THE GARHWAL RIFLES AND THE GARHWAL SCOUTS 1887-1987 LAMENT NOT THE DEATH OF A WARRIOR KILLED ON THE BATTLEFIELD FOR ONE KILLED IN WAR IS RESPECTED IN HEAVEN.
The above priceless gem enshrined in the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial captures at once the spirit and credo of the Regiment which celebrated its first centenary in May, 1987. Though the Garhwalis had a rich fighting tradition for several centuries, the raising of a seperate Regiment consonant with their distinctive characteristics was a child of timely initiative by no less a military genius than Field Marshal FS Roberts, the then commander-in-chief. In May, 1887, the 1st Batallion of the Regiment was raised at Almora in Kumaon by Lt. Col. EP Mainwaring.
The first World War was a turning point in the history of the regiment. The 1st and 2nd Batallions which saw active service in France soon carved for themselves many a niche in the temple of fame. While Nk. Darwan Singh Negi won the second Victoria Croos ever awarded to an Indian soldier, Rfn Gobar Singh Negi of the 2nd Batallion soon emulated the former by winning the Victoria Cross in the bloody battle of Nevue Chapelle. Before the carnage of the first World War ended, the Regiment had won 2 Victoria Crosses (VC), 6 Distinguished Service Orders (DSO), 25 Military Crosses (MC), 14 Indian Orders of Merit (IOM) and 21 Indian Distinguished Service Medals (IDSM) apart from such rare foreign awards as Legion D'Honneur and French Croix D'Guerre.
The sacred shrine of the Regimental Deity, Badrinath whose invocation is the essence of the battle cry, the Regimental War Memorial and the Scarlet Lanyard constitute the mystical trinity that arouse alike the officers and men to formidable feats, above and beyond the call of duty.
The Regiment has crowned itself with glory in all of the postwar conflicts and counter insurgency operations by winning Ashoka Chakra, 4 MVCs, 9 KCs and 35 VrCs.
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