THE GARHWAL RIFLES AND THE GARHWAL SCOUTS 1887-1987 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 inthe Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial captures at once the spirit and credo of the Regiment which is celebrating its frst cenetnary in May, 1987. Though Garhwalis had rich fighting traditions for several centuries, the raising of a seperate Regiment consonant with teir 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 1st Batallion of the Regiment was raised at Almora in Kumaon by Lt. Col. EP Mainwaring as 2nd Batalion the 3rd (The Kumaon) Gurkha Regiment. On 4th Nov. 1887, the Batallion moved to Lansdowne Ithen known as Kalundanda). In 1881, the Batallion was redesignated the 39th (The Garhwali) Regiment of Bengal Infantry. In 1901, 2nd Batallion, the 39th Garhwali Rifles was raised.

The first World War was a turning point in the history of the regiment. The 1st and 2nd Batallions 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 Croos ver awarded to an Indian soldier, Rfn Gobar Singh Negi of the 2nd Batallion 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 3rd and the 4th Battalions were raised in 1916 and 1918 respectively. The 4th Batallion 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 2nd Fab, 1921,the entire Regiment was conferred the royal title - a unique honour which it shared with only one other Indian Infantry Group: 5 Roayal 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 aike the officers and men to formidable feats, above and beyond the call of duty. During World War II, five more batallions 4th (Reraised), 5th, 6th, 7th and 25th (Garrison) batallion were raised. The Regiment saw active service in almost all of the theatres and won 6 DSOs, 25 MCs, 14 IOsM and 25 ODSMs. 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 batallions have been raised.

The Regiment has crowned itself with glory in all of the postwar conflicts and counter insurgency operations by winning Ashoka Chakra, 4 MVCs, 9 KCs and 35 VrCs. 3rd Batallion rendered distinguished service as a part of the custodian force in Korea in 1953. 10th May. 1987 will be a shining milestone along the path of glory. It has not been easy, nevertheless, the accomplishments have been characerised by great elan, verve and vigour. It is a momentous occasion to review the outstanding achievements of the Regiment with pride and gratification.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative stamp on the centenary of Garhwal Rifles.

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