The Second Battalion, The Grenadiers, originally designated as 13th Battalion, Bombay Native Infantry was raised on 26 January 1796 at Calicut by Captain Donald Cameron. Through its historic path of heroic valour and bravery, the flying colours of this proud and unique Battalion have been studded with seven battle honours. On its very inception before being titled Grenadiers,  the  Battalion   earned  Egypt-1801, Kirkee-1817 and Koregaon-1817 as battle honours. The expeditious journeys to East Asia and its traditional bold and daring operation won it battle honours of Persia in 1857 and Abyssinia in 1868. Both the world wars saw it earning distinguished battle honours of Kut-Al-amara in 1917 and Kohima and Naga villages in 1944.

The Battalion set another land mark of excellence in 1958-60 as part of UN Force in Gaza strip. On its return it was deployed in Ladakh in 1962 and Chhamb and Jorian in 1965. It has the unique distinction of fighting the Chinese in the major clash with the Chinese forces in 1962 at Nathula (Sikkim) where it restored the Indian Army's image. In 1971 during Operation Cactus Lily in Barmer sector it made the Pakistan army retreat miles in Sind. This unit has received several commendations. Its continuous service over 200  years makes it one of the oldest and most distinguished infantry units in the history of valour both in the pre-Independent India and post-Independence.

The Department of Post is happy to release the stamp in celebration of the Bicentenary.

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