Presidential colours for army’s Pioneer Corps
At an impressive and colourful parade held at the Pioneer Corps Training Centre at Bangalore today, the Chief of Army Staff, General JJ Singh presented the Presidential Colours to the Pioneer Corps. A large number of senior serving and retired Army Officers, civil dignitaries and soldiers with their families graced the occasion.
The parade was commanded by Colonel SB Sajjan, the Commandant of the Pioneer Corps Training Centre. The Colours were received by Lt Col RK Pathak. The Colours are visible memorials in recognition of great deeds of a Regiment and a symbol of its spirit as expressed in those deeds. Thus when the Colours pass, they carry with them the living spirit of the Corps which demands the highest respect of those who look upon them. The Colours are therefore treated with the highest respect, sanctity and veneration.
The origin of the Pioneer Corps dates back to 1758 when the first Pioneer Company was formed in the Madras Presidency which was followed by the raising of the Bombay Pioneers in 1777, the Sikh Pioneers in 1803 and the Bengal Pioneers in1857. During the period from 1758 to 1914, the Pioneer Corps underwent a number of changes in designation, amalgamation, disbandment and re-raising. Prior to World War in 1914, 12 Pioneer Regiments were raised consisting of one battalion each. The Pioneers were not only trained as Infantry; but were also carrying light engineering equipment.
The Pioneers were employed in various military campaigns in India and abroad and were highly regarded for their determination to complete the assigned task against all odds. A number of Pioneer battalions were raised and deployed in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Middle East, Indonesia, Malaya, Singapore, Burma and North Africa. During 1945, towards the end of World War II, the Pioneer Corps become the third largest Corps in the Indian Army.
The reorganization of Pioneer Corps commenced on 24 June 1940. On 25 Nov 1941, the Corps was redesignated as Indian Auxillary Pioneer Corps. At the time of partition, the Pioneers contributed substantially in tackling the refugee problem. The also came to the aid of civil power at the time of Bombay Dock Worker’s Strike in 1947 and for flood relief operations at various places.
The Pioneer Corps played a vital role in logistics during World Wars I and II. They played a stellar role in maintaining the supply lines in all conflicts after independence namely Kashmir Operations n 1948, Sino-India Conflict of 1962, the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971. The Pioneers also contributed immensely during OP PAWAN not only in India but also in Sri Lanka.
The Pioneer Corps rose to the occasion during OP VIJAY when a number of companies were moved in quick time to the Kargil Sector to support the operations. They steadfastly maintained all supply lines and carried much needed ammunition and rations to the forward troops in the face of enemy. The Corps is still involved in maintaining troops at Ladakh and Kargil Sectors by air, particularly during the winter months.
For their distinguished service and bravery, Pioneer Corps personnel have been decorated with various honours and awards including three Kirti Chakras, six Shaurya Chakras, three Sena Medals and four Mention-in-Despatches.
Among the prominent personalities present to witness the parade were Lt Gen Aditya Singh, GOC-in-C, Southern Command and Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma, the Quarter Master General.
To commemorate this historic and momentous occasion, Gen JJ Singh also released a First Day Cover.
SKS/SSS
(Release ID :22352)