:bravo:In1856 then Capt Thomas Rattray raised a militia called the 1st Bengal Native Police Battalion from the remmnants of the Sikh troops who lost out in the final Anglo-Sikh wars.The force consisted of around a thousand mounted troops and approx five hundred foot soldiers.The troop caste composition consisted of the valiant Sikhs and Indian muslims, both aggressive and martial races.Capt Thomas Rattray was a private gentleman in the EAST INDIA COMPANY and had been granted commission as an Ensign by the reigning Viceroy in 1823.The battalions Officers' Mess still proudly displays the framed commissioning certificate.
In a nut shell ,Capt Thomas Rattray was the life long Commanding officer and his son took over the mantle and was the Co during WW1 and died in action somewhere on the western theatre , probably in Flanders.Col Pip Rattray was the last British Co till 1947 and was the grandson of Capt Thomas Rattray(Capt Thomas later became a COL).The battalon was later re-christianed as the 45th Bengal Native Infantry and is now called the 3 Sikh Battalion.The Battalion still strives to keep alive the time honoured traditions of which courage and fortitude naturally take the lead.
The battalion living upto its name and hoary traditions has acquitted itself commendably in all pre and post independence battles and conflicts.Kudos to these BRAVE SIKHS!
THE INDIAN ARMY IS FULL OF SUCH OLD REGIMENTS AND THEIR HISTORY AND TRADITIONS ARE MIND BOGGLING.
LET'S SEE SOMEBODY BEAT THESE TRADITIONS AND HISTORY.ANY TAKERS?
In a nut shell ,Capt Thomas Rattray was the life long Commanding officer and his son took over the mantle and was the Co during WW1 and died in action somewhere on the western theatre , probably in Flanders.Col Pip Rattray was the last British Co till 1947 and was the grandson of Capt Thomas Rattray(Capt Thomas later became a COL).The battalon was later re-christianed as the 45th Bengal Native Infantry and is now called the 3 Sikh Battalion.The Battalion still strives to keep alive the time honoured traditions of which courage and fortitude naturally take the lead.
The battalion living upto its name and hoary traditions has acquitted itself commendably in all pre and post independence battles and conflicts.Kudos to these BRAVE SIKHS!
THE INDIAN ARMY IS FULL OF SUCH OLD REGIMENTS AND THEIR HISTORY AND TRADITIONS ARE MIND BOGGLING.
LET'S SEE SOMEBODY BEAT THESE TRADITIONS AND HISTORY.ANY TAKERS?
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