History

1.     The GRENADIERS originated as storm troopers moving ahead of attacking troops, throwing grenades on the entrenched and barricaded enemy, during the early 17th century. In 1640 AD, the Prussian Army recruited tall and sturdy soldiers to hurl grenades at the enemy. These men were mentally and physically robust and were employed for the most difficult and dangerous tasks and with devastating effect against enemy fortifications. These soldiers were called the GRENADIERS, specially selected for their physique and impressive height, this elite force of storm troopers proudly occupied the right flank of any parade. Subsequently, ‘The GRENADIERS’ was the title endowed upon units with an outstanding battle record. The Grenadiers still exist in more than one continent. The Grenadiers battalions can be found in Germany, Austria, Russia, France, Britain, Canada and the Scandinavian countries.

2.     The Grenadiers in India have a long and illustrious history of valour and sacrifice, dating back several centuries. The first battalion of GRENADIERS was raised in India in 12 Nov 1779. It is one of the most highly decorated Regiments of the Indian Army, having won three Param Vir Chakras, two Ashok Chakras, seven Maha Vir Chakras, eight Kirti Chakras, 47 Vir Chakras and 55 Shaurya Chakra after Independence. In addition, it has to its credit, six Victoria Crosses, thirty nine Military Crosses and one hundred and four other medals of the pre-Independence era. Over its long and illustrious history, the Regiment has fought numerous battles on Indian soil and overseas, winning praise and appreciation for its outstanding performance in battle. For its gallant performance, the Regiment has earned 38 Battle Honours, pre-Independence and five Battle Honours in the post Independence era.

3.     A GRENADIERS Battalion in Oct 1947 moved to Jammu & Kashmir to beat back the Pakistanis. The unit captured Razdan pass on night 26/27 May 1948. Thereafter, the battalion was tasked to capture ‘GURAIS’ to seal the ingress route of the enemy. The battalion wrestled GURAIS from the enemy on 28 Jun 1948 after many days of heavy fighting and was awarded the Battle Honour ‘GURAIS’. During 1965 a GRENADIERS battalion stood like a rock and thereby singularly achieved the impossible by halting the Pakistani 1st Armoured Division attack at Assal Uttar near Amritsar. The Unit saved Amritsar. CQMH Abdul Hamid, PVC became a legend by destroying 7 Patton Tanks of the Pakistan Army from his Jeep mounted Recoilless Gun. A Light Machine Gun detachment of the unit killed Major General Nasir Ahmad Khan GOC of 1st Armoured Division and Brigadier AR Shamim, Commander Pak Artillery Brigade thus halting their advance. In Aug 1967 at Nathula in Sikkim, the Chinese tasted the wrath of a GRENADIERS battalion, while they were laying barbed wire to demarcate the International border. After four days of bitter fighting, the Chinese, for the first time pleaded for cease-fire. On 16 Dec 1971 at Jarpal, Charlie Company of a GRENADIERS battalion under command of Major Hoshiyar Singh beat back repeated Pakistani attacks. This battlefield had the distinction of winning the highest battle honours of both the countries. Major Hoshiyar Singh was awarded Param Vir Chakra. Based on a citation forwarded by Lieutenant Colonol (Later Lieutenant General) VP Airy, Commanding Officer, a GRENADIERS Battalion, Lieutenant Colonol Mohammed Akram Raza, Commanding Officer of 35 Frontier Force of Pakistan Army was awarded Nishan-e-Haider (Posthumously) by Pakistan. A GRENADIERS battalion earned nationwide praise for its stellar role in recapturing Tiger Hill from the infiltrators at Kargil on 04 July 99 which led to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was in U.S.A., ordering the infiltration force to pull back. GRENADIER (Now Havildar) Yogendra Singh Yadav was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his courage and valour in this action. The GRENADIERS also formed part of the peace keeping force in Korea, Indo-China, Gaza, Sri-Lanka and Sierra Leone.

4.     The GRENADIERS Regimental Centre (GRC) located in Jabalpur, which trains young soldiers, is the only Regimental Centre in the Indian Army to have taken part in war against French forces of Napoleon in Egypt in 1801. This was the first overseas expedition undertaken by Indian troops. The GRENADIERS Regimental Centre was awarded the Battle Honour ‘EGYPT’ and the honour of wearing the ‘Sphinx’ on their cap badges. ‘EGYPT DAY’ is celebrated every year on 10 Dec.

5.     The GRENADIERS Regimental Centre is probably the only Regimental Centre in the history of the Indian Army, called upon to participate in active operations. The GRENADIRS Regt has displayed supremacy not only in the battle field but also has won laurels in the field of sports at International level. Col Rajya Vardhan Singh Rathore, AVSM of this Regt won a Gold Medal in the Asian Clay Shooting Championship held in Bangkok in 2005. He has also been awarded the Country’s highest sports award ‘The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award’ in 2005. Not only the GRENADIERS Regt, but the entire Nation is proud of his achievement.

6.     Presently the Regiment reflects the true picture of unity in diversity as it comprises Jats, Rajputs, Dogras, Kayumkhanis, Muslims, Ahirs, Gujjars, Meenas, Kutchies and other Indian Castes. The war cry of the Regiment is ‘SARVADA SHAKTISHALI’ and is followed in letter and spirit. Maj Gen SK Bhardwaj, SM is presently the Colonel of The GRENADIERS, and Brig R Ravindran Centre Commandant.

Award Winners : Post-Independence