The very first Grenadier Regiment in the world and first infantry regiment of the Indian Army ‘The Grenadiers’ is the saga of 250 years of its valour and sacrifice in service of the nation. The Grenadiers, also known as Storm Troopers, stands for its war cry ‘Sarvada Shaktishali’ (ever powerful) and is considered as one of India’s most decorated regiments with 3 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 7 Mahaveer Chakras, 9 Kirti Chakras and 45 Vir Chakras. Commandant, The Grenadiers Regimental Centre, Jabalpur, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, informed that the concept of ‘Grenadiers’ evolved from the practice of selecting the bravest and most influential men for the most dangerous tasks in combat during the 17th century and the first battalion of Grenadiers was raised on November 12, 1779. The Commandant applauded Agniveers for their excellent standards achieved during training and congratulated them on their successful attestation. He further exhorted the Agniveer course for continued pursuit of excellence true to the Grenadier spirit.

History of Grenadiers Regimental Centre Jabalpur The Grenadiers Centre traces its origin back to a battalion raised on January 5, 1800, as the first Battalion of the 7th Regiment of the Bombay Native Infantry (BNI). Its battle record (as 1st/7th Regiment) compares favourably with that of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and in some campaigns of the period, even surpasses them. As 1st/7th Regiment, BNI (the Centre) saw action in Egypt in 1801, Kirkee in 1817, Gujarat in 1819-20 and Kandhar in 1880. As 113th Infantry (1903), it saw action in Middle East during World War 1. During its first 120 years, the 1st/7th (now in Centre) earned the Battle Honours ‘Egypt’, ‘Gaza’, ‘Kirkee’, ‘Gujarat’, ‘Beni Boo Ali’ and Kandhar’. In 1921, the need was felt for a static establishment to recruit and train personnel.

 

The 113th Infantry was selected for this task, designated ‘The 10th/4th Bombay Grenadiers’ and located at Ajmer in 1922. The Regiment was left with only two battalions (the 1st and the 2nd) as other battalions had been disbanded. The Centre was, consequently, merged with that of the 10th/9th JAT Regiment, and moved to Bareilly in 1930. Its new designation was ‘10th Battalion 4th/9th Regiment. World War II necessitated new raisings and the Centre reverted to its previous role of exclusive support to Grenadier battalions. It moved to Nasirabad in October 1941 and was designated ‘The 4th Bombay Grenadiers Regimental Centre’. Lt Col EA ‘Tich’ Hamlyn, Officiating Commandant, moved the Centre to Nasirabad in 1941. In December 1975, the Centre moved from Nasirabad to its present location in Jabalpur, as a part of broader strategic policy. The move was finalised in October 1975 and the 34-year-long and eventful association of the Regiment with Nasirabad came to an end.