The Indian Long Range Squadron (ILRS) was one of the most prominent regiments of the British Indian Army. The unit was raised in the year 1941 during the Second World War. The Squadron was created by volunteers from the 2nd Lancers (Gardner`s Horse), 11th Prince Albert Victor`s Own Cavalry (Frontier Force) and the 18th King Edward`s Own Cavalry. All of these regiments were incorporated as a part of the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade.
History of Indian Long Range Squadron
The Indian Long Range Squadron (ILRS) was initially raised as a patrol unit to guard the borders between Afghanistan, Persia and the Soviet Union during World War II. The troops of the army unit were trained by the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). Although the Indian Long Range Squadron was not formally a part of the Long Range Desert Group, it took part in several military operations with the Long Range Desert Group.
The regiment of the Indian Long Range Squadron (ILRS) was officially founded on 25 December 1941. The regiment consisted of 4 patrol units, namely J Patrol, which included Jats; P Patrol, which included Punjabis; M Patrol, consisted of Muslims; and S Patrol that included Sikhs. However, in December 1941, the J Patrol and the R Patrol are merged with the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG). Both the units were re-designated as the I1 unit and I2 unit respectively. Later in October 1942, the rest of the Indian patrols, M Patrol and S Patrol were amalgamated with the Long Range Desert Group and were renamed as the I3 Patrol and I4 Patrol respectively. The Indian Long Range Squadron (ILRS) finally disbanded in the year 1945.]
Major Samuel Vallis Mcoy MBE served as the Commanding Officer of the Indian Long Range Squadron (ILRS). The Commanding Officers of the four patrols are listed below-
* Lieutenant Gilbert William Nangle- S Patrol
* James Edward Cantlay- J Patrol
* Captain Alan Browning Rand- M Patrol
* Captain Travers John Durrant Birdwood- P Patrol
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