood and earned its first battle honours. Most of the Sikhs in the Light Infantry consist of Mazhabi, and some Ramdasia Sikhs.
The two homogeneous Sikh regiments are the Sikh Light Infantry and the Sikh Regiment
The Sikh Regiment
The Sikh Regiment is an 19 battalion strong, infantry regiment of the Indian Army, drawing a bulk of its recruits from the Sikh community. The regiment was officially raised just before the annexation of the Sikh Empire on August 1, 1846, by the British Empire...
, the former with 18 regular battalions and together totalling 36 battalions that account for a significant proportion of Indian Army's infantry.
The raising
In June 1857 a Regiment of Sikh Pioneers from the Mazhabi Sikh soldiers drawn mainly from the Punjab and the adjacent areas was raised by Lt DC Home, VC. The regular Regiment 15th (Pioneer), was raised at Lahore on September 15, 1857 by Lt RH Shebbeare, VC. After a number of changes this 15th (Pioneer) Regiment came to be known as the 23rd Sikh Pioneers23rd Sikh Pioneers
The 23rd Sikh Pioneers were a regiment of the British Indian Army. They could trace their origins to 1857, when they were known as the 15th Regiment of Punjab Infantry....
in 1908. (The 32nd Sikh Pioneers followed this). The 23rd and 32nd Regiments gave such an excellent account of themselves, establishing outstanding standards, that it was decided to raise another Regiment of Sikh Pioneers from the 34th Fatehgarh Levy, which had been raised from Mazbhi sikh Pioneers on March 28, 1887. Thus, the well-known trio of Sikh Pioneers that won fame through their deeds of glory was complete.
Lt Gen Sir George Mac Munn, Commended the Regt for their memorable service, he wrote "The sikh Pioneers were, for three quarters of a century, in the forefront of almost every campaign from the China Wall to the Flanders Rats."
World War I
During the First World WarWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the 23rd, 32nd and 34th Sikh Pioneers, which were originally one battalion regiments were developed into three battalions each. Soon these battalions were tramping over the battlefields of Egypt, Europe, Palestine and Mesopotamia leaving indelible imprints wherever they went. Once again a number of Battle Honours -"Egypt 1916-17"; "Gaza"; "Megiddo"; "Sharon"; "Nablus"; "Palestine 1917-18"; and "Aden" emblazoned the glorious record of the Sikh Pioneers. There were ten battalions of Sikh Pioneers (including the Training Battalion) when the armistice
Armistice
An armistice is a situation in a war where the warring parties agree to stop fighting. It is not necessarily the end of a war, but may be just a cessation of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace...
was declared in 1919.
The 1/34th Sikh Pioneers won the title of "Royal" during the Great War. They made a bronze screen from the driving bands of enemy shells. The unit armourer and blacksmith made this highly burnished screen, proudly displaying the magnificent achievements of the Sikh Pioneers as epitomized in their Battle Honors. The 34th Royal Sikh Pioneers presented this screen to King George V
George V of the United Kingdom
George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 through the First World War until his death in 1936....
in 1933. It was through the personal intervention of Brig. F.R.L. Goadby (32nd Sikh Pioneers) and Lt Gen. Sir RA Savory, the first Colonel of the Regiment, that Queen Elizabeth II presented the historic screen back to the Regiment on October 4, 1975. The screen was unveiled by Brig AK Chatterjee, VSM, Colonel of the Regiment, at a special Durbar on April 9, 1977.
Another remarkable victory was registered on December 21, 1919, when two companies of the 3/34th Sikh Pioneers, alone on a hill top (Black Hill) with no more than a knee-high wall and a few strands of barbed wire in front, gallantly faced and repelled waves of attacks on them by hordes of Mahsuds. There was grim hand-to-hand fighting with Capt. B. L. Gupta (he was awarded the Military Cross), the Indian Medical Officer with the Battalion, tending the wounded under constant enemy fire. The Battalion was awarded one DSO, two Military Crosses and a Bar to Military Cross. Twelve Indian Viceroy's Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks received well-merited decorations.
