24th Cavalry (Frontier Force)

24th Cavalry (Frontier Force)

Badge of 24th Cavalry
Active 1962–present
Country  Pakistan
Branch  Pakistan Army
Motto "We shall live and die for the glory of Pakistan"

The 24th Cavalry (Frontier Force) is a regiment of the Pakistan Army, raised on June 7, 1962. It was one of the armoured regiments assembled and trained following independence to meet Pakistan’s growing defense needs. The officer selected to train and command the new unit was Lt Col Muhammad Afzal Khan. The 24th Cavalry was involved in the first ever tank assault in the history of the Pakistan army. It was proved to be the best cavalry unit against India.

History

Early period

The bulk of men and equipment for the 24th Cavalry came from the 11th Cavalry, 12th Cavalry, and 15th Lancers also provided some weapons. A variety of battle functions were allotted to the regiment. These included attack or counterattack under hostile fire, destruction of enemy armor by fire, exploitation after breakthrough, delaying action in a mobile battle, deep penetration in rear areas, and support to infantry and other units by use of direct or indirect fire, maneuver, and shock action.

Early training

The regiment went out for its first collective training in December 1962. The commandant gave out his training objectives for the first collective training period as follows:

The collective training had shown that the regiment had been converted into a well knit team. Equipment had been tested as well to ensure the regiment was prepared for war. The Commandant took the regiment to the Armored Fighting Vehicle Ranges in January 1963. It was a successful firing exercise and there was not a single accident during the whole exercise.

Patton tanks

Sherman tanks were used by 24th Cavalry until 1963. In March 1964, the unit got the first complement of M 48 (Patton) tanks.

Rann of Kutch and Capture of Biar Bet

In April 1965, 24th Cavalry got its first opportunity to put its high standard of professional training and efficiency to the test of combat and prove itself in the battle field. There was an order on April 17 to make a manoeuvre of over 800 miles towards Pakistan’s south border in the Rann of Kutch and to conduct the first tactical manoeuvre and tank assault in the history of the Pakistan Army. April 26, 1965 will always remain a significant day in the history of the Pakistan Armored Corps as it was on this day that a squadron of 24 Cavalry mounted a tank attack on territory occupied by Indian forces. It was the first attack of its kind since Independence on a heavily defended enemy position called Biar Bet and captured it after a grim battle in which its officers and men showed unusual gallantry. While stationed at Lahore under Headquarters 10th Division, the regiment detached A Squadron for deployment under Headquarters 8th Division in Chhor Sector. Later, A Squadron along with 2 Frontier Force, as part of 6th Brigade, attacked and captured Biar Bet.

Khem Karan September 1965

The unit was under 1st Armoured Division at Raiwind. As part of 5 Armored Brigade, it took part in operations across Rohi Nullah in Kasur Sector. In this operation by significant personal gallantry, Major Khadim Hussain destroyed three enemy tanks with an abandoned recoilless rifle and was awarded with Sitara-i-Jurat.

Collective training 1966

The regiment moved out for collective training on 31 Oct 1966. This training was concentrated as usual at the troop level. Iranian Army Officers visited the regiment in training area on 7 Nov 1966 and were visibly impressed by the high standard of operational readiness displayed by all ranks. A demonstration was also given to Staff College students at Ranges on 22 Nov 1966. This process of exercises continued and built up to regimental exercise.

Participation in Pakistan Day Parade

The major event that the regiment participated in early 1968 was the Pakistan Day Parade. The RHQ and A Squadron participated in the Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade as a mechanized column from Armoured Corps. The turn out and formation of the regiment was commended by all spectators and the mechanized column was one of the most impressive spectacles of the parade.

Visits

List of Officers on Raising Day

Serial no Name
1 Lt Col Muhammad Afzal Khan
2 Maj Bashir Ahmed
3 Maj Abdul Raziq Beg
4 Capt Saghir Hussain Syed
5 Capt Sami Ud Din Ahmed
6 Capt Shamim Alam Khan
7 Capt Muhammad Saeed
8 Capt Muhammad Khalequzzaman Chawdhury
9 Lt Mehboob Alam Khan
10 Lt Basit Ali Khan

References