Regiments of the Pakistan Army

[A1Kaid]

Official Pakistani Army Regiments

Annotation by Xeric ~ This thread contains information as regards to the Regimentation in the Pakistan Army. We have attempted to consolidate all the relevant information scattered over the web. To begin with, following gives the seniority of the six Regiments of the Pakistan Army: (click on the blue arrow to go directly to the details)

1) The Punjab Regiment

2) The Baloch Regiment

3) The Frontier Force Regiment

4) The Azad Kashmir Regiment

5) The Sindh Regiment

6) The Northern Light Infantry Regiment

Punjab Regiment



Punjab Regiment, 23 March Parade


The Punjab Regiment is Pakistan's oldest, largest and most decorated infantry regiment. Army men of this regiment had been honoured with one Kirti Chakra, seven Sena Medals, nine commendation certificates of the Chief of the Army Staff, seven commendation certificates of the Western Command, 11 of the Eastern Command and 14 of the Northern Command.

The name “Punjab” (pun’jab, pun-jab) means “land of five rivers” and derives from the Persian words ‘punj’ meaning five, and ‘ab’ meaning water. The rivers, tributaries of the Indus River, are the Jhelum, Chenab Ravi, Sutlej and Beas. The five rivers, now divided between India and Pakistan, merge to form the Panjnad, which joins the Indus. Beas River joins with the Sutlej near the Harike Barrage in Indian Punjab. Punjabis were considered martial race by Britshers and were thought to possess qualities like courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength and resilience, orderliness and hard work, and fighting tenacity.

The name “Punjab” (pun’jab, pun-jab) means “land of five rivers” and derives from the Persian words ‘punj’ meaning five, and ‘ab’ meaning water. The rivers, tributaries of the Indus River, are the Jhelum, Chenab Ravi, Sutlej and Beas. The five rivers, now divided between India and Pakistan, merge to form the Panjnad, which joins the Indus. Beas River joins with the Sutlej near the Harike Barrage in Indian Punjab. Punjabis were considered martial race by Britshers and were thought to possess qualities like courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength and resilience, orderliness and hard work, and fighting tenacity.


Soldier of the Punjab Regiment

The British recruited heavily from Punjabi Muslims for service in the colonial military. The Punjab Regiment traces its origins to 1761 when the first battalion was raised at Trichinopoly. Some predecessor elements of the unit date back to 1759 when the British were raising indigenous forces to assist in the conquest of the subcontinent. The history of the regiment is especially complex, but more important than usual.Several Punjab regiments existed simultaneously during the colonial period owing to Punjab's large and diverse population. The 1st Punjab Infantry Regiment was formed in the amalgamations of 1922 from a number of preexisting regiments.

On the eve of World War II almost 34,000 Punjabi Muslims were in the army (29 per cent) and during World War-II over 380,000 joined (about 14% of the total). No other class came close to these figures. Almost 70 percent of the wartime Muslim recruitment was from what became Pakistan from the undivided Punjab. The three semi-arid districts of Punjab-Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock (Campbellpur) pre-dominated in supplying recruit volunteers in World War II. The Punjab regiments saw combat in WWII -- primarily against Japanese forces.

Upon partition in 1947 -- which split Punjab between India and Pakistan -- four of the five Punjab regiments were given to Pakistan while the remaining one was given to India, reflecting different population sizes in both countries' respective Punjab states. In 1947 the 1st, 8th, 14th and 16th Punjab Regiments were allocated to Pakistan at partition and independence. The Regiment emerged in its present shape on 7 May 1956 by amalgamating the 1st, 14th 15th and 16th Punjab Regiment groups, each having six, five, four and five battalions respectively, all rich in traditions of their own. In 1956, Pakistan merged these regiments into a single, large one that today is known as the Punjab Regiment. Four of the battalions have already celebrated their bicentenaries while some more are getting ready to do so in the near future. As of 2008, it had 47 battalions.

This historical composition gave the Regiment a solid foundation to build on. During more than 50 years of its united existence, it multiplied manifold and fought two National Wars. During 1948, some battalions also fought in Kashmir, and others got the opportunity to see the War in 1965 and 1971. The Punjabi units acquitted themselves with great honour devotion & courage and earned immense laurels.

Due to the only practicable highway between the itinerant breeding ground of central Asia and the fertile valley of the Ganges, Punjab has been a strategic area of immense significance since the ancient times. It was the geographical location of Punjab, which made it pregnable to foreign invasions from the earliest time. Since time immemorial, it was a 'gateway to India', 'feted battlefield' and 'the first home of conquerors.' Almost all the invaders of India came from the northwest and had faced great resistance by the people of the Punjab, before moving further into the land. The destiny of the Punjab, the heart land of India, was the destiny of the whole of India. If the brave men of the Punjab were defeated, none in the whole sub-continent could dare face the invaders.

On March 29, 1849, the last Sikh Darbar was held at Lahore. In that Darbar, Maharaja Daleep Singh and the council of Regency submitted to the East India Company, which led to the complete annexation of Punjab during the regime of Lord Dalhousie (1848-1956). Just after the annexation there was a general disarmament in Punjab: All classes of the people, other than Europeans and government servants, were prohibited to keep and carry arms of any kind. This policy was only imposed in Punjab; however in the rest of the country the masses retained their arms. At the dawn of twentieth century, the province of Punjab encompassed vast areas. Besides the present-day Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab, it included the settled districts of NWFP and Delhi.

Punjab played a great role in saving the East India Company's empire and the Crown by providing recruits, and it proved itself a tower of strength in India. Since that time for the British, the Punjab became a large part of their fighting force. The British were aware of the fact that the physical qualities of the inhabitants had exercised a great influence on the politics and the history. Therefore, keeping in view the martial races of Punjab, the British wanted to maintain a fairhold on the sword men of India. The British and religious elite's relationship was initiated soon after the annexation of Punjab in 1849. During the First World War like the landed elites, they assisted the British by supplying them with horses, soldiers and other accoutermentsof the war.

The development of canal colonies in the western Punjab in the mid of nineteenth century by the British Indian government was an attempt to convert unproductive and arid land into the fertile land by using the water of rivers the Jhelum, the Chenab and the Ravi. The military obtained a share of allotable land for ex-soldiers. Those from cavalry regiments obtained horse-breeding grants. Infantrymen received smaller grants, but these were not subject to horse-breeding tenures. The recipients of these military grants were Punjabis serving in regiments stationed in all five army commands in India: Punjab, Bengal, Bombay, Burma and Madras. Regimental officers rather than civil officials were given the responsibility of selecting these grantees, the choice being determined thus not on agricultural skills but on the nature of service in the army.

In some areas of Punjab, grantees subject to horse-breeding tenure could not obtain proprietary rights, as this would have undermined regulated horse-breeding. Succession was restricted to primogeniture, to prevent subdivision from threatening horse-breeding. This departure from customary law came with the unrelenting tenurial obligation of maintaining mares and producing foals. In other areas, horse-breeding was imposed on civilian peasant grantees, but without such onerous conditions. Compulsion was replaced by competition. Horse-breeding would be regarded as a valuable additional resource, rather than an imposition whose non-fulfilment threatened the very livelihood of the grantees. But the military prerogative was such that the British held on to horse-breeding, till it was finally abolished in 1940.

The British fully realized Punjab's potential to produce military manpower. So with the support of the local landlords, the British managed to induce the martial races of the Punjab to join the British Indian Army. Towards the end of nineteenth century, the province emerged as the major recruiting area for the British Army.

Only the small district of Amjer yielded up a greater proportion of her sons. The province of Ajmer, together with the Merwara pargaaas, was ceded to the British Government in 1818. Ajmer was a settled country : but the parganas of Merwara were mostly a stretch of jungle-clad hills, in which a few rude settlers had cleared patches for cultivation, but hardly possessed anything like a system of government or of customary landholding. Ajmer is specially interesting becanse it was the one British district in Rajputana; and it preserved the features of the Rajput organisation as it appeared when the Rajputs came as conquering armies, not as an entire people immigrating and settling on the land.

The Punjab had during the Great War enlisted over 300,000 men, of whom 300,000 were combatants. At the end of the First World War, almost three-fifths of the British Indian Army recruits were drawn from the province. The recruitment in the army was open to all communities, however the Muslim Rajputs, the Sikh Jats and the Hindu Dogras, jointly willing to fight for the British, dominated the British Indian Army. These soldiers from Punjab fought as far as the mud of Flanders, the deserts of Arabia and in the bushes of East Africa.




In 1947, India was partitioned into India and Pakistan, splitting the Punjab province. Pakistan received four of the Punjab Regiments while Indian received one. Pakistan merged these units into a single Punjab Regiment in 1956.

Three of the Regiment's soldiers have been awarded the Nishan-e-Haider--Pakistan's highest medal for bravery--across the past wars with India. Only ten of the awards have ever been made.

On March 15, 2008, Lieutenant General Muhammad Masood Aslam was installed as leader of the Punjab Regiment. His title is now Colonel Commandant.

On November 8, 2006, a suicide bomber killed 35 recruits at the Punjab Regiment's training grounds in retaliation for a recent Pakistan army operation against Islamists that accidentally killed civilians. In May 2008, another five were killed by a suicide bomber in the town of Mardan in the Northwest Frontier Province, again supposedly as revenge for Pakistani military operations against extremists in the north.

