A legendary force, 1st Patiala

the long version

A Legendary Force: 1st Patiala 15 Punjab (Patiala) is one of the oldest and most decorated Battalions of Indian Army. Raised in 1705 t he battalion, which completes 300 years on 13 April 2005, has had a checkered career. It came out with flying colours during World War-I in the Middle East. During World War-II it fought in the North -West Frontier Province, Burma, Malaya and the Dutch East Indies. At Burma it confronted the Japanese soldiers from a position of strength. After Independence it fought with distinction in Jammu & Kashmir. Its finest hour was at the unique, high altitude battle of Zojila. It earned 8 Mahavir Chakras and 18 Vir Chakras in this theatre. In 1971 it halted a brigade attack at Hussainiwala, and, during the last two decades, it proved its mettle in Jammu & Kashmir, first at Dalunang and then at Baramulla and Sunderbani. This legendary unit comprising pure Sikh troops excels wherever it goes. It has established landmark records, most of which have been grippingly narrated in this book.