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Regiment of the Pakistan Army From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 24th Cavalry (Frontier Force) is a regiment of the Pakistan Army, raised on June 7, 1962. It was one of the armoured regiments assembled and trained following independence to meet Pakistan's growing defense needs. The officer selected to train and command the new unit was Lt Col Muhammad Afzal Khan (Probyn's Horse). The 24th Cavalry was involved in the first ever tank assault in the history of the Pakistan army earning it its title of “The Charging 24th Cavalry” as it was the first Armoured regiment of Pakistan Army to fight Trans-frontier. It was proved to be the best cavalry unit against India.
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2011) |
| 24th Cavalry (Frontier Force) | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Badge of 24th Cavalry | |
| Active | 1962–present |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Branch |  Pakistan Army |
| Motto(s) | "We shall live and die for the glory of Pakistan" |
The bulk of men and equipment for the 24th Cavalry came from the 11th Cavalry, 12th Cavalry, and 15th Lancers also provided some weapons. A variety of battle functions were allotted to the regiment. These included attack or counterattack under hostile fire, destruction of enemy armor by fire, exploitation after breakthrough, delaying action in a mobile battle, deep penetration in rear areas, and support to infantry and other units by use of direct or indirect fire, maneuver, and shock action.
The regiment went out for its first collective training in December 1962. The commandant gave out his training objectives for the first collective training period as follows:
The collective training had shown that the regiment had been converted into a well knit team. Equipment had been tested as well to ensure the regiment was prepared for war. The Commandant took the regiment to the Armored Fighting Vehicle Ranges in January 1963. It was a successful firing exercise and there was not a single accident during the whole exercise.
Sherman tanks were used by 24th Cavalry until 1963. In March 1964, the unit got the first complement of M-47 Pattons.
In April 1965, fighting broke out over the then disputed Rann of Kutch area. The 24th Cavalry got its first opportunity to prove itself in the battlefield and put its professional training and efficiency to test. On April 17, it received an order to deploy at Chhor (which was 800 miles towards Pakistan's southern border) and to conduct the Army's first ever tactical maneuver; a tank assault. On 26 April 1965, A squadron of 24th Cavalry along with forces from the 15 Punjab Regiment and 15 FFR launched an attack on territory occupied by Indian forces. It was the first attack of its kind since Independence, an attack on a heavily defended enemy position called "Biar Bet". The tanks captured the area after a grim battle during which its officers and soldiers showed unusual bravery. After a ceasefire brokered by the United Kingdom, Biar Bet was returned as part of an agreement between Pakistan and India.[1][2][3]
The unit was under 1st Armoured Division at Raiwind. As part of 5 Armored Brigade, it took part in operations across Rohi Nullah in Kasur Sector. In this operation by significant personal gallantry, Major Khadim Hussain destroyed three enemy tanks with an abandoned recoilless rifle and was awarded with Sitara-i-Jurat.[4]
The regiment moved out for collective training on 31 Oct 1966. This training was concentrated as usual at the troop level. Iranian Army Officers visited the regiment in training area on 7 Nov 1966 and were visibly impressed by the high standard of operational readiness displayed by all ranks. A demonstration was also given to Staff College students at Ranges on 22 Nov 1966. This process of exercises continued and built up to regimental exercise.
The major event that the regiment participated in early 1968 was the Pakistan Day Parade. The RHQ and A Squadron participated in the Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade as a mechanized column from Armoured Corps. The turn out and formation of the regiment was commended by all spectators and the mechanized column was one of the most impressive spectacles of the parade.
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