Punjab Irregular Force facts for kids
The Punjab Irregular Force was a special group of soldiers created in 1851. Their main job was to protect the northwest border of British India. This area was known as the "North-West Frontier."
They were called "Irregular" because they didn't follow the usual rules of the main British Indian armies. Instead, they reported to the British leader in Punjab. These soldiers didn't do strict parade ground drills. They were known for moving quickly in small groups and fighting with great skill and spirit.
The Punjab Irregular Force was formed from earlier groups like the Frontier Brigade (started in 1846) and the Transfrontier Brigade (started in 1849). Over time, their name changed. In 1865, they became the Punjab Frontier Force, and in 1903, they were called the Frontier Force.
Later, in 1922, this force split into two main units: the 12th Frontier Force Regiment and the 13th Frontier Force Rifles. When India and Pakistan became separate countries in 1947, both units became part of Pakistan's army. In 1957, they joined with another unit to form the modern Frontier Force Regiment in Pakistan. Soldiers from this force proudly called themselves "Piffers."
Contents
The Frontier Brigade: Protecting the Border
The Frontier Brigade was created in 1846 by Sir Henry Lawrence. This happened after the British won the First Anglo-Sikh War. This brigade had four regiments, mostly made up of Sikh soldiers. Other local groups also joined, forming their own companies. These were called the 1st to 4th Sikh Infantry Regiments.
A very important unit called the Corps of Guides also joined the Frontier Brigade. It was started in 1846 by Lieutenant Harry Burnett Lumsden. The Guides were known as a top-notch, "crack" unit. Lieutenant Lumsden was also the first to use the color Khaki for their uniforms, which helped them blend in with the environment.
In 1903, these regiments were renumbered as the 51st to 54th Sikh Regiments (Frontier Force). Later, in 1922, the units from the Frontier Brigade became the main parts of the 12th Frontier Force Regiment.
Frontier Brigade Regiments
- 1st Sikh Infantry Regiment
- 2nd Sikh Infantry Regiment ("Hill Corps")
- 3rd Sikh Infantry Regiment
- 4th Sikh Infantry Regiment
The Transfrontier Brigade: Expanding the Force
The Transfrontier Brigade was formed in 1849, also by Sir Henry Lawrence. This was after the British won the Second Anglo-Sikh War and took control of Punjab.
This brigade first had five native infantry (foot soldier) regiments and five native cavalry (horse soldier) regiments. In 1853, a sixth infantry regiment was added: the Scind Camel Corps. This unit was actually much older, started in 1843 by Lieutenant Robert FitzGerald. It became the oldest unit in the entire Punjab Irregular Force.
In 1922, the units from the Transfrontier Brigade became the main parts of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles.
Transfrontier Brigade Regiments (Infantry)
- 1st Punjab Infantry Regiment
- 2nd Punjab Infantry Regiment
- 3rd Punjab Infantry Regiment (this unit was later stopped in 1882)
- 4th Punjab Infantry Regiment
- 5th Punjab Infantry Regiment
- 6th Punjab Infantry Regiment
