42 Field Regiment was raised at Jhansi on 1 August 1948 by Lieutenant Colonel (later Major General) AS Naravane with a class composition of North Indians.

[7][8] The unit provided artillery support during the war and also used its guns in direct firing role to cause substantial damage to Pothi.

[8] 42 Field Regiment was under 15 Artillery Brigade of 15 Infantry Division during Operation Cactus Lily.

The brigade launched an offensive into enemy territory on the night of 5 December 1971, and finally captured the bridge by early morning of 6 December, thus being the first formation to hoist the tricolour in the captured territory of West Pakistan.

42 Field Regiment played a crucial role in providing artillery support during the battle of Dera Bana Nanak and for its efforts, the regiment was awarded the honour title Dera Bana Nanak.