Message from the Chief of Army Staff

GENERAL BIPIN RAWAT, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC

The Army has always held the of Engineers in the highest esteem for their professional competence, elan and 'never say die' attitude. Combat Engineers provide crucial combat support in battle which has often made the difference, tipping the scales of victory & success in our favour. True to their motto, 'Sarvatra' the are omnipresent whenever and wherever the Army has been called to perform whether in War or in Peace. The Bengal Sappers with a glorious history of 217 years can be justifiably proud of their contribution to all military operations conducted both in and across the world.

“….. left an indelible The Second Edition of the Bengal Sappers Coffee Table Book provides a vivid account of the rich history and mark in all the stellar achievements of the Group. I wish the entire fraternity of The Bengal Sappers the very best in all their military operations endeavours and am sanguine that they will march ahead steadfastly and earn many more laurels in the undertaken by the future. since independence.”

Jai Hind

(Bipin Rawat) Chief of Army Staff

9 Message from Our Own Engineer-in-Chief

LIEUTENANT GENERAL SK SHRIVASTAVA, AVSM

At the outset, I convey warmest greetings and best wishes to All Ranks, veterans and families of the Bengal 's Fraternity.

The Second Edition “Trail Blazing into the New Millennium” is a welcome and much needed publication which adds on to the First Edition by recounting the stellar accomplishments of the Group in all fields over the last fifteen years. As one goes through the pages of the Coffee Table Book you are filled with a sense of wonder and pride at what the Group has achieved and the marvellous time honoured traditions which are still in place.

I am also sanguine that this historical and pictorial record will inspire and motivate the past, present and future generations of “God's Own'.

Jai Hind

(SK Shrivastava) Engineer in Chief Forword

I am pleased to present the Second Edition of the Coffee Table Book of the Bengal Sappers, “Trail Blazing into the New Millennium”.

This Second Edition adds to the outstanding narrative of the First Edition and gives and update on the chronology of events since 2005. The Bengal Sappers continue to live up to their tradition and have covered themselves in glory in all fields to include Military Operations - Op DEEWAR, Op PARAKRAM & Op VIJAY; Disaster Mitigation - Op KOSI PRAHAR & Op CLOUD BURST and Excellence in Sports. While most of our older have celebrated their Golden Jubilees, we have also added new units to our folds. Our Alma Mater, BEG & Centre , now has a vibrant new look with modern administration and training infrastructure four our troops and those from friendly foreign countries.

I am certain that our glorious history of valour and tradition in the last 217 years, so evocatively captured in narrative and pictures of the Coffee Table Book, will continue to inspire us in meeting future challenges with our indomitable spirti and keep our bonds of camaraderie warm, strong and life long.

Jai Hind

CkaxkyCkaxky

LkSilZLkSilZ

(Harpal Singh) Lieutenant General DGBR, Commandant The Bengal Sappers & Military Survey Preface

The Commandant's office has arguably the most spectacular view any appointment could have. But this might not always have been, since in 1988, a new double storey Group HQ Building was constructed and the Commandant's office was to shift there.

However, this would mean the Commandant would be moving out from an office occupied since 1854 from where he had a clear and unimpeded view of Ghazini Tower. The vacation of the heritage building was robustly objected to by senior and elder Bengal Sappers – and quite fortuitously their view prevailed. It is nuggets like these and others like the Faujeshwar Mandir, the tradition of Miyanjis, the heroic deeds of Major Nandu Jayal and Major Jai Bahuguna which make our History so vibrant. We have tried to capture the same in the pages of The Bengal Sappers “Trail Blazing into the New Millennium”.

Of course the Second Edition is old wine in new bottle. One doesn't throw out the best vintage, do you? And so, we have been fortunate to have had at ‘home’ the diligent services of Colonel Sunder Nathan, VSM (Retd) the author of the First Edition for authoring this one! Thank you Sir!

But yes, we have added some more, fresher wine too. And I daresay the Reader will savour the blend. I would like to compliment The Centre Team of Lieutenant Colonel Arup Mukherjee, Major Satinder Thakur and Bhupesh Chauhan who deserve mention for their untiring efforts in supporting the unfolding of this tapestry of The Bengal Sapper story ; vividly and colourfully.

Wishing you happy reading !!

Ckaxky

LkSilZ (Raghu Srinivasan) Commandant BEG & Centre, Roorkee C r e d i t s

F i r s t E d i t i o n S e c o n d E d i t i o n

Research, Text & Editing : Colonel SK Nathan, VSM (Retd) & Sudhir K Arora Research, Text & Editing : Colonel SK Nathan, VSM (Retd)

Team BEG : Team BEG :

Colonel Ajay Wadhwa, VSM Lieutenant Colonel Arup Mukherjee Lieutenant Colonel G Ashokan Major Satinder Thakur Alok Devrani Havildar Bhupesh Chauhan Havildar CS Rawat Havildar Manish Kumar Naik Rajpal Singh Production Team - Production Team - Layout & Design : Shrikant Sharma Colour Photographs : Ajay Khullar Layout & Design : Mr Sudhir K Arora Colour Photographs : Lt Col Arup Mukherjee & Ajay Khullar Lithographs : Achieves BEG & Centre and Regimental Archives Lithographs : Archives BEG & Centre and Regimental Archives

Published by : The Commandant, & Centre, Roorkee Published by : The Commandant, Bengal Engineer Group & Centre, Roorkee

Copyright : BEG & Centre, Roorkee, 2005 Copyright : BEG & Centre, Roorkee, 2019

Production : Greenfields publishers, Anekant Place, 29-Rajpur Road, -248001 (UA) Production : Greenfields publishers, Anekant Place, 29-Rajpur Road, Dehradun-248001 (UA)

Available form : The Commandant, Bengal Engineer Group & Centre, Roorkee-247667 (UA) Available form : The Commandant, Bengal Engineer Group & Centre, Roorkee-247667 (UA)

Price : Rs 750/- Price : Rs _____ CONTENTS

Historical Landscape “God’s Own” Alma Mater Inception to Independence

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Post Independence Panorama “God’s Own” in New Millennium

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Bengal Sappers in Nation Building Factscape & Sports

__ __ Foreword - First Edition Preface - First Edition

Writing the foreword of a historical document is a rare honour Our Coffee Table Book “ The Bengal sappers – trail Blazers of the ” is a historical and I consider myself privileged to be a part of this history, to pen account of traditions and accomplishments in spheres ranging from soldiering to soldierly a few words for the Coffee Table Book of The Bengal Sappers – to pursuits, winning the battles while leading from the front, of redefining strategies and of nurture a trail blazing epic. testing the limits of human endeavor. Be it the taming of mighty rivers, unfurling the flag atop the Himalayas or fighting the vagaries of nature and by overcoming them all by our indomitable will, we The Bengal sappers, have always lived upto our ethos of Just Do It – Chak The Bengal Sappers have a proud heritage and an envious record De ! of achievements. I have long cherished a dream that the Group should have a pictorial account of its trials and tribulations, its The Bengal Sappers have a chequered history of two centuries. The first set gallantry awards challenges and victories, its glory and ethos, so that all Bengal ever given to an Indian Army by the British were to Subedar Devi Singh and twelve Sappers, through the ages, can reminisce about the past and Bengal Sappers at Ghuznee. There are a large number of 'Firsts' to our credit but one of the dream of an eventful future. It is indeed commendable that the most important is the unique distinction of having the largest number of Battle and Theatre team at the Centre has undertaken the challenge and made my Honours. The conduct of our Bicentenary Celebrations and Tri-Service Affiliation have added dream a reality. new feathers to our glory.

It is my belief that once a reader flips through the pages of this book, he would be engulfed The book narrates our glorious past and documents our rich with a sense of amazement and if the reader happens to be a Bengal Sapper, he would be record vividly in pictures and words. Over two hundred years of extremely proud of having been a part of the great tradition called “ The Bengal Sappers”. The our past have left an indelible impression on contemporary team at the Centre has worked with lot of heart and soul to present our rich heritage lucidly. military history. The documentation of this eventful period is a They have made an attempt to cover all the defining moments of history as vividly as possible. matter of pride for all of us. I am sure this pictorial account will act as a Holy Book for the coming generations of 'God's This book, I am sure, will inspire and motivate future generations Own” to emulate the unparalleled legacy left by our venerable ancestors. to scale greater heights of human endeavor and will bind every Bengal Sapper in reveling in our achievements. I am also Our thanks are due to our Colonel Commandant for his blessings, guidance and support. sanguine that this book will continue to imbue soldierly virtues Finally, I would like to place on record a very special thanks to Colonel SK Nathan, VSM (retd) and professionalism for which “ God's Own” is held in high but for whose untiring efforts and vast contribution, the book would have continued to remain esteem. It will continue to guide the Bengal Sapper to remain a dream and to Mr. Sudhir Arora of Greenfields Publishers and his production team for their 'Sarvatra for all times. sustained efforts, inspite of many odds.

BS Dhaliwal AK Chaturvedi Lieutinant General Brigadier Colonel Commandant Commandant The Bengal Sapper

The typical Bengal Sapper firmly believes he is 'God's Own'. A soldier for all situations. A dyed in the wool Sapper whose panacea for any task, simple or difficult is symbolized by his soaring spirit which cries out 'Chak de' or 'Just do it'. He is a quintessential 'brawn conquers all' soldier. So naturally his most preferred tool is the 'Sledge Hammer' endearingly called 'Hamber'. An ardent soldier, overcome by selflessness, sheer 'Josh', infectious enthusiasm and a complete disregard for privations.

The archetypal Bengal Sapper is endowed with indefatigable stamina and zeal. He will remain on the task without indicating his need for food, clothing or rest; his appetite to 'just do it' at the earliest possible time overshadows all else. Unstoppable once unleashed, his leaders are hard put to channelise his energies to ensure he does not overdo and speed past the finish line. Leadership of such is like controlling a flood or storm and requires a deep bond between the leader and the led. Such a bond has been in evidence through two centuries; conferring on 'God's Own' the maximum number of Battle and Theatre Honours through acts of collective gallantry, punctuated by individual acts of valour.

On many occasions other troops may appear better disposed, produce better quality or manage the task with finesse. But should you wish to accomplish the 'impossible' with meagre resources, insurmountable odds and in an unachievable time frame, you would be wise to call for a Bengal Sapper, give him his 'Hamber' and order him to 'Just Do It' 'Chak de'. He will deliver! Prelude

The advent of the British in India and the final roll of drums in 1947, signalling the lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the Indian Tricolour is essentially a military history spanning a period of over three centuries.

It started with the raising the , of which the fine body of men eventually called “God's Own” The Bengal Sapper, became a vital component. Bengal became a 'Presidency' in 1699. It is in 1761, that the first record of a 'Corps of Engineers' for Bengal is found. The Corps consisted of officers, recruited on an ad-hoc basis, essentially to advise military commanders on erecting as also on siege operations.

The earliest record of a body of troops meant for work with the Bengal Army dates back to September 1776 when four companies of artificers were raised. These companies served the British garrisons. This arrangement proved unsatisfactory as the need was for a specialised body of troops to participate in battles for the execution of the commanders' plans. A Seed is Sown

A General Order by the Commander-in-Chief (GOCC) dated 28 July 1803 directed Captain Thomas Wood of the Bengal Engineers to raise at 'Cawnpore' a 'Corps of Pioneers' consisting of three companies of 75 men each. In 1804, command passed to Lieutenant John Swinton, who went on to attain the status of a legend.

The Corps of Pioneers supported the British Bengal Army in breaching of obstacles and scaling the walls of forts, as the expanded their territories around Calcutta and into .

The newly raised Corps was soon blooded in some of the most intense actions of the Bengal Army. In 1804 Lieutenant General (later Lord) Gerard Lake won the 'Battle of Dig' where Swinton and the Bengal Pioneers greatly distinguished themselves. Such was the impression left on Lake that he remarked, “the officers of the Engineer department… have peculiar merit and are entitled to my best thanks and approbation”. The 'Leswaree' was awardedLance to Naik the gallant 'Malerkota' Sappers and Miners ((Hindustlater ani amalgamated with the Bengal Sappers). In 1805, afterMusalman) two unsuccessful attacks, the Pioneers were asked to dig a mine close to the walls of Bharatpore Fort – a most formidable fortress, ably defended – and blow it up. However, the defenders discovered the mine and removed the charge. The failure of this operation brought in its wake the raising of the “Bengal Company of Miners” – due recognition of the need for dedicated engineer support in combat.

6 Corps of Pioneers and Sappers

In 1808 the Bengal Corps of Pioneers was expanded to eight companies of 90 men each, with two British sergeants and a few miners. It became known as the “Corps of Pioneers and Sappers”. The Bengal wore a green tunic adorned with yellow lace, with black buttons. The headgear was a tall black hat built upon a bamboo framework, to resemble that of a British soldier. On his legs he wore loose white trousers, the being shod in 'chapplies' while the 'Indian ' wore high boots.

The next major action of the Corps was during the first phase (1814-1815) of the War in which all eight companies of the Corps participated. The campaign was fought mostly in hilly, jungle terrain, and the particular skills of the engineers, be it for cutting roads and tracks or assisting in siege operations, were in great demand. Battle Honour 'Nepaul 1815' was awarded to the Corps for the actions against the Gorkhas who were driven back from their deep incursions into India.

Birth of “God's Own” and Infancy – From to The rich heritage, undying traditions and proud history of the Bengal Sappers and Miners took birth in 1819 under the first Commandant Major T Anburey (later Sir Thomas Anburey). On the 19th of February 1819, orders were issued for raising of a Corps of “Sappers and Miners” to be formed at Allahabad with British Officers, 816 Indian and 39 British soldiers of all ranks. The companies of the existing Pioneers were incorporated in the Corps. Their uniform consisted of red tunic with blue collar and cuffs ornamented with bright gold braid (for Indian officers) and yellow braid for other ranks, blue trousers with a broad red stripe and a blue 'pagri' with a red 'kullah'.

The nascent Corps soon distinguished itself by winning Battle Honour “Bhurtpore 1826”. “Bhurtpore 1826” The attack on Bharatpore Fort was supported by six companies of Bengal Sappers and Miners under Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Anburey. The Fort was formidable with a seven mile perimeter fortified by lofty citadels, double line of masonry towers, curtains of great height, all this skirted by a wide ditch.

The Bengal Sappers and Miners burrowed day by day, gasping and sweating through water logged soil, before charging and firing a great mine of ten thousand pounds, which made the massive bastion tremble from foundation to summit. The Bengal Sappers had arrived. Their reputation as 'Trail Blazers of the Army' was established forever in thunder and fury. The battle was won. “God's Own” covered itself with glory and earned the third of eighty Battle Honours “Bhurtpore”.

The Headquarters moved to , then to Fatehgarh and in 1830 to . In those infant days the Headquarters alongwith companies moved into locales close to the area of campaigns like , Bharatpore, Delhi, Ludhiana and Meerut for short durations. The Bengal Pioneers, the forerunners of “God's Own” were amalgamated with the Bengal Sappers and Miners in 1834. The 'Embryo' was fused with the 'Infant'. The Early Years – 1839-1885 “Ghuznee 1839” The effectiveness and ingenuity of the Sappers and Miners in many a campaign caused the Bengal Sappers and Miners to grow to ten companies – numbered 1 to 10.

The First Afghan War was probably the first manifestation of what was to become 'The Great Game' for the British – keeping Russian influence away from the Indian sub-continent. Lord Auckland, the General, dispatched a force 'The Army of the Indus'. This force crossed the Indus at Rohri (Sindh), on two improvised bridges built by the Sappers under Captain George Thomson, their Commandant. The inexperienced force, weighed down both by logistics and the inhospitable terrain, was harried by ferocious Afghans all the way. It finally reached the gates of Ghuznee on 21 July 1839, with no option but to storm it.

The fortress at Ghuznee stood on an escarpment about 35 feet high, surrounded by a fausse-braye, flanked by numerous towers. “The great command of parapets, 60 to 70 feet, with the wet ditch, were insurmountable obstacles”. The depleted state of the force ruled out a prolonged siege, hence the decision to launch an assault, preceded by an attempt to blow up the gate by the Sappers.

The Bengal Sappers and Miners covered themselves with glory by breaching the gates of Ghuznee Fort. The explosion party for blowing up the Kabul Gate was led by Lieutenants Durand and Macleod Lancewith SubedarNaik Devi Singh and 15 men of the Bengal Sappers and Jemadar Bhawani Singh and 5 men of the Bombay Sappers. (Hindust ani Musalman) Subedar Devi Singh and his men approached the gates on 23 July 1839 carrying the powder bags and bags of earth to tamp the charge. Under intense fire, Subedar Devi Singh laid the first bag. Soon the charges were in place and the party moved under protection of the massive walls of the fort to set off a mighty explosion. The piers of the gate were shattered and most of the gate blown off. Ghuznee fell; and Thomson, Durand, Macleod, Devi Singh – all indomitable Bengal Sappers – had shown how to “just do it”. The Bengal Sappers' War Memorial at Roorkee venerates this memory for posterity.

Perhaps the most graphic description of the action has been given by JH Stockton in his book, The Old Field Officer: “The massive bastion trembled from level to summit and gradually rising from its firm foundation and increasing in bulk as it rose, seemed almost to precipitate its overwhelming mass upon our heads”. IMOs ALL The (IOM) Subedar Devi Singh First recipient of the The IOM was instituted in 1837. It was in the shape of a military laurelled Indian Order of Merit star, with the inscription “Reward of Valour” in the centre. The IOM First Class awarded for great valour was later equated with the . 2 Company 3 Company The Bengal Sappers were the first soldiers of the Indian Army to be Subedar Devi Singh Sepoy Bhik honoured with the IOM. “Truly a first for “God's Own”. Sepoy Bisram Singh Sepoy Baldan Sepoy Kallu Beg Sepoy Ganesh Sepoy Shiekh Rajab Sepoy Ganesh Three of the Bengal Sappers were killed in this act at Ghuznee. There Sepoy Gurdayal Sepoy Shiv Rattan being no system of posthumously recognising gallantry at that time, Sepoy Qadir Baksh Sepoy Shiv Sahai they received no awards. A complimentary order dated 23 July 1839 by Sepoy Dayal Singh Sir John Keane has this to say of the Bengal Sappers : “The scientific and successful manner in which the Kabul Gate of great strength was blown up… the daring and dangerous enterprise of laying down powder Broadfoot's Sappers. in the face of the enemy reflects the highest credit on their stern and cool courage”. Captain George Broadfoot of the 34 Madras Native was ordered to raise an irregular of Sappers and proceed to Kabul During this period the Headquarters of God's Own was at Delhi. The where a small British force was garrisoned. On 20 August 1839 the Bengal Sappers and Miners provided the nucleus for this force. command devolved on Captain E Swetenham. “It was during his tenure that working pay was first introduced for the men Lanceon 30 NaikJune Broadfoot organised his Sappers into six companies and wrote of them 1841”. (Hindust ani “My corps, 600, is 300 Hindoostanees (brave), 200 Goorkhas Musalman) (braver), 100 Afghans and Hazaras (heroes)”. They alongwith 5 Company Bengal Sappers and Miners acquitted themselves with distinction at Kabul and on return of the Army in 1843 the Governor General ordered that the Sappers should have the honour of leading the Army over the Sutlej in recognition of their bravery and good work in the war.

In March 1843, Broadfoot's Sappers were reorganised into 7 and 8 Companies of the Bengal Sappers and Miners. The Gorkhas and those not required were discharged. pto January 1844, the Bengal Sapper was armed with 'fusils' (light muskets) and bayonets. It was only “Maharajpoor” and ‘Punniar” Uin January 1844 that the Bengal Sapper came to be armed with the 'Sapper carbine', thereafter adopted by the other “In 1843, The Bengal Sappers Presidency army sappers. A curious change took place in the Corps were awarded Battle Honours in 1847, when the 'Pioneer' (who had disappeared from the Bengal “Maharajpoor” and “Punniar”, during the Army in 1834) briefly reappeared. The Corps was remodelled into campaign, bestowing upon the Bengal three companies of Sappers and seven companies of Pioneers – in Sappers the unique distinction of being the only effect dividing the Corps into first line and second line troops, thus Indian Regiment to be awarded two battle becoming the 'Bengal Sappers and Pioneers'. This bifurcation was honours on the same day”. abolished in 1851 when the 'Bengal Sappers and Miners' reappeared in the Army List.

“Mooltan 1848 - 49"

The siege of Mooltan started on 5 September 1848. The defences at Mooltan were strong and needed large scale engineer support to breach them. Major Napier and five companies of Bengal Sappers took part in sapping the defenders. Mine shafts were sunk by the Sappers and several mines exploded to provide a passage for the Lance Naik attacking Army. Impressed by the hard selflesswork of the Bengal (Hindust ani Sappers, Lieutenant Edwardes remarked “a finer body of men than Musalman) the Engineers at Mooltan was never collected in any Indian Army”. The Bengal Sappers displayed great courage in the face of fire. Naiks Shivdin and Baldan, Havildar Chottu and Sapper Asa Singh of “God's Own” were awarded the IOM. The siege of Mooltan ended with victory on 22 January 1849 and another Battle Honour for “God's Own”. “God's Own” Finds its Home

As already stated, in the early days when it was a fledgling Corps, the headquarters usually moved to where the action was. Being raised in 1803 at Kanpur as the Corps of Pioneers and designated the B e n g a l S a p p e r s a n d M i n e r s headquartered at Allahabad in 1818, the Corps moved to Kanpur in 1821. The year 1830 saw the headquarters move to Delhi (after being stationed for a brief spell at Aligarh), whereafter it was based for short stints in Meerut (1845) and Ludhiana (1847) before finally moving to Roorkee in 1853. Here the Bengal Sappers found a home, and here it has stayed ever since. On arrival at Roorkee the tired troops camped under a big 'Peepul' tree. A 'Shivling' was installed beneath and evening prayers offered. Even today the sweet sounds of the bell waft through the breeze at dusk each day.

Years later, in 1895, the Faujeshwarnath Mandir was established at this very spot.

The year 1854 also saw the opening of the Upper Ganges Canal, to which landmark event we shall return later. to illustrate the operation The First War of Independence – A Handful of VCs for of the BRITISH ARMY “God's Own” before DELHI The cataclysmic events of 1857-58 mark a watershed in the . The IN THE YEAR 1857 'Devil's Wind' that blew across Central and Northern India shook the British to the ______core. The Bengal Sappers played their part in those troubled times, adding many a tale ONE MILE 0 ¼ ½ ¼ of valour to their glorious record.

The centre of gravity of the outbreak in North India was Delhi, the capital of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor who was persuaded to head the uprising. Sensing the emotional appeal this act carried, the British resolved to first besiege Delhi though the initial forces sent for this purpose were themselves besieged at their encampments on the 'Ridge'.

To break the siege, on the 14th September 1857 the main assault force had a detachment of Bengal Sappers carrying ladders and powder bags. The party under intense fire, placed and lit the powder bags which blew in the right leaf of the gate, enabling the infantry to storm in. The official history describes this action as “one of the most daring exploits recorded in military annals and a deed reflecting undying glory on the Bengal Sappers and Miners”.

Lieutenants DC Home and Philip Salkeld, along with Sergeant J Smith were awarded the Victoria Cross (the Victoria Cross had been instituted in 1856, though it was awarded retrospectively from 1854). Subedar Tula Ram was decorated with the Indian Order of Merit 1st Class. Nine more IOMs (two 2nd Class and seven 3rd Class) were won by the Bengal Sappers. They won the “tributes and admiration” of the Governor General.

Lieutenant Duncan Lieutenant Philip Charles Home, VC Salkeld, VC Two days later, on 16th September 1857, Second Lieutenant Edward Thackeray displayed a deed of “cool intrepidity and characteristic daring” when he repulsed an attack on the Delhi explosive magazine. The magazine was saved and Thackeray was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 22nd February 1858 Lieutenant Mcleod Innes, as part of a force skirmishing at Sultanpur, won the Victoria Cross for single-handedly capturing a gun and holding it till his main column caught up with him.

The Bengal Sappers were conferred the Battle Honour – Delhi 1857.

“Lieutenant Edward “Lieutenant JJ “Lying in wait” T Thackeray, VC Meleod Innes, VC Tunneling by Bengal Sappers at Lucknow Post 1857 Bengal Sappers Get the Pride of Place s a direct consequence of the events of 1857, the The Bengal Sappers next British Crown assumed saw action in 1864-1866 as A st the on the 1 part of the 'Duar Field Force' of November, 1858, with the new which took the field when hostilities broke out with Government proclaimed at the Government of . Allahabad under Lord Canning, 6 and 7 Companies Bengal the Viceroy. The Bengal Army Sappers were initially part underwent major reorganisation. o f t h e f o r c e w h i c h The Bengal Sappers too were e v e n t u a l l y s a w f i v e affected by sweeping changes. companies of the Bengal The Corps of Engineers was Sappers involved. At Diwangiri, which was An Illustrious Bengal Sapper – t r a n s f e r r e d t o t h e R o y a l occupied by the British forces, the Bengal Sappers Lord Napier of Magdala, GCB, GCSI proved themselves great fighters - “7 Company Engineers. The strength of the covered themselves with glory on the night of the Bengal Sappers came down to 10 In December 1867, the British sent an attack on our camp… and were equally efficient companies from 12 in 1863. expeditionary force to Abyssinia under Lieutenant when working with the pick and shovel or when General Sir Robert C Napier, the C-in-C, Bombay fighting with rifle and bayonet”. Six men won the rd Army. Napier, a Bengal Sapper, planned and IOM in this action. On 3 April, 1865 two Bengal prepared an “Engineer” campaign from start to Sappers – Captain WS Trevor and Lieutenant J finish. On 13th April 1868, Magdala, perched Dundas led the way against a barricaded atop a granite mountain, was stormed. The king's blockhouse manned by the Bhutias. Bitter hand body was found among the dead Abyssinians as he to hand fighting ensued and the day was won. For had shot himself rather than be taken prisoner by this brave action, the two officers were awarded the British. On the successful conclusion of the the Victoria Cross. “The bravery of the Sappers was Abyssinian campaign, Napier sailed to England further recognized by the Government passing where he was created Baron Napier of Magdala. orders that in future the Sappers should fall in to He returned to India in 1870 and was the right of all Indian Infantry Regiments on Commander-in-Chief in India till 1876. He was parade”. elevated to Field Marshal in 1883 and died in 1890 in . He was undoubtedly the most famous Lieutenant Captain military engineer of his time. J Dundas, VC WS Trevor, VC The Second Afghan War 1878-1880 The invasion army included almost the entire Corps of Bengal Sappers and Miners. While no spectacular feat was performed by “God's Own” in this campaign, “the very existence of the column” often depended on them. They bridged the Kabul river many a time, constructed roads in the most rugged terrain, fortified defences, laid telegraph lines, blew up towers, set up water supplies, pushed up the railway lines, surveyed hitherto uncharted areas and performed the myriad of tasks that keep up the momentum of war. Apart from these duties, the Bengal Sappers were involved in many a spirited attack and defence, once again proving their mettle with the rifle and bayonet.

The Bengal Sappers “Even Fireworks have their uses in War”! were awarded Battle At a village called Biayo in , there were two high towers and Captain Honours “Ali Masjid WA Cairns was ordered to blow up one of them. This he did most efficiently, in the 1878”, “Afghanistan orthodox manner, with a small charge of gunpowder. There was a gentle “poof” and the tower subsided. But the General was annoyed. “That is no good”, he 1878-1880”,”Kabul burst out. “The tribesmen are watching for miles around”. Then, turning to 1879”,”Charasiah Captain Fenton Aylmer he ordered him to blow up the tower properly. “I took the 1880” and “Ahmad hint”, writes Sir Fenton, “and used a whole box of guncotton. A perfectly rgeous explosion followed. Sir William (the General) was delighted.” Khel 1880”. go

“Great sieges offer unique opportunities to the military engineer. There he is in the front “These towers were by no l i n e , l i t e r a l l y a n d means easy to demolish; they were of stone, round figuratively. Generals or square and often 40 hang upon his words : he feet in height, and the only access was by a rope is in his element. But in ladder to a door near the Open Mountain warfare he is not always in the limelight. The top where there was a Blowing up a Tower in Afghanistan infantry climb, as it were, over his back to plunge into the fight; p l a t f o r m f o r t h e defenders.” yet without that broad and patient back they would often fail to reach the foe.” “God's Own” Comes of Age – 1885-1914

During the period 1885 till the Great War 1914-1918, the Bengal Sappers 'climbed and fought in the Himalayas and voyaged only occasionally', while their comrades from Madras and Bombay 'became wanderers across the seas' as there were no wars in !

“Sappers Not Sepoys” On 16 December 1885, the Bengal Sappers and Miners were reorganised into six companies numbered '1' to '6', two Depot Companies designated 'A' and 'B'. Depot Company 'A' included two Pontoon Sections, two Telegraph Sections, two Field Printing Sections and one Submarine Mining Section (the Telegraph Sections of the Sappers were the forerunners of the Corps of Signals). Depot Company 'B' was the Recruit Depot. Colonel was appointed the Commandant Of the Corps. The strength was fixed at 20 British officers, 43 British NCOs, 24 Indian officers, 43 Indian NCOs, 16 buglers and 1200 sappers.

“The men were no longer designated “Sepoys” but “Sappers”.

Colour Havildar Lance Naik Naik Driver (Brahman) (Hindustani Musalman) (Rajput) (Punjabi, Musalman) The Third Burma War 1885 Burma had been pried open to British influence and interests by earlier wars. 2,4 and 5 Companies Bengal Sappers and Miners campaigned in the Third Burma War, brought about by the despotic rule of King Thebaw. The advance began on 14th November 1885. After a series of short, sharp encounters, Mandalay was reached on 28th November and King Thebaw dethroned.

During this campaign the Bengal Sappers were mainly engaged The large Burmese in building roads, bridges and fortifications. Never ones to be Bronze Bell (height limited, they took part in fighting when the opportunity 20” and diameter at presented itself. Sappers Sucha Singh and Kala Singh of 4 the mouth 21”) hangs w i t h i n a c a r v e d Company scaled a Burmese stockade and opened the gates, all wooden framework in under heavy enemy fire. Both were decorated with the Indian the West Alcove of the Order of Merit. The excellent combat support won the Bengal B e n g a l S a p p e r s Sappers the Battle Honour – “Burma 1885-87”. Officers' Mess at Roorkee. It has an interesting history. Captain Cairnes who was in command of No Four Company in Burma, took this bell from Bhamo in 1886. When Lieutenant Fenton J Aylmer (later Lieutenant General Sir Fenton J Aylmer, VC, KCB) took over command of the Company from Cairns, this bell was buried to avoid “trouble” and it was 'not to be found', when enquiries were made. When the Company came down from Bhamo in the spring of 1887, the bell was put in a big barrel and labeled 'gunpowder'. While it was being brought up the gangway of the Irrawaddy steamer, the barrel rolled away into the river. Two sporting Pathans of the Company dived in and salvaged it, much to the amusement of the steamer officials who wondered what use wet gunpowder had. It made the rest of the voyage safely and was presented to the Officers' Mess at Magnificently carved wooden door of King Thebaw’s Palace now embellishes Roorkee by 4th Company. the Bengal Sapper’s Mess, Roorkee North West Frontier Campaigns 1891-1898

The end of the Third Afghan War saw the British constantly embroiled in the ' Fr o n t i e r ' . T h e H u n z a - N a g a r Expedition of 1891 was one of these, a campaign waged almost on the roof of the world – a land of glaciers, forbidding precipices and raging torrents' and described fairly accurately as 'a war of small parties, almost of individuals' 1,2,4 and 5 Companies took part in these operations and skirmishes.