That night General Skeen published a complimentary Column Order announcing that in honor of the gallant action of the 3/34th Sikh Pioneers, a stone from the unfinished Black Hill Picquet be brought to the camp and formed as the base for the pioneer picuet memorial silverMess trophy. This trophy was presented by the 3/34th on their disbandment in June 1921, to the 1st Battalion of the 34th Royal Sikh Pioneers. When the Sikh Pioneers were disbanded in 1933, the curator of the British War Museum took this famous trophy. It was later given on a permanent loan to the SIKH LI and is housed in the Regimental Museum. As a result of the post-war reorganization of 1923, the battalions of the Sikh Pioneers were in 1929, reduced to a Corps HQ with one battalion from each of the three regiments.
Disbandment
Four years later, February 10, 1933, was a sad day for the Regiment as the Sikh Pioneers were disbanded after 75 years of glorious service. This was essentially a measure of economy especially as the Sappers and Miners were to be augmented with an increased number of Mazhabi Companies. A farewell parade was held at SialkotSialkot
Sialkot is a city in Pakistan situated in the north-east of the Punjab province at the foothills of snow-covered peaks of Kashmir near the Chenab river. It is the capital of Sialkot District. The city is about north-west of Lahore and only a few kilometers from Indian-controlled Jammu.The...
on December 8, 1932, when the Sikh Pioneers paraded for the last time. Drawn up in line 1,600 strong were the 1st and 2nd Battalions, once the 23rd, 32nd and 34th, with the Corps Headquarters and the massed bands. At the saluting point was a crowd of spectators including many old bemedalled pensioners of the Sikh Pioneer regiments.
Re-raising for World War II
After suspended animation of a little over eight years, the Sikh Pioneers were re-raised to meet the urgent and mounting demands of World War II. The 1st Battalion was raised at Jullundur on October 1, 1941. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions were raised at PeshawarPeshawar
Peshawar is the capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the administrative center and central economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan....
and Sialkot
Sialkot
Sialkot is a city in Pakistan situated in the north-east of the Punjab province at the foothills of snow-covered peaks of Kashmir near the Chenab river. It is the capital of Sialkot District. The city is about north-west of Lahore and only a few kilometers from Indian-controlled Jammu.The...
on July 1, 1942 and August 15, 1942 respectively. Recruitment had been opened up to the Ramdasia Sikhs.
The re-raised Regiment was known as the "Mazhbi and Ramdasia Sikhs" a nomenclature, which was found uninspiring. The Commander-in-Chief, General Sir Claude 'Auchinleck, wanted this changed and the Director General of Infantry, Maj Gen (later Lt Gen) Reginald Arthur Savory was tasked to find a suitable name for the Regiment. A committee was constituted at Army HQ, after some alternatives like the Sikh Fusiliers, the Sikh Rifles and the Sikh Grenadiers had been considered and examined, the Sikh Light Infantry was chosen. This became prevalent from June 23, 1944.
The newly raised 1st Battalion joined the battlefronts of the
14th Army just a little after three years of being raised. The Battalion was flown to Meiktila (Burma) in February 1945 and became part of the 17th Division(Black Cat). The soldiers of the Battalion gave ample proof of, their valour, fighting in the jungles of Burma for eight months, they won the Battle Honours. "Defence of Meiktila": " Burma 1942-45; "Rangoon Road"; "Pyabwe" and "Sittang 1945".
Hav Chamkaur singh 14 sikh li
Regimental battalions
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion
- 3rd Battalion
- 4th Battalion
- 5th Battalion
- 6th Battalion
- 7th Battalion
- 8th Battalion
- 9th Battalion (Marine Commando Force)
- 10th Battalion
- 11th Battalion (Steel Fist)
- 12th Battalion
- 13th Battalion
- 14th Battalion
- 15th Battalion
- 16th Battalion
- 103 Inf Bn (Territorial Army) Sikh LI
- 158 Inf Bn (Territorial Army) (H&H) Sikh LI
- 163 Inf Bn (Territorial Army) (H&H) Sikh LI
Post-Independence Operational History
UNEF and Suez Crisis
Israeli attacks on the 1st Sikh Light Infantry, which was part of the United Nations Emergency ForceUnited Nations Emergency Force
The first United Nations Emergency Force was established by United Nations General Assembly to secure an end to the 1956 Suez Crisis with resolution 1001 on November 7, 1956. The force was developed in large measure as a result of efforts by UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld and a proposal...
