The 5th Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment (5/7th Rajputs) — originally the 11th Rajputs—was a British Indian Army infantry battalion. Formed in the 1922 re-organization, the battalion is most famous for its heroic garrison duty and defense during the Battle of Hong Kong in World War II, later transferring to the independent Indian Army.
• Formed from the older 11th Rajputs as part of the multi-battalion grouping of the 7th Rajput Regiment.
• Transitioned into the post-independence Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army.
World War II and Hong Kong
• Deployed to Hong Kong as part of the foreign garrison in June 1937.
• Fought in the fierce defense of the colony alongside the 2/14th Punjab Regiment against the Japanese invasion starting December 8, 1941.
• Suffered heavy casualties during the 18-day defense before the garrison was forced to surrender, with members memorialized at locations like the Sai Wan War Cemetery.
Photos of this organisation:
Comments
5th Battalion, 7th Rajput…
5th Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment deployed 'D' Company under Capt. Bob Newton at North Point, 'A' Company under Capt. Ansari at Shau Kei Wan, and 'C' and HQ Companies around Tai Koo to resist the Japanese landings on Hong Kong Island.
Disposition of the 5th Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment on North Shore
• North Point: 'D' Company (Capt. Bob Newton)
• Shau Kei Wan: 'A' Company (Capt. Ansari)
• Tai Koo: 'C' Company and HQ Company
• Tai Hang: 'B' Company (Capt. Course) in reserve
• Battalion HQ: Tai Koo Police Station (Lt.-Col. Cadogan-Rawlinson)
The Engagement at North Point
Fierce fighting erupted following the Japanese amphibious landings on Hong Kong Island on the night of December 18–19, 1941.
Captain Newton's 'D' Company, reduced to roughly a hundred men, put up a desperate and valiant resistance against overwhelming Imperial Japanese forces. Most of 'D' Company, including Captain Newton himself, were killed in the heavy combat around the North Point sector.