The Sappers, displaying great courage and ingenuity, were instrumental in engineering the capture of numerous fortresses, Notable among them were Nilt (1891) Gilgit (1891)Waziristan (1894-95) Chitral (1895) and Tirab (1897-98) Battle Honours all, for “God 's Own '' Nilt - 1891 Chitral 1895 After successfully bridging the The process of formally demarcating the border between Gilgit River by constructing a Afghanistan and British India was begun by Sir Mortimer cantilever bridge, the Bengal Durand (the “”) in 1894, leading to major Sappers greatly distinguished unrest in Waziristan. themselves at Nilt. The fort was atop an 800 foot cliff Chitral erupted in early 1895, and the garrison at the Chitral above the Hunza River, and Fort found itself besieged. 1st, 4th and 6th Companies l o c a l l y w a s d e e m e d Bengal Sappers were part of the Chitral Relief Force. Chitral 'impregnable', Captain Aylmer Naik Kala Singh, IOM was a Sappers' war. Major road building works and bridging and the Sapper party (among efforts were the cornerstones of fighting on the North-West them Sappers Hazara Singh Frontier. The defences were rushed and Naik Kala Singh and Abdulla Khan) rushed and Sapper Nadir Khan added another tale of supreme ahead with the storming party Captain Fenton Aylmer, VC bravery to the annals of the Bengal Sappers – despite being to blow up the main gate. The outnumbered, they refused to surrender and fought till the charge was laid at the foot of very end. Naik Kala Singh shot himself with his last cartridge the gate by Aylmer and Hazara rather than be taken prisoner. The Bengal Sappers earned Singh, the fuse duly lit; the the Battle Honour – “Chitral 1895”. resultant explosion “was most satisfactory as the gate was entirely blown in and the men The 'Black Kafir' wooden images are funerary inside were killed, including figures lifted from a cemetery in Kafiristan near the gallant commander of the Chitral in 1898. Fosco Marain in his book on fort”. mountaineering 'Where Four World Meet' reports that these primitively carved statues are Captain (later Lieutenant no longer in vogue. These Kafir funerary General Sir) Fenton J Aylmer figurines represent a practice “that was widespread in antiquity”. They are about 2 feet was awarded the Victoria Sapper (Later Havildar) high and 8 ½ inches wide in dark wood. These Cross and Sappers Hazara Hazara Singh, IOM were presented to our Officers' Mess by Captain Singh and Abdulla Khan the (later Major General) SH Powell who Indian Order of Merit for this commanded No 2 Company Bengal Sappers and singularly gallant action. Miners in Chitral in 1898-99. Tirah 1897

The Malakand Field Force was organised in August 1897 under command of Major General Sir Bindon Blood a Bengal Sapper. He was the first to mass artillery in support of his force in mountain warfare. Never before had tribesmen been under the fire of massed field artillery. The ingenuity of a Bengal Sapper had deadly effect and immediate results.

A party of 4th Company Bengal Sappers under Lieutenants JMC Colvin and TC Watson, overtaken by darkness, were attacked by tribesmen at Tirah. Undeterred by the fire being directed at them, Lieutenant Watson collected a few men and successfully charged the enemy position, being badly wounded in the process. Unmindful of his injuries, he returned to his position, took more men with him and again attacked. Then Lieutenant Colvin with eight sappers fought his way into the village and attacked from roof top to roof top. The fighting ended when the force was relieved around midnight. Tirah was won. Watson and Colvin reeived the Victoria Cross for their gallantry and Colour Havildar Mir Khan and Naik Natha Singh of the 4th Company Bengal Sappers were awarded the Indian Order of Merit. The operations of the Malakand Field Force came to an end in October 1897. For these operations, the Bengal Sappers were awarded Battle Honour “ Tirah 1897”.

5th Company, Bengal Sappers and Miners Mohamand Field Force and Tirah Field Force NWF-1897

The Bailswamy Inkstand The Bailswamy Inkstand, presented by 'K' Company of the Madras Sappers after the Second Afghan War (1878-79) had a most interesting 'tale' hanging to it. It is named after the Bullock The Malakand Pass North West Frontier ('Bail' in ) that was transported to the Frontier, for 'K' Company to carry water for the men. The Accountant General in his audit bitingly pointed that the Rs. 3,000/- spent on transporting this bull to the front could have been saved and one purchased locally for a mere Rs. 60/- which would have been equally useable. The expensive 'Bail' had given the Bengal Sappers an interesting piece of silver. General Sir Bindon Blood

General Sir Bindon Blood, GCB, GCVO, a legendary Bengal Sapper, had a most distinguished career. As a subaltern, he was engaged in the Sowaki expedition of 1877-78. He saw action in South Africa (Zululand) in 1879, Afghanistan in 1879-80, Egypt in 1882, Chitral in 1895 and in the North-West Frontier in 1897-98, when he was in command of the Malakand Field Force operations. He officiated as Commandant of the Bengal Sappers and Miners from 1880-1881 in place of Lieutenant Colonel ET Thackeray, VC on leave. He was appointed the Commandant in 1885. He went on to hold various appointments in India. General Sir Bindon Blood retired on 7th November 1907 and became a Colonel Commandant and then Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of . (In those days Colonel Commandants used to be appointed on retirement). – the 1900 Anti-foreigner sentiment began to grow in China and manifested itself in the form of an association called “Fists of Patriotic Union”(commonly known as the 'Boxers') with the avowed objective of killing all foreigners. In July 1990, 4th Company, Bengal Sappers formed part of the “China Expeditionary Force” sent to deal with the Boxers. The Sappers were engaged in improving communications, the railway line from Tientsin to Peking and the defences. 18,000 soldiers, 14,000 followers and 10,000 animals were provided warm shelters before the first fall of snow. The severe winters necessitated installation of 2000 stoves and more than 7 miles of flue piping!

For outstanding services in China, 4th Company was conferred the Battle Honour “China 1900”.

The beautiful carved and gilded door taken from the Summer Palace in Peking (1900-1901) now adorns the Bengal Sappers Officers’ Mess at Roorkee. The lower panels have intricately carved dragons (inset). The ‘Tibet Mission’ 1903-04

In 1903, apprehensive of what appeared as overtures by the Dalai Lama to the Russians, the British sent a mission under Colonel FE Younghusband to negotiate with the Tibetans. This mission was rebuffed – the Tibetans refused to attend the planned parleys. The British now planned to force their way into Tibet from , initially by occupying the Chumbi Valley. This was again an 'Engineer campaign'. 3rd Company provided the Sapper support to the Younghusband Expedition to Tibet. Apart from building and maintaining numerous roads in the Chumbi Valley and blowing up The Gyantse-Jong Fort Pioneers attacking the Fort opposing fortications, the Sappers also assisted in crossing the Tsang Po both for the ingress and egress of the force. More notably, they were part of the assaulting troops. For their bravery and exploits during the capture This bright brass statue of a Tibetan Lama seated on a high of Palla and Gyantse-Jong, Naik Usman oval base is 21 inches tall. It was taken from the Chief Singh and Sapper Chagatta were awarded Monastery in Gyantse Fort as a memento of the one real ght the IOM. in the Tibet Expedition 1903-04 – the capture of Gyantse Jong (fortress). Interestingly, when the statue was being restored in our Centre Workshop in the early 1950s, it was discovered that its head contained paper scrolls giving an account of the Lama and some bones from his ngers. It was presented to our Ofcers' Mess by 3rd Company

Sapper Chagatta, IOM The Ostrich Plumes for “God's Own”

In October 1903 the Bengal Corps of Sappers and Miners had the rare distinction of being designated as the “1st Sappers and Miners” even though the Madras Sappers were the oldest. Then on 1 st January 1906 when His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (later His Majesty King George V) became the Colonel-in-Chief of the Bengal Sappers, the Corps was redesignated as “Ist Prince of Wales Own Sappers and Miners”, and was permitted to wear the Prince of Wales' Plume – The Three Feathers. It is richly displayed and adorns the institutions of the Bengal Sappers even today.

The Prince of Wales was crowned King in 1910 and the Corps title changed to “1st King George's Own Sappers and Miners” and in 1923 to “King George's Own Bengal Sappers and Miners”. After his demise in 1935, the title changed to 'King George V's Own Bengal Sappers and Miners'. Statuette of Sikh Sepoy The change of title to “King George's Own” also gave the This was presented to the Ofcers' Mess in October sobriquet “God's Own” to the Bengal Sappers. The King of 1904 by Captains W Cave Browne (later Director England enjoyed temporal powers and as far as the General of Works in the Campaign in France 1939-40), commoner was concerned, he was 'God'. Also, the initials AF Chater (later Commandant 1933-36) and E Gidley- 'G' and 'O' t in well, hence the Group came to be Kitchen. The statuette shows the dress worn on colloquially known as “God's Own”. Ceremonial occasions just before . The Great War 1914-1918

The Great War saw the Bengal Sappers in action in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, in battleelds and conditions that they were neither equipped nor trained for. Yet, they left their mark, proving that Indian soldiers were as good as those of any great power. The Corps numbered 1489 all ranks in six Field Companies on 1st August 1914. By the time the War ended, it's strength had grown to nearly 8,500 in 21 Field Companies, a Field Squadron, three Field Troops, three Bridging Trains and 14 Depot Companies. France 1914-1915

The Bengal Sappers formed part of the Indian Corps that embarked for France, consisting of 3 (Lahore) Division, 7 (Meerut) Division and 9 (Secunderabad) Cavalry , three and four Field Companies, Bengal Sappers were part of the Meerut Division while a Field Troop was with the Cavalry Brigade. Soon after disembarking at Marseilles on 15 October, 1914, 3 and 4 Field Companies found themselves near Neuve Chapelle with the Meerut Division. They distinguished themselves in the battleelds at Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, Givenchy, La Bassee, Ypres, Aubers and Loos, ghting 'doggedly in trenches lled with mud and water, Lance Naik Bhawani Dutt was in charge of a wooden railway for evacuation of the handicapped by the strange wounded. On 9th May 1915 during the the railway was disrupted conditions, and lacking in most of by German shell re. Six times it was hit and each time Lance Naik the requisites for '. Bhawani Dutt repaired it. 2000 wounded soldiers were thus brought back from the front because of his dedicated and gallant action, which won him the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. France saw great deeds of valour by the Bengal Sappers and many were decorated, notable among them were Captains Kelly and Hobart who were awarded the Military Cross, Havildar Chagatta and Sapper Sheikh Abdul Rehman who won the IOM. The Bengal Sappers and Miners had given of their best', at a terrible price. Battle Honours “La Bassee 1914', 'Givenchy 1914', 'Neuve Chapelle 1914','Festubert 1914- 1915','France and Flanders 1914-1915','Aubers 1915','Ypres 1915' and 'Loos 1915” were proudly added to an already glorious record. Neuve Chapelle – 1914 Festubert – 1914, 1915

3 Field Company Bengal Sappers landed in France alongwith On the night of 14-15 November 1914, near Festubert, the Germans 7 Meerut Division in October 1914 and proceeded to Port sapped up close to the Indian fortline. They had to be ejected. A Arthur, southwest of Neuve Chapelle. During the second detachment of 3 Field Company, Bengal Sappers, working with a battle, a section of 3 Field Company, employed in the role of a company of 6 Jat successfully evicted the Germans and lled in the consolidation party. With only six Bengal Sappers, a block saps. German trenches were destroyed with explosive charges. Their was established in an unoccupied area of the German line. calmness and stoicism in the face of danger was remarkable. For their Held by these six brave sappers till reinforcements arrived, valour they were awarded the Battle Honour “Festubert 1914”. “God's Own” once again by acts of gallantry and valour helped in the recapture of Neuve Chapelle. 3 Field Company produced the Jemadar Chagatta, IOM earned his second decoration – the Indian “Jam Pots” and an “18 Inch Trench Mortar.” In this battle Distinguished Service Medal alongwith Havildar Sucha Singh. Jemadar Ram Rup Singh and Havildar Ram Bharose inscribed their names in the roll of gallant Bengal Sappers by jumping out During the Great War the Indian Forces reinforced the Allies to stall and of their trenches in the face of murderous enemy re and destroy the Germans. 3 Field Company alongwith Malerkotla (now 369 completing their tasks. Jemadar Ram Rup Singh was awarded Field Company) and Tehri Garhwal (now 84 Field Company) Companies of the IOM. Lieutenant was the 11th recipient of the the Bengal Sappers prepared defences, dug outs for guns and assisted the Victoria Cross, for his gallantry in the actions at Neuve Chapelle. infantry to reduce enemy strong points. Thus was awarded the Battle These acts of bravery and dedication earned for the Bengal Honour “Festubert 1915”. Sapper Jiwa Khan who helped in destroying Sappers the Battle Honour “Neuve Chapelle”. enemy defences and evacuating wounded troops under heavy enemy re earned the Indian Order of Merit.

Gallant Bengal Sappers in France

Subedar Gauri Shankar Dube, MC Sapper Jiwa Khan, IOM Sapper Sheikh Abdul Rehman, IOM Mesopotamia (Iraq) - 1914-1918

The rst Bengal Sapper unit to be inducted into this theatre was a 22-man Bridging Train under Subedar Sadar Din in February 1915 in support of the offensive. The Sirmur Sappers (now 100 Field Company ) also supported the offensive against the Turks. 3 and 4 Field Companies arrived in 1915 from France. In 1916, 2 Mobile Bridging Train, 1 Field Company and the Tehri Garhwal Sappers (now 84 Field Company) were inducted. A distinguished and highly decorated Bengal Sapper Lieutenant General Sir Fenton J Aylmer, VC, KCG was appointed in command of the British forces in Iraq. Aylmer had been awarded the Victoria Cross in the North West Frontier in 1891.

The decisive assault was predicated upon crossing the Tigris at Shumran. The crossing by ferries began before dawn on 23 February 1917. 2 Mobile Bridging Train by evening strung a bridge across with the enemy still in control of the far bank, forcing the Turks to withdraw. fell on 11 March 1917 and then Samarra on 23 April 1917, thus successfully ending this campaign. 2, 5, 6, 8, 52 and 56 Field Companies joined the war effort in Iraq in 1917. Their main tasks were bridging, operating railways, constructing roads and supporting infantry actions. The Turks nally capitulated in October 1918. The Bengal Sappers garnered more laurels by way of Battle Honours 'Kut al Amara 1916', 'Mesopotamia 1916-1918', 'Tigris 1916', 'Defence of Kut al Amara 1917', 'Ctesiphon 1918', 'Baghdad 1918', 'Khan Baghdadi 1918', 'Sharquat 1918', and 'Persia 1918'.

Crossing of Shumran Beng, Tigris River

Floating Bridge over River Tigris Palestine 1918

Egypt and Palestine were deemed of great strategic importance, mainly because of the Suez Canal which was a lifeline for the British Empire. The decisive offensive was launched after the British forces were reinforced in early 1918 by the victorious Indian forces from Mesopotamia – 3 (Lahore) and 7 (Meerut) Divisions, with 3 and 4 Field Companies, Bengal Sappers. After detailed preparations including well executed deception measures to mask the real intent of a force now comprising eight divisions, the nal assault was launched on 19 September 1918. A notable feat performed by 3 and 4 Field Companies was the widening of the precipitous seven mile track around the Ras en Nakura called the “Ladder of Tyre” – at places no more than a footpath rising steeply from the sea within three days into a road which was traversed by a full division with a 60-pounder battery. The Bengal Sappers won Battle Honours 'Sharon', 'Damascus' and 'Palestine 1918' for their exploits as rst rate soldiers and sappers.

Our Heroes of the Palestine Campaign

Havildar Sub Maj Hony Capt Sub Maj Hony Capt Havildar Havildar Mahima Nand, IOM Sawan Singh, IOM Nausher Khan, IOM Hardeep Singh, IOM Wazir Singh, IOM East Africa and Afghanistan The actions in East Africa against the Germans were small but challenging. Operating the railway lines and keeping the telegraph lines operative tested the skills of the Faridkot Sappers (now 368 and 94 Field Companies) to the full. Disruptions by marauding elephants, giraffes and hippos were frequent and a common occurrence. Rhinos too contributed their bit ! Guarding 400 miles of railway lines with bridges aplenty against German attacks and mines was a herculean effort and the unit earned the Battle Honou 'Kilimanjaro'.

Afghanistan and Wazirastan The end of the Great War saw Bengal Sapper units spread out over the entire Middle East and the North West Frontier busy in quartering and catering to the war weary armies. The War had seen the Bengal Sappers grow from 13 units numbering, 1,351 Indian ranks to 54 units, manned by 8,363 Indians. Before the process of demobilization could get under way, trouble again erupted on the Afghan Frontier.

Operations in the Third Afghan War were very different from the previous wars against the Afghans. The Sappers had already created a vast infrastructure over the preceding decades by building roads, bridges and extending the railways. The advent of mechanisation, aerial reconnaissance and bombing meant that organised resistance by the tribals crumbled in a matter of days. On 25the April, 1919 the new Amir declared 'jehad'. 7, 53, 55, 56, 57 and 58 Field Companies and 1 Field Troop participated in the operations and fought many actions with the North West Frontier Force in the Third Afghan War and the subsequent Waziristan Operations. The Bengal Sappers contribution to the success of the operations earned them the Battle Honour “Afghanistan and Wazirstan”.

Pontoon Train 7 Bridging Train was disbanded in 1927 though the bullocks continued to remain on the strength at Roorkee till 1939. The Silver Mule Led by a Sapper

Prior to the 1930s, rst line mules invariably paraded with the Field Companies on Ceremonial Parades. The statuette was given to the Corps Mess in 1932 by HH the Maharaja of Jaipur who became an Honorary Colonel of the Bengal Sappers and Miners. This was one amongst a few pieces of Mess Silver retrieved from the train to !

The advent of modernization Mechanisation hit the Bengal Sappers in 1928. Sappers began training in mechanical transport duties. In 1931 Field Companies received a derrick lorry and water supply gear lorries. The last of the elephants from Group Headquarters were retired. In 1938 the motor van for reconnaissance was introduced. The Reorganisation of 1932

In 1932, it was decided by the Government to abolish Pioneer units. The Sikh element of the The Hurnai Valley Piece Pioneers had to be absorbed in the Bengal and Bombay Sappers. The reorganisation went In 1884 there was a small expedition to the through, though with some hiccups, which were ironed out by 1935. The Mazhabis and borders of Baluchistan in which several Ramdasias of the Sikh Pioneers were rst sent to both the Bombay and Bengal Sappers. This eld companies including 4 Field Company did not work very smoothly and it was ultimately decided that they should all join the Bombay were present. The 32nd Pioneers (later 2nd/3rd Sappers and all Jat be with the Bengal Sappers. Sikhs) were employed on the construction of the railway line in that expedition. This silver piece On 16 October 1936 His Majesty gave his approval for the ofce of Chief Royal Engineer. commemorates their services on that occasion and General Sir Bindon Blood, a Bengal Sapper who joined the Bengal Corps in 1871 was the rst was presented to the Bengal Sappers Ofcers' Mess to hold this high ofce. He had also served as Commandant Bengal Sappers and Miners for in 1932 when the battalion was disbanded. seven years (1886-1893).

Brigadier CR Mangat Rai – First Indian Ofcer of “God's Own”

CM Mangat Rai was the rst King's Commissioned Indian Ofcer (KCIO) to join the Bengal Sappers, bringing the era of purely British ofcers to a close. He was commissioned from the Royal , Woolwich, and obtained his degree from Cambridge. (Interestingly, when the rst of the Indian Commissioned Ofcers – ICOs – joined the Group in 1935, they were commissioned from the , and obtained their degree from Thomason College, Roorkee). He joined 5 Field Company in 1934 and commanded 41 Field Park Company in Basra, (Iraq) as part of 'Paiforce' from 1941 to 1942. He went on to command 5 Field Company, in the same theatre from June 1942 to January 1944. On 13 August 1947 he was appointed the rst Indian Chief Engineer Air Force Works, an appointment that stood him in good stead when overseeing expansion of Srinagar aireld at the commencement of the J&K Ops 1947-48. Brigadier Mangat Rai succeeded Brigadier Holloway as Commandant of the College of at Kirkee In June 1953 and then became Chief Engineer . A great enthusiast of sports and games, he pioneered the setting up of the Indian Ski Club and sailing in the Corps (at Kirkee). The credit for a smooth transition from British to Indian command – despite having to tread the narrow path between “racial conservatism and touchiness” – goes to ofcers like him, trailblazers in the true sense of the world. The Second World War 1939-45

“God's Own” displayed great courage, determination and technical skill to leave an indelible imprint during the Second World War.

“The Impossible Bridge” over the River Moro in Italy has truly showcased the trail blazing attributes of the Bengal Sapper. It became a legend in the annals of combat engineering. 69 Field

Company, Bengal Sappers assaulted the enemy-held bank, cleared mines and built the bridge in reverse gear to overcome the shortage of working space on the home bank. The Company was awarded the Army Commander's Flag in appreciation.

In the Burma Campaign, Brigadier Hasted, the Chief Engineer of

Slim's legendary Fourteenth Army was a Bengal Sapper. Field

Marshal Slim recognised him as “the hero of the Burma

Campaign”. The bridge over the Chindwin, christened 'Grub

Bridge', the longest bridge built during the War, played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Japanese and their subsequent rout from

Burma in 1945. It was constructed by the Bengal Sappers.

Sappers reconnoitre a road in Burma The Allies came up against the anti-tank mine for the rst time. 4 Field Company, Bengal Sappers, evolved a drill for locating mines by prodding with bayonets, which was adopted by 4 Division. Commander Royal Engineers (CRE) 4 Division got the idea for the knotted cord drill for minelaying which eventually became the standard method for the British Army. North Africa 1940-43 Italy's entry in the war prompted offensive action by the Allies. 2, 3, 4 Field Companies and 6 Army Troops Company of “God's Own” were in the thick of battle rendering combat support, clearing mine elds, laying out defences with pill boxes, trail blazing and providing water. They were often tasked and used as infantry.

The grit and glory of the Bengal Sappers earned laurels for 4 Field Company in a special order of the day : “There is no doubt that their steady labour on improving tracks, bringing up water, helping to hold the position and nally taking part in a very spirited bayonet charge contributed to a large degree to the success of the operation at Mount Cochen”.

A detachment under Jemadar Kirat Singh successfully led a bayonet charge and captured a machine gun nest. For his dedication, determination and courage at Mount Cochen, Jemadar Kirat Singh was awarded the IOM. The rst decoration to be earned by the Bengal Sappers in this war.

At Wadi Akvait in Southern Tunisia a section of 4 Field Company was tasked to make a crossing for the tanks. Sir Bernard Fielden, CBE who had served with the Bengal Sappers writes : “Years later I saw this deep wadi, which has almost vertical banks 15-10 feet in height and I remembered what had happened. The section came under re but worked on. In spite of everything they nished the crossing for the tanks to advance… forty four Sikhs were killed and sixteen survived the ordeal. Because all the ofcers were killed, this heroic action had been forgotten…”.

Havildar Babu Singh and Havildar Mukand Ram of 4 Field Company were awarded the IOM for their courageous and determined effort at the crossing. The Bengal Sappers were awarded Theatre Honour 'North Africa 1940-43' in recognition of their contribution to this campaign. Iraq and Persia

Paiforce' (Persia and Iraq Force) was born in September 1942 to keep the Axis Forces at bay from the rich oilelds of the Middle East. 1, 5, 7, 66 and 69 Field Companies supported by 41 Field Park Company worked round the clock blasting the hill sides for pill boxes and gun emplacements, laying anti-tank obstacles, digging trenches, camouaging defence works and building bridges.

6 and 8 Army Troops Companies moved in later to build RAF aerodromes, construct jetties, hard standing and General Hospitals, bore wells, maintain oil pipelines and even set up an 'ice factory' to bear the desert heat. Italy 1943-45 Casino II- 1944

With Axis Forces being driven out of North Africa, the The battle for Cassino raged Eighth Army landed in Sicily in July 1943 and throughout March, April and May advanced rapidly, crushing all German resistance. By 1944. 4, 7, 66 and 67 Field the middle of January 1945 the mountain campaign Companies performed many feats was over. Full one and a half years of arduous and of combat engineering and daring Jemadar Sher Ali, MC Havildar treacherous going had been supported skillfully by 1, infantry actions. Mineelds were (later Sub Maj and Hony Capt) 4, 5, 7, 66 and 69 Field Companies of “God's Own” Balkarn Singh, MM alongwith 41 and 47 Field Park Companies. cleared, rafts operated and three bridges codenamed Oxford, Plymouth and Cardiff built across the Rapido River. It is here that many Bengal Sappers covered themselves with glory for their bravery, skill, dedication and determination.

Lieutenant Murray of 4 Field Company was awarded the Military Cross for personal bravery while on a mission to probe enemy defences. Sapper Ghulam Sarwar also of 4 Field Company earned the Military Medal for outstanding courage and Jemadar Abdul Sadiq the IOM for sticking to his task of mine laying despite being wounded. Jemadar Sher Ali of 69 Field Company won the Military Cross for rafting operations. Havildar Balkaran Singh, Naik Shaizada Khan and Sapper Ghosi Khan all of 69 Field Company were awarded the Military Medal for courage and dedication in bridging operations. The Bengal Sapper companies were awarded the Battle Honour “Cassino-II”.

The Impossible Bridge

Monastery Hill, Cassino after capture by the Allies Ferrying across the River Po

Subedar Bhagat Singh, MC

The bulldozer operators distinguished themselves despite enemy Apennines and Beyond shellre. Lance Naik Harbax Singh of 41 Field Park Company was awarded the Military Medal.

The campaign in the Apennines saw 4, Construction of a Folding Boat Equipment bridge across the River Arno 5, 7, 66 and 69 Field Companies in the face of enemy shelling earned Naik Mohammed Sharif and supported by 41 and 47 Field Park Havildar Abdul Qadir, both of 60 Field Company, the Military Medal. Companies launch 4,000 feet of Bailey Bridges in just two months – November Italy was an Engineer War. The speed of operations was determined by and December 1944. the skill and courage of the Sappers. Field Marshal Alexander sent the Lance Naik Ram Naresh and Sapper following message to the Allied Engineer units, “Seldom have Engineers been faced with a more difcult task than in the Italian Campaign. By Ram Lal Singh of 5 Field Company were surmounting every obstacle which has confronted you, from the beaches of awarded the Military Medal for their Sicily across the mountains and rivers of Italy to the Alps and by courage in removing mines under re. developing with such success the local production of equipment and The bulldozers of 41 Field Park material, you have in no small measure contributed to our victory”. Company cleared the road through Valenzano towards Chitignano. The grit, ingenuity, courage and determination of the these units earned the Bengal Sappers yet another Theatre Honour – “Italy”. Malaya 1940-42 As early as November 1940, 3 Field Company and 43 Field Park Company set foot at Singapore as part of 11 Division. Constructing pill boxes, bridges and roads, laying out defences, preparing demolitions and manning stores dumps they helped to prepare for the expected onslaught of the Japanese.

3 Field Company stood by to re a plethora of demolitions. When the Japanese attacked they were successfully red in the face of the enemy.

For their acts of valour and steadfastness “God's Own” were awarded the Theatre Honour “Malaya 1941-42”. The units distinguished themselves even in retreat and spent long years in captivity and deprivation. Retreat From Burma 1941-42 The forerunners of 369 Field Company, the Malerkotla Sappers and 70 Field Company were the rst of the Bengal Sapper units to arrive in Burma in early 1941. The rapid Japanese advance forced the British into retreat.

The enemy was held at bay and 70 Field Company with great determination saw the last elements of the Burma Army across the Chindwin on 12 May. The same day the monsoon broke. Jemadar Dharam Singh of 70 Field Company was awarded a Mention-in-Despatches for his heroics, laying down his life to ensure success of this gigantic withdrawal. (His heroics are detailed later and his memory consecrated in a Memorial in our Centre).

With 28 battle casualties, men ill with fever and dysentery, 70 Field Company established camp on Indian soil by clearing the road to Tamu on 20th May 1942. “In pouring rain, the Company was allotted an area of scrub jungle… torrential rain came down all night. There were no tents nor cover of any sorts, each man carried only his mosquito net, no ground sheet nor blanket. It was a Defeat Into Victory 1942-45

Stopping the Japanese called for resolute infantry action and plotting their downfall required feats and skills of engineering with super human sappering effort. New raisings were ordered and the Bengal Sappers concentrated in strength to stem the rot, lay the roots and turn the tide slowly but surely.

The road system of India ended at Dimapur and that of Burma at the Ye-U and Shebo area – a gap as the bird ies of about 250 miles but a ground distance of nearly twice that. 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 369 Field Companies and 306 Field Park Company were busy cutting new roads, maintaining Timber bridge being repaired at Kalmeyo existing ones, putting together thousands of feet of bridging equipment, providing close support, carrying out infantry actions, operating ferries and establishing stores dumps.

When Wingate's Force crossed the Chindwin in February 1943, 71 Field Company assisted the diversionary operations in the Kabaw Valley and set up a ferry service to get the Chindits across when they returned in May 1943. 70 Field Company after reinforcements, training and re- equipping worked on the Tiddim road. They built 47 bridges and culverts.

The roads launched into Burma prepared the Allies for the challenges of 1944. 80 Field Company arrived in Silchar and worked on the Kumbhigram and Sahelikar air elds. The Bengal Sappers can proudly claim that their efforts in blazing the trails into Burma became a battle winning factor. The rst Allied success was achieved in the Arakan.

Road demolition party on Tiddim Road, Burma

Class 12 Wooden trestle bridge in Kaphi Lui on Tiddon Road, Burma

A Jeep suspension bridge over the Beltang Lui, Burma built by 70 Field Company The Arakan 1943-44 2, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 and 77 Field Companies, 23 Engineer Battalion, 322 and 414 Field Park Companies and 17 Bridging Section all of “God's Own” labored on bravely, with grit and determination to turn “defeat into victory”. For several assaults on bunkers, Sapper Balouch was awarded the Military Medal and Sapper Dhaman Singh the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. Lance Naik Abdul Majid who led a demolition party that wrecked a building killing 120 Japanese also received the IDSM.

2 Field Company saw intense action, so did a section of 7 Field Company who, in a notable action, destroyed enemy bunkers while in support of an infantry attack, South of Kohima. Sapper Talab Ali and Naik Abbas Ali immediately won the Military Medal and Jemadar Chaudhari Khan was awarded the Military Cross. General Slim, Fourteenth Army Commander, wrote, “The success of this attack upon a vital and strongly held enemy position was undoubtedly due to the skill and courage of the Sapper party, who destroyed the dominant bunker and helped to take the objective.” Surely, the spirit of the indomitable Sappers of Ghuznee fame still showed ercely in their worthy successors ! The Japanese were thrown back from Kohima in May 1944, and routed at Imphal the following month. The tide had turned decisively.

Before the onset of the 1944 monsoon season, the Tiddim Road and the Bawli Bazar-Buthedaung Road were overlooking the River Chindwin. The Allied Army inched forward to throw the Japanese out of Burma.

70 Fd Coy’s FBE bridge over river South of Imphal, May 1944 The Imphal War Memorial The Chindwin and Irrawaddy 1944-45

Crossing the River Chindwin was a herculean task and the Bengal Sappers, famous for the 'Impossible Bridge', now sized up the Chindwin. 67, 76 and 361 Field Companies with 322 Field Park Company as part of 33 Corps Troops Engineers built the longest bridge of World War II in December 1944. A class 30 oating spanning 1150 feet across a river in full ow was completed against super human odds and by improvisations galore. The bridge was named 'Grub Bridge'. The longest oating bridge in any theatre of war was yet again a testimony to the trail blazing glory of “God's Own” Bengal Sappers. In January 1945, General Slim's armies moved forward leaving the Chindwin behind.

“Construction of the main Floating Bailey Bridge started at dawn at 9 December 1944. At 1450 hours on 10th December the longest oating Bailey bridge in any theatre of war on that date was complete. The bridge, a triumph for the Bengal Sappers, was named 'Grub Bridge'.”

