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11 GORKHA RIFLES
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| 11 Gorkha Rifles Crest |
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11 Gorkha Rifles
The 11th Gurkhas was originally founded in 1918 through the amalgamation together of companies of the other Gurkha regiments and the Garhwal Rifles. The regiment saw service in both Palestine and Mesopotamia at the end of the First World War, as well as during the Third Afghan War in 1919, before being disbanded in 1922.
Following India's independence in 1947, the Gurkha regiments of the British Indian Army were divided between the new Indian Army and the British Army. A referendum was held among the soldiers of the four regiments that would transfer to the British to be part of British or Indian Army. Troops from the 7th and 10th Gorkha Rifles opted against the transfer to the British Army in large numbers. Keeping in mind the large numbers of non-optees and their fighting qualities it was decided to re-raise the 11th Gorkha Rifles.
On 01 January 1948, the Regimental Centre and 3/11 GR (with strength from 2/7 GR) were raised at Palampur and Santa Cruz, Mumbai respectively. In 1948, as the number of non-optees increased, the 4/11 GR and the 5/11 GR were also raised.
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(A stamp honouring 11GR)
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Today, the regiment has a total of six battalions. The regiment took part in all major military operations India has undertaken since independence including the 1947 India Pakistan War, 1948 Operation Polo, 1965 India Pakistan War, 1971 India Pakistan War, and in the 1999 Kargil Conflict. Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey of the 1st Battalion was awarded Param Vir Chakra during the 1999 Kargil Conflict. Among other awards, the regiment boasts of a Param Vir Chakra, 3 Ashok Chakras, 1 Padma Bushan, 6 Param Vishist Seva Medals, 2 Maha Vir Chakras, 8 Ati Vishist Seva Medals, 11 Vir Chakra, 4 Shaurya Chakras, 30 Sena Medals, 14 Vishist Seva Medals and 18 Mentioned-in-Despatches.
The Battalions:
- 1/11 Gorkha Rifles
- 2/11 Gorkha Rifles
- 3/11 Gorkha Rifles
- 5/11 Gorkha Rifles
- 6/11 Gorkha Rifles
- 7/11 Gorkha Rifles
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