51st Sikhs (Frontier Force)
The 51st Sikhs (Frontier Force) was a distinguished infantry regiment of the British Indian Army with a legacy spanning from the mid-19th century to the present day. Known for their versatility and bravery, the regiment evolved through several designations, eventually becoming a cornerstone of the Pakistan Army. Throughout its history, the unit earned the nickname Prince of Wales's Own and the motto Ekwanja.
Key Facts
- Founded: December 10, 1846, at Hoshiarpur.
- Original Name: 1st Regiment of Infantry The Frontier Brigade.
- Current Status: Active as 3 Battalion The Frontier Force Regiment (Pakistan Army).
- Notable Honors: Designated "Prince of Wales's Own" in 1921.
- Key Conflicts: Second Sikh War, Indian Mutiny, Second Afghan War, Boxer Rebellion, WWI, WWII, and Indo-Pakistan Wars.
Founding and the "Piffers" Era
The regiment was raised by Major JS Hodgson in 1846. Its initial composition was diverse, recruiting Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims, Pathans, and Dogras, many of whom came from the disbanded regiments of the Sikh Empire following the First Anglo-Sikh War.
In 1851, the unit joined the Punjab Irregular Force, which later became the renowned Punjab Frontier Force, affectionately known as the "Piffers." This elite force—comprising cavalry, infantry, and artillery—was tasked with maintaining order on the Punjab Frontier.
During its early years, the regiment saw intense action in the Second Sikh War (1848–49) and the Great Indian Mutiny (1857–58), fighting in the North Indian regions of Oudh and Rohilkhand. They later participated in the Second Afghan War (1878–80), contributing to the capture of Ali Masjid and the advance toward Jalalabad, and traveled to China in 1900 to suppress the Boxer Rebellion.
World War I and the Prince of Wales's Honor
Following the 1903 Kitchener reforms, the unit was renamed the 51st Sikhs (Frontier Force). By 1914, the regiment's composition included four companies of Sikhs, two of Pathans, and one each of Dogras and Punjabi Muslims.
During the First World War, the regiment served in Egypt and Aden before deploying to Mesopotamia in December 1915. They fought gallantly in the Relief of Kut al Amara (1916–17) and the capture of Baghdad, as well as operations in Tikrit, Daur, and Istabulat. In 1918, they moved to Palestine, participating in the Battle of Megiddo, which effectively annihilated the Turkish Army in the region.
In recognition of their heavy losses and exceptional bravery, the regiment was granted the title Prince of Wales's Own in 1921. In 1922, they were grouped with other Sikh units and the Guides Infantry to form the 12th Frontier Force Regiment, where they became the 1st Battalion.
Transition to the Pakistan Army
During the Second World War, the 1st Battalion of the Frontier Force (1 FF) served in Iraq and Syria before deploying to Italy in 1943, where they continued their record of distinction.
With the partition of India in 1947, the Frontier Force Regiment was allocated to the Pakistan Army. A further reorganization in 1956 merged the Frontier Force Regiment, the Frontier Force Rifles, and the Pathan Regiment. Consequently, 1 FF (Prince of Wales's Own) was redesignated as 3 Battalion The Frontier Force Regiment.
The battalion continued to see active service in subsequent conflicts, fighting in the Battle of Chawinda during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and the Battle of Chhamb in Kashmir during the 1971 war.
Regimental Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Motto | Ekwanja |
| Uniform | Drab with yellow facing |
| Regimental March | God Bless the Prince of Wales (from 1922) / Lilly Dale |
| Notable Commanders | Field Marshal Sir Charles Henry Brownlow, Gen Sir Rob Lockhart |
| Current Designation | 3 Battalion The Frontier Force Regiment (Pakistan Army) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the "Piffers"?
The "Piffers" was the popular nickname for the Punjab Frontier Force, an elite military formation tasked with guarding the volatile border regions of the Punjab Frontier.
When did the regiment become part of the Pakistan Army?
The regiment was allocated to the Pakistan Army in 1947 following the partition of British India.
What is the current designation of the 51st Sikhs?
The unit currently exists as the 3 Battalion The Frontier Force Regiment within the Pakistan Army.
Which major battles did the regiment fight in during WWI?
The regiment fought in the Relief of Kut al Amara, the capture of Baghdad, and the Battle of Megiddo in Palestine.
Why was the regiment named "Prince of Wales's Own"?
The title was awarded in 1921 as a reward for the regiment's excellent performance and gallantry during the First World War.