Grub Bridge across River Chindwin being christened Victory in Burma 1944-45 The intense and bitter ghting against the enemy and the elements were relieved by some lighter moments : A three ton lorry had broken With three bridgeheads across the Chindwin by December down, bringing a convoy of a 100 lorries to a stand still, so a Sapper 1944 a platform was available for complete victory. It truly party was sent forward to help. Suddenly a British Ofcer appeared was an engineer war of providing mobility to the advancing and ordered the Sappers to throw the offending vehicle into the river. Allied Army. Burma was freed of the Japanese by May 1945. The driver objected violently and wanted to know how he was going to

Many awards were won for the supreme sacrices made in explain the loss of his lorry to his Commanding Ofcer. Whereupon the acts of valour, courage and bravery by the indomitable men of ofcer gave the man a note for his CO and told him not to worry. The God's Own. Notable amongst these were Naik Hakim Singh of note read “With the Compliments of General Slim.” 70 Field Company who won an immediate Military Medal for exemplary courage in handling the outboard motors.

During the battle of Meiktila, Havildar Gurman Singh of 70 Area 1944-45 Field Company was awarded the Military Medal, Captain CVE Gordeon received a Bar to the Military Cross, Jemadar The Malerkotla Sappers (now 369 Field Company) carried out Man Singh and Lieutenant MC Sharma brought glory operational and engineering tasks in Burma from March 1944. By receiving the Military Cross. The complete list runs into scores and speaks volumes of the 'dhridta' and 'shoorvirta' of November 1944 the Company was in the “Tunnels Area”, 6 miles from the Bengal Sappers' efforts in turning Burma into a complete Buthidaung. Water points were established, oating jetties victory for the Allies. On 15 August 1945 the was ended with constructed and a 150 feet single span Bailey Bridge launched for class the Japanese capitulating after the holocaust in Hiroshima 60 loads. This was the longest single span bridge in the Arakans. With and Nagasaki. the capture of Buthidaung the company cleared the area of enemy mines and booby traps. On 15 January 1945 the western entrance of The sappering exploits and excellence of 23 Engineer the West Tunnels was seriously damaged by enemy shelling. The Battalion, 2, 67, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 81, 361 and 369 Field Companies, 322 and 414 Field Park Companies is company, battling heavy odds with no road to carry supplies and water, enshrined in history for ever with the coveted Theatre cleared the Tunnels and were awarded the Battle Honour “Tunnels Honour “Burma 1942-45” which adorns the heritage of the Area”. Bengal Sappers. MEIKTILA (1945) CHINDWIN (1944-45)

The capture of Meiktila in 1945 was seen as the key to The Japanese offensive was effectively blunted with the Sapper the success of the Allied operations in Burma. It would support provided by 67, 76 and 361 Field Companies and 322 trap the Japanese between Mandalay and the Field Park Company of the Bengal Sappers in the Burma Front. Irrawady. 70 Field Company supported the main The advance across the Chindwin river was now in progress. 29 battle at Meiktila clearing the road of mines and in Bailey and 22 Timber Bridges were launched to keep up the street ghting; as the clearance operations were momentum of the Allied advance. A class 30 oating Bailey under heavy ring from the enemy. The company Bridge of 1150 feet span was required to carry the troops across destroyed enemy bunkers and bulldozed the enemy the Chindwin. 67, 76 and 361 Field Companies were tasked to dead within. Four air strips were completed and a construct the bridge on the Hyitha River and then oat it down demolished bridge replaced with Bailey. Havildar to the Chindwin. 75 Field Company joined them after sailing 135 Gurnam Singh was awarded the Military Medal and miles down the Chindwin with rafts and bridging stores. Thus 70 Field Company, Bengal Sappers the Battle Honour was completed the Longest Bridge of the Second World War – – “Meiktila”. the famous Grub Bridge. For this gigantic feat of engineering and the excellent support provided by the Bengal Sappers the Battle Honour “Chindwin” was conferred on us. The Aftermath

It has truly been said that Sappers are the rst to enter a theatre of war and the last to leave. The swathe of devastation that the World War had left in its wake meant a mountain load of reconstruction.

In Italy and Greece 1, 4, 5 Field Companies, 41 Field Park Company and 6 Army Troops Company; 31 Field Squadron, in Syria and 8 Army Troops Company, in Iran and Iraq, stayed back to repair the ravages of war .

In Malaya, Java and Indo-China units of “God's Own” constructed Prisoner of War Camps and built Bailey Bridges ; also tackled local unrest, evacuated women and children often at the cost of their own lives. 2, 68, 71, 74, 76, 77, 78 Field Companies, 447 Army Troops Company and 332 Field Park Company were employed here.

The work of reconstruction in Burma was no less trying. The victorious Sappers “struggled with the legacies of war and the perennial monsoon” to reconstruct a shattered land. 23 Engineer Battalion, 67, 70, 75, 80, 81, 361 Field Companies, 322 and 414 Field Park Companies did much hard work in Burma “during the post war months, and as surely as they had helped lay the foundations of victory, Bengal Sappers toiled to erect the rst milestones of peace”. Double/ Double Bailey Bridge over river Aliakmon, Macedonia, Greece, built by 4 Field Company, July 1945

Sappers- the last to leave the battle front... The Partition – Division of “God's Own”

Every man got either the “Bara Mohar” – Demob or the “Chota Mohar” – Retain. Parting was sad – hanging up their boots for a vast majority was inevitable for the strength had gone up from the pre-war 3,400 in 11 units to 23,850 in 75 units by 1944. The joyous dawn of Independence in 1947 brought with it the travails of Partition. “God's Own” had to shed all their Muslims - almost 50% of the strength. While it had been decreed that a third of the assets of the Corps of Indian Engineers was to be transferred to Pakistan, the division of assets was particularly crippling for “God's Own” as they bore the brunt. Half the government and Regimental assets of the Bengal Sappers had to be transferred to the new Nation. Overnight the workshops were denuded of equipment, printing machinery removed, vehicles moved out from the Mechanical Transport School, carpets, curtains, furniture, silver, crockery and cutlery from the Roorkee Officers' Mess vanished in a single day enroute Field Marshal Sir , C-in-C, at Roorkee - April 1947 to Sialkot (along with the pick of the famed wine cellar). The VCOs' Mess suffered a similar fate. Roorkee had the musicians but no instruments and Sialkot the band, but no bandsmen. The Last British Commandant

Colonel RE Holloway, MBE was the last British Commandant of “God's Own”. His memory is commemorated in the 'Holloway School' which caters for hundreds of young children at the School of Military Engineering (now College of Military Engineering, Khadki). He served as Commandant from 18 November 1946 to 11 February 1948 during a troubled phase in the history of the Bengal Sappers, brought on by Partition. He went on the become Commandant of the School of Military Engineering, Kirkee in June 1948, an appointment he held with distinction till May 1953.

Colonel RE Holloway, MBE Colonel JS Dhillon The First Indian Commandant Last British Commandant First Indian Commandant Colonel Joginder Singh Dhillon (later Lieutenant General JS Dhillon) was the first Indian Commandant of “God's Own”. He arrived in Roorkee on 12 February 1948 and immediately saw that much needed to be done to restore the glory of the Bengal Sappers who were deeply traumatised by the Partition. The Sikh and Punjabi troops who formed the majority Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru reviewing strength of “God's Own” were the most affected. Many of them a ceremonial parade at Roorkee, 25th Novermber 1949 from West Punjab and the North West Frontier were refugees overnight. The slow but steady restoration process was initiated by our First Indian Commandant. His vision, foresight and military acumen contributed in great measure to lift “God's Own” to its rightful place in the great heritage of the Indian Army. On Colonel Dhillon's shoulders devolved the onerous task of detailed reorganisation and devising training programmes so that a near perfect Engineer soldier could be turned out. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, Army Commander, and Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Engineers. This star of the Bengal Sappers had many firsts to his credit. His love for Roorkee is legendary. His ashes lie scattered on the roads of Roorkee in deference to his wishes – one with his beloved Sappers. Our Credo EKTA-SEWA-ILAM DHRIDTA-SHOORVIRTA

The credo of the Bengal Sappers which has inspired and guided every one of God's Own for more than half a century and will continue to do so for posterity is the gift of our First Indian Commandant. It is the guiding beacon in all we think, say and do. To begin with Colonel Dhillon articulated the three corner stones of our ethos EKTA-SEWA-ILAM

(Unity-Service-Knowledge). Later on he added DHRIDTA-

SHOORVIRTA (Steadfastness – Courageousness) which embodies the eternal spirit of the Bengal Sapper making him a blue blooded soldier of our Army. The philosophy of “God's Own” is enshrined in these five words. JAMMU & KASHMIR 1947-48

Srinagar-Rajauri-Poonch

While the Bengal Sappers were battling the problems of Partition and just about coming to grips with the new realities, the new nation state – Pakistan – orchestrated a full scale invasion of Jammu and Kashmir on 22 October 1947. Units of the Bengal Sappers were rushed post haste to stem the invasion. The first Sapper to land at Srinagar Air Field was Captain (later Major General) SS Chachhi along with two Sappers of 8 E&M Company. Bengal Sappers plant platoons were airlifted to Srinagar to maintain the Air Field (the vital lifeline by which Indian troops and equipment were pouring in), provide road communications and construct bridges. Theatre Honour “Jammu & Kashmir 1947-48”

The Bengal Sappers played a trail blazing role once again, clearing mines, building roads and tracks and launching bridges from Naushera to Rajauri The First for God's Own – and on to Poonch. The relief of Rajauri and Poonch was carried out Lance Havildar Narendra Datt speedily due to the endurance and swift road opening tasks executed by 69 On 15 December 1948 a convoy of 69 Field Company at Koteri, Thanamandi and Bhimbar Gali. Field Company came under heavy enemy shelling at Beri Pattan. 37 Assault Field Company and a detachment of 40 Airborne Field Park Havildar Daulat Singh was grievously wounded. With utter disregard for his joined 69 Field Company on various trail blazing operations. The airstrip personal safety Lance Havildar (later at Rajauri was extended to 1000 yards. The Rajauri – Poonch road was cut S u b e d a r M a j o r a n d H o n o r a r y and widened for class 5 vehicles in record time. 69 Field Company, Bengal Lieutenant) Narendra Datt carried his Sappers was awarded the Theatre Honour “Jammu & Kashmir 1947-48” comrade full 400 yards in the midst of the intense shelling to the road and managed to bring him to Sunderbani Hospital. His great courage and selflessness saved the life of Havildar Daulat Singh and earned him a Vir Chakra – the first for “God's Own”. OPERATION – 1948

“Operation Polo” was launched on 13 September 1948 to integrate the of Hyderabad with the Indian Union. The Nizam and the Razakars were terrorising the population. 7 Field Company in support of 1 Armoured Brigade crossed into the state at 0400 hours and headed straight for the Capital city of Hyderabad. They defused bridges prepared for demolitions, lifted hundreds of mines, repaired culverts, made diversions for tanks and vehicles and ensured mobility of the advance. A thirty foot class 40 Bailey Bridge was put across on the move in 90 minutes to allow the tanks to resume their advance. By 1000 hours on 17 September, a platoon of 7 Field Company under Second Lieutenant Gurbax Singh reached Bidar airfield. Heavy damage had been inflicted on the runway by own Air Force bombing the Razakars. It was made operational by 1500 hours the same day and Dakotas started landing on it with reinforcements. At 1700 hours the same day the Nizam's force surrendered. 7 Field Company cleared minefields to the road junction where the surrender ceremony was to take place. OPERATIONS: 1956

3, 20 and 369 Field Companies and 40 Field Park Company as 20 Divisional Engineers supported the Army in its operations against the Naga rebels led by AZ Phizo, alias Phizo Angami. The main task of the Sappers was to keep the fragile road communications open. Bailey suspension bridges, timber bridges, girder bridges and scores of culverts were constructed. Notable amongst these were the 186 feet Class 9 suspension bridge over River Diyung and the 80 feet Class 9 Warren Girder Bridge near Tuli on the Amguri- Mokokchung Road. In two years time 3 Field Company and 369 Field Company upgraded Mokokchung – Wokha, Chakbama – Sakhai, Amguri – Mokokchung, Kohima – Mokokchung and Diyung River – Mokokchung roads to Class 9 specifications. Inspite of hostile firing and ambushes, the field companies continued working and in true Bengal Sappers tradition continued blazing the trail day and night. Their contribution to the success of operations in Nagaland is a part of our proud history and the vastly improved lines of communication a testimony to the sweat, toil and 'Dhridta' of “God's Own”. OPERATION – 1961 (OP VIJAY)

The advance into Goa commenced at 0400 hours on 18 December and the Portuguese surrendered unconditionally at 2030 hours on 19 December. The short swift operation saw 376 and 377 Field Companies and 47 Field Park Company of the Bengal Sappers providing the vital engineer support.

376 Field Company constructed a 235 feet Bailey Pontoon Bridge over the river at Candeaper where the existing bridge was demolished by the retreating . The Company also constructed two 60 feet Bailey Bridges over the Valanga and Mangesh Rivers and after the surrender a 288 feet Bailey Pontoon Bridge over River Banasterim. Many mines and scores of booby traps were neutralised. 377 Field Company repaired the extensively cratered main runway at Vasco da Gama airfield and restored the water supply to Vasco da Gama, Margao and Marmaga. The field companies returned in February 1962. CHINESE AFFRESSION – 1962

'“Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” slogans reverberated through the air in the sixties, masking the din of strategic road constructions embarked upon by China in Tibet opposite Ladakh and NEFA regions, while India was lulled by the strains of Panchsheel. The aggressive intentions of the Chinese slowly became obvious with intelligence inputs. By 1960 India's need to build a vast road network in the remote Ladakh and North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) regions was identified to maintain India's presence and contain the Chinese expansionist designs. This gave birth to the Border Roads Organisation and the Bengal Sappers contributed significantly to the efforts of this organisation. 1, 100 and 368 Field Companies toiled on making new roads in the NEFA Sector along with the dozers of 707 Independent Engineer Plant Platoon. History was made when the dozers of these task forces crossed Sela at 14,000 feet over a mere mule track and descended to blazing a trail. The War in NEFA-1962

When it finally came, the war was a debacle against heavy odds. Bengal Sapper units acquitted themselves well with full grit and determination. 100 Field Company under Major HR Gopal supporting 7 Infantry Brigade moved to the Namkachu area overnight from Tawang. Helipads at Lumpu and Zimithang were constructed literally overnight on 5th October 1962, working with hurricane lanterns and petromaxes. The first pitched battle across the Namkachu was fought on 9th October and a full scale Chinese offensive commenced on 20th October with a fierce artillery barrage at 0500 hours. The Brigade positions were overrun by Chinese human waves. Most of 100 Field Company trudged back to India through Eastern Bhutan. Sapper Kulwant Singh of 100 Field Company showed exceptional courage and devotion to duty. His immense contribution to the war effort won hin a . 377 Field Company constructed field fortifications, gun positions, bunkers, roads, underground storage for ammunition and petrol. They made 85,000 'Punjis' for the infantry battalions, but alas no minefields were laid due to lack of time and non-availability. When Bomdila and Rupa were overrun by the Chinese, elements of 377 Field Company were the last to withdraw after demolishing the Tenga Valley Camp. At Chaku the Company laid 2,000 anti-personnel mines but to no avail. The Chinese trampled all over the Brigade which withdrew to the Foothills Camp. By 20 November, Kameng Division was under the Chinese. 1 Field Company was the engineer element with 5 Infantry Brigade defending Lohit, Siang and Subansiri Divisions. They were later joined by 65 and 368 Field Companies when 2 Infantry Division was raised. Their efforts at building defences, a suspension bridge over River Sippi, numerous roads and tracks could not stem the Chinese onslaught. The Chinese unilaterally declared a ceasefire on 21 November 1962 bringing to an end a dark night in the history of a glorious Army, ill equipped, poorly supported, logistically weak, overwhelmed by numbers and a battle ready Chinese Army. Ladakh Region – 1962 There was no presence of Bengal Sappers in the war zone in the Ladakh Region. But the most stunning and notable feat was the construction and maintenance of landing grounds at and and airfields at Leh, and – at 18,000 feet, the highest anywhere in the world. 74 Field Company worked at Chushul from May 1960 and 95 Field Company was responsible for the air fields at Leh and Daulat Beg Oldi. 416 Engineer Brigade, commanded by Colonel Naresh Prasad (later Centre Commandant) built the airfields at all these locations. They were truly marvels of engineering. Colonel Naresh Prasad received a VSM for his fortitude and acumen. Around the same time 653 Engineer Plant Company and 670 Construction and Equipment Company of the Bengal Sappers worked untiringly on the Sonamarg- Zojila - Kargil Road, which experiences some of the heaviest snowfalls in the world and snakes through the coldest inhabited region in the world. THE INDO-PAK WAR 1965

The Chinese Aggression of 1962, which led to an Indian debacle, encouraged Pakistan to conceive and put into operation a grand design to wrest Kashmir by military action against India. But at the same time India's Armed Forces were bolstered and strengthened due to the reverses suffered in 1962. The political and military think tank awoke and moved to deal with external threats. The Rann of Kutch Aggressive patrolling by Pakistani Rangers and orchestrated border clashes engineered over fake claims in the Rann of Kutch by Pakistani led to 31 Infantry Brigade Group moving to Bhuj from Ahmedabad in February 1965. The Brigade was supported by 70 and 373 Field Companies of the Bengal Sappers. In April 1965, a Pakistani Infantry Division supported by Patton tanks attacked our positions at Point 84, Sardar Post, Biar Bet and Vigokot. They were defended bravely and these positions were well fortified with minefields laid by 70 Field Company. The troops were logistically well supported thanks to Auster strips and helipads, which had been constructed by 70 and 373 Field Companies. In early May 1965, 78 Field Company reinforced the Sapper efforts in the Rann. On 1 July 1965, the Kutch Agreement came into force and all regular Army troops were withdrawn from the Rann. The Bengal Sapper Field Companies lifted tens of thousands of mines, dismantled helipads and airstrips and returned to peace time locations. Kashmir – 1965 Pakistan felt its coercive actions in Kutch were a success and India's reactions sluggish. In 1947 style, regular Pakistani troops infiltrated into Kashmir in August 1965 across the ceasefire line at Kargil, Uri, Gurais, Rajauri, Poonch, Chhamb and other areas. Attacks were launched against Indian posts, culverts destroyed, tracks and bridges mined or destroyed. Srinagar airfield and other landing grounds were shelled and communications disrupted. 40 Field Park Company of the Bengal Sappers came into action right away. The raiders damaged a Bailey bridge at Karalpura, which was repaired pronto by the Field Park Company.

Bengal Sappers in Kashmir, 1965

Chhamb – Jaurian September 1965

The 'spontaneous uprising' by the Kashmiris as visualized by Pakistan did not take place. The infiltrators ran out of steam and support. They were rounded up in large numbers and 'Operation Gibraltar' petered out by end August. Frustrated by this failure, Pakistan chose open warfare in the Chhamb Sector. Using their Patton tanks, it launched 'Operation Grand Slam' at 0400 hrs on 1 September.

369 Field Company (now with 58 Engineer Regiment) joined 41 Mountain Brigade under 10 Infantry Division at Jaurian on 2 September. After digging down in defence, the company commenced laying anti tank mines when darkness fell, inspite of heavy artillery shelling and tank fire. When the main attack came, 369 Field Company manned the defences and fought the enemy in an infantry role. The tanks were halted, but the Brigade alongwith 369 Field Company withdrew to its new location at Akhnur. During the move, one officer, two JCOs and 35 Other Ranks were taken prisoners by the Pakistani forces. Inspite of this the die hard “God's Own” Sappers quickly constructed and operated a class 40 raft to ferry tanks and armoured recovery vehicles across the Chenab at Akhnur. The enemy was halted well short of Akhnur and 369 Field Company laid extensive minefields in the sector. “God's Own” at the Helm XI Corps Operations

Commanded by an illustrious The Battle of Dograi Bengal Sapper, Lieutenant 15 Infantry Division advanced on a wide front with 54 Infantry Brigade leading the General JS Dhillon, XI Corps attack astride the GT Road from the Border. 71 Field Company (now with 55 launched an attack into Pakistan Engineer Regiment) was in support and were the first to step into Pakistan, blowing up along the entire front of the the gates at Wagah with explosives. The bold offensive, made rapid progress with 3 Jat Ichhogil Canal on the morning of crossing the Ichhogil Bridge at Dograi, supported by a platoon of 71 Field Company, 6 September 1965. A three and reached the Bata factory on the outskirts of Lahore by early afternoon, Full p r o n g e d a t t a c k a i m e d a t 15 kilometers inside Pakistan, meeting very little resistance. However, intense air capturing the bridges on the action and artillery and tank fire caused damage and wide spread confusion to the Ichhogil Canal and making a fighting and follow up echelons. feint towards L ahore was The Brigade fell back and firmed in, keeping Dograi in sight. After a proper build up of underway. The Corps was at the five along the Ichhogil Canal front and laying of extensive minefields by the same time prepared to face any Sappers, an assault for the capture of Dograi was planned for 22/23 September. The counter attack, which was most Battle of Dograi was the final operation of the Indo-Pak War 1965 and by far the likely to come in the Khem Karan fiercest. The artillery barrage on Dograi was intense with the entire Divisional Sector. The Bengal Sappers field Artillery and the Corps Artillery Brigade raining shells. c o m p a n i e s d i s t i n g u i s h e d Sapper platoons of 71 Field Company led by Second Lieutenant Ajmer Singh and themselves everywhere. Naib Subedar Piara Singh, under cover of the artillery barrage, silently breached two infantry safe lanes. In the annals of Indian military history, this is perhaps the first and only instance of infantry safe lanes being silently breached by Sappers before the attack. Another trail blazing, feat by “God's Own”. Colonel SK Nathan, VSM (Retd) (then Lieutenant with 71 Field Company) recalls: “On the night of 22/23 September, two teams from 71 Field Company were launched on a silent breaching task in the face of the enemy. They were tasked to prepare two infantry safe lanes across the 300 yards deep enemy minefield running through unfamiliar cultivated fields. After three to four hours of arduous tension filled, exciting moments and two anti personnel mines and one anti tank mines as reward, the two parties, separated by about 75 yards, emerged on the enemy side of the minefield, barely 50 yards from their trenches in complete darkness with two arrow like white tapes pointing straight at the soft under belly of the

3 Jat streamed through these two lanes completely surprising Lieutenant Colonel HF Golewala and his Pakistani troops, who were busy fending off the feint frontal attack. It was a complete rout and almost the entire battalion including the Commanding Officer were taken prisoners. Second Lieutenant Ajmer Singh and Naib Subedar Piara Singh were mentioned-in-despatches for their acts of gallantry.”

While history was being enacted through the mine field, a platoon under Lieutenant SK Nathan supported 13 Punjab in pushing back the advance elements of the enemy. With the capture of Dograi, tanks were inducted. Once again Second Lieutenant Ajmer Singh with a mine breaching party, blazed a safe trail, picking out mines planted on the GT Road. The ceasefire on 23 September silenced all the artillery, tank and small arms fire on both sides, ending hostilities. Battle of Burki

The Central prong of General Dhillon's thrust to threaten Lahore was on the Patti-Lahore Axis aimed at capturing Burki – 500 yards from the Ichhogil Canal. 48 Infantry Brigade of 7 Infantry Division was in the lead supported by 74 Field Company (now with 64 Engineer Regiment) and 94 Field Company (59 Engineer Regiment). The first obstacle was the Hudiara Drain where the enemy offered stiff resistance and withdrew by late evening of 6 September after blowing up a class 50 concrete bridge. The Sappers rushed in with Bailey Bridge equipment, Armco culverts and dozers The Ichhogil Canal with its demolished bridge to bridge the gap. A 110 foot Triple Single Bailey Bridge was in place by 1445 hours on 7 September and tanks of Central India Horse (CIH) rolled across with 65 Infantry Brigade taking the lead. The Battle of Burki commenced on 10 September and immediately ran into heavy weather with the enemy minefields taking a toll of the CIH tanks. In no time five tanks blew their tracks. OC 94 Field Company who was travelling in a tank with the Squadron Commander was one of the stranded casualties. The Sappers moved in and recovered the trapped tanks after a strenuous mine breaching operation.

On 13 September, 48 Infantry Brigade mounted an attack supported by 95 Field Company (54 Engineer Regiment). A well conceived deception plan by General Dhillon who deployed bridging vehicles and 'O' groups of 7 Infantry Division forward of Burki created an impression that a thrust was on towards Lahore. As a result the Pakistanis seemed to have thinned out of Burki, which fell to own troops on 18 September. The position was quickly strengthened with protective minefields laid by 95 Field Company. “God's Own” at the helm and “God's Own” in the battle front had steered the Indian Army to yet another victory.

Maintaining Law and Order at Barkee (Burki) The Battle of Assal Uttar – Pakistan's Waterloo The third prong of General Dhillon's thrust towards Lahore was carried out by 4 Mountain Division along the Khem Karan – Kasur Axis. The brigades of 4 Division were supported by 1 Field Company (51 Engineer Regiment), 100 Field Company (also 51 Engineer Regiment) and 77 Field Company (now with 52 Engineer Regiment). Obviously the wily XI Corps Commander had full faith and confidence in the 'Ilam' and 'Shoorvirta' of “God's Own” Sappers and they lived upto it.

1 Field Company under Major IM Choudhary raced ahead with 7 Mountain Brigade on 6 September to destroy the Ichhogil Canal Bridge at Ballanwala and the Theh Panun Bridge. Major Choudhary narrates what followed : “For the advance to the Theh Panun Bridge, a folding boat equipment bridge was constructed on the Rohi Nala by about 0900 hours to cross the vehicles carrying the demolition stores. The Sappers on their route of advance suddenly found themselves confronted by a strong fortified outpost. The Sappers fixed bayonets and went straight in. This quick reaction resulted in the post being taken and the advance resumed… to destroy the bridge at any cost … the Sappers then manhandled the explosive forward… The leading sapper, still with his load of explosives on his head, was killed. But the Sappers remained near the canal throughout 6 September. However, the enemy could not be overcome, the far bank could not be secured and the plan of destroying the bridge remained unaccomplished.”

The enemy's counter attack was imminent and anticipated. Assal Uttar was chosen as the firm base. The Division quickly redeployed. The Sappers commenced extensive mine laying. 1, 77 and 100 Field Companies laid thousands of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. The Battle of Assal Uttar commenced with the Pak Armoured Division attacking our positions with five regiments of Pattons at 0645 hours on 9 September. The Pakistani plan was to slice through Assal Uttar and head for the Beas Bridge thus cutting the rear of XI Corps. The brilliant General Dhillon had visualized this and was fully prepared. The minefields played their role, so did the planned flooding of the area East of Khem Karan Distributory. The Pattons were channelised to face the Centurions and Recoilless Guns of 2 Armoured Brigade. In no time 97 enemy tanks lay disabled or destroyed. By the evening of 10 September the attack fizzled out and a beaten enemy sounded the retreat. 20 tanks in full and perfect running condition were abandoned in the flooded fields. These Pattons could not be operated by own troops and 74 Field Company carried out their destruction. The minefields, flooded sugarcane fields and the trusty Centurions carried out a planned decimation of the Pakistani Armour. Assal Uttar became their Waterloo. American specialists later came to verify the Indian claims of victory and see for themselves the graveyard of their fabled Patton tanks. Operations 78 and 85 Field Companies (now with 57 Engineer Regiment) of the Bengal Sappers supported the Brigades of 11 Infantry Division in its offensive into Pakistan aimed at tying down the enemy in the Southern Sector so as to prevent him from reinforcing Lahore, Sialkot and Chhamb – Jaurian Sectors. Operations were swift and on the first day by 1000 hours on 08 September 1965 Gadra City fell to our troops. The Sappers immediately got down to clearing the city of the scattered mines and booby traps. A road to Gadra City was constructed over the sand dunes using PBS rolls and cut back diesel. Huge quantities of defence stores were dispersed to counter the fierce enemy air attack. The railway line to Gadra City was demolished to forestall the enemy rushing in reinforcements

The destruction of the railway track was a classic example of improvisation in true “God's Own” tradition. Second Lieutenant NS Sehgal and Subedar Sham Singh of 85 Field Company, having no explosives, made do by planting anti-tank mines under the track and placing anti-personnel mines over the track. They then targeted rocks onto the tracks, chucking them from a safe distance. It worked!

Alas ! The vagaries of war, unpredictable as always, required them to re-lay the railway line as the Division prepared to penetrate deeper into Pakistan. Once again, Sapper ingenuity saw the line back in place within 48 hours. The ceasefire came into effect on 23 September, but in the desert sector the enemy continued hostilities. The Indian troops also hit back with parties with Sappers on camelback to harass, ambush, plant mines, lay booby troops and destroy communications. The Sappers of 78 and 85 Field Companies gave an excellent account of themselves. Finally hostilities ceased with the setting up of demilitarized zones on 25 January 1966. Now mine lifting operations demanded full concentration of the Sappers to this exacting and arduous task as upwards of 1,30,000 mines were located and defused in the shifting sands of the . It was a remarkable achievement and called for improvisations like the mine rakes in place of the mine prodders to speed up operations. Armour advances - thanks to the Trail Blazers The Birth of Engineer Regiments : 1965-66 The experiences of the 1965 war highlighted some deficiencies in the command and control and quality of support provided by the independent field companies. This led to the demise of the Commander Engineers and his headquarters, giving birth to the Engineer Regiment. The Bengal Sappers Regiments were numbered from 51 onwards. (The Madras Sappers from 1 to 50 and the Bombay Sappers from 101). The Army Group Engineers became Army Engineer Regiments, numbered from 234 (Madras Sappers were given serials from 201 and Bombay Sappers 267 onwards).

In 1966 the Bengal Sapper Engineer Regiments were 17 strong from 51 to 63 and 234 to 237. The Commanding Officer also took on the advisory role and the Commander Engineers and his headquarters were done away with.

Madras Sappers Regiments Bengal Sappers Regiments Bombey Sappers Regiments Numbered I onwards Numbered 51 onwards Numbered 101 onwords NATHULA CLASH – 1967

55 Engineer Regiment was the Divisional Engineers with17 Mountain Division in 1967-70. 70 Field Company under Major SS Cheema was in support of the Brigade at Nathu La. Chinese adventurism and incursion around the pass exacerbated our troops. To arrest and deal with this it was decided that a barbed wire fence be erected to the North and South forward of the Nehru Stambh at Nathu La. A mere 35 feet separated the Indian and Chinese defenses in that area. On 11th September the task commenced with stiff opposition by the Chinese and bayonet jostling and threats to our troops. Unmindful of the tense scene all around them, Sappers of 70 Field Company with composure and 'Dhridta', kept hammering in the pickets and stringing out the barbed wire. This nonchalance to the Chinese threats, objection and warning provoked them to suddenly retreat to their trenches and after a lull bring down unexpected and indiscriminate machine gun fire, the situation was effectively and decisively dealt with by 2 . The infantry battalion tasked for the protection of the Sappers. 70 Field Company caught in the open lost six men, who steadfastly and with valour were on the job. Lance Naik Karnail Singh, who displayed rare 'Shoorvirta' was posthumously decorated with a Sena Medal. Major SS Cheema and Lance Naik Pritam Singh received Mention in Dispatches for their steely 'Dhridta'.

World historians have recorded this short but blood encounter as a decisive victory for the Indian Army. The fence was completed and remains in place to this day. P.S (A movie “Paltan” vividly and motivatingly captures the brave events of 70 Field Company and 2 GRENADIERS and was released in 2018). INDO-PAK WAR 1971 - THE SAPPERS WAR

The war in East Pakistan for the liberation of was a short, sharp, swift war, a war of mobility, a war across obstacles, Regiments of “God's Own” were literally everywhere, spearheading the offensive through a riverine country that sliced through the and brought it to its kness in just 13 days. With antiquated equipment like the World War II vintage Bailey and Folding Boat Equipment bridges, Sommerfeld and Pierced Steel Plank (PSP) tracks and a generous quantity of duckboards, the Sappers' ingenuity, improvisation and engineering skills were fully challenged. “God's Own” Dhridta, Shoorvirta and Ilam saw every Regiment successfully carry the offensive to it's goal. The 'Sappers War' began well before 3 December 1971 and carried on well after the surrender of the Pakistan Army at Dacca on 16 December. Upwards of 90,000 all ranks of the Pakistan Army laid down their arms and became prisoners of war.

