— PHOTO: PTI

NEW ASSIGNMENT: The contingent from the Second Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, headed for Congo, getting ready for a photo-shoot during a special `Sainik Sammellan' in New Delhi on Friday.

NEW DELHI: The elite Second Battalion the Rajputana Rifles, has been nominated for the United Nations mission in Congo, and will be inducted for peacekeeping operations between the third week of July and the second week of August.

Maintain standards

Addressing a special Sainik Sammelan of the Rajputana Rifles here on Friday, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff Lt. Gen. Susheel Gupta expressed confidence that the unit would continue to maintain its high standards in its new assignment too.

Reminding the troops of their responsibility in maintaining the honour of the Army, the nation and the rich traditions of valour and sacrifice of their regiment, he asked them to set new standards of professionalism while maintaining peace and security in Congo.

The battalion was raised as 10th Regiment Bombay Native Infantry at Baroda on November 5, 1817 and was baptised operationally during the First Afghan War in 1840.

Since then it has participated in all major wars and campaigns, including the First and the Second World Wars.

Battle honours

During the pre-Independence era, it was awarded Eight Battle Honours for its gallant acts.

It proved its mettle in action and duly awarded the First Victoria Cross of the Indian Army in 1856. Post-independence, it was designated as Second Battalion the Rajputana Rifles.

It participated in all major wars and campaigns and was awarded the Battle Honour for Poonch during the 1948 Indo-Pakistan War.

Living up to its motto

During `Operation Vijay,' true to its motto `Ever Victorious,' it achieved the first success for the nation by capturing Tololing and Three Pimples, which turned the tide of the war.

For its indomitable spirit, grit and determination, it was awarded an instant Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation.

Awards from President

In recognition of its exploits during `Operation Vijay', President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam awarded the battalion the `Battle Honours of Tololing and Drass' and the `Theatre Honour of Kargil' on May 25, 2005. — UNI

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