The concept of 'Grenadiers' evolved from the practice of selecting the bravest and strongest men for the most dangerous tasks in combat.

[3] The history of the Indian Grenadiers is linked to the troops recruited for the army of the Bombay Presidency.

[4] In 1759, as a response to French maneuvering in South India, the strength of the Bombay Army was enhanced, and the first company of sepoy grenadiers was raised with the best of Bombay sepoys "paying a regard to those having families on the island".

It had only native officers and all sepoys wore red coats faced with blue.

Later the Bombay Army comprised a number of sepoy battalions, each having one or two grenadier companies.

Some of these battalions were to be garrison or rear area troops only, while others went on to serve with distinction in a number of theatres during the war including the Middle East and Burma, notably during the Arakan campaigns and at Kohima.

[37] Of note also, is the fact that prior to independence, British officers serving with The Grenadiers won four Victoria Crosses.