“God's Own” Regiments in the Liberation of Bangladesh

51 Engineer Regiment 52 Engineer Regiment 58 Engineer Regiment 59 Engineer Regiment 62 Engineer Regiment 63 Engineer Regiment 234 Engineer Regiment 235 Engineer Regiment Eastern Theatre

51 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col K K Malhotra

51 Engineer Regiment supported the operations of 9 Mountain Brigade and successfully ensured the capture of Bhurangamari and thence on to Kurigram. Tracks were strengthened to carry forward the offensive and thousands of mines laid to defend the newly occupied positions.

52 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col JS Makkar

Supporting the offensive of 66 Mountain Brigade, the Regiment bridged the river Jamuna (Brahmaputra) with a Folding Boat Equipment Bridge, improved, constructed and cleared the track Phulbari – Charkai which was damaged and mined. Major LC Idnani fought heavy odds and toiled relentlessly to get the troops to their objective and was awarded the .

The Regiment constructed and operated a Class 9 ferry at Kanchanduha and a Class 9 bridge over the River Kartoya. The RCC Bridge at Gobindganj was demolished and Makkar's boys launched a Bailey Bridge using the available equipment and salvaged parts from a demolished Pakistan Bailey Bridge. Ingenuity, tenacity and improvisation saw the Commanding Officer decorated with a VSM and the Regiment receive the Theatre Honour – East Pakistan 1971.

58 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col CB Ramesh

The Regiment was in support of 4 Mountain Division offensive to secure ferry sites on the River Madhumati : a 190 feet Class 40 Kruppman Bridge was constructed at Khalispur. This is only the second operationally launched Kruppman in the annals of Indian military history. While the bridge was a routine operation, the approaches were in unnerving nightmare. Track material sank in the quagmire and Sapper initiative and ingenuity came to the fore. Dumping of truckloads of brickbats from a nearby kiln tamed the slush.

Bailey Bridge constructed by 52 Engineer Regiment during 1971 in Bangladesh Madhumati Bridge A moment of glory and history for the Bengal Sappers was the launching of a composite 1384 feet Bailey Pontoon and Folding Boat Equipment Bridge across the swift Madhumati River. This was the largest operational bridge, besting the Grub Bridge of World War II tresting – both feats of “God's Own” ingenuity and determination. Under Lieutenant Colonel CB Ramesh, the Bridge Commander, 58 and 63 Engineer Regiments toiled continuously for 34 hours to bridge the wide swift flowing Madhumati. 58 and 63 Engineer Regiments were awarded the Theatre Honour – East Pakistan 1971 – for this unparalleled feat of military engineering.

59 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col BC Pathak The Regiment supported 95 Mountain Brigade in the capture of Jamalpur and subsequent build up across the mighty Brahmaputra. After strengthening the bridge on the Sela-Badarpur road for moving medium guns, Pathak's men were confronted with the swiftly flowing Brahmaputra. The gap was more than 1,100 feet but the FBE Bridge stores held were a mere 300 feet. Undaunted by the situation, the Regiment quickly constructed four Class 9 FBE rafts and two class 5 tracked rafts – all WW II vintage equipment. With Sapper brawn, sweat and toil the Regiment manually ferried across 136 vehicles in just one night. The near impossible was achieved and 59 Engineer Regiment was awarded the Theatre Honour – East Pakistan 1971. Major Surinder Vatsa, Vir Chakra (Posthumous) Commanding 94 Field Company, Major Vatsa accompanied a column of 1 in an ambush on 13 November 1971 near Kamalpur on the Mahenderganj – Bakshiganj Axis. Unaware of the ambush, the enemy walked in and started deploying its mortars and when trapped opened heavy retaliatory fire. Major Vatsa quickly improvised a charge using anti tank mines, and leading his Sapper section he charged to the mortars and detonated the anti tank mines using a safety fuse and primer. Three out of the four mortars were completely destroyed. When rushing to destroy the fourth mortar, he caught an LMG burst but still managed to drop a grenade into the barrel, destroying it before succumbing to the hail of bullets. For this act of supreme bravery Major Surinder Vatsa was posthumously decorated with the Vir Chakra. A true, blue-blooded Bengal Sapper.

Major S Vatsa, VrC (Posthumous) 62 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col SS Khurana The Regiment was grouped with the assaulting brigades of 23 Mountain Division in its advance to and capture of Chandpur. Providing intimate support, the field companies cleared hundreds of nuisance mines along the axes of advance, constructed bypasses through forests full of pits, demolished bunkers and trenches; and launched a number of bridges, on the march, to ensure full mobility in the Division's advance and capture of its objectives. After the surrender, the Regiment busied itself with a plethora of rehabilitation tasks in Mynamati ranging from clearance of mines to restoration of electricity and water, construction of bridges and the clearance of blocked water channels. For its sterling role in these operations, the Regiment was awarded Theatre Honour – East Pakistan 1971.

Folding Boat Equipment Bridge at Kantanagar Bailey Bridge at Gobindganj 63 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col SS Bhatia Being the integral Engineer Regiment of 4 Mountain Division, the Regiment provided close engineer support to the brigades in their advance to secure ferry sites on the Madhumati and Padma Rivers. The advance over dirt tracks tested the trail blazing skill of the Regiment. The soft quagmire was a challenge to “God's Own” Sappers and their ingenuity overcame the test. The heaving soil gobbled up duckboards and only manual leveling and relevelling worked as every twenty vehicles passed by. An abandoned road roller of the enemy was kick started and put into operation to speed up the advancing columns. Many nuisance mines were encountered and many a sapper had a close encounter. The Regiment was part of the Task Force that strung together the famous Madhumati Bridge. After the Surrender, the Regiment replaced many a bridge with captured equipment and retrieved our own for future use. Multifarious tasks for rehabilitation of the war-ravaged country kept the men fully occupied till de- induction on 9th March 1972. For a job well done the Regiment won the Theatre Honour – East Pakistan 1971.

Task accomplished - proud Sappewrs with the GOC Maj Gen Brar 234 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col SK Sarkar Sappering in support of 57 Mountain Division, the Regiment opened up the Axis Kasba – Brahmanbaria, clearing mines, constructing diversions, launching Bailey Bridges and operating ferries. Retrieving some captured motor launches on the river Meghna, the Regiment moved six medium guns with crew and support vehicles full 50 nautical miles in one Class 9 and three Class 18 rafts pushed by the launches. The Surrender saw the Regiment deploy for rehabilitation of Dacca Air Field and clearing hordes of mines around Dacca and till their de- induction in March 1972. 235 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col RR Malik Under command 202 Mountain Brigade, Rati Ram Malik's boys provided intimate support for the capture of Hilli which witnessed one of the fiercest battles in the 1971 War. The Regiment distinguished itself in an infantry role holding defences South of Hilli, laying and recovering mines, launching a 150 feet Class 40 Kruppman Bridge in just 45 minutes and improving the long line of communication with a number of Bailey Bridges and another 280 feet Class 40 Kruppman Bridge over River Kartoya. The Battle of Hilli commenced on the night 23/24 November 1971 and Hilli was finally captured on 10 December. About 250 mines were recovered under enemy shelling and fire. The Commanding Officer Lt Col Malik personally helped in the recovery of one of our tanks stranded in the enemy mine field and was Mentioned-in- Despatches for his brave act. The war for the liberation of Bangladesh is a tribute to the 'trail blazing' skills of “God's Own”. It was a war of mobility, a war of improvisation and ingenuity using obsolete World War II equipment. The Bengal Sappers famous for their “Dhirdta, Shoorvirta and Ilam” covered themselves with glory as the 'Trail Blazers of the Indian Army'.

The Silver Garuda This beautiful trophy was presented by 8th Battalion, the Brigade of Guards, to 235 Engineer Regiment in appreciation of their close and intimate support during 1971 operations in Bangladesh. 235 Engineer Regiment thoughtfully further presented this Trophy to the Bengal Sappers Officers' Mess at the Bengal Sappers Group Day and Reunion in 1972.

The Bogra War Memorial at Binnaguri The Western Theatre

“God's Own” Regiments in the Western Theatre 55 Engineer Regiment 56 Engineer Regiment 57 Engineer Regiment 61 Engineer Regiment 237 Engineer Regiment

55 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col Raj Kumar As in 1965, the Regiment once again fought in the – Sector as the integral Engineer Regiment of 15 Infantry Division. In the preparatory stage, the Regiment laid around 15,000 mines and readied 49 bridges for reserve demolition. On 5th December a mine laying party under Havildar Mani Ram laid a protective minefield around a screen position. Unmindful of enemy fire and with total disregard to their own safety, the task was completed but at the cost of the whole party succumbing to exploding shells but for one sole survivor, Sapper Madan Singh – who continued till the deed was done. Havildar Mani Ram was posthumously decorated with the Sena Medal for utmost devotion to duty, personal courage and leadership of a high order. The high point of the support provided by the Regiment was the demolition of the Dera Baba Nanak road-cum-rail bridge captured by 86 Infantry Brigade on 5/6 December. Before cessation of hostilities, the Regiment was ordered to demolish this imposing bridge on night 16/17 December under cover of darkness. By 0515 hours on 17 December the last pound of explosive was in place and five minutes later the gigantic structure was demolished. Major (later Major General) Mohan Singh recalls : “…there was a mighty explosion and the earth shook. The enemy woke up and the shelling intensified… The demolition was a success. The Dera Baba Nanak Bridge- The 1st Span cut and the Gang Hut completely span had fallen into the river. All bunkers upto 300 yards on either side had collapsed… All trees within 50 yards radius had lost their leaves and there was smoke and dust all over for hours…” demolished 60 Engineer Regiment –Lt Col Karamjit Singh The defence of Fazilka, Abohar and Ganganagar was assigned to Foxtrot Sector and 60 Engineer Regiment Commanding Officer, Lt Col Karamjit Singh was nominated the Commander Engineers to GOC Foxtrot Sector. From August 1971 the Regiment laid around 12,000 mines in defence of Abohar and Fazilka, constructed four Extra Wide Bailey Bridges across the Gang Canal and distributaries in the area of Sadhuwala and Ganganagar and also prepared 11 bridges for reserve demolition over the Sabuna Distributory. On 3 December the enemy brushed aside the forward posts held by the BSF and the battalion on the Sabuna was attacked in strength supported by armour. To prevent the capture of Fazilka, all the bridges over the Sabuna were demolished except the Beriwala Bridge A Bridge demolished in Fazilka Sector which fell to the enemy. Fazilka was saved and the Pakistanis (901 RCC District Road) contained around Beriwala.

56 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col ML Yadav

Being the integral engineer element of 12 Infantry Division, the Regiment carried out track construction under cover of darkness towards the border in preparation for a divisional offensive to capture areas in Sakhirewala Khu – Rahimyar Khan – Sadiqabad. 500 three- ton vehicle loads of engineer stores were built up at Ranao and many water points established forward in the desert terrain of Jaisalmer. Cement soil stabilization was executed to establish two advance landing grounds at Kishangarh and Ranao.

On 4 December, the Division commenced its offensive and captured Sakhirewala Khu and Islamgarh. The Regiment immediately got on to Lt Col YP Khurana and Lt Col ML Yadav on extending the tracks into enemy territory. A counter attack by Pakistan a destroyed T-59 Tank in into Longewala forced the Division to halt its offensive and deal with the ingress. Extensive minefields were laid and the tracks constructed earlier helped the Division get its fighting echelons into place post haste. The Sappers worked relentlessly for 4 days without a break and laid out tracks in the soft desert despite all travails. Twelve enemy ammunition dumps were destroyed, eight defensive minefields covering a frontage of 7,000 yards laid and the enemy offensive contained and decimated. 57 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col RK Singh

Deployed in the Barmer Sector, the Regiment supported 11 Infantry Division undertake offensive operations to capture area Khokhropar and Gadra City and develop a threat towards Naya Chor. As the integral Engineer Regiment, it laid out extensive duckboard tracks, established water points and engineer stores dumps well forward, laid water pipelines and also planned the operation of military trains to carry water and other stores forward of ; over the abandoned rail link with Khokhropar in Pakistan. All works were executed at night and camouflaged by the Sappers before first light.

The operations commenced at 1830 hours on 4 December and Khokhropar captured by the morning. The railway line was in good shape and was quickly restored by laying tracks at three breaches near Khokhropar. Water and stores were rushed ahead by rail operated by Northern Railway personnel. The “Golden Katar” train was a boon. It augmented the gigantic track construction carried out by the Regiment, which laid out 63 kilometers of duckboard track in record time by establishing multiple start points. In all the Regiment constructed 70 Kilometres of duckboard track ; handled 500 wagon loads and 1,500 three ton vehicle loads. Ten kilometers of railway line was restored and water supplied against heavy odds. The Regiment received the Theatre Honour – Sind 1971. Its personnel covered themselves with glory. 2/Lt PS Cheema who was killed in an anti tank mine blast at Parbat Ali was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his brave and gallant deeds; two Sena Medals were also earned and Lieutenant Colonel RK Singh the Commanding Officer, received the Vishist Seva Medal. Major BK Nautiyal, OIC Duck Board alignment party at the deserted Khokhropar Railway Station on the morning of 5 Dec 71 soon after its capture. Major Bhalla, OC 78 Field Company with the leading bridge is to his right Jeep Train

During the 1971 War when guns and 'F' echelon vehicles of 11 Infantry Division got bogged down in sand and further advance was badly hampered, 57 Engineer Regiment came out with the innovative, 'JEEP TRAIN' which could run on and off the track with a pulling capacity of 9 Tons on the track at about 15 Km per hour. A metre gauge railway line had existed in Sind desert from Barmer to Hyderabad (Sind) since the pre-partition times. This line was dismantled and blocked at several places by Pakistan after the 1965 War to disrupt advance of Indian Forces. 57 Engineer Regiment, with help from the Northern Railways, restored the rail line up to Khokhropar by 6 December 1971 and a train rolled into Khokhropar on 7 December. These modified jeeps were provided with four steel wheels, which could be inter changed with normal tyres of jeeps and the process took about 20 minutes. It was soon evident that because of their ability of running on and off the track, these jeeps were an asset for track reconnaissance. By 7 December, blockage removal work had reached Visarbh station in Pakistan, 16 Km ahead of Khokhropar and on night 10/11 December for the first time a 6.5 ton rail wagon full of water was rushed by Jeep train to Visarbh for the near dehydrated troops of 11 Sikh LI. The “Jeep train”, employed for the first time after World War II, was of great help in maintaining momentum of the attack. After the battle of PARBAT ALI, the Commanding Officer Lt Col RK Singh, with the assaulting Battalion Commander. The minefield extends from the left to the right in the background

During the 1971 Operations, 2/Lt PS Cheema, was given the task of clearing a safe lane in an enemy minefield at Parbat Ali. During the operation he sustained injuries due to enemy shelling. Unmindful of his wounds, this young Bengal Sapper resolutely continued and cleared the safe lane against heavy odds. He made the supreme sacrifice during the operation, exemplifying true soldierly grit and determination. For this action of exemplary valour and courage, 2/Lt PS Cheema was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously. 61 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col YV Joshi

Before commencement of hostilities, the integral Engineer Regiment of 10 Infantry Division, 61 Engineer Regiment was busy laying a total of 33,000 mines, strengthening defences, constructing operational tracks and ferrying armour across the wide swift Chenab River at night on Class 40 Extra Widened Bailey Pontoon Rafts. This was a formidable task under any situation, worse in war conditions. Capt SK Sil who skillfully executed the task and laid down his life later, was posthumously decorated with a Sena Medal.

When the enemy launched a pre-emptive thrust on 3 December, the Regiment held defences in an infantry role. On the night 6/7 December, with intense battle raging all around and Pakistan armour poised for a break towards Akhnur, the Regiment successfully demolished the Mandiala Bridge, creating a gap of 400 feet. Soon after, our forces withdrew from areas forward of the Munnawar Tawi River. Lt Col YV Joshi has this to say : “One can only marvel at the courage and initiative of (Captain) Dasgupta and at the risk taken by (Major) Nanda (5/8 Gorkha Rifles). No formal orders for the demolition were received in the fog of war. Without this demolition, I wonder whether the Division would have been able to halt enemy penetration at the Munnawar Tawi.”

Taking up fresh defences on the Munnawar Tawi the Regiment pitched in, laying 20,000 mines under intense artillery fire and interference by enemy patrols, took part in the assault on Sangam post laying a protective mine belt immediately on its capture and covered itself in glory, with the Theatre Honour –Jammu and Kashmir 1971.

237 Engineer Regiment – Lt Col SS Virdi

Placed in support of 87 Infanty Brigade for the advance into Shakargarh, the Regiment launched a multitude of bridges before the outbreak of hostilities. When the advance commenced, the Regiment constructed hybrid bridges, cobbling together all available equipment which included M4T6 parts, Bailey equipment and a number of improvised expedients. The Regiment also extended an advance landing ground at Madhopur. The excellent, innovative and sustained engineer support won for the Regiment awards in the form of the Vishisht Sewa Medal for Subedar Bishan Singh; Lieutenant Colonel SS Virdi and Major JK Nagpal were Mentioned-in-Despatches. “God’s Own” in 1987-88 ‘OP PAWAN’

Sixteen years of tranquility, followed the 1971 conflict. The Bengal Sappers trained hard, remained alert, fought insurgents and participated in a plethora of nation building activites; but strife was brewing in the country's neighbourhood. The signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord on 29 July 1987 saw the induction of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). 'Peace' was a misnomer and soon battle conditions returned – it was the IPKF versus the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE), who fled to the forests and started a guerilla war. As the insurgency gathered momentum, “God's Own” units landed in Sri Lanka. 51 Engineer Regiment

Inducted into Sri Lanka during the later part of October 1987, the Regiment formed part of 416 Engineer Brigade. It immediately got down to repair the Kankesanturai jetty for restoration of sea lines. Working round the clock, the jetty was made operational with ingenuity and initiative in 72 hours flat. The Regiment also energized 27 sub stations in Jaffna Peninsula, restoring 33 KV and 11 KV grids. Water supply to the town was restored, partial reconstruction of the 100 bed Jaffna General Hospital, repairs to public buildings, Jaffna Railway Station and railway lines were some of the highlights. Apart from these engineering tasks, the Regiment excelled

Repairing vital infrastructure Top left: Jaffna Railway Station back in Operation. Bottom : Repairing Kankesanturai Jetty for restoration of sea services in clearance of mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted all over by the LTTE, in cordon and search operations, lagoon patrolling using fibre glass boats fitted with light machine guns and a host of Sapper tasks. Improvisation was always a Sapper's strength and the Regiment earned laurels for the design and fabrication of an ambush defeating vehicle with Claymore mines mounted on it externally. Covering itself with glory, the Regiment in the best tradition of “God's Own” won three Yudh Seva Medals (Colonel RR Oberoi, Major G Banerjee and Subedar Major Iqbal Singh), one Mention-in-Despatches and six Chief of Army Staff's Commendations. 53 Engineer Regiment 376 and 377 Field Companies of 53 Engineer Regiment landed in Trincomalee in February 1988 as part of 167 Infantry Brigade. Even before stepping inland, 377 Field Company personnel were pressed into operating the dockside cranes to unload the Brigade vehicles from the ships right through the night. The Companies earned the appreciation and respect of the Brigade, participating in restoration works, road widening tasks, patrolling the lagoons to prevent illicit activities by the LTTE, manning checkpoints at Mannar Causeway, taking part in cordon and search operations and most taxing of all, detecting and defusing the IEDs laid by the LTTE, which popped up at the most unlikely places.

Improvisation & counter improvisation Top right : LTTE IEDs and an LTTE Catapult Bottom left : An improvised fibre glass boat fitted with LMG for lagoon patrolling. Bottom right : Ambush defeating vehicle with Claymore mine thrower 418 (Independent) Field Company Pulled out from its bridging training camp, the company landed on the shores of Sri Lanka in December 1987. The New Year saw it operating in close support of 55 (I) Infantry Brigade in the Muthur-Verugal Sector. It successfully participated in all operations of the Brigade – clearing mines, neutralizing IEDs and booby traps. The construction of a Class 18 Heavy Assault Floating Bridge across Verugal River to re-establish the road link between Muthur and Batticaloa, in spite o the crocodile infested waters, was the highpoint of the excellent Sapper support Restoring railway lines provided by this “God's Own” Field Company. Today, the Company proudly flaunts its coveted war trophy – Boat it captured from the LTTE Sea Tigers in a daring action. Major SM Abhyankar was awarded the for the excellent, innovative and sustained engineer support provided by 418 (I) Field Company. As always, the Bengal Sappers everywhere and everytime convinced one and all why they are for ever – “God's Own”.

“God’s Own” restoring God’s abode

Providing succour - Restoring Jaffna General Hospital back to use A captured LTTE Flag Sarvatra! 04 May 1987 is a red letter day in the history of the Bengal Sappers. On this day 55 Engineer Regiment was Laying a kerosene pipeline in the highest battlefield on earth. nominated as SIACHEN ENGINEER REGIMENT, a “God's Own” in Siachen (OP Meghdoot). specialist unit first of its kind in the Corps. Another 'feather' for the Bengal Sappers! Kargil Operations – 1999 (OP VIJAY) The back door intrusion by Pakistan in April 1999 within the Kargil Sector leading to domination of the Srinagar – Leh highway was successfully defeated by the Indian Army in an intense war that started in May and ended in July 1999. 51, 54, 235 and 236 Engineer Regiments were rushed in from peace time locations to contribute to the war effort. 51 Engineer Regiment supported 10 Infantry Division thwarting the Pakistan Army from trying anything adventurous. Laying mines, operating ferries, building bridges and defusing mines and IEDs planted by the enemy were the highlights of the Regiment's tasks often in the face of enemy fire, under very trying and adverse conditions. In the Kargil Sector, 54 and 235 Engineer Regiments worked round the clock constructing mule tracks, helipads, field fortifications, shelters and reconstruction works in civil areas destroyed by enemy shelling and bombardment. 69 Field Company ex 54 Engineer Cutting tracks in hospitable terrain Regiment cleared a heavily mined area through which a mule track was blasted. The Company located and destroyed a large number of anti-personnel mines, Claymore mines, grenades and booby traps. They were often the target of heavy enemy shelling. Sapper Hari Singh died due to splinter wounds and Lieutenant was also wounded seriously. But, undeterred by these causalties, the Field Company stuck to their task and in 40 days blazed a 27 kilometers track in inhospitable mountainous terrain at altitudes ranging from 12,000 to 14,000 feet. “God's Own” delivered the goods with Dhridta and Shoorvirta. Construction of living accommodation for all ranks at Pandoh, Palchan, Marhi, Koksar, Patsio and Pang was entrusted to 236 Engineer Regiment; which was rushed in from the deserts, while in the thick of their own formation exercise. Though away from the war zone, the Regiment soon acclimatized and worked 10 to 19 hours daily at high altitudes and put their heart and soul into the tasks. Roads, mule tracks and a Class 9 track were all constructed in record time with finesse and firm belief that nothing is impossible. The Regiment earned fame, performing their duty with excellence, and are the proud recipients Constructing shelters at 14000 ft. of the Army Commander's Citation for OP VIJAY. OVERSEAS SEWA – A WORLD-WIDESCAPE OF GOD'S OWN

Be it on homeland or overseas, in war and in peace, “God's Own” has always held aloft its standards of excellence world wide. Rendering 'Sewa' – Service with the United Nations and in other foreign missions, the Bengal Sapper has won accolades for his steadfastness and determination to get the job done.

Korea 1953

After having seen action around the world in the pre-Independence era, Sappers of “God's Own” once again sailed overseas, to Korea, on 4 September 1953. A platoon ex 74 Field Company under Captain PR Rai formed part of the United Nations Custodian Force to police the Demilitarized Zone running along the 38th Parallel. The platoon cleared the area of a multitude of mines, booby traps, unexploded ordnance and other explosives. This area was christened 'Hindnagar'. They maintained rusty water pipelines, operated generators, constructed sports fields and pavilions in the Prisoner of War enclosures and on Diwali night, turned 'Hindnagar' into a tinsel town. The platoon returned home in February 1954. A view of Korean PW Camp, 1953 Nepal 1953

A special task force comprising 3 and 369 Field Companies, 6 Engineer Construction Company, 769 Engineer Plant Platoon and 865 Engineer Works Section – all of “God's Own” – embarked on construction of a 79 mile road to Kathmandu passing through Bhaise Doban at an altitude of 8,000 ft and winding over many hills and valleys. To speed up work, General Cariappa, the Commander-in-Chief asked whether the dozers could be taken across the mountain ranges and construction of the road tackled from both ends. Nothing is impossible for the Bengal Sapper. The spirit of 'Chak De' saw the dismantled behemoths hauled over bridle paths and sure enough, the D-7 dozers were reassembled and ready in two weeks to cut the road from the finish point. The jeepable road was formally inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen of Nepal on 11 December 1953, almost a year ahead of schedule. The Bengal Sapper had delivered – yet again!

Cambodia 1992

After decades of war and strife that saw more than a million deaths, the United Nations stepped in to broker peace in Cambodia. The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) was put in place. Captain Rakesh Rana and five Havidars from the Bengal Sappers were part of the Mine Clearing Training Unit (MCTU) at HQ UNTAC. The MCTU trained and supervised Cambodians in ridding the country of mines - a forbidding task. It was a unique experience and Havildar Ram Rakha wrote thus : “Our one year in Cambodia was a really momentous occasion. We observed a change in lives of people from a perpetual state of fear and uncertainty to one of peace and confidence. We saw how the determination of the world community can help bring peace and happiness in a country....”

Angola 1996

386 Field Company ex 236 Engineer Regiment alongwith a troop of trawls ex 64 Engineer Regiment did yeoman duty with the United Nation Angola Verification Mission III (UNAVEM III) from August 1996 till deinducted in April 1997. The Company carved a niche in the hearts of the Angolans, diligently repairing roads, launching bridges, constructing tracks, restoring and maintaining water and electricity supply, clearing mines, building playfields and prefab accommodation. The UN Force Commander, Major General PV Sibando had the following words of praise for this flag bearing unit of the Bengal Sappers: “I wish to officially place on record my profound gratitude and sincere appreciation to the officers and men of 386 Field Company for the outstanding contribution and the special role you played towards bringing lasting peace to Angola. I commend the manner in which your company performed, given the difficult social condition and the dangerous political and military environment in which you operated.... .”

The Governor of the Provincial Government wrote of the company thus: “The Indians always helped the locals with their engineering experience and earthwork machines. They maintained a positive attitude and organized cultural exchanges.... thus fortifying the friendship between India and Angola ... .”

Somalia 1993

To render aid to famine struck Somalia, 176 Field Company of 235 Engineer Regiment went overseas to form a part of the United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). The Field Company was there from August 1993 till December 1994, bringing succour to the starving population. They repaired and cleared roads, established lines of communication in the barren interiors and dug a large number of wells. The locals took to them, endearingly, treating them like apostles of life and hope. Other Missions

Personnel of the Bengal Sappers have been part of every contingent to the icy Antarctica for constructing the Indian Research Station 'Dakshin Gangotri' and the permanent station – 'Maitri'. Many Bengal Sapper Officers have served with distinction on UN Mission HQs and on the UN staff and in various military training institutes in friendly countries. Pioneer amongst them is Major SS Chachhi (later Major General) who helped establish the Haile Selassie Military Academy in Ethiopia as instructor, architect and engineer. His excellence earned him the Sena Medal and Emperor Haile Selassie conferred on him 'Chevalier of the Star of Ethiopia'.

The Bengal Sapper, imbued with the spirit of “Ekta-Sewa-Ilam- Dhridta-Shoorvirta” has been a shining ambassador of the Indian Army in every mission overseas – truly a “God's Own Sapper”, a Universal Soldier.

A Windmill at Maitri

B r i g a d i e r Y o g i S a x e n a , D e p u t y F o r c e Commander, UNAVEMIII with HE Mr Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General and Mrs Annan in Angola.March 1997 “GOD'S OWN” IN NATION BUILDING

The contributions and deeds of the Bengal Sappers in the annals of Indian military history could fill the pages of a book. In every crisis situation that has confronted India, the Bengal Sappers have pitched in and done just what is required to restore normalcy. The unsung heroes are many and the acts of bravery and sacrifice too numerous to recount. Speed in rendering aid to the unfortunates and efficiency in executing tasks has been the hallmark in every situation that has confronted them in aid of the civil authorities. The slogan is : “When all else fails, call in the Bengal Sappers”.

Water for the Thirsty Populace Restoration Works Flood Relief Floods are almost an annual ritual in our country. The Bengal Sappers have done yeoman service in the crisis situations caused by the rampaging Indian Monsoon in almost every Indian State North of the Vindhyas from Gujarat to . One of the worst cases is the unprecedented floods that swept through the Punjab in 1993. The situation required the combined efforts of 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 234 and 236 Engineer Regiments to speedily restore normalcy. A typical scenario was the operation of his dozer, by Sapper Rakesh Kumar of 234 Engineer Regiment, non-stop for all of 60 hours. He constructed a bund around the town of Fatehabad and saved it from the fury of the rushing waters. At Munshiwala village people were cautioned and in one deafening blast a bund was blow away. The breach soon widened and the flood waters were released. A town was saved by the speedy action, by the 'Chak De' spirit of the Bengal Sappers. Earthquakes

Even as the Bengal Sappers contingent was making its way to the President's Dias on on 26 January 2001, an awesome earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale, shook Gujarat, causing widespread havoc and loss of thousands of lives.

237 Engineer Regiments at Jodhpur was moved in hours to the worst affected town of Anjar. It's plant and equipment were airlifted. Ten thousand people of Anjar were dead and buried out of a population of 80,000. The city was in shambles and hardly a building stood erect. On that fateful morning, 400 children who were marching in procession to celebrate Republic Day through the narrow streets of Old Anjar were buried under the rubble of collapsed buildings. The Regiment immediately went about rescuing the buried. The last survivor to be rescued alive was Mrs Mangala Behn, full 120 hours after the quake. Many damaged building were demolished as they were leaning precariously. Other tottering structures and edifies were simply pulled down and dozed away. The pace was frenetic and the action round the clock. Building being demolished Mangalam Towers

The other severely hit area was Bhuj. To its rescue, 54 Engineer Regiment was flown in from Bhatinda. Search and rescue operations were launched in full swing right from the airfield. The 'Chak De' Regiment 'Just did it' – rescuing people and recovering scores of bodies. They also helped retrieve crores of rupees from the strong rooms of the Kutch Gramin Bank and the Union Bank of India. Clearing debris Searching for survivors The Bengal Sappers won the confidence of the local population. Their dedication and 'never say die' spirit earned plaudits from the State Governments and the critical press. “God's Own” had delivered once again when the chips were down and the ground quaked! Restoration

All disruptions bring in their wake a need to restore normalcy in the quickest possible time. The instances are so numerous that one cannot recount them all. Only a few very significant ones are sought to be mentioned here.

A span of a bridge on the strategic National Highway from Delhi to caved in near Dholpur in 1973. Rushing in 282 Field Company ex 63 Engineer Regiment came and operated a ferry for three months while a floating pontoon bridge was being put in place by 55 Engineer Regiment operating an oil nstallation in the civil administration. The traffic moved uninterrupted on this busiest of highways, as Duliajan during the strike in Jan 1983 the Sappers operated the ferry round the clock.

In, 1979 during the Assam oil blockade, 234 Engineer Regiment defeated the designs of the agitators and restored the flow. Lieutenant Colonel Raghunandan Rai, the Commanding Officer, was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for his outstanding leadership.

Then again in January 1983, when the Assam agitation was at its peak, 55 Engineer Regiment was called in to ensure that oil production and pumping operations continued, when militant elements forced engineers and all to stay away from work. Oil collecting stations were abandoned all over North Assam and oil ceased to flow from the oilfields of Duliajan, Digboi, Kathalguri and Moran. The situation was critical. With no prior experience in this field, the Regiment stepped into the oil installations and restored production overnight. The oil flow resumed with little loss of time and production was increased to its optimum. The strike at Oil India collapsed in 20 days. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel SK Nathan was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal, Capt GM Sharma the Sena Medal, eight others received Chief's Commendations and seven the GOC-in-C's. A national calamity was averted by the ingenuity of “God's Own” Sappers.