Source: http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...rgt-punjab.htm

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For more on Punjab Regiment:

Originally Posted by Xeric

Punjab Regiment

[A1Kaid]

Baloch Regiment




The Baloch Regiment is Pakistan's second-oldest, after the Punjab regiment. As of 2008 the Regiment Regiment had almost 50 battalions.The Baloch Regiment is based in Abbottabad. It has participated in every major Indo-Pakistani War and last saw combat in 1971 at Qaiser-I-Hind. Lt. General Shafaatullah Shah was made Colonel Commandant of the Regiment on April 27, 2008. Contrary to its name, the Baloch Regiment is comprised of older units that were not primarily from Baluchistan; instead, they were drawn from all over India and Pakistan and represent many different ethnic groups.



The oldest ancestors of the former date back to 1798. The 10th Baloch Regiment and 8th Punjab Regiment were formed in 1922 by consolidating several Indian units that had served with distinction during the First World War. Battalions from the two also fought in the Second World War in Asia and Southern Europe, with a mixed record. In 1947, Pakistan and India split and the units of the previously unified Indian Army were divided between them. Pakistan got the 10th Baloch and 8th Punjab Regiments, and in 1957, it merged them, along with the Bahawalpur Regiment, to form the new Baloch Regiment. These units had fought within the subcontinent and in far-flung battlefields in China, Africa, and Europe in both World Wars.

The present Baloch Regiment is the result of an amalgamation of three very distinguished Infantry Regiments of Old Indian Army i.e., 8 Punjab, 10 Baloch and Bahawalpur Regiments. The amalgamation took place in 1956. Brief histories of each group are mentioned in the succeeding paras.

The history of the Regiment dates back to the year 1798 when “McLeod Ki Paltan”, the present one of the battalion of the Baloch Regiment, was raised at Masulipattam. After some time, it came to be known as 89th Punjabis. Later 90th, 92nd and 93rd Punjabis (presently Baloch Battalions of the Regiment) were also raised and the group got the name of “Madras Native Infantry”, as these battalions were raised at Madras.

In 1903, the original names of the battalions i.e. 89th, 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd Punjabis were restored by Lord Kitchner on re-organization of the Indian Army. In 1922, on adoption of the group system in Indian Army, these battalions were grouped as 8 Punjab Regiment with its Training Centre at Lahore. This Centre was designated as 10/8 Punjab Regiment and the battalions were renamed as 1/8 Punjab (1 Baloch) Regiment, 2/8 Punjab (2 Baloch Regiment) etc. Some battalions were raised during World War I and II but were disbanded after the Wars and the Centre was left with only eight battalions. In 1943, the Centre was renamed as 8 Punjab Regimental Centre. The battalions of 8 Punjab Regiment served with distinction at many places and fought many battles during World Wars I and II, winning many gallantry awards and battle honours.

The first battalion of the old 10 Baloch Regiment, presently one of the Baloch Regiment, was raised in 1820 as 2nd battalion of the 12 Regiment of the Bombay Infantry. In 1825, another battalion was raised as 2nd extra Battalion of the Bombay Native Infantry. These battalions were renamed as 24th and 26th (6 and 7 Baloch) Regiment in 1826. They fought with great distinction during World War I and became famous as Bombay Toughs. The 3rd and 4th battalions of the Baloch Regiment were raised in 1844 and 1846 respectively (presently two Baloch Regiments). In addition Jacob's men brought own rifles and equipment raised 5th battalion. This battalion was known as Jacob's Rifles (presently one of the Baloch Regiment).

The group of battalions was known as Bombay Infantry till 1891, after which these were renamed as Balochistan Light Infantry. For sometimes, only the Balochis were taken into these battalions. In 1905, these battalions were re-organized as 124th, 126th, 127th, 129th and 130th Rifle (Presently Baloch Regiments).



FOURTH BATTALION DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S OWN TENTH BALUCH REGIMENT IN THE GREAT WAR

During World War I, 124th became famous as "War Babies", while fighting in Palestine in 1918. It was renamed as 10th battalion and stationed at Karachi as a training battalion in 1921. The battalions were renamed as 1/10, 2/10,3/10 and 4/10 Baloch etc. The 1st, 3rd and 5th battalions were the Royal Battalions. Their attire, however, was not royal blue but green and cherry, and the Regiment adopted these colours. In 1923, the training Centre shifted to Rajkot, Kathiawar but was again brought to Karachi in 1929. The group expanded during World War II, and its units fought with distinction in many theatres of War, winning awards and contributing to the galaxy of the Battle honours.

His Highness Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi IV raised the first Bahawalpur Battalion in 1826. Another battalion, the 2nd Bahawalpur, was raised in 1827. These battalions became part of Indian State Forces later and came to be known as 1st and 2nd Bahawalpur Light Infantry respectively. Both these battalions fought with distinction during the first and second Kabul Wars in 1837 and 1879 and later during the both World Wars. During World War II, two more battalions were raised. Thus the Bahawalpur Regiment had four battalions at the time of Independence. The 1st and 2nd Bahawalpur Battalions were effective in subduing Mulraj during 1848/49, which helped to restore Multan to Muslims influence later on. As a sequel to the general reorganization of the Pakistan Army, the 6th (Bahawalpur) Division was disbanded during 1955 and the four battalions of the Bahawalpur Regiment were amalgamated with the Baluch (present Baloch) Regiment in April 1956.



The Baloch Regiment played very significant role at the time of independence in 1947. A number of its battalions became famous for escorting refugee families safely to Pakistan. In Kashmir War of 1948 one of the Battalions of the Regiment captured the dominating height called "PANDU Feature" and evicted the Indians from there.

One of the battalions has the unique honour of presenting the first GUARD OF HONOUR to Quaid-i-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah immediately after Independence and in return being awarded the First Pakistani Flag by the Quaid-i-Azam personally.

At the time of Independence, the Centre of 10 Baloch Regiment was located at Karachi. It had nine battalions. Immediately after Independence, the Centre was moved to Quetta where it remained till April 1956, when it was shifted to Multan. On 7th May 1956, the present Baloch Regiment came into being by the amalgamation of 8th Punjab Regiment and Bahawalpur Regiment into the Baloch Regiment at Multan and this day is called the BALOCH DAY in the history. 8th Punjab Centre and Bahawalpur Centre were closed at Quetta and Dera Nawab Sahib respectively and their records were brought to Multan. The 8th Punjab Regiment added eight battalions.

The Baloch Centre moved to Abbottabad in the last week of December 1957 and there it has remained ever since. The Regimental Centre was last to arrive in Abbottabad. Today, it has added into the glories of Abbottabad. The Centre has magnificent buildings, which depict its history and culture. The Balochis, as painted by R D Mackenzie, a British artist of the late Nineteenth Century, are fierce looking, stern featured, eagle eyed, turbaned horsemen with long hair and flowing beards, all armed with guns.


Source: http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...rgt-baloch.htm

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For more on Baloch Regiment:

Originally Posted by Xeric

Pakistan: The Baloch Regiment

[Xeric]

....Continued from Post# 2

More on Baloch Regiment

Pakistan: The Baloch Regiment
v.1.0 September 11, 2002
Babar Mahmud

Editor’s Note: This regiment was earlier called the Baluch Regiment, after the Pakistan province of Baluchistan. This spelling and pronunciation were, however, inherited from colonial days. The Pakistani pronounciation of the Baluch is Baloch, with the ch as in change.

The Baloch regiment is second in seniority after the Punjab Regiment in the Pakistan Army. Its oldest battalion was raised more than two hundred years ago, in 1798 AD at Masulipattam, as the Macleod Ki Paltan [Macleod’s force], now the 1st Baloch. After raising, it later became the 89th Punjabis and was followed by 90th, 91st and 93rd Punjab Battalions. Combined these arms were given the title of the Madras Native Infantry.


‘It was the Madras Army’ says the regimental historian, ‘that was responsible to oust the French from the India. The battalions fought valiantly in expeditions that resulted in the unification of the territories which now make up India and modern Burma’.

Storming through the jungles of Burma in the same century, uttering their blood-chilling battle cries, the Baluchis also led the fight to conquer that country and their name became immortalized as the ‘Burma’ battalions. In honor of their courage and valor the battalions were presented with an image of the mythical Burmese god, Chinthe, Which they adopted as their cap badge.

The Baluchis are formidable fighting men. Through two centuries their lustrous deeds in campaigns throughout the sub-continent and in World War I and afterwards are writ large in the history of valor.

One of the battalions raised in the first half of 19th century so distinguished itself on the battlefields of Europe and Palestine; it earned the name of the ‘Bombay Toughs’. Another, the 124th, raised in 1905, became the ‘War Babies’- for their youth and the courage they displayed in Palestine in 1918.

Many awards for courage were won the Baluchis in the First World War and subsequently in campaigns across the sub-continent and in the Second World War.
These including the first Victoria Cross ever awarded to an Indian soldier, not only a Muslim but also a Balochi: Lance Naik Khudad Dad Khan of the old
4th Baloch, now 11th Baloch. For their fighting distinction and sheer courage in WWI, the British Government in India bestowed a noble monument in the gardens of Frere Hall, Karachi commemorating the officers, JCOs and men of the 10th Baloch Regiment who fell in battle which still stands.

Another unique distinction in the regimental honor is that of the George Cross, Britain’s peacetime equivalent of the Victoria Cross, which was awarded to Captain Durrani of the 1st Bahawalpur Regiment, now the 8th Baloch.
Altogether in its first 150 years, the regiment gathered one of the most distinguished records for bravery in military history, including fourteen Victoria Crosses, one George Cross, one CMC, 36 DSOs, 158 MCs, Service medals and civil honors and more than 350 mentions in dispatches.

