300 YEARS OF 15 PUNJAB (PATIALA) stamp released on 13 04 2005
Denomination :500p
Stamps Printed :0.8 Million
Date of Issue :13-04-2005
Theme: Armed Forces
300 Years of 15 Punjab (Patiala)
One of the oldest and the most decorated battalions of the Indian Army, 15 Punjab (Patiala) was raised on 13th April, 1705, by Baba Alla Singh, founder of the Patiala State. By virtue of its bravery and valour, the battalion has earned acclaim and glory. Serving in different geographical locations, bracing hostile climate in difficult terrain, the battalion displayed gallantry in different parts of the globe as well as in the country. During World War I, it took part in operation in Middle East (Suez, Gallipoli and Palestine). In 1932 it was redesignated as 1 st Patiala Rajindra Sikh Infantry.
During the Second world War, the battalion fought in Waziristan and then went to Burma where it fought the enemy advancing towards India. It sailed to Port Dickson for action in Malaya and Batavia (now Java). In 1948 the battalion fought in Chhamb, Nowshera and Jhanghar. The finnest moment was at ‘Zojila’ pass where, ill-equipped and unacclimatized. PATIALAS achieved resounding success, earning eight Mahavir Chakras (MVCs), eighteen Vir Chakras (VrCs) and seventy two awards, including the Battle Honour “Zojila”. In 1951 the unit was integrated into the Indian Army and was redesignated as 15 PUNJAB (PATIALA).
During 1971 war the battalion fought heroically at Hussainiwala. In 1988 the battalion evicted the intruders from Dalunang Sector and was awarded one Yudh Seva Medal, one Mentioned-in-despatched and eight Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation cards. The battalion showed exemplary performance during the Counter Insurgency Operations in Baramulla Sector during 1992 to 1995, earning fifty awards including one Kirti Chakra and two Shaurya Chakra. For its excellent performance at Sunderbani (J&K) during ‘OP VIJAY’ in 1999, the Battalion was Awarded one Vishisht Seva Medal along with other awards.
India Post is proud in issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the tercentenary of 15 PUNJAB (PATILA), and joins the nation to pay homage to its gallantry and trail blazing history.
INDIAN AIR FORCE PLATINUM JUBILEE (1932-2007)stamp released on 08 10 2007
| Denomination :500,500,500,1500 p Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million each Date of Issue :08-10-2007 Theme : Armed forces |
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Established under the Indian Air Force Act (XIV of 1932) passed by the Legislative Assembly on 8th October 1932, the Indian Air Force has served the nation in peace and war with ‘elan, professionalism and dedication over the past threequarters of a century. It is one of the oldest independent Air forces in the world.
During the Second World War, IAF played a seminal role in beating back the Japanese invasion across the Burma border and the siege of Imphal. The greatest challenge to the small air force, rendered smaller by partition of the country, came in the early hours of 27th October, 1947 when Pakistani raiders were at the gates of Srinagar and it appeared the city would fall. IAF airlifted our brave jawans from Delhi and saved the city and Kashmir. This pattern was repeated again and again in defending Punch, Leh, and later (in 1962) Chushul.
From Kashmir War of 1947 to Kargil in 1999, IAF has given its “Blood, sweat and tears” to make Indians proud of their Air Force, dominating the skies and winning the wars in partnership with the army and navy. It has decimated the enemy in the desert, at times all by itself as in Longewala in 1971, and in conjunction with the army as in halting the armoured offensive in Chhamb sector in 1965, and the heights of Kargil in 1999. And it has stood guard to defend the skies day and night, yearafteryear.
Year after year, the Air Force has provided tens of thousands of tons food, medicines and medical aid, and vital supplies by “air maintenance” to millions of our citizens and the army in the remote Himalayas at great altitudes. Starting with the major operation in Congo in 1961-62 it has played a crucial role in supporting our contingents in UN Peace Keeping Operations in the cause of international peace and stability. It has been the first to provide relief in times of disaster to others such as during the earthquake in 2002 and the tsunami in December 2004 besides numerous other emergencies. Ready to face challenges at a moment’s notice, it has been true to the substance of India’s plural, secular and egalitarian values and ethos. This set of four stamps portrays four aircraft the Westland Wapiti, Airborne Warning and Control System, IL-78 and Advanced Light Helicopter-Dhruv.