A raging cyclonic storm hit Gujarat on 9 June 1998 causing heavy damage to Bhuj, Jamnagar and adjoining areas. 418 Independent Field Company moved in and carried out immediate rehabilitation and restoration works in the Bhuj military installations. Working on a war footing, water supply was restored in the garrison speedily. Sacrificing their own comfort and safety, the Bengal Sappers brought immediate relief and succour to their distressed comrades.

Internal Security

Insurgency sprang up in the Punjab countryside post . The army was deployed all over. The Sappers had their hands full dealing with a plethora of explosive devices planted in the busiest of places, patrolling vast areas, carrying out road opening tasks and on cordon and search duties.

A typical encounter was experienced by 52 Engineer Regiment while deployed in the Punjab in 1992-93. On 20 July 1993 the Regiment had their hour of glory when four hardcore militants were killed, two of them being self-styled Lieutenant Generals. In the operation carried out by a force on cordon and search, Lance Naik Dhian Singh made the supreme sacrifice while exhibiting unflinching devotion to duty. He was posthumously decorated with the and Major KS Rao was awarded the Sena Medal for bravery of a high order. Nuclear Blasts at Pokhran

India stunned the world with its underground nuclear blast at Pokhran on 18 May 1974. Utmost secrecy was maintained and all the sophisticated surveillance of the Western world was deceived. Credit for this goes to 61 Engineer Regiment who carried out all engineering tasks at the test site; with nary a soul getting wind of what was afoot. Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) PP Subherwal, the Commanding Officer, was the proud recipient of the for a job Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel PP Subherwal (Centre) with Prime Minister excellently executed. Shrimati Indira Gandhi and others at the Pokhran Nuclear Explosion Site

Prime Minister Shrimati Indira Gandhi with Shri KC Pant (right) and Shri HN Sethna (left) at the site

History was enacted once again when 24 years later on 11 May 1999, India exhibited to the world its nuclear capability with a series of successful nuclear explosions at Pokhran. Once again, round the year, round the clock global surveillance by the West was beaten and the blasts took the world by surprise. Yet again a Bengal Sapper Regiment – 58 – had done the well nigh impossible. Besides site engineering, the Regiment was also responsible for full security of the test site. The high standard of camouflage, deception measures and concealment of activities put in place by the Regiment ensured utmost secrecy. The performance of the Regiment was personally commended by the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the Regiment was the first among “God's Own” to receive the Chief of Army Staffs Unit Citation. Colonel GT Kaushik, Commanding Officer, 58 Engineer Regiment and Brigadier KS Randhawa (also a Bengal Sapper) were awarded Vishisht Seva Medals for an extraordinary feat.

Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee congratulating the Commanding Officer The Top Brass !

A memento to commemorate the occasion IX Asian Games

52 Engineer Regiment laid out, erected and prepared the course for the Rowing events of the IX Asian Games conducted at Ramgarh Lake in Jaipur. It was a challenge and required engineering skill, improvisation and ingenuity. The Regiment produced an international standard rowing course that was commended by the Minister of State for Defence Shri KP Singh Deo.

Rasthriya Rifles

To tackle the mounting insurgency in Kashmir, a special force designated “” was raised in 1987. The Bengal Sappers contribute a platoon each to the battalions of this force and also provide three companies each to 3 and 39 Rashtriya Rifles. The Sapper platoons carry out all the combat engineering tasks of the battalion – dealing with improvised explosive devices, mines, field engineering, in road opening tasks – and also in the infantry roles of cordon and search, patrolling and encounters against the militants. Major PH Reddy SM and Bar Major PH Reddy had done us proud winning a Sena Medal and Bar while on deputation with 9 Rashtriya Rifles. Excerpts from one of his citations reads thus : “… while leading a search party into the cowshed of a house Major PH Reddy and his buddy Naik Pyara Singh were fired upon by terrorists wherein Naik Pyara Singh sustained a gunshot wound. Exhibiting quick reflexes Major PH Reddy pulled his buddy aside and engaged both the terrorists face to face and killed one terrorist instantly. Panic stricken, the second terrorist jumped out of the window, firing indiscriminately in an attempt to escape. Unmindful of flying bullets. Major PH Reddy chased the terrorist and killed him in a hand to hand duel…”.

Such brave and bold actions by the Bengal Sappers are many while with the Rashtriya Rifles, making us all proud. Establishment of the Border Roads Organization Major General KN Dubey, a Bengal Sapper, was the first Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). He masterminded the establishment of the BRO for undertaking the strategic task of constructing roads on the remote borders of India. On promotion to Lieutenant General he became the first Sapper officer to hold the appointment of Master General of Ordnance, Indian Army. He had two more firsts to his credit. During General Dubey's visit to Japan he was conferred the rank of Cabinet Minister to enable him to sign contracts in conformity with protocol. He was also the first Sapper to receive the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM).

Major General KN Dubey, first DGBR, with Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Founder Chairman BRDB

Establishment of Central Building Research Institute The first Director of the Central Building Research Institute was Lieutenant General Sir Harold Williams, a Bengal Sapper. He was the second Engineer-in-Chief of Independent India. He was instrumental in the establishment of CBRI at Roorkee and ably guided it in its formative years.

Establishment of Thomson Collage (now IIT, Roorkee) A Bengal Sapper, Lieutenant Robert Maclagan presided over the establishment of the 'Thomson College of Civil Engineering' as its first Principal. Later this college became the University of Roorkee and is presently the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. All Principals of Thomson College were Bengal Sapper officers from inception in 1847 upto 1916.

Aerial view of Lieutenant Thomason College Robert Maclagan Discovery of Hemkund Sahib Havildar Modan Singh of the Bengal Sappers, as a member of a survey team, located the site of 'Taposthan' of the Tenth Guru, Shri Guru Govind Singh from details given in the scriptures, in 1936. Situated at a height of 15,200 feet in the Garhwal Hills, this holy lake (Kund) eluded all efforts in locating it till Havildar Modan Singh discovered it. He laid the foundation of the present day 'Tirthasthan' in 1937 and opened access through Govind Ghat. Today it is one of the most revered Gurdwaras of the Sikhs.

Havildar Modan Singh

Discovery of the Temples of Khajuraho Captain T Burt, a Bengal Sapper, during his 'Shikar' forays in the jungles of Central India discovered the Temples of Khajuraho in 1938. He re-established lost links with our buried heritage. These monumental wonders of Indian Art and Architecture had gone into oblivion under a canopy of thick forests. Today these world famous temples are a must for all tourists in India and visiting India.

Pioneers of Survey in India Major James Rennell a Bengal Sapper, was the First Surveyor General of India from 1767 to 1776. Known as the 'Father of Indian Geography' he crisscrossed the country for 13 years, mapping an area of about 30,000 square miles, stretching from Bengal to Agra and from the Himalayas to Chhotanagpur. His contributions to the Survey of India are unparalleled and his bust occupies an honoured placed in the Westminster Abbey in London.

Major James Rennell First Surveyor General of India Construction of Canal Systems in Northern India The elite “God's Own” Bengal Sappers and Miners commenced the Ganga Canal works in 1842 under Colonel PT Cautley who was appointed Director of the Ganga Canal Project. This Canal, 256 miles in length with 73 miles of subsidiary branches, was opened on 8 April 1854. It exists to this day, irrigating large tracts of land in Western and South Western . Key to all the gates presented Richard Starchy of the Bengal Sappers laid out the Betwa canal in 1855. to the Commandant On its completion in 1885, he laid out a system of canals in Central India, which was completed in 1908. Lieutenant JH Dyas, also of the Bengal Sappers supervised the construction of the 'Bari Doab' Canal, linking the rivers Ravi and Sutlej and irrigating areas around Lahore and Amritsar, between 1851 and 1857. The Sirhind Canal in Punjab was constructed by Lieutenant Colonel HW Gulliver of the Bengal Sappers during the period 1874-1882.

The famed Lion on the Canal at Roorkee

The First Train in India

History credited the first Train in India to Bombay – Thana in 1853. Did you know that the first train plied between Roorkee and Piran Kaliyar in 1851? Colonel PT Cautley mentions in his book “A Report on the Ganges Canal Works” the operation of a steam locomotive with two wagons full of 180-200 tons of earth on the 5 miles track from Roorkee to Piran Kaliyar. At first the wagons were pushed by humans, then driven by horses and finally a steam locomotive arrived from England and was put into operation from December 22, 1851. The steam engine was named “Thomason”, after the then Lieutenant Governor of North West Provinces. A trail blazing effort of the Bengal Sappers!

Full size model of the steam engine ‘Thomason’ at Roorkee Railway Station Winners

Subedar Major Bajrangi Prasad Major KS Jain Naik Hari Dutt Diving, 1962 Squash, 1963 Basketball, 1970

Naib Subedar Lance Naik Jaslal Pradhan Naib Subedar Dalbir Singh Om Praksh Dhull, VSM Boxing, 1983 Rowing, 1992 Basketball, 1981

Major RS Bhanwala Subedar Paramjeet Sharma Naib Subedar SS Walia Rowing, 1995 Weightlifting, 1995 Rowing, 1997 Athletics

As in every battlefield so also on the athletics field, the Bengal Sappers led the way, blazing new tracks and setting the pace. In the forefront were Naik Teja Singh and Lance Naik Bhag Singh who represented India at the 1st Asian Games held in . Naik Teja Singh set a new all India record in the 400 metres hurdles and won a silver medal in the event. At the 2nd Asian Games at Manila, Naik Joginder Singh won the silver medal in the 400 metres sprint and Sapper Sarwan Singh struck 'Gold' for India in the 400 metres hurdles.

At the 3rd Asian Games, Lance Havildar Pan Singh made us all proud by bagging the gold medal in the 3000 metres Steeple chase with a new Asian record. Later, in 1964 at the Tokyo Olympics the Indian contingent had a quartet of God's Own. Naib Subedar Pan Singh (Steeplechase), Naib Subedar Mukhtiar Singh (1500 metres), Lance Naik Surinder Singh (Decathlon) and Lance Naik (later Major) Virsa Singh in the long jump.

At the National level the Bengal Sappers dominated the walk events. Many records were set and broken. Havildar Zora Singh was the cynosure of all eyes as he walked away with gold in the 50 km walk breaking the existing Olympic record of Italian G Dovdini by a minute and 59.4 seconds. Aquatics The Bengal Sappers took to aquatics Like later eleven fish to water and dominated the pool right from Independence. The legendary Bajrangi Prasad who rose to become Subedar Major and Honorary Captain was the national diving champion from 1954 to 1966, full 12 years. He was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 1962; becoming the first of nine Arjuna Awardees of “God's Own”. He was selected to represent India at the 1960 Tokyo Olympics, but financial constraints of the Swimming Federation of India denied him an opportunity to finish on the podium. However, his protege Sapper Ansuya Prasad did us proud, representing India in the 1964 Olympics in the diving event and donned the national mantle for many years. He was followed by Subedar Dam Bahadur Pun, who became the national champion in 1976 and represented India at the Seoul Asian Games.

The Indian water polo teams to the Asiads have always had in its ranks Bengal Sappers. Havildar Umed Singh (Asian Games 1970 and 74), Lance Naik Ram Balok Singh and Naik Satya Singh (Asian Games 1974), Lance Naik Gyan Singh (1982 and 86 Asiads) and Subedar Brajendra Rai (1990). Squash and Cricket

Five times national squash champion Major KS Jain of “God's Own” was the first officer to receive the Arjuna Award. He was honoured with an Arjuna in 1963.

Yet another feather in our sports cap was Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) CB Ramesh who played for the services cricket team in the year 1956-62. He had the rare distinction of playing against the visiting West Indies captained by wicketkeeper-batsman Alexander. He clean bowled the captain and broke his Major CB Ramesh Cleaned Bowled! off stump. The broken stump and the red cherry (ball) are prized relics in our Centre Museum.

Boxing

Lance Naik Jaslal Pradhan was a classic boxer with twinkle toes. He boxed to fame and brought glory to the Bengal Sappers. He became feather weight champion of India in 1976. He won a bronze medal at the 1982 Asian Games, a gold medal at the second Asian Boxing championships and went on to represent India at the Los Angeles Olympics. His swift progress was a heady rise to honour earning him the Arjuna Award in 1983. Havildar Kul Bahadur Chetri

Hockey

Lance Naik (later Lieutenant Colonel) Jaswant Singh did us proud by playing for the Indian Hockey team at the 1960 Rome Olympics which brought back the silver medal. Earlier in 1954, Naik (later Major) Gurnam Singh was part of the National team.

Lance Naik (Later Lieutenant Colonel) Jaswant Singh Weightlifting The cult of the brawn saw the Bengal Sappers perform exceptionally in this he-man sport. The brightest luminaries in this field are Naib Subedar Pritam Singh, Lance Naiks Surja Bahadur and Rajinder Pal Singh, Lance KD Mandal and Paramjit Sharma. All of them were national champions in their weight categories and all of them have lifted India and the Bengal Sappers to glory by winning a plethora of medals at International meets. Paramjit Sharma went on to be 'Best Services Sportsman' in 1994-95. It all started in 1970 when seven weightlifters of “God's Own” stormed into the Services team. Havildar Pradeep Kumar was part of the Asiad Contingent in 1982 and Lance Naik Rajender Pal Singh lifted for India at the Seoul Asian Games in 1986. Lance Havildar Mandal picked up a gold and two silvers at the Commonwealth Games in 1990. Lance Havildar Paramjit Sharma won a total of 85 Gold, 11 Silver and 2 Bronze medals at Command, Services, National and International events. He has set 32 National records. He won a silver at the International Weight Lifting Championships at Cardiff in 1989 and three gold medals at the Auckland Commonwealth Games in 1990. He was captain of the Indian Team in the XIV and XV Commonwealth Games. He was honoured by the Nation with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1998. Rowing

The Bengal Sappers were the pioneers of competitive rowing in India with Major BS Dhaliwal (later Lieutenant General and E-in-C) and Captains VS Grewal, AT Parnaik, V Sharma and AK Chaturvedi blazing the trail. Parnaik represented India in the 1982 Asian Games and Chaturvedi was a member of the first ever Indian team at the World Championships 1983. Later as coach, Major Chaturvedi had the distinction of guiding the Indian coxed fours to the first and only rowing gold at the Asian Rowing Championships in 1989. At the 1990 Asian Games six out of eight bronze medals won by India were cornered by Bengal Sappers. The proud recipients were Captains RS Bhanwala and GS Sohan, Naib Subedars Dalbir Singh, SS Walia, Jasbir Singh and SS Kanwasi. Bhanwala's record in rowing has been outstanding. He has won five gold and five silver medals at National meets and three silver and three bronze medals at International level. He was declared the best oarsman at the Nationals in 1988 and 1989. He was conferred the coveted Arjuna Award in 1995.

Dalbir Singh is another Arjuna awardee whose achievements in the single sculls have been outstanding. After a number of golds in National meets he won a silver at the Asian Championships at Shanghai in 1987 and capped his career with a bronze at the International Championships in Moscow and two bronze medals at the 1990 Asiad.

Naib Subedar SS Walia was appointed the national rowing coach after his successes in the Asiads and also bagged the Arjuna Award in 1997. Basketball The 1970 Asian Games Basketball team had two Bengal Sappers, Naik Hari Datt, who had captained the team at the Tokyo Olympics and Naik Om Prakash. They both won accolandes, being honoured with the Arjuna Award.

Naik Hari Datt Naik Om Prakash Trail Blazers in Adventure Sports

Mountaineering The lure of the Himalayas, abode of the Gods, has challenged the Bengal Sappers from the earliest of times. In Independent India it was Major General Sir Harold Williams and Major Nandu Jayal who pioneered the sport of mountaineering. The first expedition in 1950 witnessed Sir Harold scaling Bandar Poonch at 20, 720 feet. This success led to the setting up of the Bengal Sappers Mountaineering Association in 1952 and an expedition to Kamet (25, 447 feet) ; which was stopped 600 feet short of the peak by a blizzard. A second expedition was launched in 1953 with Majors Nandu Jayal, Mark Vallandares, Syd Pinto and Captains Nardip Major General Major (later Brigadier) Major (later Major General) Singh, NL Bery and Tirlochan Singh; but Kamet proved to be Sir Harold Williams Mark Valladares Syd Pinto elusive. The determined team turned to scaling Abi Gamin (24,130 feet) and put atop God's Own pennant through the efforts of Nandu Jayal, who conquered it alongwith two Sherpas – Pen and Pooran Singh.

Nandu Jayal – The Mountaineer The trail blazing efforts of the Bengal Sappers were recognised when in 1954 the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was set up and Nandu Jayal was hand picked by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to be its first Director – a singular honour for this genial Bengal Sapper. Tenzing of Everest fame was his Chief Instructor. Nandu Jayal was invited to Switzerland as the nation's guest and became the only non-Swiss to be awarded the Swiss Guides Diploma and Badge. In 1955 the 'never say die' Nandu Jayal led yet another expedition to Kamet and finally scaled the peak in triumph. It was the highest any Indian had ascended. His words on nearing the summit are ecstatic : “We saw another summit about 30 feet above us and when we got to it there was nothing higher. We unfurled three flags… The Indian… The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Bengal Sappers…”. Nandu Jayal then organized in 1957 an attempt at Nanda Devi but only managed to summit Sakeng (24,130 feet) and Sakang (24,150 feet). His love for the mountains consumed him in 1958 when attempting to conquer Cho Oyu (28,867 feet) – the second highest peak after Everest. He died of pulmonary oedema. In Pandit Nehru's words :

“The Major has set an example of courage and adventure which should inspire our young people. The news of his death came to me as a shock and I feel that the country has suffered the loss of her fairest mountaineer…”.

Jai Bahuguna – The Intrepid Summiteer

Nandu was followed by yet another legendary mountaineer – Major Jai Bahaguna of the Bengal Sappers. Early in his tryst with the Himalayas, Jai conquered Jogin 3 in 1976 even as his porter turned back due to inclement weather. Captain Bahaguna was accompanied by Captain Lohumi. Jai had the rare distinction and unmatched record of having scaled Nanda Devi, Leo Pargil and the sacred Kanchenjunga. In 1986 he was the Deputy Leader of the Indian Army Everest Expedition. He undertook a rescue operation to recover an injured colleague of the South Col assault team. The intrepid Major stayed on with the injured and sick. His team had already set a remarkable record of setting up Camp V at 28,000 feet in their very first attempt. Tragedy struck and once again “God's Own” lost a brave mountaineer in the Abode of the Gods. Major Jai Bahaguna has the rare distinction of being conferred a , Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal and Bar – all of them a tribute to his fearless conquests.

The mountaineering spirit of the Bengal Sappers continues to soar, inspiring not only officers but has permeated the adventurous spirit of all ranks of “God's Own”. Sailing The Corps' sailors dominated the National Regattas and many a Bengal Sapper sailed into the sun. A star amongst them was Captain VP Singh who was part of the Indian Sailing Team to the Munich Olympic Games in 1972. Today we are proud of Major NS Johal, a National Champion.

Sailing for adventure was pioneered by Captains (later Captain Captain Major Generals) SN Dubey and PP Subherwal. These Captain VP Singh (later Major General) (later Major General) two adventurous and enterprising Bengal Sappers set SN Dubey PP Subherwal sail on 26 June 1960 from down the sacred Ganges to Calcutta – full 1900 kilometres. Braving strong winds and currents, eddies and whirpools, being mistaken for robbers, they hit a tidal bore that nearly devastated them and finally reached Dakhineshwar in Calcutta on 28 July. Major General Dubey recalls : “Suddenly we realized that the traffic on the river (near ) is vanishing fast…. The current was too fast running in opposite direction. Blue Bird (the name of the CBK boat) was drifting with great speed upstream with its hull facing the sky. PP had lost his spectacles and was totally blind. He was shouting for help…. People told us it was a full moon day and we had encountered a tidal bore…”.

This sprit of adventure and the lure of the sea has seen a host of famous Bengal Sappers battle the elements and continue with many odysseys across the seven seas. It was in January 1961 when the first crew of Sapper Officers sailed the high seas from Bombay to Cochin in the Albatross, a 21 foot Seabird class yacht. Then in January 1968 six Sappers sailors were back on the Albatross, challenging the coastal water from Bombay to Goa. Three Bengal Sappers, Captain Mohan Singh, VP Singhal and RB Khanna were on board. The Trishna Sails Around the World in 470 Days The zenith of adventure sailing was the trip around the world in the 'Trishna' a 10.5 ton yacht with a length of 36 feet 6 inches – a wisp of a boat for the seven seas it had to encounter. Trishna set sail from Mumbai on 18 September 1985 on her herculean odyssey. Going around the Cape of Good Hope, she headed for the Panama Canal, then on to Tahiti and Sydney before sailing through the Torres Strait to Singapore and finally rounding Sri Lanka to rendezvous home at Mumbai to a triumphant Team Trishna with the three Chiefs return. In 470 days the Trishna circumnavigated the globe sailing 30,000 nautical miles and becoming the first military expedition to do so. Of the four permanent sailors who remained on board the full distance were three fearless Bengal Sappers – Major AK Singh, SM and Captains C Bharti and S Shekhar. Major AP Singh, SM another of “God's Own” sailed the leg from Mumbai to Panama, crossing the dangerous Doldrums in the Horse Latitudes. For their 'Dhridta' and 'Shoorvirta' AK Singh, the first handicapped sailor to sail around the world (he had lost a leg in a hang gliding accident) – was awarded the Kirti Chakra and AP Singh Bar to Sena

Medal, Bharti and Shekhar were honoured with the Shaurya Chakra. Trishna Sailors with E-in-C and Colonel Commandant A decade later in 1996 Trishna visited the UAE, Iran, Seychelles and , on a Lieutenant General YP Khurana, PVSM goodwill cruise. This time Bengal Sappers once again recorded a first with Lieutenant Dolly Kushwaha becoming the first lady officer to undertake a military sailing expedition. The saga is yet alive and sailing to new frontiers.

Major AK Singh, KC, SM Bengal Sappers with Prime Minister Rajeev Gandhi

Major AP Singh Captain Captain Lieutenant SM** Sanjeev Shekar, SC C Bharti, SC Dolly Kushwaha Hang Gliding The Bengal Sappers who pioneered the sport of sailing and mountaineering in India were also the first off the block on the National Hang Gliding scene. Major RV Kenjalkar and Naik SR Kothiyal took part in the maiden hang gliding demonstration at Baner in May 1981. Kenjalkar later represented India at the Himalayan Hang Gliding Rally at Palampur and bagged a prize for hanging in the air for the longest duration. In 1986 Kothiyal stood first in the National Hang Gliding Championship.

Car Rallying This adventure sport placed India on the International Car Rallying calendar with the introduction of the Himalayan Car Rally. Modeled on the African Safari, the Himalayan Rally was acclaimed as one of the most grueling and challenging tests for man and machine. Flagged off at Delhi, it would its way over the sand dunes of Rajasthan, the dirt tracks of Uttar Pradesh and up to the treacherous hill roads of the Himalayas; covering a distance of 3,500 kilometers in three and half days and nights. The Bengal Sappers, never one to be far from Major RV Kenjalkar Naik SR Kothiyal adventure, were the pioneers in this . Lieutenant Colonel SK Nathan of “God's Own” was a member of the “four car” Army Adventure Foundation Team. Driving a Jonga in the 4x4 class at the Himalayan Car Rally in 1982, he was part of the winning team which bagged the first prize; being the only team to complete the rally. The Army teams in 1983 and 1984 saw Lieutenant Colonels LC Idnani, VSM and VP Singh (the sailor) participate in this adventurous challenge through the Himalayas.

Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant Colonel SK Nathan, VSM LC Idnani, VSM First triangulation of Roorkee area -1833-39

ROORKEE – GOD'S OWN ALMA MATER We marched into Roorkee on a chilly November evening in 1853 to anchor ourself for posterity under a big 'Peepal Tree', where today stands the Faujeshwar Nath Mandir and where “God's Own” The Bengal Sappers have been ever since. The War Memorial

The piece de resistance of Roorkee is the Bengal Sappers War Memorial. It was on 12 November 1907 during the Regimental Celebration of the First Prince of Wales' Own Sappers and Miners that HE Viscount Kitchener, Colonel Commandant Royal Engineers and Commander-in-Chief in India laid the foundation stone of a Memorial to record the war services of the Bengal Sappers since its raising in 1803. Colonel Sandbach, the Commandant, in opening the grand proceedings spoke thus : “The reason why we have assembled this gatherings it that we have decided to erect a Monument, on which will be inscribed the past history of the Bengal Sappers and Miners and War Services of the Corps. The Monument will be in the form of one of the famous Minars of Ghuznee”. The War Memorial is an imposing structure which epitomizes our rich heritage and the Bengal Sappers tradition of 'Trail Blazing' with valour, courage and bravery. It records our rich history and has a history of its own.

HE Viscount Kitchener laid the Foundation Stone 12 November 1907 The imposing tower designed from a rough drawing made after the Second Afghan War, which conveys an impression of the Ghuznee Minar being a three pointed star. The Tower was completed in 1911. Then in 1913 it was crowned with a dome and initially referred to as the 'Centenary Memorial Tower (Ghuznee)'. The names of Subedar Devee Singh and the 12 Sappers who were the first recipients of the Indian Order of Merit occupy the pride of place on the Minar. The War Memorial was unveiled at a most spectacular parade on the morning of Saturday, 16 February 1927 by Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood, Commander-in-Chief in India. In his address to the Bengal Sappers the C-in-C,concluded with the following words : “Your Tower of Ghuznee fittingly represents the work of the Corps in India and on its frontiers… Today, in these beautiful cloisters which you have raised with your own hands, to the memory of your glorious dead, you have built a lasting monument to a grand tradition of noble service… A square cloister of oriental design was made around the Ghuznee Minar later. In 1977, a nine flame grenade of aluminium on a black marble Memorial Stone, designed by Captain SS Gill, was added. The wreath laying ceremony is performed on all important functions and visits by dignitaries at the flaming grenade.

Ceremonial Parade on completion of Indian Ofcers serving with King George’s the Centenary Memorial Tower - 1913 Own Bengal Sappers Miners and present at the unveiling of the Centenary Memorial The tradition lives on and cascades. The Bengal Sappers draw inspiration from this imposing Memorial, making the supreme sacrifice in every action from generation to generation. It is always rewarding and inspiring to spend a few serene moments in its hallowed precincts. The Headquarters Building

The old barrack which houses the offices of the Commandant, Deputy Commandant and the Group Adjutant is a hutment like structure, which is a revered heritage building for every die hard Bengal Sapper. Drawing inspiration from the War Memorial and standing in awe of it, this simple red tiled roof building is located across the Sarvatra Marg to the East. The drive way to this modest building is flanked by two domes at its entrance and wide vistas of manicured lawns and spacious flower beds which magically display a wide hue of colours throughtout the year. The sentinel at the gate is a Patton Tank from the Waterloo of Pakistani armour at Asal Uttar, a historic and fitting tribute to that great soldier Padma Bhushan Lieutenant General JS Dhillon, our first Indian Commandant.

Behind this historical Headquarters building is a new three pointed star shaped multi-storeyed modern building which was planned to be the new seat of power. On its completion the old sacrosanct barrack was to be demolished. This was prevented by a loud wail of protest from the dyed in the wool traditional Bengal Sapper stalwarts led by General Dhillon. In deference to their wishes, guided by history, the new Headquarters building only houses the Group Subedar Major, some branch offices and the entire Bengal Sappers Record Office. Tradition indeed rules, and rules powerfully! Our Museum and Archives The Bengal Sappers Museum and Archives is a classic work of renovation. An old barrack which was earlier 1 T r a i n i n g B a t t a l i o n O f f i c e i s unrecongnizable. It has a facade which replicates the oriental architecture of our War Memorial. A brainchild of the then Commandant, Colonel SS Rana, it was inaugurated on 7 May 1978 by the Engineer-in-Chief, Lieutenant General JS Bawa. The museum chronicles the grand history of “God's Own”, houses priceless exhibits steeped in history. The archives is full of irreplaceable documents, manuscripts, sketches and records of historical value. The lawns surrounding this building have antique equipment and large artifacts with a history of their own. The whole complex is a veritable treasure house.

Bust of Subedar Devi Singh, First recipient of IOM - Unveiled by Mr Virendra Kumar Singh fth generation descendent of Sub Devi Singh Religious Institutions - Symbols of Ekta

The Bengal Sapper is God fearing and plunges into every task after invoking the Almighty's blessings. Bengal Sappers are today mostly Hindus or Sikh and a few Muslims. However, the Bengal Sapper is truly secular. All ranks celebrate festivals of all three religions and worship at the Mandir, Gurdwara and Masjid with equal fervour.

Centre Mandir – Gurdwara – Masjid

These three religious places of worship were constructed in 1898. The cost of the original Mandir was a mere Rs 3,500/- and came from the Centre's resources with substantial contributions by Major EF Skeyre. Through the years expansion and beautification have taken place. Today it has a sprawling a marble façade and flooring and tiling of the domes carried out through the benevolent contributions of Sardar Pishora Singh Thind.

Faujeshwar Nath Mandir This modest Mandir situated behind the Centre Quarter Guard marks the roots of the Bengal Sappers at Roorkee. It commemorates the arrival of the first body of Bengal Sappers to Roorkee from Ludhiana – forever ending the nomadic days of Headquarters Bengal Sappers. A stone was placed at the foot of the Peepal Tree and with the ringing of bells the Faujeshwar Nath Mandir came into existence on a balmy evening in 1853. In 1895, an image of lord Shiva-Sarvagya was installed and a small Mandir constructed at the site in 1952. Its present from took shape in July-November 1969 and renovations were carried out periodically. The evening bells waft sweet sounds from this holy spot to this day. The adjoining Gurdwara started in 1898 acquired its present shape in 1953. Today it is a posh and imposing place of worship gleaming from floor to dome.

The Masjid was a hive of religious worship prior to 1947. It remained closed for some years after Independence as all the Muslim companies left for Pakistan. Later, with the amalgamation of Malerkotla Sappers and Miners (now 369 Field Company) into the Bengal Sappers, the 'Azaan' was once again performed every day, starting from 6 March 1951. This beautiful structure of period architecture is the scene of worship for Muslims in Roorkee and surrounding villages during all Muslim festivals. Training Facilities – Cutting Edge of Sapper 'Ilam'

A sapper's training combines the 'three-in-one' demands made on him by his role in the Army. He is foremost a soldier, called on to fight like infantry. History is replete with instances when he has donned this mantle with aplomb. Even today he is doing so, while with the Rashtriya Rifles, fighting insurgents and militants in Kashmir and the North East. Next, he is a , providing mobility to the Commander's plan in battle – a real trail blazer, executing tasks of minefield breaching, bridging obstacles, laying out roads, tracks and airfields, carrying out mine laying and demolitions and from the days of Ghuznee providing water to the troops and billets in the field. Lastly, he is a technician, called on to perform a variety of tasks requiring skills of a carpenter, metalsmith, engine fitter, electrician, operator of excavating machines, surveyor, draughtsman, welder, mason etc – the first into battle and the last out of it. Bengal Sappers Group and Centre is the hub of all this training. Combat Training Combat Training Raw recruits from the villages of North India stretching from Rajasthan to the North Eastern States and a sprinkling from other parts of the country join their alma mater at Roorkee for a training cycle which is spread over almost two years. He is first honed into a soldier in one of the two Training Battalions, picking up basic skills in drill, handling weapons, carrying out tactical manoeuvres and imbibing the rudiments of field craft.

