Pre Independence Era
The group traces its origins to the Bengal Pioneers raised at Kanpur, in 1803 by Capt. T. Wood. The Bengal Sappers and Miners forming part of Bengal Presidency Army were born at Allahabad on 19 Feb 1819. Major Thomas Anburey was first Commandant.
The Headquarters moved to Roorkee, in 1853 where apart from a brief absence in 1854, it has remained ever since.
The Group was christened 1st Prince of Wales Own Sappers and Miners in 1906, and on his accession to the throne became King George’s Own Sappers and Minors. During the First World War our Units fought in Aden, Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Persia and France.
The Second World War saw the Group expanding seven folds from 3242 all ranks in 1939 to 23850 in 1945. Units of the Group fought North Africa, Itlay, Malaya, Burma and closer home in the Arakans. For their bravery and acts of velour personnel of the Group were awarded 39 MCs, 7 IOMs, 22 MMs & our Unit won a host of battle honours.
Post Independence Era
The dawn of Independence, in 1947, forced the Bengal Sappers to part with most of their Units and assets to the Royal Pakistan Engineers. after escaping order of disbandment, the Bengal Sappers got down to rebuilding under the visionary command of Col. J.S. Dhillion the first Indian Commandant. Units of the Group acquitted themselves creditably against Pakistan in 1948, in the 1961 Goa operations and Indo-Pak war of 1965. In 1966, the present organisation of engineers regiments came into being. In 1971 operation against Pakistan, the Bengal Sappers flag flew at its zenith, as units of the Group “Sappered” their way to victory in Bangladesh.
Our Centre
The Bengal Engineering Group & Centre is primarily a training institution but also serves as a second home for all Bengal Sappers. It has two training battalions and a specialist battalion designed to hold instructional staff, pensioners and trainers.
Every Bengal Sapper is imparted two years training in combat, field engineering and in a trade. Every Sapper is a soldier, a combat engineer and a skilled tradesman. The Centre Commandant is a Brigadier who has an exacting but satisfying job, steeped in prestige and esteem; coveted by every Bengal Sapper. As the head of the Bengal Sappers, his influence and benevolence have a decisive role in shaping the careers of thousands of Sappers and eventually in their resettlement after service.
Click here to know more http://haridwar.nic.in/beg.htm