(UNEF), in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war cost the battalion more casualties than it suffered in its bloodiest engagement in the 1965 Indian-Pakistan war
Indo-Pakistani Wars
Since the partition of British India in 1947 and creation of India and Pakistan, the two South Asian countries have been involved in four wars, including one undeclared war, as well as many border skirmishes and military stand-offs...
, Indian officers have charged. A United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
spokesman in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
said 14 Indians were killed and 16 were wounded. On the first day of the Israeli-Egyptian fighting, an Indian convoy was en route from Camp Rafah
Rafah
Rafah , also known as Rafiah, is a Palestinian city in the southern Gaza Strip. Located south of Gaza, Rafah's population of 71,003 is overwhelmingly made up of Palestinian refugees. Rafah camp and Tall as-Sultan form separate localities. Rafah is the district capital of the Rafah Governorate...
to Gaza
Gaza
Gaza , also referred to as Gaza City, is a Palestinian city in the Gaza Strip, with a population of about 450,000, making it the largest city in the Palestinian territories.Inhabited since at least the 15th century BC,...
flying the U.N. flag from each jeep and truck. The convoy met an Israeli tank column on the road. It pulled over to the side of the road and stopped to let the Israelis pass. The Israeli tanks went by. The fourth tank stopped, swivelled its turret on the convoy and opened fire from a range of a few feet. The Israeli tank rammed its gun through the windshield of an Indian jeep and decapitated the two men inside. When other Indians went to the assistance of their comrades they were mowed down by machine-gun fire. Another Israeli tank thrust its gun into a U.N. truck, lifted it up and smashed it down on the ground, killing or wounding the occupants. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli tanks put six rounds into the U.N. headquarters, which was flying the U.N. flag. Three more Indian soldiers were killed. One Indian officer said it was deliberate cold-blooded killing of unarmed U.N. soldiers. Later, Israel offered to pay compensation, at the level customary in India, to families of Indian soldiers killed or wounded in the Gaza Strip on the first day of the war. However, an official announcement rejected the Indian charges that the casualties were caused by a deliberate attack on the Sikhs. In Cyprus there was mounting fury among members of the UNEF at what happened to the Sikhs, to the point where some officers said Israel should be expelled from the U.N.http://www.wrmea.org/backissues/0795/9507003.htm
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and Post-War operations
On 28 September 1965, 6 Sikh LI was ordered to take two important hill features as a preliminary to clearing a feature on Kalidhar in JammuJammu
Jammu , also known as Duggar, is one of the three administrative divisions within Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost state in India.Jammu city is the largest city in Jammu and the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir...
and Kashmir
Kashmir
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent. Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range...
which Pakistani forces had, notwithstanding the cease-fire, encroached upon. With utter disregard for personal safety, the Battalion assaulted and captured both the preliminary objectives. The enemy brought down heavy artillery fire and counter-attacks three times. Two of the counter-attacks were beaten off with heavy casualties to the enemy. Due to heavy casualties and pressure of the enemy, our troops had to fall back from one of the two hill features. At this stage the Battalion halted the enemy's advance and stabilized the situation.
