MacGregor Medal
{{Short description|Military award for adventure}}
{{Infobox military award
|name=MacGregor Medal
|image=MacGregor Medal.jpg
|image_size=250px
|caption=Obverse and Reverse of the medal
|type=Military award
|country={{flag|India}}
|established={{start date and age|df=yes|May 1887}}
|firstawarded=1889
|lastawarded= 16 Apr 2025
|total_awarded=125
|presenter=United Service Institution of India
|awarded_for=For military intelligence through reconnaissance, exploration and survey; later, for adventure
|image2=MacGregor Medal Ribbon.jpg
|image2_size=150px
|higher=
|lower=
|status=Active}}
The MacGregor Medal (also referred to as the MacGregor Memorial Medal) is awarded for valuable military intelligence through reconnaissance, exploration, survey or other similar activities of national importance.{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=471}}{{Sfnp|Executive Committee Meetings Minutes, USI|1988-2002|p=152}}{{Sfnp|USI Journal|2020|p=582}} Awardees have included Survey of India personnel, military attaches, consuls, political officers and Indian Army, Navy and Air Force personnel (including British officers before Independence).{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=476}} Post 1947 the medal has only been awarded to military personnel. A few medals have been awarded for escapes from enemy-occupied territory while some medals were awarded for successful operations inside enemy territory.{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=477}} Sometimes the awardee would be conferred the medal years after the journey had been made.{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=472}} Currently the domains incorporated are land, sea and air. Over the years the necessity and opportunities related to exploration have declined and this in turn has been coupled with a decline in recommendations. In this light the eligibility has been expanded to adventure activities mountain and desert expeditions, rafting, world circumnavigation, polar expedition and flights.{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=474}}{{Sfnp|Sood, President's Report USI Journal|1991|p=4-5}}{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=477}}
History
The medal was instituted in May 1887 to honour the memory of United Service Institution of India founder, Major General Sir Charles MacGregor.{{Cite web|last=Chhina|first=Squadron Leader (Retd) Rana TS|date=October–December 2020|title=The MacGregor Memorial Medal|url=https://usiofindia.org/publication/usi-journal/the-macgregor-memorial-medal/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210225085610/https://usiofindia.org/publication/usi-journal/the-macgregor-memorial-medal/?_sf_s=MacGregor+Medal|archive-date=2021-02-25|access-date=2021-02-25|website=United Service Institution of India|publisher=Journal of the United Service Institution of India, Vol. CL, No. 622|language=en-US}}[https://usiofindia.org/macgregor-medal/ Macgregor Medal.] United Service Institution of India. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511232257/http://www.usiofindia.org/mcgro.htm|date=2008-05-11}}. [https://web.archive.org/web/20210101214120/https://usiofindia.org/macgregor-medal/ Archived] on 1 January 2021. The original criteria for award of the medal were enunciated out on 3 July 1888 at Shimla at a meeting in the presence of Commander-in-Chief General Sir FS Roberts and the Viceroy of India. After the partition of British India into India and Pakistan, the award was adopted by India and continues to this day. 122 medals have been awarded: 7 gold medals to officers, 67 standard size silver medals to officers (including 5 VCOs and JCOs), and 48 reduced size silver medals to other ranks/soldiers. One British officer has been awarded the medal twice, A. S. Lancaster, as a major in 1938, and again as a colonel in 1946; and one British Indian, Shahzad Mir, first as Daffadar, in 1897, then again as Risaldar in 1906.{{Sfn|Hamond|1994|p=55}} For reconnaissance in 1891, Havildar Ramzan Khan, Punjab Frontier Force, was the first Indian to be awarded the medal.
Specifications
There are three versions of the medal. The standard silver medal {{convert|2+3/4|inch|mm|abbr=}} without any attachments, the reduced gold medal {{convert|1+1/4|inch|mm|abbr=}} without any attachments and the reduced silver medal {{convert|1+1/4|inch|mm|abbr=}} with attachments to suspend around neck. The obverse side contains an effigy of Major General Sir Charles MacGregor. Inscribed on the upper periphery is "Major General Sir Charles MacGregor KCB CSI CIE". Inscribed on the lower periphery is "In Memoriam 1887". The reserve side contains various figures of army personnel. Details of the awardee are inscribed on the outer rim.{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=474–475}} The colours of the ribbon are (from left to right) — Red, Green, Red, Green, Black, White, Black, Green, Red, Green, Red. The colours are based on the 'MacGregor tartan'.{{Sfnp|Hamond, USI Journal|1990|p=476}}
Recent winners
File:RAM RATAN JAT.jpg|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} Ram Ratan Jat, 2024: For the extreme adventure in long distance runninghttps://x.com/HQ_IDS_India/status/1912469218169151493
File:Rahul Kumar Pandey Macgregor Medal 2023.jpg|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} Rahul Kumar Pandey, 2023: For the extreme adventure in long distance runninghttps://x.com/HQ_IDS_India/status/1912469218169151493
File:Sanjay Kumar Indian Navy.jpg|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} Kumar, 2020: For accomplishments in long distance running
File:Abhilash Tomy receiving Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2012 (cropped).jpg|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} Tomy, 2013: first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe under sail.
