2nd Infantry Division (India)

Last updated
2nd Infantry Division
ActiveAugust 1942 - October 1944
1962 - date
CountryBritish Raj Red Ensign.svg British India
Flag of India.svg  India
AllegianceFlag of the United Kingdom.svg  British Empire
Flag of India.svg  India
BranchBritish Raj Red Ensign.svg British Indian Army
Flag of Indian Army.svg  Indian Army
Type Infantry
Role Mountain warfare, Counterinsurgency
Size Division
Part of III Corps
Nickname(s)Dao Division
Engagements Second World War
Sino-Indian War
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Commanders
Current
commander		Maj Gen M S Bains SC YSM SM [1]

The 2nd Division was an infantry division of the Indian Army during World War II and was disbanded in 1944. In its present form, 2 Mountain Division, raised in 1962, is part of the Indian Army.

Contents

World War II

The 2nd Division was created for deception purposes in order to control Line of Communications and Sub-area formations within Persia and Iraq Command. It was formed by the re designation of the 30th Indian Infantry Brigade on 15 August 1942. It was later converted to HQ Northern Iraq Area on 15 October 1944.

During the period 1942–44 the division was converted and re-converted from the 31st Indian Infantry Brigade and the 90th Indian Infantry Brigade. [2] 31 Indian Infantry Brigade was formed on 15 January 1943, from the Mosul-Teheran Lines of Communications Sub-Area. It only had two units assigned which were The Central India Horse (21st King George V's Own Horse) and the 2nd Hyderabad Infantry, Indian State Forces. On 15 May 1943 it was reconverted into 2 Indian Division. On 1 June 1943, 31 Indian Infantry Brigade was reformed from HQ Kermanshah LOC Sub-Area. The brigade was disbanded on 14 October 1944. [3]

Thus 2 Indian Division had been reformed on 15 May 1943. Three months later, on 13 August 1943, it was reorganised as 90 Indian Brigade under Lieutenant-Colonel GH Pulling. 90 Indian Brigade served for ten months and then was disbanded in June 1944. [4] Two days later, on 15 August 1943, 2 Indian Division was reformed again by the conversion of 30th Indian Infantry Brigade. This time, the division lasted fourteen months before being finally disbanded in October 1944 by conversion into Headquarters Northern Iraq Area.

One of the division's subordinate LOC areas/brigades was the 40th Indian Infantry Brigade. It was initially raised as Shaiba LOC Sub-Area in September 1942. What higher headquarters it was under at the time is not confirmable from present internet-accessible sources. However, the brigade then came under 2 Indian Division on 1 January 1943. In October 1944, when 2 Indian Division disbanded, the brigade was re-designated again as an lines of communication headquarters, this time as HQ South Iraq Area.

Post Independence

2 Infantry Division was re-raised in the Digboi-Tinsukia area in October 1962 during the Sino-Indian War, following the fall of Tawang. It was placed under IV Corps and was to be responsible for the whole of North-East Frontier Agency, except for Kameng Frontier Division. Major General Mohinder Singh Pathania was its first commander. [5] [6]

Sino-Indian War

Map of North East Frontier Agency by Verrier Elwin, 1959 1959 North-East Frontier Agency by Elwin from Philosophy for NEFA.jpg
Map of North East Frontier Agency by Verrier Elwin, 1959

Major General MS Pathania arrived at Walong on 26 October 1962 and took command of the newly raised division. 181 Brigade was placed under the division. But, General Pathania preferred to have Brigadier N. C. Rawlley and his 11 Brigade under his command. 11 Brigade was thus moved under 2 Division from Manipur to Lohit Frontier Division and 181 Brigade was moved to the India–Burma border. [6] As of 31 October 1962, the order of battle (ORBAT) for 11 Infantry Brigade was [7] [8] -

Following the formation of the division, Subansiri and Siang Frontier Divisions were placed under the operational responsibility of 5 Infantry Brigade. 192 Infantry Brigade was later inducted in this sector and took over the Siang Division on 12 November 1962. [9] The ORBAT of 5 Infantry Brigade as on 18 November 1962 was-

The ORBAT of 192 Infantry Brigade as on 16 November 1962 was-

Battle of Walong

On 14 November 1962, 'D Company' of 4 Sikh and two companies of 6 Kumaon carried out the only offensive operation during the war - an attack to capture two tactical features - yellow pimple and green pimple, but were beaten back by the Chinese. [6] [10] During the war, 6 Kumaon lost 2 officer, 6 JCOs and 118 other ranks, 113 were wounded and 172 taken prisoner; 4 Dogra lost one officer, 2 JCOs and 107 other ranks; 4 Sikh lost 2 officer, 4 JCOs and 76 other ranks and had 98 wounded, whereas Delta Company of 3/3 Gorkha Rifles was completely wiped out. [8]