The Westland Wapiti formed the nucleus of the Indian Air Force in April 1933 with four aircraft. They were used for escort for convoys, reconnaissance in the North West Frontier Province strafing, anti bombing and anti-submarine roles. The sole surviving Wapiti aircraft is now maintained in the Air Force Museum at Palam.
The Airborne Warning and Control System is an aircraft equipped with sophisticated radar, communication and other electronic equipment to detect and track intruding aircraft(s) whilst still deep within enemy territory. With the induction of AWACS the long felt need for the country for an “eye in the sky” to ward off any airborne threat will be achieved to a great extent.
Induction of IL-78 MK-I Flight RefueIlerAircraft is a giant leap in operational capability of the Indian Air Force. This force multiplier inducted in IAF three years ago has increased the offensive potential of our air superiority fighters and deep penetration strike aircraft manifold and enabled them to operate to their full potential.
Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and developed helicopter in India developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The Dhruv has been showcased by Sarang Helicopter Display team both internationally and domestically apart from performing operational tasks. The Department of Posts is happy to release a set of postage stamps to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of the Indian Air Force.
This set of four stamps is a tribute to the Indian Air Force and its professional skills which have been honed to match with the best in the world.
THIRD BATTALION THE SIKH REGIMENT STAMP dated 1st Feb 2006
| Denomination :500 Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million Date of Issue : 01-02-2006 Theme : Armed Forces |
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The Battalion was raised at Lahore on 31 January 1856 as the Bengal Military Police Battalion by Captain Thomas Rattray. At the time of its first raising, it had a mixed composition comprising eight infantry Companies: 1000 strong and a troop of 200 Cavalrymen. In 1864, it was designated as 45th Rattray’s SIKHs and became a full fledged infantry Battalion and in 1885, it was given a pure SIKH status. The present designation dates back to 1947. Ever since its raising, the Battalion has been employed on most challenging assignments both in India and abroad and has had the distinction of discharging all duties most admirably. In the pre-independence history spanning nearly 91 years, the Battalion not only participated in both the major World Wars but also took part in innumerable major and minor operational actions world over. The Battalion has earned nine Battle Honors, five Theatre Honors and one COAS Unit Citation for its bravery and heroism in various battles/operations since its raising. In 150 years of glorious existence, the Battalion has performed outstandingly and continues to excel in all fields including sports where it has performed with equal aplomb. Today, the Battalion is the flagship of the Sikh Regiment and leads the Regiment as a fine example of dedicated service to the Nation. The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the Third Bat
PRESIDENT’S FLEET REVIEW, VISAKHAPATNAM STAMPS RELEASED on 12th Jan 2006
| Denomination :500, 500, 500, 500 (ps) Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million Date of Issue : 12-01-2006 Theme : Armed Forces |
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A Naval Fleet Review is a long standing tradition followed by Navies all over the world. It is a grand occasion when every operational ship is spruced up, proudly displaying its crest and its company in a spirit of loyalty and allegiance to the country. The idea of Review was perhaps conceived as a show of naval might or an inspection of readiness for battle at sea. It still has the connotation, but assembling of warships for peaceful purposes is now the norm in modern times. Later reviews were used as a celebratory demonstration for victories in battle or for other special occasions. Post independence, traditionally, the President, as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces reviews the Fleet once during his venture.
In this most formal of naval ceremonies, ships, submarines and aircrafts from all the Naval Commands, ships from the Indian Coast Guard and vessels from the merchant navy are ceremonially dressed up with families embarked, and anchored in lines at the precise spot allotted to them.
The present Fleet Review, which is the 9th review, is being held on the East Coast for the first time, all earlier being off Mumbai on the West Coast. The Department of Posts is happy to issue a se-tenant set of four stamps commemorating the occasion.
