Third Battalion The Rajputana Rifles

Defence India

November 3, 2018

Third Battalion The Rajputana Rifles

A commemorative postage stamp on the 3^rd Battalion The Rajputana Rifles, one of most senior rifle regiments of Indian Army :

Issued by India

Issued on Nov 3, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 3^rd Battalion The Rajputana Rifles.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 600620

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About :

Raised on 01 January, 1818 as 2^nd Battalion of the 11^th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry, the battalion has a glorious history. In April, 1839 it crushed Sher Mohmud, Chief of Mirpur, Sind. Between 1862 and 1902, the battalion had unique distinction of two active tenures in China, crushing the rebellion of ‘Society of Harmonious Fists’ and received ‘Battle Honour – China 1900’. From 1911 to 1913, the battalion proved its mettle in ferocious operations in Zhob, Baluchistan, winning a number of gallantry awards. During World War I, the battalion distinguished itself in Mesopotamia in the battles of Shawa Khan (Istanbul) against Turks in Battles of Shaiba and Kut-El-Amara. The battalion was conferred Battle Honours Basra, Shaiba, Kut-El-Amara and Mesopotamia.
The battalion notched victories against the Japanese Army during World War II at the Burma Front. The defence of Pear Hill against the savage enemy attacks and concentrated fire of 96 guns for eight days was an ‘epic’ as described by the Division Commander. It earned the honour of leading the break out from Irrawady and march to Mandalay. The battalion was conferred with three Military Crosses, two Military Medals amongst other medals and bestowed Battle Honour “Kyauk Myaung Bridge Head”.
During the 1965 war, the battalion not only captured Thund, Par, Kabar Wali Deri and Ranghar Nala in the J&K sector but 2^nd Lieutenant Mohinder Singh’s exploits as a part of Meghdoot Force turned out to be legendary. He affected the famous Uri–Punch Linkup with columns of an Infantry Division, captured Mirza Pir and Ari Dhok posts as also executed a number of daring raids deep inside enemy territory. For its gallant actions in 1965, the battalion was awarded Theatre Honour “Jammu and Kashmir”. The only sizeable gain in the Western sector during 1971 Indo-Pak War was made by the battalion by capturing the imposing Islamgarh Fort and C Company capturing a Company Post of Bhaikhan Wala Khu. The battalion was bestowed with one Veer Chakra, one Sena Medal and two Mention-in-dispatches.
In the late 80’s the battalion took active part in Operation Rakshak, eliminating hardcore terrorists and ensuring zero infiltration. After the deployment in the Rajasthan sector during Operation Parakram the battalion got inducted into South Manipur, battling full-blown insurgency wherein a short span of four months, the battalion created waves by flushing out United National Liberation Front (UNLF) terrorist groups from their stronghold of Henglep, conducted several operations and captured a huge cache of arms, ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices, rations and other war like stores till Aug 2008. During the tenure in Arunachal Pradesh from 2015 to 2018, it earned the appreciation of Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh as well as the appreciation of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh.
Text : Based on information received from the proponent.