Team News Riveting
New Delhi, May 9
Lieutenant General Gajendra Joshi today assumed the command of the prestigious STRIKEONE.
On assuming command, he exhorted all ranks to focus on operational preparedness and continue working with utmost zeal and enthusiasm.
1 Corps, popularly known as “STRIKE ONE” was raised in May 1965 at Varanasi under the stewardship of Lt Gen PO Dunn, MC. Raised to be the ultimate instrument of decision to achieve decisive victory, it has sounded the trumpet on several occasions, raising a clarion call to arms.
The formation moved to Jhansi in May 65 before moving into the historic city of Mathura in August 1965.
On 19 August 1965 the COAS assigned Strike 1 – the only Strategic Strike Force – the task to launch an offensive in Sialkot sector. The ensuing battles of Maharajke, Phillora and Bhogawal heralded the arrival of Strike 1 with baptism by fire.
During 1971 operations, the formation was tasked both for offensive and defensive operations in the Shakargarh sector. A number of epic battles were fought, out of which battle of Basantar will be remembered for its ferocity and the spectacular success achieved with the deepest penetration on the Western front. The results achieved in the battlefield vindicated the politico – military decision of creating a strike force of decision and its importance in a high intensity, short duration war.
