BURMA AND THE NORTH EAST FRONTIER
The Regiment was not involved in the Third Burma War but took part in a number of operations in 1886 and 1887 designed to pacify the area and establish a British presence in Burma in the aftermath of the war. As a result of a particularly vigorous action at Chuang-Nai-Nuang four soldiers were awarded the IOM.
In late 1887 the Regiment marched from Kohima into Burma, a journey which took two months. 1888 and 1889 were spent in skirmishes against the hill tribes who at times fiercely resisted the advance of the British Forces. One particular action in May 1889 against the Chins resulted in the award of the IOM to no less than seven soldiers. These actions were all subsequently recognised by the issue of the clasp to the Indian General Service Medal. The conduct of the Regiment during these years earned particular praise from a number of senior commanders.
The winter of 1889-1890 was spent in the Chin-Lushai Hills as part of the expeditionary force sent to pacify that area. In April 1890 the Regiment returned to Dibrugarh by rail and sea via Rangoon and Calcutta having been highly commended for outstanding service by Lt Gen B L Gordon, GOC Burma District.
In September 1890 there was a revolution in Manipur State and the Regiment was deployed there in March 1891 in an attempt to arrest the self-appointed Jubraj. The British were forced to retreat after some hard fighting in which Lt Col C McD Skene, the Commanding Officer, was killed. The subsequent actions by the Manipur Field Force resulted in the capture and execution of the Jubraj. The clasp “NE FRONTIER 1891” was awarded to those who took part in crushing the revolt.