Brigade of the Guards

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Brigade of the Guards


caption=Regimental Insignia of the Brigade of the Guards
dates= 1949 - Present
country= India
allegiance=
branch= Army
type= Foot Guards
role=Mechanized Infantry
size=19 Battalions
command_structure=
garrison=Kamptee, Maharashtra.
garrison_label=Regimental Centre
equipment=Jammu & Kashmir - 1947-48, Rajasthan - 1965, Punjab - 1965, East Pakistan - 1971 and Jammu & Kashmir - 1971
equipment_label=Theatre Honours
nickname=
patron=
motto="Pahla Hamesha Pahla (First Always First)"
colors="Garud Ka Hun Bol Pyare (I am from the Guards, Say O my friend)"
colors_label= War Cry
march=
mascot=
battles=
anniversaries=
decorations=2 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashoka Chakras, 1 Padma Bhushan, 8 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 6 Maha Vir Chakras, 4 Kirti Chakras, 46 Vir Chakras, 18 Shaurya Chakras, 77 Sena Medals, 10 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 16 Vishisht Seva Medals, 45 Mention-in-Despatches, 151 COAS's Commendation Cards and 79 GOC-in-C's Commendation Cards
battle_honours=Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar
identification_symbol=Garuda - A mythological eagle king.
identification_symbol_label=Regimental Insignia
identification_symbol_2=Red over Yellow
identification_symbol_2_label=Hackle

The Brigade of the Guards is an Indian Mechanized Infantry regiment, which was once the only regiment of Foot Guards in the Indian Army. It was formed in 1949 as the first mixed class Indian regiment. It is the most elite regiment of the Indian Army raised by Field Marshal KM Cariappa. Before formation of this regiment all other Indian Army regiments derived their name from religion or sub caste. This regiment was formed with best units available at that point of time. Also there was a message with it formation that country comes ahead of everything else including religion and caste. At the moment Brigade of the Guards consists of 19 Regiments. 19th Guards is the youngest of them. Nearly two decades back pilot program was started to convert all units to Mechanized infantry. This program has been completed with flying colours. The President of India is the Honorary Colonel-in-Chief and the Chief of Army Staff is the Colonel-in-Chief of The Guards.

1962 Indo-China War

1965 Indo-Pakistan War

1971 Liberation War

In 1971 war, Brigade of the Guards participated in actions in both the Eastern and Western fronts. 14th Guards earned their first PVC ( Param Veer Chakra) through L/Nk Albert Ekka of Alpha Company for heroics in Gangasagar theatre. Albert Ekka single-handedly turned the tide against Pakistani defenders, who were firing from LMG and MMG from the top of a building putting the entire attacking party in risk.

Every year in regiments centre in Kamptee, a show is performed with Light and Sound to remember thoose who have fallen defending mother India.

Current Strength

The regiment currently consists of a total of 19 battalions. [ [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Regiments/Guards.html Brigade of the Guards at Bharat Rakshak] ] The majority of these operate as mechanised infantry, with four operating in the reconnaissance and support role, in support of the border force. Of these, one is equipped as an anti-tank missile battalion and three proudly remain as infantry. Today, the regiment is one of three in the Indian Army that is made up of men from the different castes and regions of India.

*1st Battalion (former 2 Punjab)
*2nd Battalion (former 1 Grenadiers)
*3rd Battalion (former 1 Rajputana Rifles)
*4th Battalion (former 1 Rajput)
*5th Battalion
*6th Battalion
*7th Battalion
*8th Battalion
*9th Battalion
*10th Battalion
*11th Battalion
*12th Battalion (Mechanised Anti-tank guided missile regiment)
*13th Battalion
*14th Battalion
*15th Battalion
*16th Battalion
*17th Battalion
*18th Battalion
*19th Battalion (Anti-tank guided missile regiment)

Gallantry Awards

2 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashoka Chakras, 1 Padma Bhushan, 8 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 6 Maha Vir Chakras, 4 Kirti Chakras, 46 Vir Chakras, 18 Shaurya Chakras, 77 Sena Medals, 10 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 16 Vishisht Seva Medals, 45 Mention-in-Despatches, 151 COAS's Commendation Cards and 79 GOC-in-C's Commendation Cards

References

External links

* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE3-1/jagan.html BR Monitor Issue on the Brigade of the Guards]