File:Capt Dilip Donde 2 (cropped).jpg|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} Donde, 2010: first Indian to complete a solo, unassisted circumnavigation of the globe under sail
File:Pilots of Round The World Expedition Wg Cdr R Monga (Rt) and Wg Cdr Anil Kumar alongwith their Aircraft prior to flag off at Air Force Station, Hindon, U.P. on June 01, 2007.jpg|{{Flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of India (1950–2023).svg|size=30px}} Monga & Kumar, 2007: world trip in a microlight aircraft
Pre-1947 recipients
Key
- No. – Award number
- Rank – Rank at the time of the award
- Year – Year in which the exploration for which the award was given took place
{{Hr}}{{Multiple image
| image1 = Francis Younghusband 1905.jpg
| alt1 = 1
| caption1 = 1890: F. Younghusband
| image2 = George K. Cockerill.jpg
| caption2 = 1896: GK Cockerill
| image3 = Stewart Blacker in flying gear 1933.jpg
| caption3 = 1920: S Blacker
| direction =
| total_width = 250px
| perrow = 2,2
| image4 = Ordecharleswingate.jpg
| caption4 = 1943: OG Wingate
}}
Only recipients with articles have been listed
| class="wikitable"
!No. !Name !Rank !Year !Ref/Notes |
| 1
|Colonel |1889 |
| 2
|Captain |1890 |
| 8
|Captain |1893 |
| 12
|Captain |1895 |
| 14
|Lieutenant |1896 |
| 16
|Captain |1897 |
| 18
|Captain |1898 |
| 41
|Subedar |1910 |
| 44
|Captain |1911 |
| 52
|Captain |1914 |{{Sfn|Waller|1990|p=240}} |
| 53
|Captain |1914 |{{Sfn|Dalal|1985|p=280}} |
| 60
|Captain |1918 |{{Sfn|Hopkirk|1994|p=276}} |
| 61
|Lieutenant Colonel |1919 |
| 63
|Captain |1920 |
| 65
|Major |1921 |
| 69
|Captain |1923 |
| 76
|Major |1926 |
| 99
|Major General |1943 |
Post-1947 recipients
Awards were accompanied with entries in the Register for MacGregor Medal. The entry for Captain S.L. Tugnait, awarded for 1958, reads:
{{Blockquote|text="Captain S.L. Tugnait... Air OP Squadron, Regiment of Artillery. Valuable Military Recce in Northern Ladakh. Covered the route from Leh over the 21,000 ft Chang La (Sic. 17,590 ft) into the Shyok River Valley to Ponyvang Lake (Sic. Pangong Tso). From there to Quazi-Haji Langer-Quaratag Pass, and back by the Karakuram Pass to Daulat Beg Oldi - Sasar Kangri over the Sasar La into the Nubra Valley and back to Leh over the 19,600 ft Kharding La"}}{{Complete list|date=February 2021}}
| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="2" |No. ! rowspan="2" |Service ! rowspan="2" |Name ! colspan="2" |Awardee details ! rowspan="2" |Year ! rowspan="2" |Notes |
| Rank
!Other details |
|---|
| 104.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |Major |VrC, 2nd Bn, 5th Gorkha Rifles (F.F) |1949 |
| 105.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |IC Katoch |Colonel |MBE, 6th Bn, 5th Gorkha Rifles (F.F) |1951 |
| 106.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |MS Jarg |Captain |3rd Bn, Jat Regiment |1956 |
| 107.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |IB Goel |2nd Lieutenant |Bengal Engineers Group |1956 |
| 108.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |Vinod Badhwar |Captain |5th Bn, 5th Gorkha Rifles (F.F) |1957 |
| 109.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |SL Tugnait |Captain |Air Op Squadron, Regiment of Artillery |1958 |
| 110.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |Brigadier |MVC FRGS, 2nd Bn, 5th Gorkhas Rifles (F.F) |1969 |
| 111.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |Prem Chand |Major |VSM, 13th Bn, Dogra Regiment |1970 |
| 112.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |CS Nugyal |Colonel |6th Bn, Sikh Regiment |1971 |
| 113.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |Ravindra Misra |Captain |4th Bn, 3rd Gorkha Rifles |1972 |
| 114.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |Bel Bahadur Pun |Subedar |4th Bn, 3rd Gorkha Rifles |1972 |
| 115.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |Colonel |PVSM, KC, AVSM (Retd) Kumaon Regiment |1978 to 1981 |
| 116.
|{{Flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of India (1950–2023).svg|size=30px}} |Ram Karan Makkar |Squadron Leader |127 HU, Indian Air Force |1986 |{{Sfnp|Executive Committee Meetings Minutes, USI|1988-2002|p=244}} |
| 117.
|{{Flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of India (1950–2023).svg|size=30px}} |Flight Lieutenant |127 HU, Indian Air Force |1986 |{{Sfnp|Executive Committee Meetings Minutes, USI|1988-2002|p=244}} |
| 118.