The more you sweat in peace the less you bleed in war... Combat Training Combat Engineering In the next six months he is moulded into a sapper at the Field Works School. At the end of this phase, he is well versed in minelaying, minefield breaching, bridging and trail blazing tasks, handling of demolitions of a wide variety, dealing with improvised explosive devices and booby traps as also in establishing field water supply points. He is now attested and calls himself a Sapper. Technical Training The sapper's training is not over yet. Almost a year is spent on making him a technician. Based on his aptitude, he is allotted a particular trade and undergoes eight to twelve months rigorous studies in the Centre Workshops or Earthmoving Plant or Mechanical Transport Schools. Armed with the required standards of operating skills, he is ready to take his place in a Bengal Sapper unit and proudly don the uniform of “God's Own”.

In keeping with the historical tradition of nurturing sporting talent in the country the Bengal Sappers Centre makes sports and games a way of life for every Bengal Sapper. Right from his recruit days the qualities of determination, physical fitness, team spirit, sporting skill and a yearning for excellence is instilled in him on the sports fields. The Training Battalions with their credos “Sadaiv Pahla” (Always First) and “Vijayee Bhava” (Victory is Yours) fight tooth and nail in Inter Battalion Competitions, spread throughout the year, in the fields of athletics, aquatics, football, basketball, volleyball, hockey, Kho-kho, wrestling, cross country, watermanship, firing etc. The competition is keen, asking for no quarter and giving none. The vociferous cheering and awe inspiring yells of their credos fill the Centre's many playing fields every evening. It is truly motivating.

The initial training over, the Sapper comes back to this second home for all ranks periodically. Whether on posting or promotion courses or up-classification training, the Bengal Sapper invariably returns home to the Centre to renew his bonds with his alma mater and Roorkee. Finally, it is from here he bids farewell to arms on release or retirement. A nostalgic journey for every Bengal Sapper! A Home Away from Home

The Bengal Engineer Group and Centre at Roorkee is truly a 'Home away from Home' for all ranks of the Bengal Sappers. It is well laid out, well apportioned and caters for the necessities and comforts required to keep a soldier carefree and focused on his training and duties. The Centre is proud of its heritage messes, recreational facilities, and its welfare and educational institutions for the families. The Officers' Mess Complex

The Bengal Sappers Officers' Mess has been continually in existence and use since 1856. It is a heritage building and is today the oldest mess building in India which can claim such long unbroken continuity. The building housing the Mess was constructed by Lieutenant Newmarch in 1856 on Government land leased to him for his private residence. Before his house was completed, the officers of the Bengal Sappers and Miners purchased it from him. Through the years many additions and renovations have been carried out in keeping with the Bengal Sappers quest for excellence. Its glory and splendour were briefly dimmed when, at the in 1947, all its assets were allocated for establishing the mess of the Pakistan Engineers at Sialkot. Many of our prized possessions are now lodged there.

The Mess circa. 1946 Some of the magnicent Silver and trophies of the then collection can be seen GREEN ROOM ORANGE ROOM

Today the Mess Complex has lawn tennis courts, a squash court, a billiards room, a health club, a cards room and a swimming pool. The swimming pool was initially a 'Stickie Court'. A popular game among the Sappers in the early 1900s, 'Stickie' was a mixture of squash and tennis played in a singles' tennis court surrounded by an 8 foot wall. However, in 1930 a squash court was constructed in the Mess Complex and soon afterwards 'Stickie' was consigned to a watery grave as the Mess swimming pool came up in its place.

The Officers' Mess has air-conditioned dining halls, bar, lounge and library, alongwith a tastefully laid out ladies room and a plush leather upholstered ante room. Its walls are wood paneled, the floors parquet carpeted. The wooden panels were gifted by officers whose names adorn the walls in discrete brass plaques. The large Mess lawns are a connoisseur's delight and its gardens everybody's envy. An inspiring waterfall and fountain, added in 1998, commemorate the Sappers expedition to Panchchuli Peaks. Bordering the mess gardens are three Regimental guest rooms constructed by our trainees at different periods after Independence. The well apportioned and tastefully furnished guest rooms are the pride of our Centre. Two independent bungalows – christened the 'Nook' and 'Abbey' – were added in 1974. The present , Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, has been a very special guest at the 'Abbey' on 26 November 1994 and again on 25 November 1998. The ‘Abode’ The ‘Nook’

Before After

The ‘Hermitage’ The ‘Abbey’ The Old Faithfuls

No record of the Bengal Sappers Mess would be complete without a word of commendation about those who stand and serve the members of the Mess. These old faithful endearingly called Traditional welcome to “God’s Own”... 'Miyanjis' have faithfully and with special care served generations of officers. The institution of The bronze Burmese Bell triumphantly brought back Miyanjis is as old as the history of from Bhamo, Burma in the Bengal Sappers after arrival 1887 is installed in the at Roorkee. Many of the present corridor leading to the Dining Hall. After the younger lot are second and third traditional dining in, every generation faithfuls. They are a Bengal Sapper Officer legend in themselves. marks the occasion of joining “God's Own” by sounding the Bell, fully prostrated beneath it. Our Trophies – Post Independence A large number of trophies have been presented to the Mess post independence to commemorate various events and occasions. “To start a fresh collection”, Colonel Sir Edward Leberton who was with 5th Company for 14 full years, presented a silver cup to the Mess on hearing of our loss to the Pakistan Centre at Sialkot. Such is the spirit of “God's Own”!

T h e ' S i l v e r Pegasus' is a piece of art presented to the Mess by 40 A i r b o r n e P a r k Company which was part of the 2nd Airborne Division whose formation Two glittering additions are the silver replicas of s i g n w a s t h e the Ghuznee Tower and War Memorial. The Pegasus. It was Ghuznee Tower was presented on our Group formally handed Day, 7 November 1953, by all serving officer of o v e r i n M a r c h the Bengal Sappers on that day, to mark the 1 9 5 0 b y completion of a hundred years in Roorkee and Lieutenant Colonel the 150th Anniversary of the Group (we had AL Kochar one moved from Ludhiana to Roorkee in November time OC of the unit. The original piece was in the form of a 1853). On that very day another more elaborate parachute which looked more like a balloon. It was taken silver replica of the complete War Memorial was presented away within 24 hours from the Mess, melted down and by Honorary Colonel of the Bengal Sappers the Raja of recast in its present shape. Now a 'piece of art'. Faridkot – a colourful personality in his own way. A very special and historical trophy is the During Kumbh Mela at Hardwar in 1950 the task silver 'Patton Tank' presented by Padma of constructing a bridge over Har-ki-Pauri was Bhushan Lieutenant General JS Dhillon of the entrusted to the Bengal Sappers, who have always Bengal Sappers who grounded the Pakistan been associated with this event. 69 Field Armoured Forces in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Company presented this exclusive silver replica of Under him the Indian XI Corps destroyed 99 the Three Feathers on the occasion of our 150th enemy tanks, many of them M-48 'Pattons' A n n i v e r s a r y o n 7 N o v e m b e r 1 9 5 3 t o (US origin) thus crippling the enemy offensive. commemorate expeditious completion of the bridge in record time.

Some of our “Working” silver Safar Maina House

The name of the Commandant's Bungalow has an amusing origin and the bungalow itself is steeped in history. Its roofs have continuously harboured the old man of the Bengal Engineer Group and Centre. If walls could speak, they would proudly lay claim to have nursed the crème de la crème of the Bengal Sappers right from the days of the Second World War. Before this period, the Commandants stayed at Bungalow No 7 which became Officers' Mess No 2 to cater to the WW II commissioned officers influx. It was then that the Commandant shifted to Bungalow No 16 opposite the Mess. This private bungalow was owned by Rai Sahib Mathura Das and is of 1856 vintage. Under the care of the MES, it became Safar Maina House post Independence. The sobriquet owes its origin to the 'prim and propah' accent of the British Sapper Officer who proudly announced himself as of the 'Sappahs and Mainahs'. The poor rustic Punjabi sapper could only replicate it as 'Safar Maina'. THREE FEATHERS OFFICERS INSTITUTE

A shell roof building with wide verandahs, surrounded by lush green lawns on three sides and overlooking the golf course is the Three Feathers Officers Institute, the scene of weekly revelry to the strains of the Bengal Sappers Jazz Band. Constructed by 75 Field Company in 1942, it is a hub of fun and camaraderie between the officers of Roorkee Cantonment and their families. It has hosted many socials, dinners, croquet games, club evenings and winter flower shows. One can let one's hair down sipping a 'Chota' at the air conditioned bar, or playing bridge in the card room or tasting some gourmet dish in the cool interiors of the café, attired in casuals. It is always a welcome change from the prim and formal environs of the Mess. THREE FEATHERS GOLF CLUB

Golf is serious business but relaxing. PG 'Plum' Wodehouse says of a golfer “He enjoys that perfect peace, that peace beyond all understanding…”. The Three Feathers Golf Club spread over acres of undulating land, shares space with the field craft and obstacles training areas. Thickly wooded and boasting green fairways and greener greens, this star facility for the officers was laid as a six-hole browns course in 1960. It was expanded to nine holes in 1964 and today has eleven greens and eighteen tees. Officers take time out from their busy stressed regimental schedules to this haven of tranquility and mental challenge, chasing the ball from the tee to hole with clubs, which don't seem, to the layman, well adapted for the purpose. The challenges on the course in the form of bunkers, water bodies, sand traps and hazards have proliferated strategically over the years. The club house is a quaint structure overlooking the fountains and geese flapping around the first and ninth fairways. Peacocks, nilgai, snakes, rabbits and birds abound and crows swoop over balls. Truly an ecological preserve of officers and wild life! WELFARE INSTITUTES

Bindon Blood Family Health Centre

Founded in 1931 as the Bindon Blood Family Hospital and Child Welfare Centre, it was named after General Sir Bindon Blood who was Commandant of the Bengal Sappers from 1886 to 1893. When Military Hospital Roorkee added a Family Ward, it functioned as a Child Welfare Centre for outdoor patients only. Today, as the Bengal Sappers Family Health Centre, it carries out its role in an advisory and educational capacity to promote good health amongst the families of the Bengal Sappers Other Ranks.

Family Welfare Centre

Managed by the Officers' wives, it has had a chequered history and Welfare : An important concern a nomadic location. Hopefully now in its permanent home, it promotes continuing skills in needlework, carpet weaving and domestic crafts. It is a hub of activity specially for some of our widows who are gainfully employed here.

The Family Welfare Centre is today known by the name Bengal Sappers Handicraft and Vocational Centre. Promoting skills for self-reliance

Bengal Sappers Boys Hostel With so many of our personnel in remote areas which lack educational facilities, a need was felt to provide lodging and boarding facilities for their sons. With Regimental funds, a Boys Hostel Complex was built in 1964-65 and inaugurated by Major General Harkirat Singh, E-in-C and Colonel Commandant of the Corps on 12 March 1965. Lodging is free and boarding charges are subsidized. At any time the Hostel is a hive of activity for up to 100 boys of ages 8 to 18. Their studies are well supervised and a homely atmosphere provided for educational and recreational pursuits Educational Institutes

Knox Memorial School

This a Regimental School which was established in 1934 as “War and Knox Memorial School” in memory of Late Lieutenant Alexander Knox, with a substantial endowment from his mother. (Knox died in Jhansi on 3 January 1933 while with 3 Field Company). It rose to be a Middle School in 1936 and a Higher Secondary school for girls and boys in 1958. Later it was merged into the Kendriya Vidyalaya and today Knox Memorial School is a Regimental Primary School for the children of the Bengal Sappers. More than 300 tiny tots can be seen happily scampering through its portals.

Bengal Sappers Nursery School

Another Regimental School was started in 1975 to meet the growing demand for education of the young children of all ranks of the Bengal Sappers. The beautiful building and campus was built by our own tradesmen utilizing Regimental Funds.

Bengal Sappers Saint Gabriel's Academy

Built and established in 1962-65 by the Bengal Sappers in the compound of the old Commandant's Bungalow (which is the property of our Officers' Mess); this is the premier English medium school of Roorkee. A preserve of 'boys up to 1992, it is a co-educational senior secondary school today, run by the Brothers of Saint Gabriel's, a missionary order.

Saint Ann's Girls Senior Secondary School

This leading girls school of Roorkee is also a gift of the Bengal Sappers. It started in 1952 as a Primary “God's Own” Heritage

The Bengal Sappers heritage of blazing the trail in every facet of the Armed Forces and making the impossible, possible is a trait which adorns our 200 years old history. This heritage is emblazoned in our souls and today adorns our colours. Our Credo – given to us by our first Indian Commandant, Padma Bhushan Lieutenant General JS Dhillon – gives substance, meaning and a thrust to all our actions in peace and war to preserve our heritage. Generations of Bengal Sappers have lived upto the high ideals of 'God's Own” Heritage. Those who carry the Standard today are fully alive to the importance of furthering our history and deeds in every possible way in the defence of our motherland. The Bengal Sapper will always deliver.

The President's Colours

Till the Bengal Sappers received the President's Colours on 12 January 1989, it was the exclusive preserve of Infantry and Cavalry units to receive and carry the colours of the Supreme Commander. Thus “God's Own” were the first Regiment, other than Infantry and Cavalry, to be bestowed with the Colours by the President of India in recognition of two centuries of gallant service to the Nation.

In an impressive parade commanded by Brigadier V Shingal, the Commandant and presided over by the Colonel Commandant, Major General GK Sen, the President of India, Shri R Venkataraman, ceremoniously presented his colours to the Ensign Officer, Captain KK Repswal, who was hand picked to receive it on behalf of “God's Own”. Today it is trooped ceremoniously on every Ceremonial Parade and Guard of Honour.

The colour is embroidered on Engineer blue with the Corps Badge on a scarlet background. Below the wreath of Ashoka leaves and Lotus flowers is engraved our name 'Bengal Engineer Group” in Hindi. The ten most gallant battle honours of “God's Own” are borne on scrolls on the right. These are 'Ghuznee”, “Tirah”, “China”, “Neuve Chapelle', “Festubert”, “Kut AL Amara”, “Megiddo”, “Tigris”, “Cassino” and “Meiktila”. Our Uniforms Through the Ages Titles of the Bengal Sappers

It all started with the Bengal Pioneer who wore a Years Name green tunic adorned with yellow lace, a tall black hat and 1803 CORPS OF BENGAL PIONEERS scarlet red 'Patties'. The soldier wore chapplies and the 1819 CORPS OF BENGAL SAPPERS AND MINERS Indian Officer high boots. Through the ages the green has 1847 CORPS OF BENGAL SAPPERS AND PIONEERS given way to olive green and the headgear, a pagri, with gold, blue and red stripes. The officers mess dress is 1851 CORPS OF BENGAL SAPPERS AND MINERS sapper blue with red stripes down the trouser legs. 1903 CORPS OF 1ST SAPPERS AND MINERS The Cap badges with the King's crown and the 1906 1ST PRINCE OF WALES' OWN SAPPERS AND MINERS famous ostrich plumes of the Prince of Wales have now 1910 1ST KING GEORGE'S OWN SAPPERS AND MINERS given way, post independence to the Corps Badge i.e. 1923 KING GEORGE'S OWN BENGAL SAPPERS AND MINERS Corps of Engineers with 'Sarvatra' (Ubique) the 'Purana 1937 KING GEORGE' V'S OWN BENGAL SAPPERS AND MINERS Qila' (Old fort) at Delhi topped by the Ashoka Emblem. 1941 KING GEORGE V'S OWN BENGAL SAPPERS AND MINERS

GROUP, CORPS OF INDIAN ENGINEERS 1946 KING GEORGE V'S OWN BENGAL SAPPERS AND MINERS

GROUP, ROYAL INDIAN ENGINEERS 1947 KING GEORGE V'S OWN BENGAL ENGINEER CENTRE, ROYAL

INDIAN ENGINEERS 1948 KING GEORGE V'S OWN BENGAL ENGINEER GROUP, ROYAL

INDIAN ENGINEERS 1950 BENGAL ENGINEER GROUP, CORPS OF ENGINEERS Best Marching Contingent We have kept the Corps Flag flying high whenever we have been called upon to represent the Corps of Engineers and provide a marching contingent for the and Republic Day parades. On three consecutive occasions the Bengal Sappers Marching Contingents were the proud recipients of the Chief of Army Staff's Best Marching Contingent Trophy – in 1988, 1991 and 1993. It was a rare distinction for the Bengal Sappers. (Today the Sappers are represented only by a mounted contingent, wonder why?) Regimental Bands The Pipes and Drums and the Brass Band of the Bengal Sappers are as old as our 200 years old history, Alas, with Partition the instruments of the Military Bands were transferred to the Pakistan Engineers but most of the bandsmen, being Hindus or Sikhs, remained with the Bengal Sappers. To make up for this loss, the Military Band of the Sirmur State Forces was allocated to the Bengal Sappers. These band instruments served us well till they were replaced with brand new instruments in 1991 from the UK. Our Military Band has the proud distinction of doing prestigious duties four times at Rashtrapati Bhawan, four times at Amar Jawan Jyoti and more than a dozen appearances at Army Day and Republic Day parades.

BENGAL SAPPERS SAMUH GEET Ham hain veer sainik Bengal Sappers ke, Raksha karne vale ham Barat vishal ke Hard haram anek jati phir bhi ek hai, Duniya mein nam vale hain, Bharat vishal ke Bengal Sappers age hai koi bhi kamm ho Hai unci unchi chotiyan ya Registan ho Tha darra Haji Peer ka ya Pul Madhumati Hai mar mita vatan pe wo uph tak bhi ki Vatan ki shaan kam na ho aao kasam ye lein Sappers rahen sarvatr hum aao kasam ye lein Youn haste haste ho jayen kurban desh pe Duniya kare jo fakr har Bangal Sappers pe Ham hain veer sainik Bengal Sappers ke, Bengal Sappers ke ……. Bengal Sappers ke……

These inspirational words swell the chest of every Bengal Sapper with pride and motivate him to make the impossible, possible; to make the supreme sacrifice with a smile and let the world remember every Bengal Sapper with awe and respect. It was only in 1990 that the Bengal Sappers gave unto themselves a Group Song under the leadership of Brigadier GS Lamba, our Commandant. The words and verses were inspired by suggestions from our Officers, JCOs and men. The final composition was carried out by Naik Veer Chand and it was set to a marching tune by Major Mansa Ram, Inspector of Bands, Central Command. The contingents on every Group Day Parade march abreast past the saluting base, chests swelling with pride, to the Group Song. It is also sung in the unit Sammelans, recruits passing out, on regimental dinners in the Officers' Mess and the Group Day Dinner. And whenever we want to urge ourselves to “Just Do It”! It is truly inspiring. THE BENGAL SAPPERS FAMILY

51 Engineer Regiment 52 Engineer Regiment

Pratham Sadaiv Pratham Chak De

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col SK Srivastava Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col Daljit Singh

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Harihar Dubey Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Hardeep Singh

Ÿ Sub Units : 1 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 7 Fd Coy 100 Fd Coy 77 Fd Coy 368 Fd Coy 81 Fd Coy 41 Fd Pk Coy 306 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 15 December Ÿ Raising Day : 01 July

53 Engineer Regiment 54 Engineer Regiment

Sahas Aur Yogyata Chak De

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col S Mazumdar Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col Jaswant Singh

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Bhagwan Das Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Jagroop Singh

Ÿ Sub Units : 80 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 69 Fd Coy 376 Fd Coy 84 Fd Coy 377 Fd Coy 95 Fd Coy 47 Fd Pk Coy 682 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 15 November Ÿ Raising Day : 07 November 55 Engineer Regiment 56 Engineer Regiment

Pachpan Ajay Sada Aage Sabse Aage

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col KB Seth Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col NL Bery

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Puran Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Kishan Dutt

Ÿ Sub Units : 70 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 68 Fd Coy 71 Fd Coy 89 Fd Coy 83 Fd Coy 374 Fd Coy 332 Fd Pk Coy 40 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 02 January 1966 Ÿ Raising Day : 24 September 1966

57 Engineer Regiment 58 Engineer Regiment

Sura-Soi Fighting Eight Paija

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Raj Kumar Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col AK Khanna

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Bakshish Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Gurnam Singh

Ÿ Sub Units : 78 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 72 Fd Coy 85 Fd Coy 73 Fd Coy 373 Fd Coy 369 Fd Coy 42 Fd Pk Coy 685 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 22 February Ÿ Raising Day : 14 December 59 Engineer Regiment 60 Engineer Regiment

Satat Vijeta Sada Vijayee sixty

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col MM Mukherjee Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col NS Bisht

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ram Gulam Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ranjit Singh

Ÿ Sub Units : 3 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 366 Fd Coy 66 Fd Coy 367 Fd Coy 94 Fd Coy 381 Fd Coy 302 Fd Pk Coy 43 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 15 November Ÿ Raising Day : 01 April

61 Engineer Regiment 62 Engineer Regiment

Yatna Aur Shoorta Gyan Aur Shaan

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col RS Sundaram, AVSM Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col VM Warty

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ranbir Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Sitaram

Ÿ Sub Units : 101 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 382 Fd Coy 102 Fd Coy 383 Fd Coy 103 Fd Coy 384 Fd Coy 308 Fd Pk Coy 307 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 03 December Ÿ Raising Day : 01 April 63 Engineer Regiment 64 Engineer Regiment

Hausale Buland Agrani Ajay

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col A Ramaswami Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col AK Das Gupta

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ram Bahadur Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Harjit Singh

Ÿ Sub Units : 282 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : HQ Sqn 283 Fd Coy 74 Comp Aslt Sqn 284 Fd Coy 79 Comp Aslt Sqn 317 Fd Pk Coy 342 Comp Aslt Sqn 397 Comp Aslt Sqn Ÿ Raising Day : 08 March Ÿ Raising Day : 30 September

65 Engineer Regiment 66 Engineer Regiment

Prashikshan-Hosh-Tezi Anant Vijayee Sixty Six

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col AR Koratkar Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col MC Gautam

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj SS Dhaliwal Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ajmer Singh

Ÿ Sub Units : 90 Br Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 86 Fd Coy 91 Br Coy 87 Fd Coy 92 Br Coy 88 Fd Coy 93 Br Coy 490 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 23 December Ÿ Raising Day : 01 January 67 Engineer Regiment 68 Engineer Regiment

Anant Shakti Sada Ek

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Col VR Joshi Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Col SS Mann

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Madho Chandra Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Dinanath Dogra

Ÿ Sub Units : 2 Br Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 709 Fd Coy 4 Br Coy 749 Fd Coy 5 Br Coy 753 Fd Coy 33 Br Coy 344 Fd Pk Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 15 January Ÿ Raising Day : 30 November

69 Engineer Regiment 70 Engineer Regiment

Jung-E-Fateh Halla Bol

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Col R Kheterpal Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Col Vinay Gupta

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Harbhajan Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Dalbir Singh

Ÿ Sub Units : 690 Br Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 701 Fd Coy 691 Br Coy 702 Fd Coy 692 Br Coy 703 Fd Coy 653 Br Coy 707 Fd Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 30 November Ÿ Raising Day : 01 October 2009 71 Engineer Regiment 72 Engineer Regiment

Sath Ek Lakshya Bhed Sarvatra Ajay

Ÿ Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Col Saurabh Gupta, SM First Commanding Ofcer : Col Sidharth Singh

Ÿ Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Lavkesh Singh First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Mohan Singh Khati

Ÿ Ÿ Sub Units : 710 Fd Coy Sub Units : 721 Fd Coy 711 Fd Coy 722 Fd Coy 712 Fd Coy 723 Fd Coy 713 Fd Coy 724 Fd Coy

Ÿ Ÿ Raising Day : 01 October 2014 Raising Day : 01 April 2017

234 Engineer Regiment 235 Engineer Regiment

Laga De Jor Sada Aage Sabse Aage

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col CNR Swamy Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col PN Gupta, VSM

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Jagdish Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Pratap Singh Ÿ Sub Units : 67 Fd Coy 82 Fd Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 75 Fd Coy 361 Fd Coy 76 Fd Coy 414 Fd Coy 176 Fd Coy 415 Pk Coy Ÿ Raising Day : 15 October Ÿ Raising Day : 14 September 236 Engineer Regiment 237 Engineer Regiment

Chak De Chak De

Ÿ Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col DD Kadam First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col DBD Bhomik

Ÿ Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Lalita Prasad First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ranbir Singh

Ÿ Ÿ Sub Units : 6 Fd Coy Sub Units : 420 Fd Coy 385 Fd Coy 437 Fd Coy 386 Fd Coy 462 Fd Coy 334 Pk Coy 463 Pk Coy

Ÿ Ÿ Raising Day : 27 Apr Raising Day : 12 February

8 (I) Field Coy 410 (I) Engr Sqn Har Maidan Sada Vijay Chak De

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Maj CEA Graham Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Maj NK Khera

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Keshav Chandra Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj DN Singh

Ÿ Raising Day : 01 December Ÿ Raising Day : 05 May 413 (I) Engr Sqn 418 (I) Field Coy

Yudhe Anant Jeta Char Sau Atthara - Vijay Hamara

Ÿ Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Maj AS Jakhar First Commanding Ofcer : Maj SS Kahlon

Ÿ Ÿ Raising Day : 01 Mar Raising Day : 31 January

423 (I) Engr Sqn 424 (I) Engr Sqn Lead to Victory Vijay Ki Aur

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col NA Chaudhary Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col Sandeep Chahal

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj AK Chauhan Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Labh Singh

Ÿ Raising Day : 01 July 2009 Ÿ Raising Day : 30 Sep 2009 252 CEDU 501 FSEG 252 Bomb Bomb Bomb Five Zero One The Only One

Ÿ Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt AA Mirza First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col IN Thakral Ÿ Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ranjit Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj RN Mishra

Ÿ Raising Day : 27 Jun Ÿ Sub Units : 3 Fd Survey 5 Fd Survey

Ÿ Raising Day : 28 January

652 EPU CAMS Sarvatra Vijay

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col Premdeep Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Maj OP Anand

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Partap Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Arjun Singh

Ÿ Raising Day : 15 Dec 2015 Ÿ Sub Units : 2 Photo Mapping Coy 4 Map Re Production Coy Central Map Depot

Ÿ Raising Day : 21 November 801 Engr RP (TA) 1101 TA One Zero One - Always Number One Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col VD Sharma Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col Shamsher Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Rattan Mani Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Kharak Singh Ÿ Sub Unit ; Power Utility Opr Coy Production Coy Ÿ Sub Units : 1101 Rly HQ Coy Renery Oil Mov Storage 1106 Rly Op Coy & Efuent Coy 1107 Rly Op Coy Renery Maint Coy 1116 Rly E&M Coy Pipe Line Coy Ÿ Raising Day : 31 Mar Ÿ Raising Day : 01 Mar

1032 Rly Engr (TA) 12 GASL PL

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col CHH Bowden Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Maj TSS Aiyer

Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Krishan Singh Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Hansa Singh

Ÿ Sub Unit : 1038 Rly Optg Coy (TA) Ÿ Raising Day : 07 Jul 1039 Rly Optg Coy (TA) 1047 Rly Wksp Coy (TA) 99 Rly C & M Maint Coy

Ÿ Raising Day : 07 Dec ADMC 3 Rashtriya Ries

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Maj Gen HK Sinha Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Col HS Sandhu Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Ram Sewak Chaubey Ÿ Raising Day : 01 Oct Ÿ Raising Day : 13 Apr

39 Rashtriya Ries Defence Institute for Geo-Spatial Information & Training (DIGIT)

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Lt Col RS Gill Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Brig PK Gossain

Ÿ Raising Day : 01 Feb Ÿ First Subedar Major : Sub Maj Rampal

Ÿ Raising Day : 01 Feb 658 Engr Bridging Unit 11 Corps HMB Det

Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Maj DC Pandey Ÿ First Commanding Ofcer : Capt BB Basant

Ÿ Raising Day : 28 Mar Ÿ Raising Day : 20 May

39 Rashtriya Ries GALLANTRY / DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

PRE-INDEPENDENCE

Ofcers JCOs OR Total

Victoria Cross 10 -- 01 11 Distinguished Service Order 23 -- -- 23 Military Cross 60 06 -- 66 Order of British India C1-I 01 36 -- 37 Order of British India C1-II -- 63 -- 63 Indian Order of Merit -- 25 92 117 Indian Distinguished Service Medal -- 32 68 100 Military Medal -- -- 44 44 Distinguished Conduct Medal 06 -- -- 06

POST INDEPENDENCE (1947-2019)

Padma Bhushan 01 -- -- 01 Param Vishisht Seva Medal 23 -- -- 23 Kirti Chakra 04 -- -- 04 Padma Shri 02 -- -- 02 Ati Vishisht Sewa Medal 53 -- -- 53 Vir Chakra 02 -- 01 03 Shaurya Chakra 14 -- 10 24 Sena Medal 98 09 49 156 Yudh Seva Medal 03 01 -- 04 Vishisht Seva Medal 104 12 01 117 Jeevan Raksha Padak -- 01 03 04 ROLL OF HONOUR

PRE-INDEPENDENCE

Operation Ofcers JCOs OR Total

World War I (1914-18) 13 03 185 201 World War II (1939-45) 24 13 776 813

POST INDEPENDENCE (1947-2019)

Jammu & Kashmir 1947-48 - - 14 14 Sino-Indian Conict 1962 - 02 11 13 Indo-Pak Conict 1965 02 - 47 49 Sikkim Tibet Border Clashes – 1967 - - 08 08 Indo-Pak War 1971 04 02 31 37 Indo-Pak Conict and Liberation of Bangladesh – 1971 - - 06 06 Op Bluestar – 1984-85 - - 03 03 IPKF Sri Lanka – 1987 - - 03 03 Op Rakshak 04 02 30 36 Op Meghdoot - - 01 01 Op Hifazat - - 02 02 Op Vijay - - 02 02 Op Rhino 01 - 01 01 Op Parakaram 02 - 09 11 GALLANTRY / DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

POST INDEPENDENCE (1947-2019) Padma Bhusan Kirti Chakra (KC) Rank Name Year Rank Name Year

Lt Gen JS Dhillon 1965 2/Lt Perminder Singh (Posthumous) 1964 Maj Jai Bahuguna, SM, VSM** (Posthumous) 1986 Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) Maj AK Singh, SM 1987 Maj Gen KN Dubey 1965 Maj Rahul Gurung 2011 Maj Gen JR Samson 1972 Padma Shri Lt Gen BN Das 1975 Maj KC Johorey 1963 Maj Gen JS Bawa, AVSM 1975 Capt Surjit Singh Gujral 1971 Maj Gen KC Soni, AVSM 1976 Lt Gen TB Nanda 1983 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) Maj Gen SW Burrett, AVSM 1983 Maj Gen JC Sachdeva 1987 Col JS Bawa 1962 Lt Gen S Mazumdar, VSM 1988 Maj SP Anand 1962 Lt Gen YP Khurana 1991 Brig BP Wadhera 1965 Lt Gen Jagdish Narain, AVSM, VSM** 1995 Col SA Pinto 1965 Lt Gen Vimal Shinghal 1996 Brig KC Soni 1965 Lt Gen Deepak Ajwani, VSM 1996 Brig SN Punj 1966 Lt Gen YK Mehta, AVSM 2000 Lt Col BV Shivane 1966 Lt Gen RM Chadha, AVSM 2002 Col Nardip Singh 1967 Lt Gen Hari Uniyal 2003 Brig KJ Shahaney 1969 Lt Gen Rana SK Kapur, AVSM, SM, VSM 2005 Brig OP Narula 1971 Lt Gen BS Dhaliwal, AVSM, VSM 2007 Brig HR Gopal 1972 Lt Gen Utpal Bhattacharya 2007 Col US Anand 1973 Lt Gen Gautam Banerjee, AVSM, YSM 2011 Brig SW Burrett 1973 Lt Gen MC Badhani, AVSM, VSM 2011 Col AS Pillaai 1973 Lt Gen Vijai Sharma, AVSM 2013 Lt Col PP Subherwal 1975 Lt Gen Suresh Sharma, AVSM 2018 Brig EMA Da Costa 1976 Col CM Sahani 1978 Brig SG Krishnamurthy 1979 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal(AVSM) Vir Chakra (VrC) Rank Name Year Rank Name Year