The Baloch Regiment like the Punjab Regiment and the Frontier Force Regiment are three British origin infantry regiments in Pakistan Army. The British ruled this area nearly 200 years and an Army Commander-in-Chief was always number two in rank after the Viceroy/Governor General in the sub-Continent. “Sub-Continent” means present day Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Burma. The British originally had three different armies to control this region, Bengal Army, Bombay Army and Madras Army. These three armies were united in 1895 as British Indian Army. More than 500 states were also working under British India, most of them, especially big states, had their own state forces.
Present Baloch Regiment have its origin in Bombay Army, Madras Army and in State Forces of Bahawalpur in southern Punjab.

Part of the Baluch Regiment’s origin is from the old Bombay Army raised in early nineteenth century , the senior battalion originated in the 2nd (Marine) Bn of the 12th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry raised in 1820. In 1838, as the 24th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, they stormed Aden (Yemen), bringing that hotbed of pirates under the British flag. The 26th Bombay Native Infantry was raised in 1825 as the 2nd Extra Bn of Bombay Native Infantry, changing its name a year later. Sir Charles Napier raised two regiments in Karachi - the 1st and 2nd Baloch Regiments - for local service within Sind in 1844 and 1846 respectively.

The term 'local' was interpreted fairly loosely when it became necessary to send the 2nd Baloch to the Persian War in 1856-57, a campaign frequently overshadowed by the events of the Independence War of Indian People (Great Mutiny by British) in 1857. The 1st was in Karachi when the news of the insurrection reached the Commissioner. Sir Bartle Frere dispatched them with all haste, on foot across the Sindh desert in May to join the siege artillery train on its way to Delhi, the only Bombay unit to join the Delhi Field Force. The regiment was brought into the regular line for its services in Central India and it became the 27th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry in the post-Mutiny realignment.

The 2nd Baloch, in the meantime, had qualified for a similar change in status for their work on the NW Frontier and became the 29th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry. In 1858, Major John Jacob raised a local battalion, soon to be known as Jacob's Rifles and they made such a reputation in and around Jacobabad that they, too, were accorded regular status, becoming the 30th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry or Jacob's Rifles in 1861. In the years which followed, the subsidiary title lapsed and does not appear to have been officially revived until 1910, by which time, the 24th, the 26th, the 27th, the 29th, and the 30th had all had one hundred added to their numbers in 1903, emerging as the 124th, the 126th, the 127th, the 129th and the 130th.

A distinction shared by no other regiment was a spell in Japan by the 29th in 1864. They were summoned from Shanghai to Yokohama in September to protect Queen Victoria's British and Indian subjects. The British force remained in Japan until September the following year.

The Baloch Regiment also owed its origins to the old Madras Army due to amalgamation of 8 Punjab in 1956 after re-organization of all Pakistan Infantry regiments. The 29th Madras Infantry was mustered out on 15 Oct 1893 and was reconstituted the next day at Meiktila in Central Burma as the 29th (7th Burma Bn) Madras Infantry, made up of Punjabis and Sikhs. Similarly, the 30th Madras Infantry became the 30th (5th Burma Bn) Madras Infantry, the 31st became the 31st (6th Burma Bn) Madras Infantry, the 32nd became the 32nd (4th Burma Bn) Madras Infantry and the 33rd the 33rd (3rd Burma Bn) Madras Infantry. In 1901, all these titles were simplified by removal of all mention of Madras and the five regiments were styled 29th Burma Infantry, 30th Burma Infantry, 31st Burma Light Infantry, 32nd Burma Infantry and 33rd Burma Infantry.

These Burma battalions were to police the troublesome new territories acquired in the Third Burma War. In 1903, when all Madras regiments had sixty added to their numbers, the 29th and 30th became 89th and 90th Punjabis, the 31st became the 91st Punjabis (Light Infantry), the 32nd became the 92nd Punjabis whilst the 33rd only performed a half-change, entering the new Line as the 93rd Burma Infantry. It may be said that it was the Afghan Campaign of 1878-80 which set the seal on the future of the Madras soldier. The 30th Madras Native Infantry served in the Khyber Pass but suffered so much from extremes of cold that it put into doubt the suitability of the Southern soldier for service in what was clearly to be a recurring trouble spot.

Performance of present Baloch Regiment’s units in FIRST WORLD WAR

124th Duchess of Connaught's Baluchistan Infantry - India, Mesopotamia, Persia.
2/124th (formed in 1916)- Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, India.
3/124th (formed in 1917)- India, Persia, Mesopotamia.
126th Baluchistan Infantry - India, Egypt, Muscat, Aden, Mosopotamia. 2/126th (formed in 1918) - India.
127th Queen Mary's Own Baluch Light Infantry - India, East Africa, Persia.
2/127th (formed in 1918) - India, Egypt.
129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis - India, France, East Africa.
2/129th (formed in 1917) - India, Mesopotamia.
130th King George's Own Baluchis (Jacob's Rifles) - India, East Africa.
2/130th (formed in 1918) - India.

Only the 2nd Bn of the 124th of the wartime raisings was retained after the post-war reforms.

The 129th in the 3rd (Lahore) Division, was the only battalion of the regiment to serve on the Western Front, the first Indian regiment to attack the Germans, the first also on two other counts - to lose the first British officer and to earn the first Victoria Cross, this by Sepoy Khudadad Khan at Hollebeke. Wounded, he recovered to enjoy the distinction of being the first Indian soldier to receive the King Emperor's most coveted gift. Prior to 1911, Indian soldiers had not been eligible to receive the Cross.

89th Punjabis - India, Aden, Egypt, Gallipoli, France, Mesopotamia, Greece, Russia.
2/89th Punjabis (raised in 1917) - India, Mesopotamia 90th Punjabis - India, Mesopotamia
2/90th Punjabis (raised in 1918) - India
91st Punjabis - India, Mesopotamia, Egypt
2/91st Punjabis (raised in 1918) - India, Egypt
92nd Punjabis - India, Mesopotamia, Egypt
93rd Burma Infantry - India, Egypt, France, Mesopotamia, Burma
Following the return of Indian troops after the war, all the second battalions were disbanded with the exception of the 2/89th Punjabis.

After the First World War, a major re-organization of British Indian Army took place. Most of the wartime units were disbanded and merged with each other. A new Regiment in the name of 10 Baloch was formed in 1922/23
At Rajkot (Rajasthan) with composition of Punjabi Muslims, Pathans, Baluchis and Brahuis. Balochi and Brahuis are two great tribal origin peoples of Balochistan province (now in Pakistan). Balochies are also constituted a major part of population of Sindh Province (also in Pakistan). Pathans are great warriors from the NWFP and West Punjab (both are also in Pakistan). The Baloch Regiment is the only one which represents all of Pakistan’s provinces.


The badge chosen for the 10th Baluch Regiment in 1923 was a Roman 'Ten' within a crescent moon, a crown above and title scroll below.

The line-up of battalions for the new regiment was as under:
124th Duchess of Connaught's Own Baluchistan Infantry redesignated as1st Bn.
126th Baluchistan Infantry - redesignated as2nd Bn
127th Queen Mary's Own Baluch Light Infantry - redesignated as 3rd Bn (Queen Mary's Own)
129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis - redesignated as 4th Bn (Duke of Connaught's Own)
130th King George's Own Baluchis - redesignated as 5th Bn (King George's Own) (Jacobs Rifles) 10th Baluch Regiment.
2/124th Duchess of Connaught's Own Baluchistan Infantry - redesignated as 10th Bn

There was no Territorial battalion but the 5/10th was selected for Indianisation. It was not among the initial six infantry battalions nominated in 1923, but it featured in a supplementary list in 1933.

8 Punjab (now part of Baloch regiment) was also formed by the union of the following regiments of Punjabis:
The new line-up was as follows:

89th Punjabis redesignated as 1st Bn 8th Punjab Regiment
90th Punjabis redesignated as 2nd Bn 8th Punjab Regiment
91st Punjabis (Light Infantry) redesignated as 3rd Bn 8th Punjab Regiment
92nd (Prince of Wales's Own) Punjabis redesignated as 4th Bn 8th Punjab Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
93rd Burma Infantry redesignated as 5th Bn 8th Punjab Regiment (Burma)
2/89th Punjabis redesignated as 10th Bn 8th Punjab Regiment
The 92nd had been made 'Prince of Wales's Own' in 1921 for their services during the war.

The 5th Bn of the new regiment was nominated in the early 1930s as one of the battalions chosen for Indianization.

There was no Territorial battalion raised for the 8th Punjab Regiment
The badge chosen for the 8th Punjab Regiment on its creation in 1923 was probably one of the most interesting and heraldically appealing. In the light of the former history of the constituent regiments, it was appropriate that the new regiment should adopt the Chinthe, the mythical lion-dragon, the guardian of Buddhist pagodas, above the numerical '8' and the title scroll.