In 1965, 5 Sikh Light Infantry was holding picket in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani troops had occupied a complex of hills called "OP Hill" in Mendar Sector. The complex dominated Road Mender Balnoi, thus isolating one infantry battalion and its administrative base at Balnoi. Earlier attempts to dislodge the enemy having failed, 5 Sikh L.I. was selected and moved to Mendar Sector to take part in a bridge attack on OP Hill. The battalion was new and its officers were very young, only one company commander had more than three years' service. The Commanding Officer decided to personally lead the assault. The approaches to the feature were heavily mined and, anticipating an attack, the enemy had ensured heavy concentration of artillery fire. The attack was launched before midnight on 2 November 1965. The morale of troops was very high and the Battalion captured its objective in a lightning move from a totally unexpected direction. Having surprised the enemy, the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Sant Singh (now Brig. Sant Singh, MVC, (Bar) (Retd.)) decided to exploit the advantage and ordered the capture of three more objectives which were assigned to another Battalion. The highest feature and the ground of tactical importance for the enemy was captured by midnight. The hills reverberated with the sound of the success signal- "Reveille on the bugle
Reveille
"Reveille" is a bugle call, trumpet call or pipes call most often associated with the military or summer camp; it is chiefly used to wake military personnel at sunrise...
". Subsequently, two more objectives were captured, thus completing four attacks in one night. The highlights of the attacks were the enthusiasm displayed by men and launching of additional attacks without waiting for orders from the Brigade Commander. Throughout, the enemy put up a very tough fight and each bunker had to be cleared after hand-to-hand fighting. For taking most spectacular initiative in launching three additional attacks and for displaying conspicuous gallantry and inspiring leadership, the Commanding Officer (Lt Col. Sant Singh) was awarded Maha Vir Chakra
Maha Vir Chakra
The Maha Vir Chakra is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. It may be awarded posthumously. Literally Maha Veer means extraordinarily brave.-Appearance:The medal is made...
. One more Maha Vir Chakra was awarded to Naik Darshan Singh (Posthumous). Besides these; one Vir Chakra
Vir Chakra
Vir Chakra is an Indian gallantry award presented for acts of bravery in the battlefield. Award of the decoration carried with it the right to use Vr.C. as a postnominal abbreviation Vir Chakra is an Indian gallantry award presented for acts of bravery in the battlefield. Award of the decoration...
(Posthumous), four Sena Medal
Sena Medal
This article is about the Sena Medal, an Indian Military decoration. 'SM' redirects here The Sena Medal is awarded to members of the Indian army, of all ranks, "for such individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage as have special significance for the Army." Awards may be made...
s (2 Posthumous) and five Commendation Cards were awarded. The Regiment was bestowed Battle Honour
Battle honour
A battle honour is an award of a right by a government or sovereign to a military unit to emblazon the name of a battle or operation on its flags , uniforms or other accessories where ornamentation is possible....
"Chuh-i-Nar 1965". In North East sector 5 Sikh L.I. was given a task of making new posts following Sino-India pact in 90s. Showing the valour, courage and great enthusiasm task was completed in most difficult terrain without the help of any engineering regiments. Four Commendation Cards were awarded and front post was named after Sohan Singh (Hony. Capt. Sohan Singh retd.)
6 Sikh L.I. operated in Chamb Sector against Pakistani infiltrators and regular forces. The Battalion resisted every attempt by the enemy to infiltrate/raid/lay ambushes in the Battalion Sector. The Battalion withstood worst ever shelling 15 August 1965 and stood out valiantly in their posts on the cease-fire line to the admiration of all troops despite intensive enemy shelling, disruption of communications and increased casualties. The stand of the battalion enabled 191 Brigade Group to reorganize, regroup and take offensive action to reoccupy posts vacated on 15–17 August 1965. 6 Sikh L.I. were ordered to retake lost posts of Maira
Namli Maira
Namli Maira is one of the 51 union councils of Abbottabad District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.- Location :Namli Maira is a mountainous rural area located in Abbottabad District . It takes its name from the two largest hamlets in the Union Council—Namli and Maira...
and Nathan, with one company 3 Mahar and one troop 'C' squadron 20 Lancers under command, reoccupied both posts on 17 August 1965. Vigorious offensive action by all ranks kept the enemy at bay and delayed his offensive till 1 September 1965, by the time he was able to concentrate his armour, infantry, artillery, RCL, and MMG mounted on jeeps and infantry in greater strength to pierce through wide gaps between posts, outnumbered, outshelled, outgunned and threatened own posts on cease-fire line with encirclement and annihilation in details.