Brig SCL Malik 1979 L/Hav Narendra Datt 1948 Brig PN Kapoor 1980 Brig RS Sundaram 1981 Maj Suriender Vatsa (Posthumous) 1971 Maj Gen TC Joseph 1982 2/Lt PS Chima (Posthumous) 1971 Brig DB Mukherji 1983 Brig Gurcharan Singh 1984 Brig KK Malhotra 1986 Shaurya Chakra (SC) Brig KN Singh, VSM** 1987 Brig Jagdish Narain, VSM** 1988 Nk Govind Ram (Posthumous) 1964 Maj Gen AK Dasgupta 1992 Capt TKS Nair 1973 Brig SK Puri 1993 Spr Darshan Singh (Posthumous) 1975 Maj Gen MMR Narang 1995 Spr Bhola Prasad Singh (Posthumous) 1976 Col AK Singh, VSM 1995 Lt Gen YK Mehta 1997 Spr Anandi Yadav (Posthumous) 1978 Maj Gen RM Chadha 2000 Capt S Shekhar 1987 Maj Gen Rana SK Kapur, SM, VSM 2002 Capt C Bharti 1987 Lt Gen RK Rai Chand 2004 Nk Tul Bahadur 1988 Lt Gen MK Chari 2004 Lt Gen BS Dhaliwal, VSM 2004 L/Nk Uttam Kumar Basu 1989 Maj Gen U Bhattacharyya 2004 Spr Mahipal Singh (Posthumous) 1990 Maj Gen K Mukherjee 2005 L/Nk Dhian Singh (Posthumous) 1994 Maj Gen SK Sahijpal 2005 Maj Bhupinder Singh (Posthumous) 1995 Maj Gen SC Gogna 2006 Nk Visheshi Singh 1997 Maj Gen Vinod Kumar Sharma, VSM 2007 Lt Gen AK Nanda 2009 Maj M Nair 1998 Lt Gen Gautam Banerjee, YSM 2009 Maj M Gangadharan (Posthumous) 1999 Lt Gen Vijai Sharma 2012 Maj HS Sidhu 2001 Maj Gen AK Chaturvedi, VSM 2013 Maj Deepak Rawat (Posthumous) 2002 Lt Gen AT Parnaik, SM, VSM 2015 Lt Gen Jatinder Sikand, VSM, ADC 2015 Capt Sashi Bhusan Singh 2007 Lt Gen Suresh Sharma 2016 Capt Amit Bhardwaj 2008 Maj Gen Harpal Singh, VSM 2017 Maj Ankur Garg 2009 Lt Gen SK Shrivastava 2018 Spr Amarjit Singh 2011 Lt Gen DS Ahuja 2018 Maj Satnam Singh 2014 Maj Gen TPS Rawat, VSM* 2019 Maj R Vamshi Krishnan 2015 Sena Medal (SM) Sena Medal (SM)

Rank Name Year Rank Name Year

Spr Niranjan Kumar Singh - 2005 L Nk Deepak Kumar Verma - 2014 Maj Saurabh Gupta - 2005 Brig Bishawajeet Ghosh - 2016 Capt Shashi Bhusan Singh - 2005 Brig Anil Singh - 2016 Maj Sudeep Kumar Mishra - 2005 Col Ajay Londhe - 2016 Nk Sanjeev Kumar - 2006 Maj Yende Raghavendra Kumar - 2017 Maj Sanjeev Chamola - 2006 Maj Barde Hrishikesh Kumar - 2017 Maj Digvijay Singh Chauhan - 2006 Capt Manik Sharma - 2017 Hav Darbar Singh - 2007 Nk Sukhwinder Singh - 2017 Spr Harpal Singh - 2007 Brig SS Dasaka - 2007 Brig Sanjeev Kumar Vidyarthi - 2017 Capt Pradeep Kumar Thapa - 2007 Col Harinder Singh Billing - 2017 Capt Amit Bhardwaj - 2007 Maj Kuldeep Singh - 2017 Capt Shashank Singh - 2008 Maj Manish Kumar Yadav - 2017 Capt Uma Shankar Singh - 2008 Nk Chittaranjan Debbarma - 2017 Spr Uma Shankar Joshi - 2008 Maj K Naveen Reddy - 2018 Maj Inder Singh Chauhan - 2008 Capt Divyanshu Ahuja - 2018 Maj Gen AT Parnaik, VSM - 2010 Maj Gen Digvijay Setia - 2018 Maj Nikhil Kumar Singh - 2011 Maj Deepak Singh - 2018 Nk Mohit Singh - 2012 Nk Jagira Ram - 2018 Lt Col Abhishek Khatri - 2012 L Nk Jatinder Singh - 2018 Capt Aseem Gupta - 2012 Maj Harnek Singh Bains - 2019 Brig KK Repswal - 2013 Maj Manish Kumar Singh - 2019 Maj Abhishek Kukreti - 2013 Maj Gen Sanjiv Bajaj - 2019 Maj Gaurav Ashdhir - 2014 Col Inder Singh - 2014 Maj K Naveen Reddy - 2019 Lt Col Vikram Singh - 2014 Maj Manish Kumar Singh - 2019 Capt Chander Singh Aswal - 2014 Maj Chitresh Bisht - 2019 Maj Yogesh Pandey - 2019 KIRTI CHAKRA

MAJ AK SINGH MAJ JAI BAHUGUNA, SM,VSM** 2/LT PERMINDER SINGH MAJ RAHUL GURUNG 57 ENGR REGT (Posthumous) (Posthumous) 234 ENGR REGT TTISHNA 236 ENGR REGT 1964 2010 1987 ARMY EVEREST EXPEDITION 1985 CHANGLA - DARBUKZINGRAL

VIR CHAKRA

L/HAV NARENDRA DUTT MAJ SURINDER VATSA 2/LT PS CHEEMA 54 ENGR REGT (Posthumous) (Posthumous) 1948 59 ENGR REGT 57 ENGR REGT J&K 1947-48 1971 1971 EAST PAKISTAN (1971) WEST PAKISTAN (1971) SHAURYA CHAKRA

NK GOVIND RAM CAPT TKS NAIR SPR DARSHAN SINGH SPR BHOLA PRASAD (Posthumous) 56 ENGR REGT (Posthumous) (Posthumous) 74 FD COY 1973 61 ENGR REGT 234 ENGR REGT 1964 SOUTH WESTERN SLOPES 1975 1976 RESCUE WORK (ZOJILA) OF LALEALI OP TASK WITH DRDO SAMASTIPUR DISTRICT

SPR ANANDI YADAV CAPT SANJEEV SHEKHAR CAPT C BHARTI L HAV TUL BAHADUR (Posthumous) 59 ENGR REGT 65 ENGR REGT (Posthumous) 235 ENGR REGT 1987 1987 58 ENGR REGT 1978 TRISHNA TRISHNA 1998 RESCUE OPS OP WKS SHAURYA CHAKRA

NK UTTAM KUMAR BASU LNK MAHIPAL SINGH SPR DHIAN SINGH MAJ BHUPINDER SINGH 1647 PNR COY (Posthumous) (Posthumous) (Posthumous) 1989 56 ENGR REGT 52 ENGR REGT 99 RCC 1990 1994 1995 PUNJAB OP RAKSHAK, J&K OP RAKSHAK, J&K

HAV VISHESHI SINGH KUSHBAH MAJ MURLIDHARAN NAIR MAJ MOHAN GANGADHARAN MAJ HS SIDHU 9 RR 55 ENGR REGT (Posthumous) 64 ENGR REGT /36 RR 1997 1998 59 ENGR REGT 2000 OP RAKSHAK, J&K CI OPS - MANIPUR 1999 OP RAKSHAK, J&K OP RHINO, ASSAM SHAURYA CHAKRA

CAPT DEEPAK RAWAT CAPT SASHI BHUSHAN SINGH CAPT AMIT BHARDWAJ MAJ ANKUR GARG (Posthumous) 236 ENGR REGT 52 ENGR REGT 59 ENGR REGT 65 ENGR REGT / 3 RR 2007 2009 2009 2002 OP RAKSHAK, J&K

SPR AMARJIT SINGH MAJ SATNAM SINGH MAJ R VAMSHI KRISHNAN CAPT MAHESH KUMAR BHURE (Posthumous) 236 ENGR REGT/ 15 ASSAM RIF 237 ENGR REGT 58 ENGR REGT 62 ENGR REGT 2014 2015 2019 2011 E-IN-Cs BENGAL SAPPERS

MAJ GEN H WILLIAMS, KBE, CB, MAJ GEN H KN DUBEY, PVSM LT GEN BN DAS, PVSM, ADC LT GEN JS BAWA, PVSM, AVSM CING, FICE, MIE (IND) MIS (IND) APR 1965 - JUL 1967 AUG 1971 - APR 1975 JUL 1975 - AUG 1979 JAN 1948 - OCT 1955

LT GEN YP KHURANA, LT GEN JAGDISH NARAIN, LT GEN HARI UNIYAL, LT GEN BS DHALIWAL, PVSM PVSM, AVSM, VSM**, ADC PVSM PVSM, AVSM, VSM APR 1989 - NOV 1991 APR 1994 - MAY 1995 23 NOV 2000 - 31 DEC 2003 01 MAY 2006 - 31 AUG 2007 E-IN-Cs BENGAL SAPPERS

LT GEN GAUTAM DUTT, VSM LT GEN AK NANDA, AVSM LT GEN MC BADHANI, VSM LT GEN VIJAI SHARMA, PVSM, AVSM 1 SEP 2008- 30 SEP 2009 1 OCT 2009 - 31 OCT 2010 1 NOV 2010 - 31 DEC 2011 1 JAN 2012 - 31 AUG 2013

LT GEN J SIKAND, AVSM, VSM, ADC LT GEN SURESH SHARMA, AVSM LT GEN SK SHRIVASTAVA, AVSM 1 SEP 2013 - 30 SEP 2015 01 FEB 2017 - 31 MAR 2018 01 APR 2018 - TILL DATE DGBRs - BENGAL SAPPERS

MAJ GEN KN DUBEY, PVSM MAJ GEN ARJAN SINGH,PVSM MAJ GEN JS BAWA,PVSM, AVSM 25 APR 1960 - 06 APR 1965 09 AUG 1967 - 07 APR 1969 08 APR 1969 - 10 FEB 1974

MAJ GEN J C SACHDEVA, PVSM LT GEN VIMAL SHINGHAL, PVSM LT GEN AK NANDA, AVSM 14 MAY 1985 - 30 APR 1987 01 DEC 1993 - 30 APR 1996 01 OCT 2007 - 30 SEP 2009 DGBRs - BENGAL SAPPERS

MAJ GEN MC BADHANI, PVSM, VSM LT GEN AT PARNAIK, SM, VSM LT GEN SURESH SHARMA, AVSM 01 SEP 2009 - 30 OCT 2010 01 NOV 2012 - 31 DEC 2014 01 JAN 2016 - 31 JAN 2017

LT GEN SK SHRIVASTAVA, AVSM LT GEN HARPAL SINGH, AVSM, VSM 01 FEB 2017 - 27 MAR 2018 28 MAR 2018 - TILL DT COLONEL COMMANDANTS

LT GEN KN DUBEY, PVSM LT GEN TB NANDA, PVSM MAJ GEN GK SEN OCT 1967 - SEP 1976 JUN 1977 - MAY 1983 SEP 1983 - JAN 1989

MAJ GEN RK SINGH, VSM MAJ GEN SN DUBEY LT GEN V SHINGAL, PVSM, ADC AUG 1989 - SEP OCT 1990 - JUN 1992 JUL 1992 - APR 1996

MAJ GEN SS KARKI LT GEN R M CHADHA, PVSM, AVSM LT GEN BS DHALIWAL, AVSM, VSM APR 1996 - SEP 2000 OCT 2000 - OCT 2002 JAN 2003 - APR 2006 COLONEL COMMANDANTS

LT GEN GAUTAM DUTT, LT GEN GAUTAM BANERJEE, LT GEN VIJAI SHARMA, LT GEN A T PARNAIK, VSM AVSM, YSM AVSM, VSM AVSM, VSM, SM JUL 06 - 31 AUG 2008 SEP 2008 - JUN 2011 JUL 2011 - JAN 2012 MAR 2012 - 31 Jul 15

LT GEN SURESH SHARMA, LT GEN SK SHRIVASTAVA, LT GEN HARPAL SINGH, AVSM AVSM AVSM, VSM 01 Aug 2015 - 31 MAR 2017 01 APR 2017 - 09 AUG 18 10 AUG 18 - TILL DATE COMMANDANTS (Post Independence)

COL J S DHILLON COL K N DUBEY COL SHIV DAYAL SINGH COL YR PURI 012 FEB 1948 - 26 NOV 1949 16 DEC 1949 - 24 APR 1952 14 JUN 1952 - 29 AUG 1953 19 DEC 1953 - 25 NOV 1956

COL NN BHARGAVA COL BP WADHERA COL KC SONI COL NARESH PRASAD, VSM 26 DEC 1956 - 30 JAN 1960 31 JAN 1960 - 17 JUN 1960 22 JUN 1960 TO 18 JUN 1963 19 JUN 1963 - 21 JUN 1965

COL M VALLADARES, VSM COL NL BERY COL AKBAL SINGH COL RS SUNDARAM 22 JUN 1965 - 18 FEB 1968 28 FEB 1968 - 09 AUG 1969 01 AUG 1969 - 04 APR 1972 05 APR 1972 - 01 NOV 1975 COMMANDANTS (Post Independence)

COL SS RANA BRIG V WADHAWAN BRIG RK SINGH, VSM BRIG SN DUBEY 02 NOV 1975 - 31 MAY 1978 01 JUN 1978 - 14 MAY 1981 27 MAY 1981 - 17 JUN 1984 18 JUN 1984 - 25 NOV 1986

BRIG V SINGHAL BRIG G S LAMBA BRIG K K BUGGA BRIG HARI UNIYAL 26 DEC 1986 - 25 MAY 1989 26 MAY 1989 - 21 SEP 1991 04 OCT 1991 - 12 JULY 1994 01 AUG 1994 - 08 JULY 1996

BRIG K K TALWAR BRIG R S JAMWAL, SM BRIG S N MUKHERJEE BRIG G BANERJEE, YSM 08 JULY 1996 - 28 APR 1999 29 JAN 1999 - 19 APR 2001 20 APR 2001 TO 17 JUN 2003 18 JUN 2003 - 07 JAN 2004 COMMANDANTS (Post Independence)

BRIG A K CHATURVEDI BRIG S K WADHAWAN BRIG MANOJ KUMAR, VSM BRIG D S AHUJA 07 JAN 2004 - 07 JAN 2006 07 JAN 2006 - 02 JAN 2008 25 JAN 2008 - 31 DEC 2009 12 APR 2010 - 03 JAN 2011

BRIG SURESH SHARMA BRIG DIGVIJAY SETIA, VSM BRIG SK KATARIA BRIG RAGHU SRINIVASAN, VSM 04 MAR 2011 - 13 JULY 2012 13 JULY 2012 - 10 OCT 2015 02 NOV 2015 - 19 MAR 2018 18 MAY 2018 - TILL DATE EPILOGUE

“Men often live and follow a beaten path by imitation; Only a few dare to carve out a new path for themselves.” -Rigveda

The legend of the Bengal Sappers goes on, adding new sagas of unparalleled bravery, raw courage and valour in the annals of Indian Military History. We carry, on our shoulders, 200 years of Legacy – A legacy of “Ekta-Sewa-Ilam, of Dhridta and Shoorvirta”, which has made us indispensable. A Bengal Sapper is always on the move, not content to rest on his laurels.

Being a Bengal Sappers is not accidental. It is by God's grace that one is a member of “God's Own” and thus an omnipotent human being. A Bengal Sapper is a creator on earth, he makes his own way for others to follow; blazing a trail… into history!

Our extraordinary achievements over the last 216 years speak more than words and make us humbly believe that human endeavour knows no boundaries; if one is a Bengal Sapper – the sky is the limit.

Today, when we look back, an immense sense of satisfaction rejuvenates us and inspires us to look towards the future to cross more milestones and push ourselves to 'Make the Impossible, Possible'.

This book is just an initiation of a spark. There still lies a plethora of tasks to be accomplished, and the Bengal Sapper marches ahead into the sun with determination on the path of excellence….. Acknowledgments (First Edition)

We wish to acknowledge the contributions made by the following :

51 Engineer Regiment 52 Engineer Regiment 53 Engineer Regiment 54 Engineer Regiment 55 Engineer Regiment 56 Engineer Regiment 57 Engineer Regiment 58 Engineer Regiment 59 Engineer Regiment 60 Engineer Regiment 61 Engineer Regiment 62 Engineer Regiment 63 Engineer Regiment 64 Engineer Regiment 65 Engineer Regiment 66 Engineer Regiment 67 Engineer Regiment 234 Armoured EngineerRegiment 235 Engineer Regiment 236 Engineer Regiment 237 Engineer Regiment 8 (Indep) Field Company 410 (Indep) Engineer Squadron 413 (Indep) Engineer Squadron 418 (Indep) Field Company 653 Engineer Plant Unit 658 Engineer Bridge Unit 252 Bomb Disposal Company 12 Ground Air Survey Liaison Platoon 801 Engineer Regiment (R&P) TA HQ Central Command, Engineer Branch HQ Southern Command, Engineer Branch HQ South , Engineer Branch Lt Gen Ravi Raichand, AVSM (Retd) Maj Gen SS Rana (Retd) Hindustan Lever Limited Select Bibliography

1. “God's Own”: The Bengal Sappers - Col RB Khanna (Jaipur : Mrs. Saroj Khanna, 2003).

2. Trails Blazers of the Indian Army : The Bengal Sappers 1803-2003. (Roorkee: Commandant, Bengal Engineer Group & Centre,2003).

3. Legends and facts extraordinary : The Bengal sappers 1803-2003. (Roorkee: Commandant, Bengal Engineer Group & Centre,2003).

4. Faujeshwar: Special Bi-centenary Number. (Roorkee: Commandant, Bengal Engineer Group & Centre, 2003).

5. The Bengal Sappers 1803-2003: An Anthology. Compiled by George Cooper and David Alexander. (Chatham, Institution of Engineers,UK,2003).

6. Unit Record 1939-1947. King George V's Own Bengal Sappers and Miners Ofcers' Association.

7. The Military Engineer in India Vols I & II – Lt Col EWC Sandes, DSO, MC. (Chatham: Institution of Royal Engineers).

8. History of the Corps of Engineers Indian Army 1947-1972- compiled under direction and authority of the Engineer-in-Chief, Army Headquarters. (New Delhi : Palit and Palit, 1980).

9. Sarvatra : The Corps of Engineers – Concept by Col RB Khanna. (New Delhi : Engineer in Chief's Branch, 2004).

10. 1971: The sappers War - Compiled by Col RB Khanna. (New Delhi : Engineer in Chief, Army Headquarters ,1995)

11. Operations in Jammu & Kashmir 1947-48-SN Prasad and Dharm Pal. (New Delhi : History Division, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, 1987).

12. Tradition of Valour : History of the Bombay Sappers-Prof B Swaminathan. (Kirkee: Commandant, Bombay Sappers Centre,1984).

13. World War 1939-45-Peter Young. (London, Arthur Barker, 1966).

14. World war II Almanac: 1931-1945-Robert Goralski. (London : Haminsh Hamilton, 1981).

15. Defeat into Victory- Field Marshal William Slim. (London: Cassel & Co Ltd,1955).

16. The Garhwal Ries : Where is Tradition. (Lansdowne: Commandant, Garhwal Ries Regimental Centre, 2004).

17. Faujeshwar Magazine 2000 to 2018.

18. Golden Reection - 55 Engineer Regiment. GOD'S OWN IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM God's Own step into The New Millennium with Trail Blazing and Path Finding Operational Engineering

Through the 21st Century continuous low intensity and counter militant warfare engaged the Centre and God's Own Units. The demands for engineering support and infrastructure development saw the Sappers "Sarvatra”. The Bengal Sappers were in sync with the Army's mission of Improved Defence Posture all along our gigantic borders, sharpening the fighting machine to be leaner and meaner, honing our training methods and upgrading the quality of the soldier's life in combat, field and peace conditions. Combating our Adversaries

OP PARAKRAM 2002-03

Deteriorating relations with Pakistan led to a mobilization of our Armed Forces on an unprecedented scale in December 2001. Almost every unit of the Bengal Sappers moved to their operational locations on the Western border. With formations taking up defensive and offensive postures, the Bengal Sappers were upto their necks fighting a real war. Lakhs of live mines were laid, anti-personnel and anti-tank defences strengthened, underground operations rooms established, bridges readied for demolitions and thousands of tonnes of defence stores delivered. From the Rann to the Deserts, to the fertile plains, to the lofty mountains, the Bengal Sappers toiled away relentlessly to deliver the goods and were raring to go. Tensions eased by year end, with our Regiments facing a new challenge. Lakhs of live mines in hundreds of kilometers of mine fields awaited, like time bombs, to be rendered safe and lifted, and the land restored to their owners. It was a dangerous and hair raising task. Every Regiment and Unit evolved meticulous drills, invented scores of improvisations and carefully neutralized the lives mines for use on another day. With nary a casualty, “God's Own” Sappers sweated it out, Tr Laying long after the fighting echelons had returned, to clean up the borders. The Bengal Sappers Centre also contributed in great measure to the operational efforts of Parakram. Thousands of recruits were trained in shifts round the clock with depleted training and administrative staff, who had been posted to the units to boost their strengths. The resources of the Centre were fully stretched and tested. But the Bengal Sappers just did it!

Then Lt Gen JJ Singh, AVSM, VSM, Mineeld Recovery GOC 1 Corps visiting 67 Engr Br Regt during deployment OP DEEWAR – 2003 In the wake of OP PARAKRAM came OP DEEWAR. The erection of a fence along the International Border in Punjab was instrumental in containing terrorism in that State. This success story was ordered to be replicated along the (LC) in Jammu and Kashmir. This was a gigantic feat of engineering of 700 kilometers. The electrified fence snaked its way over the hills, mountains, valleys and rivers ranging from near sea level to 14,000 ft. Working round the clock in extreme climates ranging from oppressive summers to icy winters, the task was completed post haste. Undeterred by threats from across the LC and often under random fire and shelling the Sappers stuck to the task and braved temperatures which on days plunged to (-) 27°C. The impossible was achieved and 55, 65, 67 and 235 Engineer Regiments won accolades for making it possible. Having put in place a wire fenced Deewar the task for the Sappers was not over. Located in hostile terrain and weather conditions the onerous task of its repairs, reconstruction and resuscitation continues to this day. Bengal Sapper Units applied their engineering and combat skills to ensure the Deewar is operationally sound at all times. Through the Millennium 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 64, 65, 234 and 235 Engineer Regiments have been combating terrain, extreme climatic conditions and enemy intimidations to maintain and extend the Deewar. OP FALCON- Continuing the forward posture to enable the defence of Tawang, which started in the late 1980's, required massive defence oriented infrastructure to be put in place. Providing engineer support for consolidating our defensive positions along the (LAC) in the treacherous mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh kept our Regiments busy through the 2000's. 55, 59, 61, 62, 67, 68 and 236 Engineer Regiments during their tenure in the region developed operational tracks, high altitude habitats for troops, operations rooms, gun emplacements and explosives and ammunition caves. SIACHIN - OP MEGHDOOT In this Millennium two of our Regiments distinguished themselves while deployed in support of units in the highest battlefield of the World. 57 Engineer Regiment can justifiably be proud of their Siachen Tenure (2006 - 2007) leaving their footprints there with construction of the Longest Ladder Bridge (30 feet) and Aerial Trolley to the World's highest Military Post at Bana Top (21325 feet) Reactivation of the Advance Landing Ground at Daulat Beg Oldie was the high point of 235 Engineer Regiment’s stint in 2009 in Siachen. This was operationally necessary to counter Chinese posturing close to our border. SUSPENSION BRIDGE AT SASAR BRANGSA

An innovative feat of engineering was the 540 feet suspension bridge designed and constructed by 51 Engineer Regiment while deployed in the high altitude Northern Sub Sector in Ladakh This is the world's highest motorable suspension bridge launched in subzero temperatures at an altitude of 14,994 ft OP SADBHAVNA

This operation is aimed at winning the hearts of the general population and isolating the hard core terrorists and militants in Jammu and Kashmir and the disturbed areas in the North East. While deployed in these areas 51, 55, 59, 61 and 237 Engineer Regiments carried out numerous Military Civic Action programmes and earned the appreciation of the local populace, "Army belongs to the people and its commitment will last as long as the involvement of the people last”. The tasks were varied and challenging encompassing : - · Building and beautifying schools · Development of roads to remote areas. · Establishing pump houses and laying out piped water supply to inaccessible villages. · Constructing civic amenity buildings thereby fanning the desire for integration with the nation. · Imparting vocational training to the unemployed youth and misled militants, so as to facilitate their flow into the mainstream. OP RHINO The North East States of India have seen militancy in different regions with highs and lows like the tides. Through this Millennium Assam remained a hot bed of militants of varied hues and names. 51, 55, 66, 68, 69 and 236 Engineer Regiments and squads of 252 Bomb Disposal Company have applied their Combat engineering skills in support of the Armies action against the ultras with distinction ; earning them many unit citations.

The Sappers conducted counter IED operations, detection and neutralisaiton of militant bombs, training of Central and State Police Forces and public awareness of militant devices. BENGAL SAPPERS IN RASHTRIYA RIFLES

God's Own is affiliated with 3 and 39 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) deployed in the Kashmir Valley for Counter Terrorist Operations (CT) Our officers, JCOs and Other Ranks posted with these RR Battalions have been in the forefront of CT operations in all its facets ; combat engineering and search, seek and destroy missions. SHOORVIRTA TO THE FORE

On 29 November 2016 in the wee hours of the morning a gang of terrorists attacked the Officers Mess of a Medium Regiment in the Nagrota Military Station The Quick Reaction Team of 51 Engineer Regiment moved decisively and with speed to engage the terrorists, neutralise them and minimise damage. The safety of officers and ladies staying in the mess was ensured at a price. Major Akshay Ganesh Kumar valiantly led his team and was martyred. Naik Chittaranjan Debbarma displayed outstanding gallantry in the encounter and laid down his life in protecting his brothers in arms. Major Akshay Ganesh Kumar was conferred with Mention-in-Despatch (Posthumous) and Naik Chittaranjan Debbarma, Sena Medal (Gallantry) also Posthumously. God's own credo of 'Shoorvirta' adorns our annals yet again.

KIRTI CHAKRA

Major Rahul Gurung of 234 Engineer Regiment while serving with 12 was decorated with the Kirti Chakra for outstanding leadership and utter disregard to his personal safety resulting in the elimination of eight hardcore militants inspite of intimidating hostile fire.

Honourable President Pratibha Patil Presenting the Kirti Chakra SHAURYA CHAKRA

While serving with 3 Rashtriya Rifle in the Kashmir valley Major Deepak Rawat of 65 Engineer Regiment have made the supreme sacrifice keeping the tradition of Bengal Sapper and received Saurya Chakra Posthumously.

Major Deepak Rawat COMBATING THE ELEMENTS

OP KOSI PRAHAR Unprecedented rains caused a breach in the Kosi Barrage in Nepal, resulting in the worst floods in the history of beleaguered Bihar. OP KOSI PRAHAR was declared on 1st September 2008. Three fourth of Bihar was devastated by the fury of River Kosi. It was a National Disaster. Rescue of whole marooned villages, moving lakhs of inhabitants to safe areas, establishing rehabilitation camps, distributing 1000's of tons of food and relief material and resuscitation of communication was a gigantic operation. The magnitude of this can be gauged by the fact that teams from thirteen Engineer Regiments of the Bengal Sappers were pressed in to service, apart from teams of the Madras and Bombay Sappers as also teams from the Navy and Air Force. OP CLOUD BURST

In the year 2010 the arid cold desert of Leh fell victim to the climatic change wrought by mankind. The region was deluged by the heaviest rainfall in its history. 237 Engineer Regiment deployed in the area was pressed into immediate rescue and relief operations. Establishment of relief camps, construction of damaged and new bridges, resuscitation of roads, water and electricity and reconstruction of habitats taxed the resources and skills of the Regiment. The “Chak De” spirit was amply rewarded with the Army Commanders Unit Citation in 2011. EARTHQUAKE The Himalayan State of Sikkim found its idyllic and scenic slopes devastated by a 6.8 Richter scale earthquake on a fateful Sunday 18 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1 . M o b l i s i n g overnight 53 Engineer Regiment took up the challenge of rescue and rehabilitation of the affected people and area with 'Sahas and Yogyata. After emergency actions the “Maujis” brought succour to the populace providing food, water, opening up the Gangtok - Rangrang axis and nursing damaged houses to make then habitable. THE BICENTENARY

It was an event of Himalayan magnitude attended by all the three Services Chiefs on successive days – the Air Chief, the Naval Chief and the Army Chief on 5, 6 and 7 November 2003. Of the Bengal Sappers there were 316 officers – serving, retired, Indian and British – their ladies, 650 retired soldiers and 14,000 recruits, serving and their families. All came together as part of the large Bengal Sappers Family to nostalgically celebrate 200 years of “God's Own” in our 'Home away from Home' that is Roorkee.

The Air Chief with British Guests

The Bicentenary History Two centuries of the Bengal Sappers deeds of valour, guts and courage guided by the spirit of 'Chak De' (Just Do It!) was chronicled in two books, one by Colonel RB Khana tited “God's Own: The Bengal Sappers” and another, thousands of kilometers away, by King George V's Own Bengal Sappers & Miners Officers Association in United Kingdom titled “Bengal Sappers, 1803-2003”. Both books have on their cover the same motif, “The Ghuznee Fort' (though not by design!).

The Naval Chief reecting on the saga of “God’s Own” with the Colonel Commandant and Engineer-in-Chief Ex Servicemen's Rallies

To reach out to a large fraternity of the Bengal Sappers, a series of Ex-Servicemen's Rallies were conducted under the patronage of Regiments and the Centre at Meerut, Ranchi, Ahmedabad and Roorkee. At each rally, the retired Bengal Sappers family was deeply touched by this gesture of 'Ekta' and 'Sewa'.

Adventure Activities

In the Bicentenary year, a Veterans Expedition to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib was organized in September 2002. This was followed by a Mountaineering Expedition to Abi Gamin in October 2002 and a White Water The Army Chief reviewing the Bicentenary Parade Rafting Expedition in June 2003 from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh covering 150 kilometers of rapids down the sacred Ganges. A Redesigned Insignia for “God's Own” To commemorate this historic event for posterity our Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant General BS Dhaliwal, PVSM, VSM with deep insight and a vision for eternity gave an impetus which gave birth to a redesigned insignia for the Bengal Sappers; distinguishing it from all other Three Feathers.

Commemorative Stamp

In the Bicentenary year of the Bengal Sappers, the Department of Posts, Government of India, released a special stamp and first day cover featuring our War Memorial, the legendary Madhumati Bridge and the historical storming of Ghuznee fort.

Bicentenary Monuments

To etch this 'once in one's life time' event in history, a trio of prestigious monuments were erected in Roorkee. These landmark constructions capture the spirit and ethos of the Bengal Sappers. They are a tribute to 200 years of trail blazing activities by “God's Own”. Hari Dwar cements the traditional bonds between Roorkee University (now IIT- Roorkee) and the Bengal Sappers. Dwi-Shatabdi Dwar glorifies the exploits of valour of “God's Own” spread over 200 years, and Gaurav Sthal exemplifies the pride in the heart of every soldier of “God's Own” on our glorious 200 years. This unique monument of eleven red sand stone pillars, each in the shape of a Bayonet extols the razor sharp skills of the 'Bengal Sappers, long famous for making the impossible, possible. On it are inscribed the names of all serving officers of “God's Own” as on 7 November 2003. Each one of them contributed to its cost. The Celebrations Among the honoured guests during the Bicentenary celebrations, apart from the three Chiefs, was the contingent from the Bengal Sappers Officers Association (BSOA) in UK. This nineteen strong group of dyed- in-the-wool stalwarts of “God's Own” made a “return to Roorkee, our home away from home… close to 60 years later to renew… connections and rich memories of their time in “God's Own” country”. The quotes above and extracts below from a report by Major David Alexander of BSOA in UK best describe the grandeur and splendour of the Bicentenary, 'a spectacle beyond comparison'. (We would not like to blow our own trumpet!)