Performance of the 10 Baloch and 8 Punjab Regiments in World War II

10 Baloch

* 1st Battalion - India, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt.
* 2nd Battalion - India, Malaya. Captured in Singapore in February 1942.
Reformed in April 1946 from cadre of 9/10 Baluch.
* 3rd Battalion - India, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Sicily, Italy. On return to India, the battalion was nominated for conversion to a parachute role to join 2 Indian Airborne Division.
* 4th Battalion - India, East Africa, Egypt, Cyprus, Italy.
* 5th Battalion - India, Burma.
* 6th Battalion - raised in Karachi on 1 Jan 40. India. Disbanded 1 Feb. 47.
* 7th Battalion - raised in Benares on 10 Oct 40. India. Burma.
* 8th Battalion - raised in Karachi on 1 Feb. 41. India, Burma. Disbanded 22 Dec 1946.
* 9th Battalion - raised in Nasirabad on 1 Feb. 41. India. Disbanded 25 Apr 46 but almost 500 men went to reform the regular 2nd Bn.
* 14th Battalion - raised in Karachi on 1 Feb. 41. India, Burma, Malaya, Siam. Disbanded 15 Sep 46.
* 16th Battalion - raised in Karachi on 15 Oct 41. India, Burma, Malaya. Disbanded March 1946.
* 17th Battalion - raised November 1942 by conversion of 53 Regt IAC, India, Iraq, Palestine, Greece, Libya.
* 18th Battalion - raised originally as 25 Garrison Bn, it became an active battalion and was redesignated 18/10th. India. Disbanded May 1944.
* 25th Garrison Battalion - raised in Karachi in July 1941. On conversion to active status, it was redesignated the 18/10th.
* 26th Garrison Battalion - raised in Karachi in March 1942. India. Disbanded 1946.
* Machine Gun Battalion - raised in Karachi on 15 Apr 42. Converted to 53 Regt IAC August 1942. Redesignated 17/10th November 1942.

In common with many other Indian Infantry regiments, the 10th Baluch Regiment lost its number and, at the end of 1945, became The Baluch Regiment.

8 Punjab

* 1st Battalion - India, Malaya. Captured on Singapore Island in February 1942.
Reformed in 1946 by redesignation of 9/8 Punjab.
* 2nd Battalion - India, Burma.
* 3rd Battalion - India, Persia, Egypt, Italy.
* 4th Battalion - India, Iraq, Iran.
* 5th Battalion - India, Burma, Malaya, Dutch East Indies.
* 6th Battalion (Machine Gun) - raised in August 1940. India, Burma, Malaya, Dutch East Indies.
* 7th Battalion - raised in August 1940. India, Malaya. Captured on Singapore Island in February 1942.
* 8th Battalion - raised in May 1941. India, Burma.
* 9th Battalion - raised in May 1941. Joined 6/15 Punjab and 6/16 Punjab in 39 Indian Infantry Brigade, the only all-Punjab brigade in the Indian Army. India, Ceylon, Cyprus. Redesignated 1/8 Punjab in 1946.
* 14th Battalion - redesignated 9th (Punjab) HAA Regt Indian Artillery in June 1942.
* 15th Battalion - Raised in January 1942. India. Became a training battalion for VCOs and NCOs.
* 16th Battalion - Raised in August 1943. India.
* 25th Garrison Battalion - raised in April 1941. India.
* 26th Garrison Battalion - raised in March 1942. India.

The Regiment's pipes and drums went to London in 1946 to march in the Victory parade, their claim being that they were the best in the Indian Army.

Battle Honors before 1947
Aden, Reshire, Bushire, Koosh-ab, Persia. Delhi 1857, Central India, Abyssinia, Kandahar 1880, Cochin, Maheidpore, Ava, Afghanistan 1878-80, Egypt 1882, Tel-el-Kebir, Burma 1885-87, British East Africa 1896, British East Africa 1897-99, China 1900, , Messiness 1914, Armentieres 1914, Ypres 1914-15, Gheluvelt, Festubert 1914, Givenchy 1914, Neuve Chapelle, St. Julian, Loos, France and Flanders 1915, Egypt 1915, Megiddo, Sharon, Palestine 1918, Aden, Kut-al-Amara 1917, Baghdad, Mesopotamia 1916-18, Persia 1915-18, NW Frontier, India 1917, Kilimanjaro, Behobeho, East Africa 1915-18, Afghanistan 1919.Macedonia 1918, Helles, Krithia, Gallipoli 1915, Suez Canal, Egypt 1915, Megiddo, Sharon, Palestine 1918, Tigris 1916, Kut-al-Amara 1917,
North Malaya, Jitra, Gurun, Malaya 1941-42, The Trigno, Perano, The Sangro, Villa Grande, Gustav Line, Monte Grande, The Senio, Italy 1943-45, Gallabat, Barentu, Massawa, The Cauldron, Ruweisat Ridge, El Alamein, North Africa 1940-43, Landing in Sicily, Sicily 1943, Castel Frentano, Orsogna, Arezzo, Monte Cedrone, Citta di Castello, Monte Calvo, Gothic Line, Plan di Castello, Croce, Gemmano Ridge, San Marino, San Paulo-Monte Spacata, Monte Cavallo, Cesena, Savio Bridgehead, Casa Bettini, Idice Bridgehead, Italy 1943-45 Donbaik, North Arakan, The Shweli, Myitson, Kama, Burma 1942-45; Athens, Greece 1944-45, North Malaya, Machang, Singapore Island, Malaya 1941-42, Kuzeik, North Arkan, Point 551, Maungdaw, Shwebo, Kyaukmyaung Bridgehead, Mandalay, Capture of Meiktila, Defense of Meiktila, The Irrawaddy, Pegu 1945, Sittang 1945, Burma 1942-45.


Partition

In August 1947, the sub-continent was freed from British rule and dived between Pakistan and India. 10 Baloch, 8 Punjab, and Bahawalpur State Forces were allotted to Pakistan. Dogra companies of 10 Baloch remained in India and transferred to, among other regiments, The Indian Grenadiers. The Regimental center was shifted to Quetta in 1946.


10 Baloch Regimental Center was at Quetta had 50% Punjabi Muslims [PMs], 25% Pathans and 25% Dogras. After the departure of Dogras, new composition was 50% each PMs and Pathans.

On transfer of power, the active battalions were the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th.

* 1 Baloch had 50% PMs, 25% Pathans and 25% Dogras was stationed at Secunderabad , in Aug 1947 moved to Kasur/Lahore. PMs from 5/6 Rajputana Rifles replaced Dogras.
* 2 Baloch consisted of 3 companies of PMs and one of Dogras was stationed at Razmak.
* 3 Baloch 50% PMs, 25% Pathans and 25% Dogras was stationed at Quetta.
* 4 Baloch 50% PMs, 25% Pathans and 25% Dogras was stationed at Nowshera. In 1948 it moved to Kashmir.
* 5 Baloch 50% PMs, 25% Pathans and 25% Dogras was stationed in Fort Sandeman (Zhob). In March it moved to Quetta and in Dec in Sialkot.
* 7 Baloch 50% PMs, 25% Pathans and 25% Dogras was stationed at Kanpur when it received orders to move to Fort Sandeman (Zhob). In July, the unit received orders to move Karachi before 7 August and prepare for ceremonies in connection with Independence of Pakistan.


The Battalion had the distinction of providing the first guard of honor to the Quaid-I-Azam as he stepped on the soil of Pakistan. Major Shukat Ali commanded the guard of honor. On 14th August the Subedar Major [the battalion’s senior warrant officer] unfurled the first flag at the Governor General’s residence. The flag was later presented to 7/10 Baloch by Quaid-I-Azam.

The 8th Punjab Regiment was allocated to Pakistan and the Sikh companies returned to India, principally to replace Punjabi Muslim companies in battalions of The Sikh Regiment and to help in creation of new Sikh battalions.

The regular battalions on transfer of power were the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
Bahawalpur Regiment was raised among the Bahawlpur state forces. The Bahawalpur Regiment had two active battalions 1 Bahawalpur, 3 Bahawalpur. 4 Bahawalpur was raised from the officers and men from 2 Patiala (raised in 1919) in July 1948.

In 1947, men of Baloch Regiment were assigned the task of escorting the weary refugees fleeing India, earning the regiment-honored name of Ghazi Balochi.
Based at Abbottabad since Dec 1957, the Baloch fought with great courage in the 1947-48 Kashmir Conflict, and in the two wars with India in 1965 and 1971, winning 279 awards for bravery- Including three Hilal-e-Jurats, one of Pakistan’s highest awards for valor and 73 Sitara-e-Jurat.

The Regiment’s long list of battle honors dates from the battle of Cochin in 1809 to battle of Qaiser-I-Hind in 1971.

In 1957, a major re-organization took place in infantry Regiments of Pakistan most of the regiments organized in 1922/23 were re-organized and the regimental centers reduced from 11 to 5.


The Baloch Regiment was re-organized by merging the 10 Baloch, 8 Punjab and Bahawalpur Regiments.

The new regimental center was set up at Abbottabad in December 1957. The new line up of the regiment was:

Old New
Baloch Regiment
1 Baloch 6 Baloch
2 Baloch 7 Baloch
3 Baloch 10 Baloch
4 Baloch 11 Baloch
5 Baloch 12 Baloch
6 Baloch 14 Baloch
7 Baloch 15 Baloch
8 Baloch 16 Baloch
17 Baloch 19 Baloch

8 Punjab Regiment
1/8 Punjab 1 Baloch
2/8 Punjab 2 Baloch
3/8 Punjab 3 Baloch
4/8 Baloch 4 Baloch
5/8 Baloch 5 Baloch
6/8 Baloch 13 Baloch
8/8 Baloch 17 Baloch
9/8 Baloch 18 Baloch

Bahawalpur Regiment
1 Bahawalpur 8 Baloch
2 Bahawalpur 9 Baloch
3 Bahawalpur 20 Baloch
4 Bahawalpur 21 Baloch

In 1958 Pakistan Raised SSG (Special Services Group) Commandos from 19 Baluch (old 17/10 Baluch) at Cherat, a hill station not far from Peshawar, Dedicated CIA and US Special Forces personnel trained the SSG as part of US ‘Military Aid to Pakistan’ Programme (US MAP), among the instructors Chuck Lord, Robert Buckley, Robert Dunn, Maj. Murray, Lt. Hicks, Sommers, etc. Pakistani SSG officers traveled to Fort Bragg and/or Fort Benning for advanced training. Robert Dunn knew most SSG personnel by name, having spent almost his whole life in this area. Casey chose him to be CIA’s Operations Chief for the Afghan War.

