The 3rd battalion of 5th Gorkha Rifles was raised as 3/5 Royal Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) at Ferozpur on 28th Nov. 1916. In the First World War, the Battalion saw active service in Afghanistan and Mesopotamia. The Battalion was disbanded in 1921 and was re-raised at Abbotabad on 1 Oct, 1940. During the Second World War, the Battalion served in Burma as part of 23 Inf Div and was awarded the battle Honour 'Tiddim' for its outstanding action in the battle of Tiddim.

The Battalion also took part in Post War Ops in Indonesia. After Independence the Battalion has seen action in a number of operations including the Hyderabad Operation and the Indo-Pak War, 1971. During this period, theBattalion has served on the Northern and Eastern Borders of the country. Since its raising on 1 Oct 1940 the Battalion has a proudtally of awards in various wars and operations. The 5th battalion of 5th Gorkha Rifles was raised on 1 Oct 1940 as Third Battalion of the Sixth Gorkha Rifles at Abbotabad (West Pakistan). On 1 Jan 1948, the Battalion was re-designated as Fifth Battalion of the Fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force).

During the Second World War, the Battalion took part in the operations in Burma as part of 77 Independent Infantry Brigade under the Overall Command of General Wingate as Wingate's "Special Force". The Battalion showed exemplary bravery in capturing Mogaung on 23rd Jun 1944 and won two Victoria Crosses in a single battle on the same day. The recipients were Captain Mchael Allmand (Posthumous) and Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun. The Battalion then took part in the Hyderabad action in 1948 and was awarded the first Ashoka Chakra Class I of freeIndia.

The recipient was Naik Nar Bahadur Thapa. Subsequently the Battalion acquitted itself extremely well in Nagaland during the 1965 operations. since its raising on 1 Oct 1940 the Battalion has a proud tally of awards in various wars and operations. The Battalion has been awarded Battle Honours Chindits, Mogapaung and Sittang and Theatre Honours Burma and East Pakistan.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India