On 1 September 1965, the battalions artillery and air support failed, any communication or reinforcement ultimately disintegrated and it was no longer possible to hold out. Devastated but undeterred by Pakistan air force and artillery, Battalion Headquarters with remnants of one company and 'C' squadron 20 Lancers underwent continuous shelling, withdrew before midnight on 1 September 1965 on orders from Headquarters 191 Infantry Brigade Group. The battalion fought with its back against the wall against innumerable odds and stood up well. It was indeed a great satisfaction that the battalion carried out the duty to its best ability. It was this feeling in fact that made the Battalion to quickly absorb reinforcement, re-equip and be operational to take on any task assigned to it culminating in the capture of Trig point 3776 (Kalidhar) on 4 October 1965. In this battle all ranks showed tenacity of purpose, determination, courage, devotion to duty and a spirit of self-sacrifice.
On the night of 3 October 1965 the Battalion was given the task of clearing the same objective with the help of a Mahar battalion. In the morning on 4 October 1965, 6 Sikh L.I. secured it objectives in spite of treacherous cliffish terrain, heavy enemy opposition and shelling, the battalion continued to advance up a very steep slope in the face of intensive enemy artillery fire and opposition by Infantry. Despite casualties and strong opposition, our troops continued to press forward and successfully secured three other important features by evening of the same day. The enemy staged three counter-attacks in heavy strength supported by artillery fire but they were all repulsed with heavy casualties.
The Battalion re-organized itself for the next assault on Kalidhar Trig Point 3776 despite heavy casualties and fatigue. The feature was finally cleared of the Pakistani intruders by mid-day on 5 October 1965. In this action the Battalion displayed remarkable courage, determination and self sacrifice for which one Maha Vir Chakra (Lt Col. PK Nandagopal), two Vir Chakras, four Sena Medals (two posthumous); five Mention in Despatches (three Posthumous) and one COAS's Commendation Card were awarded. The Regiment was also awarded the Battle Honour "Kalidhar 1965"
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
11 December 1971 is a red letter day in the history of 8 Sikh L.I. Pak Fatehpur post, fortified on all four sides with high bunds, was a virtual fortress with innumerable automatic and anti-tank weapons deployed for its defence. Its diamond-like shape made it equally difficult to tackle from all side, on the night of 11 December the brave men of 8 Sikh Light Infantry discounted all difficulties and rushed forward on to this coveted objective, in the face of deadly small arms fire and devastating artillery shelling. Many a gallant soldier fell but others moved on undaunted. Not before long the enemy was either destroyed or in desperate flight, leaving behind large quantity of arms and ammunition. Apparently, the enemy had not accepted final defeat yet, he continued to plaster this position with accurate artillery and mortar fire from several directions. Two counter attacks attempted by the previously fleeing soldiers were disorganized and defeated by the 8 Sikh L.I.In this battle, three officers, one JCO and 32 Ors sacrificed their life and approximately 100 others were wounded. A young battalion, within five years of its raising, had fought its maiden battle in masterly style and had come of age. The number of officers killed, wounded is tribute to the quality of glowing leadership provided by them.
8 Sikh L.I was awarded the Battle Honour "Fathepur" for this heroic action. Medals awarded for the battle include, one Mahavir Chakra, five Vir Chakras (2 posthumous), four Sena Medals (2 posthumous) and two Mention-in Despatches (Posthumous).
10 Sikh L.I. spearheaded the advance of 85 Infantry Brigade Northward through the Sind Desert along the railway line Munabao
Munabao
Munabao is a village in the Barmer district in Rajasthan in India bordering Pakistan.- Transport :In February 2006, the two nations reopened the railway line, the Thar Express that used to connect Rajasthan in India with Sindh in Pakistan...
