| 73 Armoured Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1971 – present |
| Country |
 India |
| Allegiance | India |
| Branch |
 Indian Army |
| Type | Armoured Corps |
| Size | Regiment |
| Nickname(s) | The Desert Rats[1] |
| Motto(s) |
'पवित्रता, दृढ़ता और वीरता' Pavitrata, Dridhta, Veerta |
| Colors | Purple and Black |
| Equipment | T-90 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Maj Gen K.M. Dhody, AVSM |
| Insignia | |
| Abbreviation | 73 Armd Regt |
73 Armoured Regiment is an armoured regiment of the Indian Army.
Formation[]
The 73 Armoured Regiment has the unique distinction of being raised during wartime, being formed on 3 December 1971,[2] the day the Indo-Pak war broke out. It was raised at Vijay Lines, Ahmednagar, with a unique class composition of three martial communities - Sikhs, Rajputs and Qaimkhani Muslims.[3] The first commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) KM Dhody.
History[]
The Regiment with its T-55 tanks took part in the Republic Day parade in 1992.[4]
The Regiment was presented the President's Standard on 27 November 2011 by the then President of India Mrs Prathiba Patil. 73 Armoured Regiment along with four other Armoured Regiments of the 1 Armoured Division were presented with the colours in Patiala.[5][6][7]
Equipment[]
The Regiment was equipped with the T-55 tanks at raising. It is now equipped with the T-90 tanks.
Operations[]
It has participated in Operation Trident, Operation Vijay, Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram.[8] It has also performed exceedingly well in deserts, thereby earning the sobriquet 'The Desert Rats'. The regiment has won two Vir Chakras.[9]
Regimental Insignia[]
The Regiment's crest comprises crossed lances with the Sheesh Kavach of the legendary Prithviraj Chauhan and a scroll at the base. The Sheesh displays his temporal powers while the Kavach exhibits his skill at using arms.[10] The motto of the Regiment is 'पवित्रता, दृढ़ता और वीरता' ('Pavitrata, Dridhta, Veerta'). The Regimental colours are Purple and Black.
References[]
- ↑ "Nation proud of Indian Armed Forces – President in The Hindustan Times". 2011-11-27. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/nation-proud-of-indian-armed-forces-president/story-2UQLTJoYnnjUWglCY77maK.html.
- ↑ "'Prez honours 5 armoured corps regiments' in 'The Tribune'". 2011-11-28. https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main5.htm.
- ↑ "'Ajai Shukla: Muslims and the military' in 'Business Standard'". 2013-06-14. https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/ajai-shukla-muslims-and-the-military-106110701092_1.html.
- ↑ "'JPRS Report, Near East & South Asia', page 53". 1992-04-01. https://archive.org/details/DTIC_ADA334265/.
- ↑ "'Presidential Standards conferred on five armoured regiments' in The Hindu". 2011-11-28. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/presidential-standards-conferred-on-five-armoured-regiments/article2666026.ece.
- ↑ "'Prez honours 5 armoured corps regiments' in 'The Tribune'". 2011-11-28. https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main5.htm.
- ↑ "'President's Standards Rare Recognition' in 'Sainik Samachar'". 2011-12-16. http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2011/dec16-11/h7.htm.
- ↑ "Nation proud of Indian Armed Forces – President in The Hindustan Times". 2011-11-27. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/nation-proud-of-indian-armed-forces-president/story-2UQLTJoYnnjUWglCY77maK.html.
- ↑ "Young cavaliers earn their spurs in The Tribune". 2011-11-27. https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main6.htm.
- ↑ "Young cavaliers earn their spurs in The Tribune". 2011-11-27. https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111128/main6.htm.
The original article can be found at 73rd Armoured Regiment (India) and the edit history here.