By IANS
New Delhi : The Indian Army chief, Gen. Deepak Kapoor, has taken over the mantle of honorary Colonel of the Brigade of the Guards.
Lt. Gen. O.P. Nandrajog, Colonel of the Guards, formally handed over the baton of the honorary office to Kapoor here Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Kapoor said he was proud to be bestowed the honour and assured the august gathering that it would be his earnest endeavour to assist the regiment in enhancing its glorious deeds.
Senior Indian Army officers as also many serving and retired officers of the Brigade of the Guards attended the investiture ceremony.
Traditionally the Indian Army chief is the honorary Colonel of the Guards, one of the Indian Army’s senior most infantry regiments with a history of over 250 years.
“The gallant Guardsmen have been in the forefront of all army activities and have actively participated in all its operations, including counter-insurgency operations, and have received commendations even from foreign dignitaries for their role in UN peacekeeping missions,” a defence ministry statement Thursday said.
The regiment has on its rolls awardees of three Victoria Crosses, five Military Crosses and two Order of the British Empire prior to independence.
Since independence, officers and soldiers of the Guards have been awarded two Param Vir Chakras, two Ashok Chakras, six Maha Vir Chakras, 41 Vir Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras, four Kirti Chakras and 104 Sena Medals.
The regiment holds nine Battle Honours and 10 Theatre Honours for operations conducted after independence.