15 Punjab (Patiala)

A commemorative postage stamp on the 300 years of the 15 Punjab (Patiala) Regiment, most senior regional infantry regiment of Indian Army :

Issued by India

Issued on Apr 13, 2005

Issued for : India Post is proud in issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the tercentenary of 15 PUNJAB (PATIALA), and joins the nation to pay homage to its gallantry and trail blazing history.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination : 500 Paisa

Print Quantity : 0.8 Million each

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About :

One of the oldest and the most decorated battalions of the Indian Army, 15 Punjab (Patiala) was raised on 13^th April, 1705, by Baba Alla Singh, founder of the Patiala State. By virtue of its bravery and valour, the battalion has earned acclaim and glory. Serving in different geographical locations, bracing hostile climate in different terrain, the battalion displayed gallantry in different parts of the globe as well as in the country. During World War I, it took part in operation in Middle East (Suez, Gallipoli and Palestine). In 1932 it was redesignated as 1^st Patiala Rajindra Sikh Infantry.
During the Second World War, the battalion fought in Waziristan and then went to Burma where it fought the enemy advancing towards India. It sailed to Port Dickson for action in Malaya and Batavia (now Java). In 1948 the battalion fought in Chhamb, Nowshera and Jhanghar. The finest moment was at ‘Zojila’ pass where, ill-equipped and unacclimatized, PATIALAS achieved resounding success, earning eight Mahavir Chakras (MVCs), eighteen Vir Chakras (VrCs) and seventy two awards, including the Battle Honour ‘Zojila’. In 1951 the unit was integrated into the Indian Army and was redesignated as 15 PUNJAB (PATIALA).
During 1971 war the battalion fought heroically at Hussainiwala. In 1988 the battalion evicted the intruders from Dalunang Sector and was awarded one Yudh Seva Medal, one Mentioned-in-despatched and eight Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation cards. The battalion showed exemplary performance during the Counter Insurgency Operations in Baramulla Sector during 1992 to 1995, earning fifty awards including one Kirti Chakra and two Shaurya Chakra. For its excellent performance at Sunderbani (J&K) during ‘OP VIJAY’ in 1999, the Battalion was Awarded one Vishisht Seva Medal along with other awards.