The Fifth Battalion of the Fifth Gorkha Rifles, 5/5 GR (Frontier Force) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee in Jaipur Military Station today. The celebrations, which were attended by Gen Dalbir Singh, the Chief of the Army Staff, President of the Gorkha Brigade and Colonel of the Fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force), many serving and veteran officers, JCO’s and other ranks marked the 75 years of dedicated service of the Battalion to the Nation.To commemorate the Platinum Jubilee, a solemn Memorial Ceremony was held at Jaipur Military Station. To remember the sacrifice of the illustrious martyrs of the battalion, wreaths were placed by Gen Dalbir Singh, as well as other senior serving & retired officers, JCO’s and OR of the Regiment. Gen Dalbir Singh addressed the troops of the unit and released a First Day cover to commemorate the 75thanniversary. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of the Army Staff said that the Battalion is one of the finest infantry units of our Army and that the present generation of officers and jawans should continue to draw inspiration from the glorious past of the Regiment. He exhorted all ranks to continue to excel and face new challenges in the fast changing security environment with fortitude and in true military traditions.
The Battalion was raised on 01 Oct 1940 as 3/6 Gorkha Rifles and was re designated as 5/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) on 01 Jan 1948. The Battalion has fought in the World War II, India – Pakistan Wars of 1948, 1965 and 1971 and the conflicts of the sub conventional realm. The unit has the singular honour of being awarded two Victoria Crosses (Pre-Independence, equivalent of Param Vir Chakra) in a single night of operations. They were also awarded the first Ashok Chakra Class-I of India. With two VCs, one Ashok Chakra, 01 Kirti Chakra, 03 Vir Chakras, 05 Shaurya Chakras and 15 Sena Medals. 5/5 Gorkha Rifles (FF) has 213 names of its soldiers etched in golden letters for their supreme sacrifice.Gen Dalbir Singh, also visited Head Quarters South Western Command at Jaipur, took stock of operational preparedness and appreciated the measures undertaken by the Command to maintain optimal operational readiness and training of the formations under it.