238TH CORPS OF ENGINEERS DAY CELEBRATED ON 17 NOVEMBER 2018

NP NEWS 24 ONLINE – On the occasion of 238^th Corps of Engineers Day, a wreath laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial, Southern Command, Pune on 17 November 2018 to pay homage to the martyrs of Corps of Engineers. Wreaths were laid by senior most veteran Sapper Officer Lieutenant General B T Pandit, (Retd) and Lieutenant General Micheal Mathews, Commandant, College of Military Engineering (CME) & Colonel Commandant, The Bombay Sappers in presence of Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Southern Command.

The Corps of Engineers is one of the oldest arms of the Indian Army. The origin of the Corps dates back to 1780 when the two regular pioneer companies of the Madras Sappers were raised. Subsequently, the Group of Madras, Bengal and Bombay Sappers were formed and later merged on 18 November 1932 to form the Corps of Engineers in its present form.

True to the motto “SARVATRA”, The Corps of Engineers has excelled in multifarious activities in war and peace and has won the highest military honours for gallantry, namely Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra and many other medals. In addition to combat duties, the Sappers have excelled in their non-combat role in India and abroad. They have made distinct contributions towards nation building through Civil Engineering constructions, some of which are landmarks today and through relief and rescue work during natural disasters. Sappers have also left their imprint in a number of countries abroad while servicing the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. They have also carved a niche for themselves in the area of adventure and individual sport in various events.

Lieutenant General SK Saini, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command  conveyed his appreciation and best wishes to all ranks and families of the Corps of Engineers, on this occasion and urged them to continue to serve with dedication and uphold the values of our great Indian Army.