9 Gorkha Rifles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| 9 Gorkha Rifles | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 1901 - Present |
| Country | India |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | 6 Battalions |
| Regimental Centre | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh |
| Motto | Kafar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Niko (Better to die than live like a coward) |
| War Cry | Ayo Gorkhali (The Gorkhas are here) |
| Decorations | 1 Ashoka Chakra, 5 Param Vishist Seva Medals, 5 Maha Vir Chakras, 3 Kirti Chakras, 6 Ati Vishist Seva Medals, 17 Vir Chakras, 7 Shaurya Chakras, 13 Sena Medals and 14 Vishist Seva Medals |
| Battle honours | Post Independence
Phillora, Kumarkhali and Dera Baba Nanak |
| Insignia | |
| Regimental Insignia | A pair of crossed Khukris with the numeral 9 below |
The 9 Gorkha Rifles is a Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army. The regiment was one of the Gurkha regiments transferred to the Indian Army after independence as part of the tripartite agreement signed between India, Nepal and Great Britain.
[edit] History
The history of the 9 Gorkha Rifles dates back to 1817, when it was raised at Infantry Levy at Fatehgarh. In 1823, it became a regular unit as part of the Bengal Native Infantry. After the reorganisations post-1857, the designation was changed to 9 Bengal Native Infantry with one of its companies formed by Gorkhas and other hillmen. By then the Regiment had fought at Bhartpur and in the difficult battle of Sobraon in the Ango-Sikh War. In 1901, the Regiment was designated 9 Gorkha Rifles.
9 GR fought in the Great War in Europe and in the inter war years took part in the operations in the North West Frontier. In World War II, it fought in Italy and North Africa. The 3/9 GR and 4/9 GR formed part of the Chindits in Burma, and earned a reputation in the long range penetration operations. In the 1962 Indo-China War, the 1/9 GR fought under the most demanding conditions on the Namka Chu in NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh). The Regiment continued the fine traditions in 1965 and 1971 and earned Battle Honours and gallantry awards.