Contingent from BSOA in UK The Guards of Honour and Parade walking down memory lane... “The parades were the central feature… Guards of Honour to the Chiefs, the main Bicentenary Parade… were spectacular events with all ranks in full ceremonial dress, the colours paraded, wreaths laid, the Band counter marched, trumpet calls sounded and a march past in line abreast with drill of a precision that would have graced the Horse Guards Parade in London. All the more remarkable… since majority of the jawans were recruits. A stirring event…”.

The Bicentenary Trophy

The Bicentenary Barakhana “We were invited to join in the Group Barakhana. It certainly lived up to its description … As many as 7,000 troops and families were seated… (and there was) a huge array of buffer tables groaning with food. A veritable miraculous feeding of many thousands… serving rotis at such a speed that their arms flailed like windmills… an occasion greatly enjoyed by all ranks and all ages'.

The Bicentenary Dinner “Officers and guests finally retired to the lawns of the Officers' Mess where presentations were made… Our President, General Sir George Cooper, presented an original water colour by Lieutenant (later Major General) Henry Durand of the blowing of the Kabul Gate at Ghuznee… He had himself taken part in 1839… It was with a profound feeling of nostalgia that we strolled… on the famous lawns of this famous Mess, chatting with old friends and comrades, raising our glasses to absent friends, to our hosts, to the valorous deeds of the past and to what will surely be a splendid future of a (Group)… we were all proud to have served in”. these words completely echo the sentiments and feelings of each and everyone who was there… “We all felt immensely privileged to have taken part in such a notable celebration”. Lieutenant General BN Das, PVSM (Retd) presenting the Bicentenary Trophy on behalf of the Veterans of Bengal Sappers Ofcers Association to the Colonel Commandant EXTENDING GODS OWN HAND TO WAR TORN NATIONS

Specially tailored and equipped Construction Engineer Companies and Platoons were deployed with United Nations in the War ravaged Nations of Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), Congo (MONUC), Israel-Syria (UNDOF), Sudan (UNMIS) and South Sudan (UNMISS) through the Millennium.

With the mandate to provide mobility, survivability and general engineer support to the UN Forces and the local populace, these specialists had their hands full restoring airfields, roads, water and electricity supply, launching bridges, constructing helipads and troops prefabricated shelters. The units brought cheer to the locals by resuscitating and creating many schools, sports facilities and civic amenities.

Ethiopia and Eritrea 2001-05 61 Engineer Regiment elements were the first, joining UNMEE on 18 March 2001. The Company was the proud recipient of the Force Commanders Citation conferred on it at a special parade on 11 March 2002. On de-induction the Force Commander, Major General Patrick Cammaert, wrote: "It is always sad to say farewell, certainly to a unit that served so well with such dedication professionalism and pride …”. Companies of 57 Engineer Regiment carried on the good work setting fresh benchmarks from 2003 to 2005. They also justifiably earned the Force Commander's Citation.

Congo, Israel-Syria, Sudan and South Sudan 2006-17

l58 Engineer Regiment shed manpower to send a Construction Engineer Company and Platoons to support the UN Missions in Congo and Sudan (2006-07). l55 Engineer Regiment had its company and platoons in Congo, Israel-Syria and Sudan (2008-10). l67 Engineer Regiment formed 67 Construction Engineer Company, supporting the UN efforts in Sudan in 2012. l62 Engineer Regiment deployed a construction force in the UN Mission in South Sudan (2015-17) lThe spirit of God's Own to always excel in every field brought laurels to each of these specialist Companies; all of whom received the Force Commander's Citations. A Bull's Eye first for God's Own. WHAT'S NEW IN OUR ALMA MATER

TRAINING FOR AUTOMATION DRIVEN WARFARE

The vision for the Twenty Twenties is a “Digital Army”. To further this aim the Centre has revamped the training of all recruits and advanced skilled tradesmen to be competent in many Computer Applications. All Sappers irrespective of their trade are exposed to the basics of Computers. The Centre Workshop and the Clerk School have vast computer labs to cater for this. Recruit Management Software was developed and is in use for monitoring various aspects of his training and individuals assimilation. TRAINING OF FRIENDLY FOREIGN ARMED FORCES

Cambodian Defence Forces

A team from the Centre flew to Cambodia in January 2009 to impart training to the Cambodian Defence Forces in de-mining and counter IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) Operations. Teams from the centre again conducted similar courses in August-September 2011 and October 2016. Afghan National Army (ANA)

An intensive Field Engineering training of eight weeks is being conducted for Officers and Sergeants of the ANA on yearly basis from 2016. Detection and neutralisation of mines and explosive devices is extensively covered apart from other aspects of engineering in operational situations. Training Central Forces Regular field engineering cadres are being organised for State Forest Services. Numerous short duration courses are run at periodic intervals to train Central and State Police personnel in detection, handling and State Police personal in detection, handling and neutralization of Improvised Explosive Devices which have become weapons of mass devastation in the armoury of terrorists and militants. Sports Medicine Centre

In recognition of the Bengal Sappers excellence in the field of sports and domination in Central Command the Sports Medicine Centre in Lucknow was moved to Roorkee in 2007. This modern facility monitors the parameters of our sportsmen, keeps them in peak physical condition and treats and resuscitates injured sports personnel of the Command. Jemadar Dharam Singh Memorial Hall Jemadar Dharam Singh born in 1914 at Mallagarkhar in Pithoragarh saw action in the Burma Front during the Second World War. As platoon commander in 70 Field Company this JCO distinguished himself by dismantling a damaged wooden bridge and keeping the vital communications open by initiating a jeepable flying ferry. For this he receivd a commendation from the Commander-in-Chief. He later earned a Mention-in-Dispatches for gallantry posthumously. The brave and enterprising JCO succumbed to bullet injuries in a cross fire of friendly fire and firing from the Japanese Patrols at the perimeter of 70 Field Company defences on 15 March 1944. His Memorial Hall and Basketball court within the Bengal Sappers Boys Hostel were instituted with contributions received from Maj General Ian Lyall Grant of King George the Vs Own, Bengal Sappers who raised and commanded 70 Field Company and who in his own words, “saved my life due to the valiant action of the JCO” The heroism and engineering feats of Jemadar Dharam Singh enshrined in this memorial will inspire the present and future generations of God's Own. Subedar Hari Dutt Complex

Our iconic Sapper Cinema the venue of many Army and Command Weight Lifting, Body Building, Boxing and Wrestling Championships has taken a new shape as an Indoor Sports Complex with modern facilities for Basketball, Vollyball, Gymnasium and Badminton Courts. This complex was inaugurated by the Army Commander on 6 August 2010 and dedicated to the memory of our legendary Basketballer and Arjun Awardee Subedar Hari Dutt. HAJIPIR AUDITORIUM A state of the art auditorium to entertain all ranks of the station, screens movies through the week. It is also the scene of many soul stirring performances by the Bengal Sappers Symphony Orchestra. A regular feature of our Group Day celebrations. Sainik Aaramgrah A transit guest room facility for JCOs, OR and their families was created and become functional in 2017. It even facilitates the c e l e b r a t i o n o f V a r i o u s functions. Sainik Institute

Catering to the growing aspirations and changing life style of the Sapper and his family; a place to taste some exotic fare and entertain all ranks was added in 2015. It boasts of a Cafe, an air conditioned Bar, Pool Room, TV Room, a massive Ante Room with a stage for indoor functions. PERMANENT MULTI STORY ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ALMA MATER

The almost century old colonial style barracks which saw generations of God's Own are slowly and surely being replaced with permanent well designed structures mirroring the historical style of the Bengal Sappers. CLERKS TRAINING SCHOOL

As part of the permanent housing for the Specialist Training Battalion a new modern Training School for our clerks was commissioned on 7 December 2012. In keeping with the advances in the increasing use of computers and networking the school is well equipped to pitch our clerical staff into the New Millennium. HIGH MAST FLAG

During group Day 2017 a 100 feet high Tricolour Mast was inaugurated by Lieutenant General DR Soni PVSM, AVSM, ADC, GOC-in-C, Army . This edifice located at the Hajipir Complex infuses and motivates the patriotic fervour in all ranks of God's Own. A NEW ABODE FOR THREE FEATHERS OFFICERS INSTITUTE (TFOI)

With permanent structure replacing the old steadily, a new TFOI was constructed at the same location as the earlier building of 1942-43 vintage. The new facility with its modern amenities was better suited for the needs of the station. However, it was with a heavy heart that our beloved shell roof TFOI was brought down in 2018, leaving behind seventy six years of nostalgia. The new TFOI with its swanky bar and an elegant lounge has already become a hub of many large and small merry occasion THREE FEATHERS KIDVINCIBLE PLAY SCHOOL

Millennium being in the fast forward mode early childhood care has grown in importance. To meet this end a play school for infants, 2 to 3 years old, was conceptualised and inaugurated on 18 May 2019. The motor, language and life skills of the Tiny Tots are developed here in an informal and caring manner. YOGA-ELIXIR OF A HAPPY LIFE

With the world declaring and accepting our ancient science of Yoga as a path to a Healthy Life and declaring 21st June as World Yoga Day, this practice is being promoted actively by the Army. Every Saturday is Yoga Day for all ranks of the Centre. World Yoga Day is also celebrated with all the families joining the personnel of the Centre in a massed work out. It is a heart warming sight! To herald the new millennium, the 'Millennium Trophy' was instituted on Group Day 2001. The trophy records the deeds of the Bengal Sappers in the Twentieth Century. It holds a TV screen and video recording of historical events of the period. Sarva Dharma Sthal Overlooking the Faujeshwar Nath Mandir and epitomizing the truly secular spirit of the Bengal Sappers is the Sarva Dharma Sthal. This symbol of the deep respect for all religion that permeates “God's Own” was added in 2003. It was inaugurated on 10 February 2003 by Lieutenant General Hari Uniyal the Engineer-in-Chief from “God's Own”. VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE (VTC) Keeping in step with our march into the New Millennium the VTC has added courses on computers, English speaking, beauty culture, baking and driving for ladies of all personnel of the Centre under the aegis of the Bengal Sappers Family Welfare Organisation (BSFWO). The President BSFWO and other ladies of the Centre are the think tanks, pillars and wheels of progress in empowering our women. BEG has upgraded their VTC into Army Skill Training Centre under the National Skill Development Centre Scheme of the Government of India. This will ensure that all courses run under the aegis of the BSFWO will now have government accreditation, job opportunity and support for self-employment. IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION - PRE PRIMARY SCHOOLS The Knox Memorial and Bengal Sappers Nursery Schools were remodeled and christened Golden Fish Army Pre Primary School in 2011. They have grown in stature and strength ; facilities and aesthetics and fun filled activities. Many new facilities have been added in these two legendary schools are the recent times. They include installation of CCTV Cameras & developing traffic parks and sensory Park. Remarkable changes have also been made to enhance the aesthetics of the schools by paintings and educative and motivational charts. The schools are full of fun filled activities for our little blooming and shining stars, and it is an absolutes delight to just pass by the schools and see the children frolic around.

ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ROORKEE In the year 2011 the long standing Army School which served thousands of wards of Army Personnel stationed in Roorkee since 1988, was upgraded and became Army Public School. It is the finest Senior Secondary School in Roorkee. Housed in the campus of the Bengal Sappers it is administered and guided by our officers. The curtain on the Bengal Sappers Saint Gabriels Academy, which was the premier educational institution since inception in 1962-65 finally changed colours in 2012 with the departure of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel. Today, it has come under the wings of Army Welfare Education Society. Renamed as Army Public School Number 2 it continues to be the leading Senior Secondary School in the Station. It is overseen by officers of the Bengal Sappers, also dedicated staff is working towards the all-round development of the students and it is their endeavour that every pass out of the school excels in their chosen field. Adventure & Sports Expedition To Mount Abi Gamin and Mount Kamet (2002) Our team of young mountaineers led by Maj PH Reddy, SM* followed the pioneering path blazed out by the legendary Nandu Jayal. To commemorate the Bi-centenary year an expedition set out to Mt Abi Gamin (24,130 ft) and Mt Kamet (25,446 ft) in September 2002. Abi Gamin saw our flag on the summit on 1st October when Naib Subedar Ram Bahadur (4/3 GR), Lance Naik Kundan Singh (57 ER) and Sapper Anil Kumar (55 ER) proudly planted it there. The attempt on Mt Kamet on 3rd and 5th October was defeated by the harsh vagaries of nature. It was a case of “so near yet so far!" All Women Crew Sailing Expedition Continuing the Trail Blazing saga of God's Own, Capt Sudha.K sailed in the pioneering all women crews expedition from Mumbai to Goa and back in December 2005. Another first for the Bengal Pachpan Ajay Multidimensional Expedition - 2009

A team of two officers, two JCOs and 16 Other Ranks led by undertook a 540 kms Expedition spanning the four major rivers - Siang, Dibang, Lohit and Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. Cycling, trekking, rafting and rowing across the riverine terrain, the expedition collected data of the rivers and terrain and explored the bio-diversity of the region and its rich cultural heritage Kalindi Peak Mountaineering Expedition : 2014

Mount Kalindi at 20,042 ft is a unique challenge as one has to traverse six glaciers to reach its base. Our mountaineering team led by Capt PK Rai trudged a distance of 80 kilometers in 19 days and summited the peak on 8th September 2014. Bhagirathi -II Expedition : 2015

A second successful mountaineering expedition – two in two years led once again by Capt PK Rai reached the summit of Bhagirathi –II (21,364 ft) on 15 September 2015. The team overcame inclement weather, steep slopes and treacherous icy terrain in the typical 'Dhridta' spirit of God's Own. Mt Satopant Expedition - 2017 Once again Major P.K Rai of 54 Engineer Regiment led a team of three officers, one JCO and twenty other ranks to scale Mt Satopanth, 23,212 ft high in the Garhwal Himalayas. The peak was conquered on 'Gandhi Jayanti' 2nd Oct 2017. The experience gained by mountaineers in the previous expeditions ensured a smooth run to the Peak. BENGAL SAPPERS IN SPORTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA

Our excellence in sports is continuously nursed and promoted by the Centre and all our units. The Bengal Sappers have dominated in all events at the Command Level, been the majority in the Central Command teams and had scores of members in the Services and National teams. This domination and excellence continues in the New Millennium with a number of achievements at the International Level

SOUTH ASIA FEDERATION GAMES (SAF) 1. The Colombo SAF Games in 2006 saw Havildars Gurdarshan Singh, Hardev Kadyan, Sunil Kumar and Sapper Anil Kumar win Gold in Quadruple sculls and Sapper Sukhjeet Singh strike Gold in the Single Scull. 2. In the SAF games in Chennai 2010 our team of Subedar Kripal Singh, Sandeep Kumar and Dharminder Singh bagged Gold and Silver Medal each in Fencing. 3. At the same SAF games Havildar Sandeep Kumar lifted the Gold Medal in weight lifting and Haviildar Sukhwinder Singh bagged a gold with the National Handball team. Havildar 4. Once again Subedar Kripal Singh did us proud by striking gold in Fencing at SAF Games in Pradeep Singh Hyderabad in 2012. 5. Havildar Pradeep Singh struck Gold in Wrestling at Guwahati SAF Games in 2016. 6. At the South Asia Cross Country Championships held in Bhutan in 2018, Sapper Pradeep of God's Own, crossed the line ahead of the field, winning Gold.

Havildar Havildar Havildar Sapper Subedar Subedar Subedar Havildar Havildar Havildar Gurdarshan Singh Hardev Kadyan Sunil Kumar Anil Kumar Kripal Singh Sandeep Kumar Dharminder Singh Sandeep Kumar Sukhwinder Singh Pradeep Singh IN THE ASIADS 1. Sapper Arun Jakhmola was part of the Volleyball team at the Busan Asiad in 2002. 2. Our Rowers Naib Subedar Roshan Lal and Havildar Udaiveer Singh helped the National team clinch the Bronze Medal in the Coxless Four event at the same games in Busan. 3. Havildars DVS Negi and Sanjay Singh represented the country in rowing at the 16th Asian Games (2010) in China. 4. Subedar Dalip Beniwal was the Rowing coach of the Indian team at the same Asian Games. 5. Year 2014, in the 17th Asiad held in Korea, our rowers Subedar Devender Singh, Havildars Manender Singh, Kapil Sharma and Dushyant Chauhan brought laurels to the Nation, winning a Bronze Medal in the Coxless Four. 6. At the 18th Asiad in Jakarta (2018) Naib Subedar Sukhmeet Singh of God's Own struck Gold with his team in the Quadruple Sculls and Naib Subedar Rohit Kumar and Bhagwan Singh bagged a Bronze in the light weight Double Sculls.

Sapper Naib Subedar Havildar Havildar Arun Jakhmola Roshan Lal DVS Negi Sanjay Singh

Subedar Subedar Havildar Havildar Havildar Naib Subedar Naib Subedar Naib Subedar Dalip Beniwal Devender Singh Manender Singh Kapil Sharma Dushyant Chauhan Sukhmeet Singh Rohit Kumar Bhagwan Singh OLYMPIC GLORY

1. Havildar Inderpal Singh represented India in Rowing in the Sydney Olympics 2000.

2. Major Nachattar Singh participated in the Bejing Olympics 2008 donning India Colours in Finn Class Sailing.

3. Havildar Devender Singh also donned National Colours in the lightweight Double Scull. Havildar Inderpal Singh Major Nachattar Singh Havildar Devender Singh

ARJUN AWARDS

Naib Subedar Survinder Singh (Junior) Kanwasi received the Arjun Award in 2001 and Subedar Inderpal Singh in 2002 : both in rowing and were the latest of our eleven Arjunas.

Subedar Surender Singh Kanwasi receiving the coveted Arjuna Award from the President of India Naib Subedar SS Kanwasi Naib Subedar Inderpal Singh HE Shri KR Narayana in September 2001 Rowing, 2001 Rowing, 2002 Kayaking & Canoeing Once again the Bengal Sappers - the Trail Blazer s - were the first to steal the limelight in this relatively new sport. In the years 1999 to 2001 Subedar K Topo won a clutch of gold medal at National and International meets. Our hour of glory was when Naib Subedar AK Srivastava, who had under his paddle five gold medals at Nationals, picked up Subedar Naib Subedar an Asian gold in 2002 at IX Asian K Topo AK Srivastava Championship. OUR GOLDEN JUBILEE REGIMENTS

The first Engineer Regiment came into being amalgamating our Independent Field Companies and Field Park Companies in 1965 and 1966. Many other Regiments were raised ab-initio thereafter. Every Golden Regiment celebrated this golden event by remembering their martyrs, history, glory and bonding with their fraternity that trod the golden path and built their legacies. It was a nostalgic occasion for all ranks and families. With the dawn of the New Millennium 51, 54, 56, 235, 236 Engineer Regiments turned Fifty in 2015 and celebrated their Golden Jubilees with pride in their rich and valiant sagas 55, 60, 62 and 234 Engineer Regiments reached their milestone in 2016. 237 Engineer Regiment got to this landmark in 2017, and 59 Engineer Regiment completed 50 glorious years in 2018.

Release of First Day Cover 234 Engineer Regiment

Golden Jubilee Parade - 56 Engineer Regiment A FIRST FOR THE TRAIL BLAZERS

For the first time in history an Engineer Regiment lifted the Divisional Championship Banner in 2017-18 competed for by all units of the Division. 55 Engineer Regiment achieved this singular distinction by outstanding performance in all Divisional competitions ranging from sports, combat events, administration, documentation and excellent military discipline. The Regiment lived upto the Sapper motto of SARVATRA, The Bengal Sappers spirit of CHAK DE and the Regiments war cry 'PACHPAN AJAY' – Victorious in every way. GOD'S OWN - ANOTHER FIRST

Lieutenant Shikha Bhadauria joined the Bengal Sappers on commissioning from OTA in March 2009. Standing first in the overall order of merit amongst all cadets of Officers Training Academy, Chennai, she was the proud recipient of the Gold Medal. She was presented this honour by the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Patil, on 21st March 2009.

Recipient of Gold Medal REPLICATING OUR LOST SILVER

The silver trophies of our Officer Mess which parted from us with Partition in 1947 were always considered a heritage of God's Own. Deciding to recount the history that these trophies held in them, a process for replicating them started in 2015. Thibet Trophy - 1904. Replicated in 2012 it was unveiled on our 210th Group Day. It commemorates the victory of the Young Husband Expedition of 1903-04 culminating with the capture of the Potala Palace. Six Companies of the Sikh Pioneers ( later Bengal Sappers) provided combat engineer support which was instrumental in the success of the Expedition. China Trophy - 1862 . The Royal Engineers support to the successful Second China War of 1857 - 60 is edified by this splendid silver trophy weighing 2.763 Kilogram. It adorns our Officers Mess and was given unto us the 212th Group Day in 2014. It reminds us of the trophy we lost to Pakistan Engineers on our partition. Magdala Vase – 1868. This silver trophy is a testimony to the valour of God's Own in the Magdala war in 1868. The British expedition into Ethiopia was a triumph for Field Thibet Trophy China Trophy Magdala Vase Marshal Napier. The Bengal Sappers ensured the mobility of the Force. The Magdala Vase belonging to Emperor Tewodrass-II of Ethiopia, was a war booty given to The Bengal Sappers. It was re-crafted, unveiled and found a place amongst our Mess Silver on the 213th Group Day on 7th November 2015. Wilson Vase 1872. Second in the series "Wilson Vase” is named after Major General Sir Charles William Wilson, an officer of the Royal Engineers, who became a renowned and celebrated geographer and archeologist. It commemorates victory of the Royal Engineers in the first Football Association Cup instituted in 1872. It stands testimony to the grit, sportsmanship and skills showcased by the winners - The Royal Engineers. It was commissioned in the Officer Mess on the occasion of our 214th Group Day. East India Memorial Trophy . A replica of the East India Memorial Trophy presented to Bengal Sappers by Royal Engineeers was unveiled on Group Day 2017. It is a memory to the strong bonds of affiliation between the Bengal Sappers and the 34000 native Indian sugarcane and coffee workers of the East India Company whose rehabilitation in Surinam was facilitated by God's Own ; based on an agreement reached by the Dutch and British Empire in 1865. Wilson Vase East India Memorial Trophy LAURELS AND ACCOLADES

Flag Bearers of God's Own

The indomitable spirit of the Bengal Sapper coupled with his panacea to use the 'Hamper' and 'Just Do It!' -- the spirit of 'Chak De' has brought "God's Own the highest tally of laurels, honours and accolades ever won by any Regiment of the Indian Army or perhaps anywhere the world over.

Today we can justifiably feel proud and boast of 80 Battle Honours, 11 Theatre Honours, 11 Victoria Crosses, 65 Military Crosses, 117 Indian Orders of Merit, 1 Padma Bhushan, 23 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 4 Kirti Chakras, 23 Shaurya Chakra, 53 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 152 Sena Medals and a host of other awards apart from 11 Arjuna Awards.

Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation The Chief's Unit Citation is awarded for excellence in operational situations and perseverance in successfully executing tasks against all odds in the most trying circumstances. This singular award comparable to Battle Honours, was instituted to recognize achievement of a unit in near battle conditions in the decades old low intensity conflict thrust upon the Nation by our adversaries. 1. The first of the block in the very first year of the New Millennium was 58 Engineer Regiment. On 15 Jan 2000 the Regiment proudly enriched our history with the COAS Unit Citation for their excellence in Op SHAKTI, when the Nation witnessed the glorious sight of our second nuclear detonation to enhance our all round nuclear capability. l55, 67 and 235 Engineer Regiments – a hat trick - for excelling expectations in Op DEEWAR (15 January 2005). l58 Engineer Regiment - Op MEGHDOOT (2010). Construction of Advance Landing Ground at - Eastern Ladakh was the jewel in the crown. l237 Engineer Regiment (2012) for stupendous performance while deployed at the Zanskar Ranges. l62 Engineer Regiment (2013) for their outstanding performance in Rajouri Area. l235 Engineer Regiment scored a double in 2015 for infrastructure development in Op Rhino. GOC-in-C Unit Citations for Continued Outstanding Performance

In the New Millennium the account for the Army Commander's Citation opened with 65 Engineer Regiment, who brought glory to the Bengal Sappers for their outstanding performance in OP Deewar.

The first Regimental Centre to be recognized for continued Outstanding Performance came to the Bengal Sappers Centre in 2009. Following the bench mark set by the Centre. 56 and 63 Engineer Regiments also covered themselves in glory in the same year. Other recipients of this coveted award are : -

l 56 & 66 Engineer Regiments (2009) l 55 Engineer Regiment, 8 Independent Field Company (2010) l 60, 64, 69 & 237 Engineer Regiments (2011) l 54, 57 & 63 Engineer Regiments (2012) l 234 Engine Regiment (2014) l 56 & 66 Engineer Regiments (2015) l 54, 55 & 62 Engineer Regiments (2016) l 410 (Independent) Engineer Squadron & Bengal Engineer Group and Centre (2017) l 59 Engineer Regiment (2018) l 54, 65, 68 & 72 Engineer Regiments (2019) Military Survey - An Exclusive Specialty of God’s Own The need for Military Survey became must during the Second World War. This speciality was entrusted to the Bengal Sappers. The origin of our footprint in survey dates back to 1942 with the raising of Indian Field Survey Companies. Today we have expanded and gone digital providing the Defence Forces with 3 dimensional maps of military relevance. Evolving from 1942 the Survey Companies have given rise to : -

501 Field Survey Engineer Group. which carries out field survey and converts the data from aerial and satellite imaging into large scale 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional maps. This unit is located in Dehradun and operates throughout the country.

Centre for Automated Military Survey (CAMS). This pioneering centre for modern technology in Military Survey established in 1993 at Delhi, supports the Armed Forces requirement of digital mapping data for navigation, surveillance, weapons delivery and logistic support.

Army Digital Mapping Centre (ADMC). Raised in 1999 at as Army Cartography and Map Production unit ADMC today produces updated digital maps and digital derivatives of geospatial information to meet operational needs of the Armed Forces.

Defense Institute for Geo Spatial Information & Training (DIGIT). Tasked to impart training in acquisition, maintenance, dissemination and utilization of Geo-Spatial information to personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Military Forces came into existence in 2002 at .

Ground Air Survey Liaison Platoon (GASL). One of its type survey organisation of the Indian Army for flight planning and indexing of Aerial Photography tasks for military and civil needs. This platoon was raised in 12 Jul 1946 is located in Delhi. Tri Service Affiliation

The Bengal Sappers were the first in the Indian Army to cement together strong bonds of camaraderie and exchange of goodwill between the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. This Tri-Service Affiliation, the first of its kind in the Armed Forces, is a historic bonding brought about by the untiring and visionary efforts of Lieutenant General RM Chadha, PVSM, AVSM our Colonel Commandant at that point in history. The formal ceremonies of affiliation took place with Air Force Base, Sarsawa with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the Bengal Sappers War Memorial on 19 April 2002 by the Colonel Commandant and by the Senior Administrative Officer, Western Air Command, Air Vice Marshal DS Guram, AVSM. There was an exchange of mementos and another solemn ceremony at Sarsawa on 20 April 2002 where a Guard of Honour was given by Air Force personnel to the Colonel Commandant. Later on 10 October 2002, officers and personnel of INS Brahmaputra attended the affiliation ceremony and With our Air Force comrades at the War Memorial 'barakhana' at Roorkee followed by a ceremony on board INS Brahmaputra on 18 October 2002. This unique ceremony witnessed a Joint Guard of Honour by personnel of the Bengal Sappers and INS Brahmaputra; perhaps the first of its kind, on any warship anywhere in the world. As 'Trail Blazers', the Bengal Sappers have yet again shown the way. This Tri-Service Affiliation has cemented together men of the three services to share in each others joys, achievements and sorrows for posterity. There is a regular exchange of greetings, news and visits. EX Jal Tarang

From time in memorial every officer as a cadet in the Indian Military Academy has been a guest of God's Own to witness EX

J A L T A R A N G a t R o o r k e e . T h i s demonstration showcases the SARVATRA nature of the Corps in War and Peace. On display is the prowess of the Sapper in Mine

Warfare, Field Engineering, Demolitions,

Bridging, Earth Moving Plants operation,

Watermanship, Bomb Detection and

Disposal, Constructions in Field and Peace and Nuclear Biological and Chemical warfare.

Our Colonel Commandants in God's Own Home

Having overseen the triumphant ascendancy of the Bengal Sappers, post-Independence, in every sphere of Sapper activity four of our early Colonel Commandants have left us to be in “God's Own Home”,

Lt Gen KN Dubey, PVSM was our first Colonel Commandant. Commissioned in February 1938 he joined King George V's Own Bengal Sappers and Miners in September 1937. He saw action in Ceylon and Burma during the Second World War. He was the second Commandant of our Centre and held the prestigious appointment of Colonel Commandant for 9 years from 1967 to 1976.

He has many firsts. The first Director General Border Roads, the first Bengal Sapper E-in-C (after General Williams), the first Sapper Officer to be Master General of Ordnance and the first Sapper to receive the Param Vishist Sewa Medal. He left us bereaved on 26 December 2007.

Lt Gen T B Nanda, PVSM become the second Colonel of the Bengal Sappers from 1976 to 1983. This gentleman soldier exuded 'Nawabi' sophistication. Intelligent, suave, passionate and full of empathy with a steep resolve he gave credence to his name 'Tilak Bahadur'. Commissioned from Indian Military Academy on 22 July 1944, he followed in the path pioneered by his predecessor. He was the First Military, Naval and Air Attaché in Malaysia and Singapore from 1964 to 1968, First Chief Engineer of the newly formed , First Chief Engineer of in the rank of Major General and the Second Sapper to tenant the office of Master General of Ordinance. He authored his autobiography 'A Life of Passion in 2008', chronicling his adventurous trips all across the Northern Hemisphere and narrating his memories of 40 illustrious years with God's Own. He finally abandoned his passion for heavenly pastures on 10 November 2012 at the wizened age of 87. Maj Gen SN Dubey, our fifth Colonel Commandant was popularly known as Pandit. He was known to always “Chak De”. No task was ever impossible and no obstacle unsurmountable. He endeared himself to all who came in contact with him - caring for each one. From the National Defense Academy, he was commissioned on 3rd June 1956. After an illustrious tenure spanning 36 years he settled down in Roorkee, nearby his beloved Centre, which he commanded in 1984-86. A guiding light for the Bengal Sappers until his last breath, literally. Never one to back away from any challenges, he was an ardent adventure enthusiast pushing boundaries in sailing, trekking and mountaineering. The guiding light was extinguished forever on 5th April 2019. The Alma Mater and God's Own will always miss him and his booming voice, his compassion for all and his fearsome moustache.

Lt Gen Vimal Singhal, PVSM our sixth Colonel Commandant was a super computer with lightning quick thought, speech and action. A gold medalist from National Defence and Indian Military Academies he joined the Bengal Sappers on commissioning on 8th June 1958. Continuing his brilliance he graduated from the Camberly Staff College in England, having topped the list of successful candidates, As Brigade Major in the 1971 War of Liberation he distinguished himself for brave and decisive action and was awarded Mention-in-Despatches. As Centre Commandant he commanded the President's Colour Presentation Parade in January 1989 and ensured our contingent at the Republic Day Parade in 1988 marched away with the Best Marching contingent trophy. Having been the General Officer Commanding of Andhara, Tamil Nadu, Kerela, and Goa area he moved up in rank and stature as the Director General of Border Roads capping his brilliant career of 38 years.

He followed General Dubey as Commanding Officer 236 Engineer Regiment, Commandant our Centre and Colonel Commandant. Unfortunately and sadly he once again followed him closely to a heavenly abode on 10th April 2019.