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To read more on Baloch Regiment from Pakistan Army's website:

Originally Posted by Xeric

More on Baloch Regiment from Pakistan Arny's Website

Baloch Regiment

[A1Kaid]

The Frontier Force Regiment



The Frontier Force Regiment has 52 battalions and is primarily composed of Pashtun soldiers -- who form the majority population of the Northwest Frontier Province where the unit is based. The Frontier Force Regiment is therefore sometimes called the "Pashtun Regiment." The military has established quotas for Punjabis and Sindhis within the Regiment. The unit is based in Abbottabad, which also houses major facilities for the Baloch Regiment.



The Frontier Force Regiment was created in 1957 by joining together three older regiments: The Corps of Guides, the previous Frontier Force Regiment and the Pathan Regiment. The earliest of these was founded in 1846 by the British for patrol duty in the lawless border area with Afghanistan. These militias were known as the "Punjab Irregular Forces," which gave rise to the nickname "Piffer." This is still used to refer to the Frontier Force Regiment even though it is now a fully professional and partly mechanized part of the army.

The FF regiment has participated in all of Pakistan's wars since the regiment's inception, including the smaller Siachen and Kargil conflicts. In 1991, the Regiment also contributed defensive troops to the UN-backed Coalition against Iraq, and the following year, it played a major role in the UN relief mission to Somalia. Armored units of the Frontier Force Regiment rescued trapped American special forces soldiers during the Battle for Mogadishu.

The PIFFERs are a tight knit brotherhood of soldiers, bound by a distinguished military history, a long tradition of soldiering and a strong foundation of regimental traditions. They are disciplined, hard fellows, full of natural military instincts. They are a special breed, purified in the inferno of objective realities, demanding courage, loyalty and steadfastness. During 59 years of Pakistan’s history, not a battle has been fought without PIFFERs. Frontier Force Regiments have invariably contributed to the success of every major undertaking: from Chamb-Jaurian to Hilli, from Dinajpur to Sulemanki, from Siachen to Rann of Kutch; Frontier Force Regiments have always been in the eye of the storm. From the turmoil in the wake of Partition to the floods and earthquakes in the most inhospitable terrain, Frontier Force Regiments have assisted the civil administration in an unflinching manner.

In over one hundred and fifty years of its existence, the Frontier Force has kept pace with the changing times. It has developed to meet the requirements of the Army and the Nation, and to absorb various fundamental changes in the battlefield environment, encompassing induction of new weapons and equipment.

The FF Centre

The Frontier Force Regimental Centre, nestled in the Abbottabad hills, is the home of all PIFFERs. Previously Kohat, the largest and most popular PIFFER station, became the home of PIFFERs after World War I, to include PIFFER Mess, PIFFER Memorial and PIFFER Church. The two original training battalions mentioned under the 1922 reorganisation, moved to Sialkot (12th FF Regiment) and Abbottabad (13th FF Rifles). Both centres did a magnificent job in sending well trained recruits to various theatres during World War II. The training battalions were expanded into full-fledged centres as the war progressed. At Partition, the Frontier Force Regiment Training Centre moved from Sialkot to Abbottabad. Once the three PIFFER groups were amalgamated in 1956, the Pathan Regimental Centre at Kohat was also absorbed at Abbottabad. Since then, the Centre trains recruits and acts as the spiritual home of all PIFFERs. The PIFFER Museum, inaugurated in 1981, is attractively laid out and well stocked with a rich and impressive collection of medals, weapons, dress and insignia, portraits and flags, history books, albums, paintings, cutlery and musical instruments.
The Punjab Frontier Force Association (UK)

Partition resulted in a large number of British PIFFERs returning to the UK. The strong PIFFER bonds and nostalgic memories of many years of war and peace spent in PIFFER units, led to the formation of a formal PFF Association in the UK, in 1948. The association had first been mentioned by General Rob Lockhart in 1945. The Association actively maintained contact among the British members and with Pakistani PIFFER officers, the mother Regiment and units in Pakistan (and those in India). Its activities included reunion dinners, visits to Pakistan and India, issue of a journal and a host of other activities. With four issues of the journal a year in the earlier years (made possible by a large membership) dwindling numbers and lengthening obituaries led to issue of a single number annually, in later years. The final issue was published in November 2000. The same year, surviving members led the Association to vote itself into oblivion. A ‘Residual Committee’ remains, to deal with the PIFFER affairs in the UK, and maintain contact with the PIFFER Centre at Abbottabad. For half a century, the association did sterling work to keep the old bonds alive.


Source: http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...tan/rgt-ff.htm

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To read more on FF Regiment from Pakistan Army's Website:

Originally Posted by Xeric

More on FF Regiment from Pakistan Arny's Website

[Xeric]

....Continued from Post# 1

Punjab Regiment


The Punjab Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Pakistan Army.The Army‘s most senior fighting arm is the Punjab Regiment. In fact, two battalions of the Punjab Regiment are the oldest in the South Asia, with foundation dates as early as 1759.

History
The 33rd Punjabi Regiment (A Picture of an Officer: A Punjabi Subadar by A.C. Lovett 1911 AD).

Prior to the independence, the 14th Punjab Regiment formed a part of the British Indian Army. It was formed in March 1922 by the amalgamation of the

* 1st Battalion, formed by redesignation of 19th Punjab Infantry,
* 2nd Battalion, formed by redesignation of 20th Duke of Cambridge's Own Punjab Infantry,
* 3rd Battalion, formed by redesignation of 22nd Punjab infantry
* 4th Battalion, formed by redesignation of 24th Punjab infantry,
* 5th Battalion, formed by redesignation of 40th Pathan Regiment,
* 10th (Training) Battalion, formed by redesignation of 21st Punjab infantry.

The 1st and 5th battalions were deployed in Malaya during the opening stages of the WWII in South East Asia. The was overrun by superior Japanese forces on the Selangor river, and the 5th battalion was forced to surrender along with the rest of commonwealth troops when Singapore fell.

A number of troops of the unit however later joined Indian National Army, and formed a part of the Hindustan Field Force of the first INA.

In 1947 the British Government announced the Independence of South Asia into Pakistan and India. British Indian Army was divided also. Battalions of the Punjab Regiments were also divided between Pakistan and India. Out of six regiments, 1st Punjab, 8 Punjab, 14 Punjab, 15 Punjab and 16 Punjab were allotted to Pakistan Army and 2nd Punjab to Indian Army The Punjab Regiment was formed in 1956 when four of the five Punjab Regiments allocated to Pakistan were merged.

Punjabi Regiments allocated to Pakistan now forming the Punjab Regiment

* 1st Punjab Regiment
* 14th Punjab Regiment
* 15th Punjab Regiment
* 16th Punjab Regiment

Punjabi Regiments allocated

* 2nd Punjab Regiment

1st Punjab regimental center was located at Jehlum. In early September 1947 Pakistani personnel arrived from 2nd Punjab regimental center Meerut and Indian personnel (Sikhs) were dispatched to 11 Sikh RC and Rajputs to 6 Rajputana Rifle Center.

The Punjab regiment at its height totalled 58 battalions; however, 11 were transferred in 1980 to the Sindh Regiment.

Class & Religious Composition before 1947

Punjabi Muslims 50%; Sikhs 25%; Rajputs 25%. after 1947, the regiment is made up of 50 % Pashtun and 50% Panjabi.

Recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider

4 members of the Regiment have received the highest gallantry award "Nishan-e-Haider" (Sign Of the Lion) for showing an incredible amount of valor and courage on the battle field in the face of staunch adversity, these are as follows:
Note: honorary title as a sign of respect: Shaheed meaning martyr for deceased recipients and Ghazi meaning victor for living recipients.

1. Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (1910–July 27, 1948)
2. Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed (1914–August 7, 1958)
3. Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed (1928–September 10, 1965)
4. Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed (1944–December 17, 1971)

The Nishan-e-Haider (Sign of the Lion) has been awarded to only 10 soldiers 4 of whom are from the Punjab Regiment. Despite Pakistan having been involved in 3 wars...

1. Indo-Pakistani War of 1947
2. Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
3. Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

...And a major conflict in Kargil with India during the summer of 1999 which is classed as a war by many.

Modern Regiment

Presently the Punjab Regiment is the largest regiment of the Pakistan Army with 47 battalions. The Punjab Regimental Centre is located in Mardan, NWFP. They range from Mechanized Infantry to Light Anti-Tank (LAT) battalions.

