"Ultima Ratio Regum" - the last argument of kings! This was how cannons were described in the medieval period. Ever since the concept of causing destruction to the enemy's war machine at a distance, evolved in warfare, Artillery has been  a battle winning  arm.

Babur is credited with being the first one to use Artillery in India in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. Throughout the Moghul period and later during the reign of the Marathas, Tipu Sultan, the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British East India Company, Artillery was the leading arm and "Golandaz" battalions occupied the pride of place on the battlefield. Since then the guns have always been the "Colours" of the Regiment of Artillery, unlike the other arms who have Guidons.

A few Indian mountain artillery batteries, officered by the British, were raised in the nineteenth century and served with distinction during the Afghan Wars and the  First  World War. On 15 January, 1935, 'A' Field Brigade, comprising four batteries of horse drawn guns, was raised at Bangalore. Inspite of its long history, the Regiment of Artillery has opted to adopt this as its birthday as 'A' Field Brigade was the first wholly Indian Artillery Unit. Today, on 15 January 1985, the Nation joins the Regiment of Artillery in celebrating the Golden Jubilee of that historic occasion.

The young gunners of the Regiment of Artillery won their spurs on the battle­ fields of the Second World War, winning admiration and respect for the Indian soldier. With independence came greater challenges and the Regiment of Artillery covered itself with glory by performing with extraordinary efficiency and supreme dedication during the operations of 1948, 1962, 1965 and 1971. The battlefields of Chushul, Chamb, Amritsar, Longanewala and Sylhet, among many others, stand in mute testimony to the fury, zeal and the unflinching devotion to duty of the Gunners.

The Gunners have won numerous gallantry awards and many units have been awarded honour titles in recognition of their distinguished service during battle. The Regiment of Artillery has truly lived upto its motto 'Sarvatra: Izzat-O-Iqbal"­ Everywhere with Honour and Glory.

On the modern battlefield, the tactical function of Artillery is to achieve such fire supremacy in the battlefield that the enemy can neither interfere with our operations nor develop his own effectively. The ultimate aim of all Artillery fire is to break the enemy's will to fight.

As the Regiment of Artillery commemorates its Golden Jubilee, it can look to the future with confidence and pride and its guns continue to maintain a silent vigil over the Nation's frontiers-ready for any eventuality.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the Golden Jubilee of the prestigious regiment of Artillery.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India