-Naya Chor completing all the operational tasks given to it with distinction, right up to the day of cease fire, during the Indo-Pak operations in 1971. Kajlor the first objective, was overrun on 4 December 1971 and the second phase of the attack became redundant as the enemy flew helter-skelter without any loss to our troops. Next day advance was resumed and Khokh-Ropar Railway station saw the enemies blood turn to water with the battle cry of 'Bole so Nihal' the advance coming to a temporary halt at Bhitala as the administrative echelons had failed to negotiate the treacherous sand of the Sind desert.
The advance was maintained along Vasarbha railway station through December 5–7, 1971. By 1700 hrs on December 7, 10 Sikh L.I. reached Parche Jiveri station (now called Bahadur Nagar). The enemy strafed the battalion, wherein Sep. Kulwant Singh was killed while bringing down an enemy Sabre by his LMG fire and was awarded the Sena Medal for this brave deed. The Battalion firmed in on 8 December on approaching Naya Chor enemy defence. The key to the enemy defences was a dominating feature, Parbat Ali. The enemy brought down heavy artillery fire and country attacked twice but were beaten back and decided wisely to withdraw. The battalion firmed in and remained there till last light on 12 December.
10 Sikh L.I. was ordered to capture Village Parche Jiveri (Bahadur Nagar) and on the night of 14 December the battalion launched its attack. The assaulting companies ran into a mine-field
Land mine
A land mine is usually a weight-triggered explosive device which is intended to damage a target—either human or inanimate—by means of a blast and/or fragment impact....
and Maj Arora was severally wounded. Seeing the situation Commanding Officer Lt Col. Basant Singh left his post and himself moved up along with his Intelligence Officer, late Capt Bahadur Singh, Vir Chakra. While the Commanding Officer, was inspiring his troops, Capt Bahadur Singh, went up to the Artillery officer's post and continued to direct artillery fire until hit by an enemy bullet in the head, and died on the spot. The attack went in through the minefields and heavy enemy fire. The enemy fled leaving behind 20 dead, two recoilless guns and a Jeep, besides vast quantities of ammunition. The battalion acquitted itself in an exemplary manner throughout this brief war and was awarded Battle Honour "Parbat Ali" and theater honour "Sind 1971". Besides gallantry awards; five Vir Chakra, seven Sena Medals and three Mention-in-Despatches were awarded.
IPKF and Sri Lanka
13 Sikh Light Infantry battle at Kokkuvil, Sri LankaSri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, and the saga of the heroic fight put in by twenty-nine men have embedded themselves into the realms of history without an iota of doubt. The Battalion (less two companies) at Palali air fields in Sri Lanka, was tasked to capture LTTE military headquarters at Jaffna University. At midnight the first Mi-8 helicopter
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
of the 10th Battalion Parachute Regiment, Delta Company, took off for the landing zone, soon followed by the second Mi-8 helicopter. The platoon for Delta company led by late Maj. Birendra Singh, had to face tough resistance landing amidst heavy and accurate enemy machine gun fire. The LTTE had intercepted radio communications allowing them advanced knowledge of the planned raid. The follow-up helicopters which were airborne were ordered to return to Palali, as three of the five helicopters having been hit resulted in no further landing behind the enemy lines in the LTTE strongest foothold. Amidst the confusing situation the remaining members of the Battalion was ordered to advance on vehicles to establish link with the beleaguered platoon of Delta Company. All communication had snapped, the last transmission from late Maj Birendra Singh of 13th Battalion, The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, stating; "Not to worry, We'll hold on...."
External links
- Sikh Light Infantry DefenseIndia.com
- Sikhs in British Armed Forces: Gateway to Sikhism AllAboutSikhs.com
- The Sikh Light Infantry Regiments.org
- The Sikh Light Infantry Bharat-Rakshak.com
- Glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and NWFPNorth-West Frontier ProvinceKhyber Pakhtunkhwa , formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province and various other names, is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the north-west of the country...
, H A Rose - History of the sikh pioneers - Lt-Gen Sir George Mac Munn
- http://sikhli.info/index.php/history?start=2