Eighteenth Cavalry, one of the oldest regiments of the Indian Army with a glorious history, hosted a reunion recently to honour its war veterans and ex-servicemen. The celebrations were chaired by Maj Gen JS Varma, Deputy Master General of Ordnance at Army Headquarters. A large number of serving as well as retired officers, JCOs and soldiers attended the two-day long celebrations which provided a unique opportunity to renew the bonds of camaraderie that exist amongst the soldiers of the Regiment.

Raised in 1842, 18 Cavalry traces its origin back to two outstanding cavalry regiments initially raised as Irregular Cavalry Regiments of the Bengal Presidency Army -6th King Edwards Own Cavalry and 7th Hariana Lancers. The rich irregular ancestry and its service in Burma, Africa, Europe and the Middle-East in the 19th century and the first world war were fused together in November 1921 to form the present 18 Cavalry.

The Cavalry Regiment shed its horses and was mechanised in December 1940 before being moved out for battle in the second world war in January 1941. During world war-Il, the Regiment distinguished itself at Tobruk when it formed part of the 9th Australian Division and was instrumental in stemming the tide of the German Afrika Corps. The defence of Tobruk has been called "one of the milestones in the history of world war-II" by all historians.

During the 1965 operations, the Regiment fought a series of armour battles in the approaches to Sialkot from Jammu Sector. In 1971, the Regiment was again deployed in the western sector at Fazilka where it displayed its traditional grit and determination in the successful defence of the sector. Nb Risaldar Nur Mohd Khan was awarded a Vir Chakra for displaying exceptional valour in the face of the enemy.

For its distinguished record, 18 Cavalry has the proud privilege of earning 29 battle honours, two Param Vishisht Seva Medals, three Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, two Vir Chakra, three Vishisht Seva Medals, two Sena Medals, four COAS Commendation Cards and four GOC- in-C Commendation Cards. Before independence, the Regiment earned three Victoria Cross, six Distinguished Service Order, 14 Military Cross and 24 Indian Order of Merit.