Subansiri and Siang Frontier Divisions

Following the Longju incident in 1959, Subansiri Frontier Division was manned by 9 Assam Rifles and Siang Frontier Division by 11 Assam Rifles. On 27 October 1962, the Chinese ordered the launch of operations towards Limeking (Subansiri Frontier Division), Mechuka and Tuting (both in Siang Frontier Division). An ad hoc force of 2200 troops from different units were earmarked for this offensive. The Chinese carried out preparatory operations between 21 and 30 October to secure positions along the border before the main attack. The main attack was planned for 18 November. [11]

At this time, the Indian deployment was as follows [11] -

The Chinese captured Mechuka on 19 November, Gelling and Limeking on 21 November. [11]

Gallantry awards [12] [13] [14]

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

2 Mountain Division was part of IV Corps and was commanded by Major General Gandharv Singh Nagra. It was deployed on the Chinese border and hence, most of the division did not take part in the conflict. The exception was 5 Mountain Brigade, which was detached to 101 Communications Zone on 8 September 1971. The brigade consisted of the following units [15] -

Soldiers portraying the formation sign of 2 Mountain Division (Dao Division) 2mountaindiv.jpg
Soldiers portraying the formation sign of 2 Mountain Division (Dao Division)

The present

The division presently covers eastern and upper Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh and is responsible for conduct of counter-insurgency operations and the defense of the Indo-China border. The divisional headquarters is at Dinjan in the extreme northeast of Assam. [16] The Division is part of III Corps (Spear Corps), headquartered at Dimapur. [17] [18] [19] It includes the following brigades [19] -

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4th Infantry Division (India)</span> Infantry division of the Indian Army

The 4th Indian Infantry Division, also known as the Red Eagle Division, is an infantry division of the Indian Army. This division of the British Indian Army was formed in Egypt in 1939 during the Second World War. During the Second World War, it took part in campaigns in East Africa, Syria, North Africa and Italy. Post independence, the division is part of the I Corps and headquartered at Prayagraj.

39th Indian Infantry Division was an infantry division of the Indian Army during World War II, which became a training division in 1943 after its recovery into India from Burma. The division was re-raised after independence and 39 Mountain Division is presently located in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh under XVI Corps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kumaon Regiment</span> Military unit

The Kumaon Regiment is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army. The regiment traces its origins to the 18th century and has fought in every major campaign of the British Indian Army and the Indian Army, including the two world wars, and is one of the highest decorated regiments of the Indian Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rashtriya Rifles</span> Counter-insurgency force

The Rashtriya Rifles is a counter-insurgency force in India, formed in 1990, to specifically serve in the Jammu and Kashmir region. They also maintain public order by drawing powers from the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1990 (AFSPA). The RR was raised by the Indian Army by reconstituting two corps. Its personnel are provided by the Indian Army on deputation. The RR is commanded by an Additional Director General of Rashtriya Rifles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">10th Indian Infantry Division</span> Infantry Division of the Indian army during World War II

The 10th Indian Infantry Division was a war formed infantry division of the Indian Army during World War II. In four years, the division travelled over 4,000 miles (6,400 km) from Tehran to Trieste, fought three small wars, and fought two great campaigns: the Anglo-Iraqi War, the Invasion of Syria–Lebanon, the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran, the North African Campaign, and the Italian Campaign.

The 11th Indian Infantry Division was an infantry division of the Indian Army during World War II. It formed part of Indian III Corps in the Malaya Command during the Battle of Malaya. The division was re-raised on 1 April 1965 and is presently part of the XII Corps of Southern Command. It is presently responsible for safeguarding the borders with Pakistan along Southern Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The 15th Indian Division was an infantry division of the British Indian Army that saw active service in the First World War. It served in the Mesopotamian Campaign on the Euphrates Front throughout its existence. It did not serve in the Second World War, but was reformed at Dehradun in 1964 as part of the post-independence Indian Army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kargil order of battle</span>

The Kargil War order of battle (KWORBAT), is a deposition and systematic combatant structure of the Indian Army troops and the unified Pakistan Armed Forces combat commands, active in the Kargil region in 1999, during the Kargil War. The Indian Army orbat is based on the publications provided by the Indian military authors, news media and official sources.

The 48th Infantry Brigade, was raised as the 48 Indian Infantry Brigade, in October 1941, at Secunderabad, India. After an initial tenure with 19th Indian Infantry Division, it was transferred to the 17th Indian Infantry Division. In World War II it participated in the Burma campaign and in April 1942 was attached to 1st Burma Division. After the war the brigade returned to India as an independent brigade, and was located at Dhond in August 1947. After India gained Independence in 1947, 48 Indian Infantry Brigade was re-designated as 48 Infantry Brigade. Since then 48 infantry brigade has seen action Goa in 1961, as part of 17 Infantry Division; in the 1962 War in Kameng Frontier Division, Arunachal Pradesh, as part of 4th Infantry Division; and in the 1971 war, as part of 7th Infantry Division. Since the 1970s, 48 Infantry Brigade has been located in Ferozpur, Punjab, as part of 7 Infantry Division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian military bands</span>