|{{Flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=30px}} |NJ Korgaokar |Lieutenant Colonel |SM, Garhwal Regiment |1997 |{{Sfnp|Executive Committee Meetings Minutes, USI|1988-2002|p=244}} |
| 119.
|{{Flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of India (1950–2023).svg|size=30px}} |Rahul Monga |Wing Commander |SC, Indian Air Force |2007 |
| 120.
|{{Flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of India (1950–2023).svg|size=30px}} |Soumik Ghosh |Flight Lieutenant |SC, Indian Air Force |2010 |
| 121.
|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} |Commander |Indian Navy |2010 |
| 122.
|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} |Lieutenant Commander |Indian Navy, KC, NM |2013 |
| 123.
|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} |Sanjay Kumar |Electrical Artificer (P) 3 |Indian Navy |2020 |
| 124.
|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} |Rahul Kumar Pandey |Chief Electrical Artificer (Radio) |Indian Navy |2023 |
| 125.
|{{Flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg|size=30px}} |Ram Ratan Jat |Chief Electrical Aircraft Artificer (Radio) |Indian navy |2024 |
See also
- Wing Commander Jag Mohan Nath
- Major General Rajendra Nath
References
{{reflist}}Bibliography
- {{Cite journal|last=Hamond|first=Captain Robert|date=January 1942|title=Through Western Tibet in 1939|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.pahar.2807|journal=The Geographical Journal|volume=XCIX| issue = 1|pages=|ref={{sfnref|Hamond, The Geographical Journal|1942}}|via=archive.org and PAHAR}}
- {{Cite book|last=Waller|first=Derek J.|url=https://archive.org/details/punditsbritishex0000wall|title=The Pundits: British Exploration of Tibet and Central Asia|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|year=1990|isbn=081311666X|via=archive.org}}
- {{Cite book|last=Hopkirk|first=Peter|url=https://archive.org/details/likehiddenfirepl0000hopk|title=Like Hidden Fire: The Plot to Bring Down the British Empire|publisher=Kodansha|year=1994|isbn=1568360207|location=United States of America|via=archive.org}}
- {{Cite book|last=Hamond|first=Robert|title=History of the MacGregor Memorial Medals 1889-1989|publisher=Lancer Paperbacks|others=United Service Institution of India|year=1994|isbn=9781897829073|location=|pages=}}
- {{Citation|last=|first=|title=Executive Committee Meetings Minutes (25 January 1988 to 18 November 2002)|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.284907/page/n243/mode/2up?q=%22MacGregor+Medal%22|volume=|pages=146, 152, 170, 184, 227, 230, 245|publisher=United Service Institution of India|ref={{sfnref|Executive Committee Meetings Minutes, USI|1988-2002}}}}
USI Journals
- {{Cite journal|last=Dalal|first=Brigadier J. A. F.|date=July–September 1985|title=Henry Treise Morshead—Macgregor Medal Recipient, 1914|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.279649/page/n101/mode/2up?q=Henry+Treise+Morshead|journal=U.S.I Journal|volume=CXV| issue = 481|pages=280–283|via=archive.org}}
- {{Cite journal|last=Dalal|first=J.A.F.|date=April–June 1987|title=Colonel J.B.P. Angwin: MacGregor Award Recipient 1936|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.284688/page/n61/mode/2up?q=%22MacGregor+Medal%22|journal=U.S.I Journal|volume=CXVII| issue = 488|pages=194–197|ref={{sfnref|Dalal, USI Journal|1987}}|via=archive.org}}
- {{Cite journal|last=Hamond|first=Major (Retd) Robert|date=October–December 1990|title=The MacGregor Memorial Medal 1889-1989|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.279749|journal=U.S.I Journal|volume=CXX| issue = 502|pages=471–479|issn=0041-770X|ref={{sfnref|Hamond, USI Journal|1990}}|via=archive.org}}
- {{Cite journal|last=Sood|first=Lt Gen VK|date=January–March 1992|title=President's Report for the Year 1991: MacGregor Medal|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.279816/page/n9/mode/2up?q=%22MacGregor+Medal%22|journal=U.S.I. Journal|volume=CXXII| issue = 507|pages=2–5|ref={{sfnref|Sood, President's Report USI Journal|1991}}|via=archive.org}}
- {{Cite journal|date=October–December 2020|title=150th Anniversary Issue: USI Journal|url=https://usiofindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/USI-Journal-Oct-Dec-2020.pdf|journal=The United Service Institution of India|volume=CL| issue = 622|ref={{sfnref|USI Journal|2020}}}}
- {{Cite journal|date=January–October 1933|title=Secretary's notes/MacGregor Memorial Medalists|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.280027/mode/2up?q=%22Macgregor+Memorial+Medal%22|journal=U.S.I Journal|volume=LXIII| issue = 270|via=archive.org}}
External links
- [http://usiofindia.org/ United Service Institution of India, Official website]
- [https://www.chinditslongcloth1943.com/burma-rifle-citations.html Image of medal and ribbon awarded to Havildar Sein U.]
{{Awards and decorations of the Indian Armed Forces}}