15 Punjab (Patiala) is one of the oldest and most decorated battalions of Indian Army. Raised in 1705 the battalion, which completes 300 years on 13 April 2005, has had a checkered career. It came out with flying colours during World War-I in the Middle East. During World War-II it fought in the North-West Frontier Province, Burma, Malaya and the Dutch East Indies. At Burma it confronted the Japanese soldiers from a position of strength. After Independence it fought with distinction in Jammy and Kashmir. Its finest hour was at the unique, high altitude battle of Zojila. It earned 8 Mahavir Chakras and 18 Vir Chakras in this theatre. In 1971 it halted a brigade attack at Hussainiwala, and, during the last two decades, it proved it mettle in Jammy and Kashmir, first at Dalunang and then at Baramulla and Sunderbani. This legendary unit comprising pure Sikh troops excels wherever it goes. It has established landmark records, most of which have been grippingly narrated in this book. the author, a former Commanding Officer of this unit, painstakingly traces the battalion’s history from even before its inception till date. A most striking book which is lucidly written in simplistic prose, and comprises a large number of rare photographs and maps. A must for all to read.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Colonel Anil Shorey
Colonel Anil Shorey was commissioned in May 1974 into 14 Punjab (Nabha Akal), a battalion once commanded by his father who died in NEFA during command. Educated at Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi, Anil is a graduate of Hindu College, Delhi; the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and a Post Graduate in English and Defence Studies. He has had a first hand experience in Counter Insurgency Operations in Jammu & Kashmir and in the North-East, apart from an exposure in the desert and high altitude sectors of India. He commanded 15 Punjab (Patiala), and has also held prestigious staff appointments in the Military Operations Directorate (MO Dte), Delhi, an armoured brigade, at the Rashtriya Rifles and Infantry Dtes., Delhi. He has done a stint as Colonel General Staff of the elite Counter Insurgency Force ‘Delta’ in Doda, J&K. He has also done a 15 months stint overseas in Somalia as PRO and spokesman of the Indian brigade that operated there. A prolific writer and poet, he has written a number of articles and papers for various national and international newspapers and journals. He has received a number of international awards in journalism and poetry. He superannuated in 2004 while he was posted as the PRO of Indian army, South Block, New Delhi. He has authored three books on military subjects and is presently writing three more books.
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