After independence of Pakistan, Punjab Regiment has seen three colonel-in-chiefs; Field Marshal Ayub Khan, General Asif Nawaz and General Aziz Khan, the last one of which was appointed on 21 March, 2003.[1]

The current Colonel Commandant of the regiment is Lt General Masood Aslam, who was installed as the colonel commandant on 16 March 2008.[2] The previous colonel commandants have included Lt General Malik Arif Hayat,[3] and Lt General Imtiaz Shaheen.[1]

Prominent General Officers from the Punjab Regiment

* Field Marshal Ayub Khan
* General Muhammad Shariff
* General Aziz Khan
* Lt Gen Tariq Pervaiz Ex Comd 12 Corps
* Lt Gen Khalid Shameem Wynne- Comd 12 Corps
* Lt Gen Masood Aslam Ex Comd 11 Corps and now IGT&E
* Lt Gen Nadeem Taj - Former DG ISI and now Comd 30 Corps
* Lt Gen Mujib-ur-Rehman
* Lt Gen Ahmad Shamim Khan
* Lt Gen Naseer Akhtar - Ex DG ISI
* Maj Gen Ghazanfar Ali Khan - Ex MS to President of Pakistan, GOC 41 Div, VCGS, DCGS, DGMP, DGNG & currently Ambassador of Pakistan to Ukraine
* Maj Gen Muhammad Mushtaq
* Maj Gen Asif Duraiz Akhtar - Ex GOC 7 Div, DG LOG & Comd Log Area Multan
* Maj Gen Shafqaat Ahmed - Ex MS to President of Pakistan, GOC 11 Div
* Maj Gen Zaheer ul Islam - Ex GOC 12 Div and now DG at ISI
* Lieutenant Gen Sujat Dar

Further reading

A complete history of the Punjab Regiment was written by Brig. Gen. Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi (Ret.), entitled "Veteran campaigners: a history of the Punjab Regiment, 1759-1981 (Pakistan Army)." It was published by Wajidalis in 1984. General Asif Nawaz Janjua

Alliances

* United Kingdom - The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd, 87th and Ulster Defence Regiment); 1st Bn
* United Kingdom - The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's Lancashire and Border); 8th Bn
* United Kingdom - The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires); 12th, 14th, 15th, 17th Bn
* United Kingdom - The Mercian Regiment; 13th Bn
* United Kingdom - The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's Lancashire and Border); 14th Bn

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More on Punjab Regiment:

Originally Posted by Xeric

The Punjab Regiment

[DarkStar]

great, great info there...my maternal great grandfather lost his life in WW2, in Egypt, if I remember...what regiment would he have been in, fighting there? He was from filor, in jallandhar, which had a training center there, i believe. Could it be the 8th punjab regiment?

[Xeric]

....Continued from Post# 5

The Punjab Regiment



Introduction



The name “Punjab” (pun’jab, pun-jab) means “land of five rivers” and derives from the Persian words ‘punj’ meaning five, and ‘ab’ meaning water. The rivers, tributaries of the Indus River, are the Jhelum, Chenab Ravi, Sutlej and Beas. The five rivers, now divided between India and Pakistan, merge to form the Panjnad, which joins the Indus. Beas River joins with the Sutlej near the Harike Barrage in Indian Punjab.



Punjabis were considered martial race by Britshers and were thought to possess qualities like courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength and resilience, orderliness and hard work, and fighting tenacity.



The British recruited heavily from Punjabi Muslims for service in the colonial military. On the eve of World War II almost 34,000 Punjabi Muslims were in the army (29 per cent) and during World War-II over 380,000 joined (about 14% of the total). No other class came close to these figures. Almost 70 pre cent of the wartime Muslim recruitment was from what became Pakistan from the undivided Punjab. The three semi-arid districts of Punjab-Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock (Campbellpur) pre-dominated in supplying recruit volunteers in World War II.


History



The Punjab Regiment is the oldest, the largest and the most decorated Regiment of the Pakistan Army. The Regiment emerged in its present shape on 7 May 1956 by amalgamating the 1st, 14th 15th and 16th Punjab Regiment groups, each having six, five, four and five battalions respectively, all rich in traditions of their own. Four of our battalions have already celebrated their bicentenaries while some more are getting ready to do so in the near future.



This historical composition gave the Regiment a solid foundation to build on. During the 49 years of its united existence, it multiplied manifold and fought two National Wars. During 1948, some battalions also fought in Kashmir, and others got the opportunity to see the War in 1965 and 1971. The Punjabi units acquitted themselves with great honour devotion & courage and earned immense laurels.


Gallantry Awards
The Regiment has the proud privilege of having produced soldiers like Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Major Muhammad Tufail Shaheed, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed and Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed. These Shaheeds are recipients of the Highest Gallantry Award of the land, the “NISHAN -i- HAIDER”




Capt Muhammad Sarwar
Kashmir 26-27th Jul 1948







Maj Muhammad Tufal
East Pakistan 8th Aug 1958





Maj Aziz Bhatti
Lahore 12th Sep 1965





L.nk Muhammad Mehfooz
Lahore 18th Dec 1971


Other Distinctions



The Regiment has the unique distinction of winning the “CENTO NISHAN” Competition in Germany in 1975, the only time a non-European country won this competition during CENTO’s 15 years history.



4 Punjab, 6 Punjab, 14 Punjab, 17 Punjab, 18 Punjab, 19 Punjab, 22 Punjab and 31 Punjab Battalion have served United Nations Peace Keeping Force.

The Regiment has the unique distinction of producing two Commander-in-Chiefs of Army, Chief of Army Staff i.e Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan, Npk, HJ, first Muslim Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army and General Asif Nawaz, NI (M), S-Bt and Bar.


The Regimental Hackle


Through nearly two hundred years of exciting and arduous journey the battalions of the Punjab Regiment saw the birth, growth and fulfillment of the British rule. They took part in many wars that affected the destiny of millions and survived many changes of organization and destination.

One thing above all a tradition of gallantry and loyalty remained a guiding light to the officers and men of the Regiment and shortly before partition as a token of recognition of the Regiment’s meritorious services and faithfulness and being senior in service of all the Corps and units of the old British Indian Army, the 1st Punjab Regiment Group was honoured by being granted a grass green feather hackle to be worn on the beret, secured by the Regimental badge. This hackle, much prized by all ranks, further cemented the bond between all 1st Punjabis.

Later in February 1956, during the annual Commanding Officers Conference of the 1st Punjab Regiment Group held under FM Auchinleck and Major Geneneral Sher Ali, reorganization of the Punjab Regimental groups (1st Punjab Regiment, 14 Punjab Regiment, 15 Punjab Regiment and 16 Punjab Regiment) was finalized under instructions of General Headquarters. During the same conference, it was decided that personnel of all the Punjab Battalions would, in future, wear the hackle. The Pakistan Green Beret with the Regimental badge on a diamond-shaped Scarlet backing continues to be a distinctive feature of the Regimental head dress

http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPRe...Id=135&rnd=456

[A1Kaid]

Azad Kashmir Regiment




The Azad Kashmir Regiment is one of the six infantry regiments of Pakistan Army. Its Regimental Center is located at Mansar, Attock District, Punjab.


History


In formulating the Division of the Indian Sub-continent the British in their plan of 3rd June 1947 had not done complete justice. For, In spite of having decided that Muslim-majority provinces would form Pakistan, the provinces of Punjab and Bengal were subjected to further subdivisions along ethnic and religious lines to accommodate minorities. Further decimation to that original declaration came when rulers of all the states were given the choice to decide the destiny of their subjects.

The Kashmir State's population was overwhelmingly Muslim, yet their representation in the armed forces and police services was extremely meager. The Hindu ruler, for the security of his own rule, maintained a Hindu army and predominantly Hindus security forces. The Muslims on the other hand, were untrained in the art of weaponry and at a disadvantage, right from the outset.

The Hindu Maharaja, concluded a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan to be effective from 15th August 1947, while on the other hand he gave a free hand to India to make inroads into Kashmir. He ceased to have any allegiance of his own people due to use of ruthless suppression by brute force. The uprising erupted, simultaneously, throughout Kashmir, and the situation went completely out of his control.

Conception and Origins

As the Hindu Maharaja in order to buy time and, in the process, cause extermination of the Muslim population through the use of brute force, had entered into the Standstill Agreement with Pakistan. The Muslim Majority sensed the obvious; and so they resolved to challenge the State authority by voluntarily taking up arms to overthrow the yoke of slavery and subjugation. It set the pace for the freedom struggle and proved to be the foundation stone of the Azad Kashmir Regiment with effect from 1st October 1947.

The Brave and armless people after having chosen the path of armed struggle armed themselves with any weapons they could find. Axes, swords, spears and muzzle-loaders. The best they thus had were a very few Darra-made (Darra Adam Khel) single-shot 303 rifles. Initial organization into platoon/company size groups took place under local leaders in respective areas of domicile, as the struggle went on, this rag tag group turned out into a rugged and organized Force.



The Conquror of Zojila - Northern Areas of Pakistan,
'Major Mohammed Khan Jarral' (Sher- e Jang)

The War of Liberation, 1947-48


Initially successes and gains were quickly achieved. By 22nd October, of that year 1947, the the freedom fighters had routed large numbers of the State Army and para-military forces and gained a substantial area. So much so, that one such column had actually managed to reach the outskirts of Srinagar, the summer capital of the State. The strategy of a quick and organized nimble force had come to fruition. The brave struggle resulted in formation of a formal government, the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir State under Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan on 24th October, 1947. However, soon after On the 27th at 0900 hours, Indian troops after holding on to the strategically important Srinagar Airport started landing troops. This was supported on the land front by battle units from the Madhupur head works over the Ravi River. However, this was more than good strategy since they had already been kept on standby, awaiting formal orders.


Captain Muhammad Jarral and his soldiers, 1947.