The Indian military bands consists of musicians from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Indian military bands regularly participate in international festivals and take part in celebrations dedicated to various national events. These bands are permanent participants in the Delhi Republic Day parade on the Kartavya Path. Today, the Indian Armed Forces have more than 50 military brass bands and 400 pipe bands and corps of drums. A Tri-Services Band refers to a joint Indian Armed Forces military band that performs together as a unit. At the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo in Moscow, the band consisted of 7 officers and 55 musicians. The Military Music Wing of the Army Education Corps is the principal educational institution of the armed forces that provides instruction to musicians of all ranks. Instruction is also provided by the Military Music Training Center and the Indian Navy School of Music.

Officers and soldiers of the Indian Army wear cap badges on their beret or peaked caps. The design is based on the regimental insignia or coat of arms.

Major General Anant Singh Pathania MVC, MC was a decorated Indian Army general; the first Indian to receive a Military Cross in the Second World War, he was also the first Indian commanding officer of the Gorkha Rifles. During the Sino-Indian War of 1962, he commanded the 4th Infantry Division during a critical stage of the conflict where his leadership was criticised.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">54th Infantry Division (India)</span> Indian Army infantry division

The 54th Infantry Division is an Infantry division of the Indian Army. The Division was raised as an Infantry Division, but was converted into a Reorganised Amphibious Formation (RAMFOR) in 2011. It is currently the only division of the Indian Army which carries out Amphibious warfare. The division is headquartered at Secunderabad in Telangana and is a part of XXI Corps. The Division is commanded by an Officer of the rank of Major General titled General Officer Commanding (GOC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infantry of the Indian Army</span> Infantry arm of the Indian Army and its largest overall combat arm

The Infantry of the Indian Army is the largest combat arm of the Indian Army. It consists of personnel, who historically have engaged in ground combat on foot. It presently also consists of mechanised and airborne infantry.

44 Field Regiment is part of the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army.

13 Medium Regiment (Chushul and Gadra City) is part of the Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army, and has the unique distinction of having two post-independence honour titles.

References

  1. ↑ "Army celebrated Reh festival". 2021-02-01. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
  2. ↑ "oob.com". Archived from the original on 2007-03-14. Retrieved 2009-10-10.
  3. ↑ "31 Indian Brigade". Order of Battle. Archived from the original on 2007-03-14. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
  4. ↑ "90 Indian Brigade". Order of Battle. Retrieved 2009-10-23.[ permanent dead link ]
  5. ↑ Rao, KVK (1991). Prepare or Perish: A Study of National Security. Lancer Publishers. ISBN   978-8172120016.
  6. 1 2 3 Das, Gautam (2009). China-Tibet-India: The 1962 War and the Strategic Military Future. Har Anand Publications. pp. 193–194. ISBN   978-8124114667.
  7. ↑ Prasad, Shankar (2008). The Gallant Dogras-An Illustrated History of the Dogra Regiment. Lancer International. ISBN   978-8170622680.
  8. 1 2 Verma, Shiv Kumar (2016). 1962 The war that wasn't. Aleph Book Company. ISBN   978-9382277972.
  9. ↑ Johri, Major Sita Ram (1968). Chinese Invasion of NEFA. Himalaya Publications.
  10. ↑ "Battle of Walong — how India fought its only counter-attack in 1962 India-China war". 2019-11-15. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  11. 1 2 3 "1962 War – The Unknown Battles : Operations in Subansiri and Siang Frontier Divisions". 2014-07-01. Retrieved 2021-11-25.
  12. ↑ "Gazette of India, No 31" (PDF). 1963-08-03. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  13. ↑ "Gazette of India, No 8" (PDF). 1963-02-23. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  14. ↑ "Gazette of India, No 2" (PDF). 1964-01-11. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
  15. ↑ Gill, JH (2003). An Atlas Of 1971 India Pakistan War - Creation of Bangladesh. National Defense University, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies. pp. 74–75.
  16. ↑ "Army undertakes major infra drive along LAC in Arunachal". The Hindu . 2022-09-08. Retrieved 2022-09-08.
  17. ↑ "Defence Minister of State Dr SubhashBhamre visits Armys Dao Division HQ". 2017-12-13. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  18. ↑ Conboy et al, Elite Forces of India and Pakistan, p.8
  19. 1 2 Paranoia after Ulfa threat; Army steps up vigilance in upper Assam Archived 2012-10-24 at the Wayback Machine , The Telegraph, Calcutta, India, Thursday, December 20, 2007
  20. ↑ "Army steps in to help school". 2011-12-11. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
  21. ↑ "Indian Army to begin deploying light howitzers in eastern sector". 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
  22. ↑ "Ambush raises questions about security lapses". The Times of India . 2017-01-23. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
  23. ↑ "8 Illegal coal laden trucks seized". 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.