Gen VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff is visiting Skinner’s Horse at Meerut Military Station on 30 September and 01 October 2010 for a Felicitation Ceremony on being appointed the fourth Honorary Colonel of the Regiment of “The Skinner’s Horse”.Skinner’s Horse (1 HORSE) was raised on 23 Feb 1803, at Hansi by Colonel James Skinner, CB and is the fourth oldest Cavalry Regiment with a glorious history of over 200 years. After being a Horsed Cavalry outfit for over a century, in 1939, the Regiment was converted into a Motory Cavalry Regiment at Rawalpindi. Since its raising, the Regiment has inscribed its deeds in indelible letters of gold over the pages of Indian history, leaving a trail of blood and covering themselves with glory. The Regiment performed with distinction in the first Afghan War in 1841, Kandhar 1842, the Second Afghan War 1889, the Boxer rebellion 1900. North West Frontier 1914-18, the Third Afghan War 1919 and subsequently during both the World Wars. Post independence, the Regiment fought gallant actions in the Indo-Pak conflict of 1971. Today the Regiment proudly boasts of holding 19 Battle Honours.
The Chief of Army Staff’s affiliation with Skinner’s Horse dates back in time when Risaldar Major Bannu Singh, OBI, a valiant and dignified soldier joined the folds of Skinner’s Horse prior to World War I and went on to become the Risaldar Major of the illustrious Skinner’s Horse during World War II. Risaldar Major Bannu Singh is in blood relation of the Chief.
The Chief of Army Staff’s affiliation with Skinner’s Horse dates back in time when Risaldar Major Bannu Singh, OBI, a valiant and dignified soldier joined the folds of Skinner’s Horse prior to World War I and went on to become the Risaldar Major of the illustrious Skinner’s Horse during World War II. Risaldar Major Bannu Singh is in blood relation of the Chief.
The Regiment due to its rich heritage has the honour of His Majesty King George V, Duke of York as its Honorary Colonel of the Regiment from 1899-1936. Major General His Highness Sir Madho Rao Scindia, Bahadur, majaraja of Gwalior, GCSI, GCVO, GBE, ADC was the honorary Colonel of the Regiment from 1906-1925, after which Lieutenant General His Highness Majarajadhiraj Rajeshwar Sri Sir Yadvindra Singh Mahindar Bahadur, GCIE, GBE, LLD, Maharaja of Patiala graced the Regiment as its third Honorary Colonel from 1955-1974. Gen VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff has been appointed as the fourth Honorary Colonel of Skinner’s Horse.
At the Military Station, Chief of the Army Staff was presented with the Guard of Honour at Skinner’s Horse. Where from, the Chief laid wreath on the Regiment’s War Memorial and addressed a special Sainik Sammelan of the Regiment.