By this time, the rag-tag freedom fighters, already short on supplies and delayed by untimely decisions had to face yet another uphill task. They were to stand against the Indian Army and Air Force. Outgunned and Out maneuvered they held on to their ground long enough to force the Indian Government to ask the Security Council's help through a formal complaint on 1st January, 1948. The Freedom struggle would have died then and there if it were not for the Afghan lashkars from North-West Frontier Province and some from Punjab that joined their fellow brothers in early 1948 to reinforce their indigenous struggle for freedom.

The situation on the ground had worsened, as the ill-armed freedom fighters fought on against the might of the well supplied and fresh Indian Army units supported by Indian Air Force till 2nd May, 1948, when at last Pakistan was able to field some troops in a supportive role. The indigenous freedom movement had thus changed into conventional war. The resulting scenario remained so for the next seven to eight months.

The Indian big wigs were planning on a military solution through brute force to etch lines as India had done in Junagadh and Hyderabad Dakkan. However, their plans of grandeur were smashed by the rag tag Azad Kashmir Regular Force (now Azad Kashmir Regiment) with due support of the Pakistan Army. The might of the Indian Juggernaut had thus been blunted. It was now facing the dilemma of being unable to defeat the Azad Kashmir Regular Force and its friendly allies. Fearing not only a stall mate but an impending defeat, the Indians thus found it more beneficial to arrange ceasefire through the United Nations’ Security Council on 1st January, 1949.

In its history, The Azad Kashmir Regiment thus enjoys the unique honor of having been born and nurtured in the battlefield. They were thus sons of the battlefield of the war of liberation. Its pioneers the devoted sons of the soil, who took up arms against worst suppression for freedom of their motherland. Facing incredible odds, a lack of resources and bad weather, they marched ever on with their deep faith in their destiny. The righteous struggle of innocent farmers and laborers had thus liberated an area over 34,000 square miles. The land that is now called the Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas.


Forming the Battle Lines - The Reform and Re organization


The Regiment has come a long way from the Azad Kashmir Regular Force; a band of armless volunteers self raised and self-organized to what is now a formidable fighting force. The journey has been one of many ups and downs but the Regiment has braved all such obstacles with their characteristic skill and determination.



The Standard of Order at its Conception

Towards the end of September 1947, local ex-servicemen from the Imperial Indian Army and civilian volunteers formed revolutionary groups of freedom-fighters of varying strength. These were mostly platoon/company size groups under local leaders who had raised them in their respective areas of domicile. Their initial arms were either Darra made or won from the enemy. Some of the initial operations against the State Army were carried out in various parts of Poonch. The first of such, on 1st October, 1947. Soon the revolution had spread to all parts of the State.


Formation of the Forces Headquarters

Soon after the initial gains, the pressure from the Bulwark of the Indian Army had gained momentum throughout the theater of war. To face this challenge, a proper coordination and cohesion was necessary. A High Command called the Forces Headquarters of the Azad Kashmir Regular Forces (FHQ AKRF) was set up in the first week of November 1947 by the freedom fighters. Its starting objectives were command and control, arrangement of reinforcements, war material and other essential provisions. The lone command lasted till 30th November, 1947.


From Armless Revolutionaries to the battle units of AKRF

FHQ AKRF had foresight of the impending reality, a protracted war in the offing. A challenge that had to be won. For this to happen, the irregular freedom fighters were organized and structured into rudimentary battalions by 1st December, 1947. The First 21 units of the AKRF (now AK Regiment) were thus born. The whole group, was named "The Azad Kashmir Regular Forces (AKRF)". While individual units were named regionally. Some of the famous ones being:

* 1st Sudhnuti,
* 1st Bagh,
* 2nd Muzaffarabad,
* 7th Bhimber,
* 10th Kotli,
* 14th Rajauri,
* 15th Jammu Battalions and so on.

The intrinsic dynamic characteristic of such an organization was therefore the fact that, as the war prolonged and the Indian Army's build-up increased, fresh raising in the AKRF continued.


AKRF to AK Regiment



AKRF underwent a process of continual reorganizations through out the years, 1948, 1949, 1956, 1957, 1960 and 1961 but remained more or less, a territorial Force. In light of its previous successes and achievements, a comprehensive review of the structure and organization of the AKRF was carried out in 1970-71. The Force was re-designated as the Azad Kashmir Regiment and its Infantry Battalions were brought on Standard Tables of Organization and Equipment with effect from 20th September, 1971. This was followed by their rotation in all parts of the Country.


Pakistan, 1965 war scene

Previous colonel commandants of the regiment include:

* Maj General Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan (the former President of Azad Kashmir) and

* Lt General Javed Hassan, (who as Maj Gen commanded the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) during the 1999 Kargil War and later served as the commander XXX Corps, Gujranwala).


The current Colonel Commandant is Maj Gen Mukhtar Ahmed who took over on 28 September, 2007.

In wartime operations, the AKRF was part of the Order of Battle of the Pakistan Army, and all its battalions were part of the 12th Infantry Division (Pakistan) that defended Azad Kashmir.

Azad Kashmir Regimental Centre


The Azad Kashmir Regimental Centre is the Army Recruitment Centre of Azad Kashmir Regiment of the Pakistan Army, located at Mansar.


Operational History


The Azad Kashmir Regular Forces fought brilliantly in the 1971 war and then in 1972 when the 9th Azad Kashmir Battalion defended Chakpatra and Leepa Valley from a much more vast Indian force composed of several regular battalions. Upon this, the Pakistan Army honoured the AKRF by absorbing it into its own ranks and by giving it the status of a Regular Line Infantry Regiment. The AKRF thus became the Azad Kashmir Regiment.

Now battalions of the Azad Kashmir Regiment are stationed all over Pakistan, and have fought in far away places such as Somalia, as part of the United Nations contingent in that country.


Gems of Bravery

Naik Saif Ali Janjua



Naik Saif Ali Janjua, Azad Kashmir Regiment (Was awarded Hilal-e-Kashmir - an equivalent to Nishan-i-Haider)
Date of Shahadat : 26th April 1948


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References:

http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPRe...eorganizations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azad_Kashmir_Regiment
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...tan/rgt-ak.htm
http://www.pakistanarmy.gov.pk/AWPRe...t.aspx?pId=173
http://www.jarralrajput.com/
http://fun4pakistan.blogspot.com/200...istan-day.html
http://www.***********/forums/militar...-comrades.html

Post courtesy of references/sources and "Righteous_fire" from Def.Pk

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For more on AK Regiment:

Originally Posted by Xeric

Azad Kashmir Regiment

[Xeric]

....Continued from Post# 8

Azad Kashmir Regiment

History


The British plan of 3rd June 1947 for the partition of the South Asian Subcontinent had really not met the full norms of justice. In spite of having decided that the Muslim-majority provinces would form part of Pakistan, the provinces of Punjab and Bengal were further subdivided to accommodate Sikh and Hindu minorities of these regions. Further confusion was created by giving a choice to the rulers of all the states to decide the destiny of their subjects.

Despite the fact that the state population was overwhelmingly Muslim, their representation in the armed forces and police services was extremely meager. The Hindu ruler, for the security of his own rule, maintained a Hindu army and predominantly Hindus security forces. The Muslims of the State were generally untrained in the art of weaponry and at a disadvantage in comparison to the Hindu population right from the outset.

The Hindu ruler of the State, on one hand, concluded a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan to be effective from 15th August 1947, and on the other gave a free hand to India to make inroads into Kashmir. He also embarked to suppress the popular uprising by use of brute force. He ceased to have any allegiance of his people due to use of ruthless suppression. The uprising erupted, simultaneously, throughout Kashmir, and the situation went completely out of his control.


Raising of the Regiment


Sensing that the Hindu ruler was not sincere towards Pakistan and had entered into the Standstill Agreement with Pakistan to buy time and, in the process, cause extermination of the Muslim population through use of brute force, the Muslim population resolved to challenge the State authority by voluntarily taking up arms to overthrow the yoke of slavery and subjugation. It set the pace for the freedom struggle against the Hindu rule and proved to be the foundation stone of the Azad Kashmir Regiment with effect from 1st October 1947.

Having chosen the path of armed struggle, the people of the State armed themselves with all sorts of weapons ranging from axes, swords, spears and muzzle-loaders to a very limited number of Darra-made single-shot rifles without bayonets. They took to the fighting; initially organizing themselves in platoon/company size groups under local leaders in respective areas of domicile which, with the passage of time, turned into a fairly well knit and organized Force.

Jammu and Kashmir War of Liberation, 1947-48

Initially, the freedom fighters met with quick successes against the State Army troops. By 22nd October, 1947, the State Army and para-military forces had been routed with substantial area falling in the hands of the freedom fighters. One of the freedom-fighters' columns managed to reach the outskirts of Srinagar, summer capital of the State, and the freedom-fighters formed a formal government of their own called the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir State under Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan on 24th October, 1947. On 27th October, 1947 at 0900 hours, Indian troops started landing at Srinagar. They also entered the State from the Madhupur headworks over the Ravi River by the land route as if they were already standby, awaiting formal orders.


The freedom fighters, in rag-tag, had to face and struggle against the Indian Army and Air Force. They chose to fight out this new enemy with the same courage and determination as they had done against the State Army the Indian Army to evict the freedom-fighters from the area held by them forced the Indian Government to take the matter to the United Nations’ Security Council through a formal complaint on 1st January, 1948. Around this time, some people from Punjab and a number of lashkars from North-West Frontier Province joined the freedom fighters to reinforce their indigenous campaign.

