101st Grenadiers
The 101st Grenadiers was a distinguished infantry regiment of the British Indian Army with a legacy spanning nearly a century and a half. From its origins as a composite battalion in the late 18th century to its eventual integration into the modern Indian Army, the regiment played a pivotal role in securing British interests across Asia and Africa.
Known for its resilience and longevity, the regiment holds a unique place in military history as one of the earliest units to bear the "Grenadier" title, predating even the British Army's own Grenadier Guards in that specific designation.
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Key Facts
- Active Period: 1778–1922.
- Origin: Formed from six grenadier companies of the Bombay Army.
- Distinction: Claimed to be the oldest grenadier regiment in the British Empire.
- Major Theatres: India, Afghanistan, Burma, Somaliland, East Africa, and Palestine.
- Final Transition: Amalgamated in 1922 into the 4th Bombay Grenadiers, eventually becoming part of the Brigade of the Guards (2 Guards) in 1952.
Early History and Formation (1778–1878)
The regiment was established in 1778 by combining two companies from each of the three battalions of the Bombay Army. Initially a composite battalion, it proved its worth during the First Mahratta War, specifically at the Battle of Talegoan. This performance led to its establishment as a permanent unit, first titled the 8th Regiment of Bombay Sepoys.
By 1783, the unit was renamed the 8th Grenadier Regiment of Bombay Sepoys (informally the Bombay Grenadiers). This title gave the regiment a historical claim to be the oldest grenadier unit in the British Empire, as the British Army's Grenadier Guards did not receive their title until after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The Mysore and Sikh Wars
The regiment was heavily involved in the Mysore Wars. In 1783, it defended the Mangalore garrison against Tipu Sultan's army for nine months, earning the battle honour "Mangalore" and the White Horse of Hanover as its cap badge. It later earned the "Mysore" honour for service between 1789 and 1792.
Throughout the early 19th century, the regiment expanded and evolved. It participated in the siege of Bharatpur (1825–1826), the Scinde War at Hyderabad (1843), and the decisive Battle of Sobraon during the First Anglo-Sikh War in 1846.
The Second Afghan War and the Battle of Maiwand
During the Second Afghan War, the regiment was deployed to the Bolan Pass and later entered Afghanistan in March 1880 to support Amir Abdur Rahman Khan against the revolt of Ayub Khan.
The regiment's most harrowing experience occurred at the Battle of Maiwand on July 27, 1880. Positioned on the left flank, the Grenadiers bore the brunt of an Afghan artillery barrage and subsequent infantry assaults. Despite inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, the collapse of neighboring units and the withdrawal of the Royal Horse Artillery forced a retreat. While the 66th Foot made a final stand, survivors of the 101st eventually reached Kandahar, which was later relieved by Major-General Roberts.
Expansion into Burma and Somaliland
In 1885, the regiment participated in the Third Burmese War, which resulted in the annexation of Upper Burma and the end of Burmese independence, earning the honour "Burma 1885–87".
At the turn of the century, the unit was renamed the 1st Grenadier Bombay Infantry (1901) and later the 101st Grenadiers (1903). They were deployed to Aden and Somaliland to fight the Dervish uprisings led by Sultan Diiriye Guure (the "Mad Mullah"). It was during the action at Daratoleh on April 22, 1903, that Captain George Murray Rolland was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).
The First World War (1914–1918)
The 101st Grenadiers served in two primary theatres during the Great War: East Africa and the Middle East.
The East Africa Campaign
Starting in November 1914, the regiment fought against the forces of Paul Erich von Lettow-Vorbeck. They participated in the Battle of Tanga, where they showed stubborn resistance despite a general retreat. In January 1915, a company fought at the Battle of Jassin; following the garrison's surrender, they were released on parole. The regiment eventually helped capture Tanga in July 1916, earning the honour "East Africa 1914–16".
The Palestine Campaign
The regiment later moved to the Palestine theatre to oppose the Ottoman Empire. They were involved in the capture of Gaza and the symbolic seizure of Jerusalem in December 1917. Notable actions included the Ghurabeh raid in July 1918 and the Megiddo Offensive, where they participated in the attempt to capture Nablus.
Amalgamation and Legacy
Following the war, the regiment returned to Somaliland to help defeat the Dervish forces in 1920. In 1922, as part of broader Indian Army reforms, the 101st amalgamated with five other regiments to become the 1st Battalion of the 4th Bombay Grenadiers.
After India's independence in 1947, the unit became part of the Indian Army's The Grenadiers. In 1952, the battalion that originated as the 101st transferred to the Brigade of the Guards, becoming the 2nd Battalion (2 Guards).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1778 |
| Original Name | 8th Regiment of Bombay Sepoys |
| Key Battle Honours | Mangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad, Kandahar, Burma, East Africa, Palestine |
| Notable Awards | Victoria Cross (Captain George Murray Rolland) |
| Final Designation | 2nd Battalion, Brigade of the Guards (India) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 101st Grenadiers considered the oldest grenadier regiment?
The regiment adopted the "Grenadier" title in 1783 as the 8th Grenadier Regiment of Bombay Sepoys, which predates the British Army's Grenadier Guards receiving their title after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
What happened to the regiment at the Battle of Maiwand?
The regiment took the brunt of the Afghan artillery barrage on the left flank. Despite inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, they were forced to retreat after neighboring units wavered and the artillery withdrew.
Which Victoria Cross was won by a member of the regiment?
Captain George Murray Rolland was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Daratoleh on April 22, 1903, during operations in Somaliland.
What was the regiment's role in World War I?
The 101st served in East Africa, fighting against German forces at Tanga and Jassin, and in the Middle East, where they fought the Ottoman Empire in Palestine, including the capture of Gaza and Jerusalem.
What became of the 101st Grenadiers after 1922?
It amalgamated into the 4th Bombay Grenadiers as its 1st Battalion. After 1947, it became part of the Indian Army's The Grenadiers and eventually transferred to the Brigade of the Guards in 1952 as the 2nd Battalion.