Pune: All the Artillery units and formations of Southern Command celebrated 196th Gunners Day on 28 September 2022. The date 28 September has a special significance in the annals of the history of the Regiment of Artillery, because 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery was raised on 28 September 1827. As this battery has been in uninterrupted service since raising, its Raising Day is celebrated as Gunners Day every year.
The Regiment of Artillery is proud of a glorious past replete with rich traditions and gallant achievements. It has acquitted itself as the battle winning factor in every occasion whenever the integrity of our nation has been threatened. The Gunners have also won accolades for their outstanding contribution in the ongoing counter terrorism operations. The Regiment has a glorious history of serving the nation in war and peace as well as in missions abroad and is known for its professional excellence, selfless dedication and utmost devotion to duty. It has rendered yeoman service to the nation during all the major conflicts with adversaries and during disasters and natural calamities. The regiment boasts of One Victoria Cross, One Distinguished Service Order, 15 Military Crosses during the pre-independence era and One Ashok Chakra, Seven Maha Vir Chakras, Seven Kirti Chakras, Ninety Seven Vir Chakras, Sixty Eight Shaurya Chakras, besides many other decorations, in recognition of valour and professionalism shown by gunners in the battlefield. Regiment of Artillery has been bestowed with 40 Honour Titles during both pre and post-independence era and has produced outstanding sportsmen of international caliber, to include those honoured with Two Padma Shri Awards, Seven Arjuna Awards, Two Padma Bhushan & One Padma Vibhushan Awards.
The rapidly progressing transformation of the Indian Artillery into a state-of-the-art combat force by equipping itself with modern weapon systems with greater mobility and lethality incorporating the latest technological advancements will help the Gunners in honouring their motto, “Sarvatra Izzat-O-Iqbal – Everywhere with Honour and Glory”.
On this occasion, Lieutenant General JS Nain, PVSM, AVSM, SM, ADC, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Command, lauded the services rendered by the Regiment of Artillery and urged the Gunners to maintain highest levels of operational preparedness at all times.