Unflinching gallantry, tactical astuteness and complete commitment to the defence of the nation are the guiding principles of the Indian Army that _ have won them laurel after laurel and enabled them to render meritorious service to the country. Coupled with the martial streak is the unfailing focus on ceremony and military tradition that has played a stellar role in instilling a sense of order and regulating the conduct of the men in uniform. Combining these characteristics in itself, a new star blazed forth on the firmament of the Indian Army in 1952 when 1 Grenadiers was chosen by Field marshal K.M. Cariappa to form part of the elite Brigade of The Guards and don the mantle of their second battalion viz. 2 Guards.

The lineage of the Battalion can be traced to the Adhoc Grenadier Battalion fom1ed by bringing together six Grenadier Companies of the Army. The Battalion was raised on 22 November, 1778 and embarked on its first operation advancing from Mumbai to Pune under Captain James Stewart. Other major campaigns of the pre- independence era where the soldiers of the Battalion distinguished themselves were the famous battles of Mangalore in 1783-84, Maiwand in 1880, Somaliland in 1901-03, Egypt, East Africa and Palestine during the First World War. The Somaliland Campaign of 1901-03 saw three Victoria Cross winners of the unit serving together-a unique distinction. During the Second World War, the Battalion served with exemplary grit and gusto in the Middle East.

The Post-Independence era saw the  Battalion exhibit consummate skill and valour in diverse situations. During India's partition, their troops evacuated thousands of refugees to safety as part of the Punjab Boundary Force. In 1948, they captured Gurais Valley from the Pakistani raiders in Kashmir and earned the Battle honour "GURAIS". They were also decorated with seven Vir Chakras and nine Mention-in Despatches for their unchallenged might. The Battalion also served with the International Supervisory Mission, a United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in Indo­ China 1954-57. It distinguished itself in Jammu & Kashmir during the Indo Pak conflict of 1971.

The Battalion added another feather in its cap in successfully carrying out counter-insurgency operations. Displaying clear thinking, uncanny knowledge of men, terrain & affairs and sterling courage in the face of tremendous odds, the Battalion served twice in Nagaland from 1958-61 and 1983-86 and twice in Jammu & Kashmir in 1993-94 and 2001. Having discharged counter­ insurgency duties with courage and devotion, the Battalion earned two Sena medals, six Chief of Army Commendation Cards and five Army Commanders Commendation Cards.

The year 2003 marks 225 years of the raising of the Battalion and the Department of Posts is proud to commemorate the occasion through the issue of this special postage stamp.

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