during the second world war, the 1st punjab regiment suffered a total of 5510 casualties, including 1291 killed. the 2nd battalion received more gallantry awards than any other unit of the indian army. these included a posthumous victoria cross to subedar ram sarup singh for gallantry in action on kennedy peak in burma in 1944. the 3rd battalion was nominated for parachute training in june 1946 to join the 2nd indian airborne division. however, soon after completing its training in 1947, the 3rd (para) battalion 1st punjab regiment was engaged in quelling communal riots and in july, was detailed to join the punjab boundary force, formed to keep the peace on the new east-west punjab border. the 5th battalion was sent to japan as part of the british commonwealth occupation force.