Army Today

Gutsy Guns

GUTSY GUNS

© Sainik Samachar - Vol.52, No.18, 16-30 September 2005
The genesis of artillery in India has its roots in the medieval ages. Mughal Emperor Babur inflicted havoc on his adversary by employing the fabled Zam Zama. From the days of Azadha Paiker to the 21st Century, artillery in India has grown to encompass an array of sophisticated equipment in its inventory which includes state-of-the-art guns, missiles, rockets, surveillance and weapon-locating radars. Sainik Samachar sheds light on how this regiment grew in strength and stature over the years on the occasion of its 178th raising day on September 28, 2005 and the XI reunion celebrations that was held in December 2005.

The wars waged by India with Pakistan and China and various military operations it has participated before and after Independence amply testify the prowess of Indian artillery. The first Indian artillery unit, a company of Bombay Artillery, now 5 Bombay Battery of 57 Field Regiment, was raised on 28 September 1827. Thus the day is celebrated by the Regiment of Artillery as Gunners Day. The Indianisation of artillery was ushered in 1935 with the raising of 'A' Field Brigade on January 15th in Bangalore and the establishment of the Field Artillery Training Centre at Mathura. The generic title the Regiment of Indian Artillery was conferred upon the new arm, which got a tremendous boost with the transfer of the 6th Indian Mountain Regiment of Royal Artillery, the raising of 'B' Field Brigade and the first unit of the anti-tank, anti-aircraft and coastal artillery. The gunners over the period have earned reputation by the dint of their courage and bravery in various theatres of operations.

During the actions in East Africa, North Africa, Italy, Malaya and Burma, their blood hallowed many a battlefields. In the Libyan Desert, the 2nd Indian Field Regiment covered itself with glory. One Indian anti-tank regiment stood bravely against Rommel's armour onslaught. At Gazala and Point 271 (Bir Hacheim), fierce battles were fought. Sir Winston Churchill paid glowing tributes to the gunners after they won the battle of Bir Hacheim. Consequent to partition, one third of the Indian Artillery went to Pakistan. Since Independence, the Regiment has played a pivotal role in every war, including the recent Operation Vijay. The annals of military history are resplendent with heroic deeds of the Gunners. Havildar (Honorary Captaiin) Umrao Singh won the Victoria Cross for his action in Kaladan Valley during the Burma Campaign.

Image © Dainik Jagran

Havildar of the Bombay Presidency Army Artillery, 1882.

Image © Dainik Jagran

The Scenic Golconda Fort ƒ?? Artillery Centre, Hyderabad.

Image © Dainik Jagran

Havildar of the Bombay Presidency Army Artillery, 1882.