The uneven war between ill-armed freedom fighters and Indian Army supported by Indian Air Force went on unabated till 2nd May, 1948, when Pakistan was able to field some troops in supportive role. Thenceforward, the ongoing indigenous campaign changed into conventional war. A kind of set piece-battles developed and virtually remained so during the next eight months.




India designed to force a military decision in Jammu and Kashmir on the lines she had done in Junagadh and Hyderabad but the Azad Kashmir Regular Force (now Azad Kashmir Regiment) with due support of the Pakistan Army blunted the Indian fighting machine. Finding no way out of the dilemma and being unable to defeat the Azad Kashmir Regular Force and its friendly allies India found it more beneficial for her to arrange the ceasefire in the State through the United Nations’ Security Council on 1st January, 1949.

The Azad Kashmir Regiment enjoys unique honour of having been born and nurtured in the battlefield. Its pioneering stalwarts were the devoted sons of the soil. They voluntarily took up arms against worst suppression. Their lack of material resources was compensated by their deep faith in their destiny. They liberated over 34,000 square miles of the State’s territory that is now called Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas.


Reorganizations

The Regiment has come a long way from voluntarily raised and self-organized Force called Azad Kashmir Regular Force to its present shape and form. There have been many ups and downs enroute but the Regiment has braved all such acid tests with skill and determination.


Initial Organization


Initially towards the end of September 1947, local ex-servicemen and civilian volunteers started forming up in the shape of revolutionary groups of freedom-fighters in varying strength, mostly in platoon/company size groups under command of local leaders who had raised them in their respective areas of domicile. They were initially armed with heterogeneous weapons of sorts as mentioned earlier. They started operations against the State Army in various parts of Poonch on 1st October, 1947, and soon spread their operations in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir State.


Forces Headquarters Formed


With the increase of Indian Army's pressure gaining momentum throughout the theatre of war, the necessity for a proper cohesion and coordination was felt. Accordingly, High Command of the Freedom Fighters called Forces Headquarters Azad Kashmir Regular Forces (FHQ AKRF) was set up in the first week of November 1947 to exercise command and control over the freedom fighters and also to arrange reinforcements, war material and other essential provisions. This phase lasted till 30th November, 1947.

Revolutionary Groups to AKRF


FHQ AKRF visualized a protracted war in the offing. To meet the challenge squarely the irregular freedom fighters were organized into rudimentary battalions by 1st December, 1947. First 21 units of the AKRF (now AK Regiment) came into being as a result of this organization-cum-recognition. The group, as a whole, was named Azad Kashmir Regular Forces (AKRF) and its units were named regionally as 1st Sudhnuti, 1st Bagh, 2nd Muzaffarabad, 7th Bhimber, 10th Kotli, 14th Rajauri, 15th Jammu Battalions and so on. As the war prolonged and Indian Army's build-up increased, fresh raisings in the AKRF continued.

AKRF to AK Regiment


AKRF underwent reorganizations in 1948, 1949, 1956, 1957, 1960 and 1961 but remained a territorial Force. In 1970-71, a comprehensive review of the structure and organization of the AKRF was carried out. In consequence, infantry element of the AKRF was re-designated as the Azad Kashmir Regiment and its Infantry Battalions were brought on Standard Tables of Organization and Equipment with effect from 20th September, 1971. Their rotation in all parts of the Country was also approved.

[A1Kaid]

The Sindh Regiment



The Sindh Regiment had 29 battalions as of 2008 and was based near Hyderabad. The Sindh Regiment (also called the Sind or Sindhi Regiment) was created in 1980 to be a military force comprised primarily of Sindhis. This ethnic group inhabits the southern coastal region of Pakistan and has tensions with the northern Pashutun and Punjabi peoples. Several battalions were transferred from the Punjab and Baloch Regiments to the new Sindh Regiment when the latter was founded. Initially, the new unit was still dominated by Punjabis, who hold a reputation for warfare that the Sindhis lack. To compensate, in 1989 a quota was set ensuring that at least 50% of the Regiment's men be Sindhis. The Regimental badge shows crossed Sindhi axes surmounted by the star and crescent appearing above a title scroll in Urdu. All ranks wear the Cherry Pink colour beret with a red feather hackle.



Sind Regiment is the most recent infantry addition in the Pakistan Army. The Sind Regiment Centre was raised initially with eleven Punjab and ten Baloch Battalions Eight additional battalions were raised in the period from 1988 to 1999. As of 2008 the Regiment comprises total of 29 battalions. 40 Horse (Sind) is also affiliated with Sind Regiment. The Regiment is proud of the Chiva Rous History and has earned so for one NISHAN-E-HAIDER, 6 SITAR-E-JURRAT, 6 SITARA-E-BASALAT, 12 TAMGHA-E-JURRAT and 28 TAMGHA-E-BASALAT.


Pakistan Rangers (Sindh Regiment)


Sindh Regiment, 23 March Parade

On 1st July 1980, the independent training Battalion of Baloch Regiment at Sukkur was re-designated and it started functioning as Sind Regiment Centre with raising of five training companies. Sind Regimental Centre moved from Sukkur to Petaro which is approximately 35 KM from Hyderabad Cantonment. It shifted to its present location in October 1981 and the centre has come up as one of most modern complexes in the Army. Sind Regimental Centre has a unique monument of Indus civilization.

It was an indigenous development that arose out of the evolution of developed village cultures in a favorable environment “A GREAT TRADITION” marked both urban and rural element evolved out of Hyderabad’s little communities and characteristic of Indus valley. In other words civilization of Indus in a minimum sense of term is the art of living in town with all that the condition implies in respect of social skill and discipline. This traditional house is also specimen of one of the clans of Sind, who even today decorate their houses with high profile of their ethnological skills. Models of all are preserved in a Monument established in Sind Regimental Centre.

In eighth century the Arabian Sea was dominated by pirates. An Arab vessel which was carrying women and children were looted by those pirates. A young girl wrote a message to Hajaj Bin Yousaf for this Brutality. Hijaj Bin Yousaf nominated Muhammad Bin Qasim (The youngest general in the history) to redress. Muhammad Bin Qasim on 711 A.D. entered in Sind and captured Debal Fort, presently known as Bambhore. It was most important fort because of trade communication and security. Muhammad Bin Qasim with his 12000 Men, 3000 Horses and 3000 Camels attacked amphibiously. The fort of Debal that was the center of gravity of professionalism and fighting skill of Muslims resulted in the capture of Area up to Multan. The ardent Muslim expedition not only saved Arab traders from brutal clutches of robbers in sea but also opened gateway to Islam in subcontinent (Indo-Pak). Bambhore Debal is located 44 KM from Thatta on National Highway.

Hyderabad Fort and city of Hyderabad was one of the strongest places in Sind. Ghulam Shah Kalhora founded the Capital of Sind at the Hyderabad in 1758. The city occupies the site of ancient city of Nerima Kot. The foundations of both were laid in 1758 by Ghulam Shah Kalhora and in 1789 by Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur. The successor continued status of Hyderabad as a capital. Hyderabad was the chosen residence of the Ameers and their families upto 1843. After that fort was held by the European officers of the Garrison.

Rani Kot Fort is situated approximately 75 miles North West of Hyderabad and 18 miles west of Railway Station Sann on the Kotri Larkana line. A fort holding gigantic fortification walls runs down the contours on bare hills. The fort saved the life of its inhabitants, whenever they faced the invaders. A small river runs in the middle. The fort are three fortresses within the fort area are: Miri Kot; Sher Garh and Mohan Kot. From time to time construction work was carried out on the fort. In 1812 A.D. Nawab Wali Muhammad Khan Leghari Prime Minster of Sind and Talpur Government also carried out construction of wall. Mir Sher Khan extended wall in 1st quarter of 19th century A.D. to resist against British forces. Fort was also meant to serve as a strong hold and place of refuge for the Mirs in case they could not contain the march of British.

Umer Kot Fort was founded by Umer the king of the Soomra-Dynasty-(1405-A.D to 1439). The town had a conspicuous fort which was perhaps built in 13 century A.D. Each side of the fort was about 500 feet long, 40 feet height and the wall were so wide that at one time two horse riders could pass easily over it. It was connected with four bastions at each corner and had to stone bastions at the main gate. These stone bastions were brought from Jodpur station. In the center of the fort there was a watch tower created during the period of Kalhora with regime seven heavy cannons displayed on the raised ground near watch - tower. Humayun and his army once moving to Persia stayed in the town. It was the possession of Talpur rulers when British Army occupied Sind in 1843 AD.

Kot Diji (Fort) was buitl by Mir Shorab Khan Talpur several hundred years back. Kot Diji fort was a strong hold of a member of Talpur ruling families spreading over an area of about 3 KM. It is situated 15 miles south of Khairpur town and north of Kot Diji on National high way. The “S” shaped lies prominent on rang of low line. Stone hills proceeding in a direction from southeast to northwest and reaching the Indus at Rohri. It was built of burnt bricks. Whereas at intervals Rohri stone was used. Some cannons of those days have been removed and placed at important building at main thoroughfare of Khairpur. Sir Charles Napier and his army encamped during their advance to destroy the fort of Imam Garh located on the border of Sind Jaisalmir in the desert area.

Source: http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita.../rgt-sindh.htm

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To read more on Sindh Regiment from Pakistan Army's website:

Originally Posted by Xeric

More on Sindh Regiment from Pakistan Arny's Website

Sindh Regiment