The Garhwal Rifles

The Garhwal Rifles, as a Regiment, came into being on 5 May 1887 at the instance of General (Later Field Marshal) Sir FS Roberts, VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSE, the then C-in-C of India. Lt Col EP Mainwaring raised the First Battalion at Almora on 5 May 1887 and moved it to Kaludanda (later renamed as Lansdowne after the then Viceroy of India) on 4 November 1887. The Regimental Centre was established at Lansdowne on 1 October 1921.
"The men would be an excellent fighting class. The present 5th Gurkhas had many Garhwális in its fighting ranks who repeatedly proved themselves brave and faithful soldiers and are considered by the officers of that corps as equal to the pure Gurkha in physique and pluck. The other Gurkha Regiments count their Garhwális as amongst their best soldiers, and all the officers who know this class best speak in the highest terms of their military qualifications.