Brave sons of India
“Brave soldiers of India” (Spectrum, Sept 13) has portrayed a true picture of the bravery of Indian soldiers. Over 1.4 million Indian soldiers fought for the British in World War I. Of these, 47,000 were killed and another 65,000 were wounded. In this war, Indian soldiers became known the world over for their valour and won 12 Victoria Crosses.
The first Victoria Cross was awarded on October 31, 1914, at Hollebeke in Belgium to an infantryman Sepoy Khudadad Khan of Battalion I, 129th Duke of Cannaught’s own Baluchis. Thus, of the 17 Victoria Crosses awarded during World War I, 12 went to the Indian soldiers. Only one of these, Rifleman Gobar Singh Negi of Battalion II, 39th Garhwal Rifles was awarded posthumously, other VC holders had fought on to inspire their fellow soldiers. At the end of the war, 2/3 Gorkha Rifles had two living VCs in the unit.
The Britishers were very tactful, tough and tenacious. They had not considered the Indian soldiers entitled for the Victoria Cross. The “Order of Merit” instituted in 1837 was the highest gallantry award for the Indian soldiers. It was only in 1911 that Indian soldiers became entitled to receive the VC.
The courage of millions of soldiers from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Caribbean, who fought and died for the British in the two world wars, has been recognised now with the erection of memorial gates adjacent to the Buckingham Palace. Leading industrialists Gopichand Hinduja, Lakshmi Mittal and Avtar Lit were among influential Asians in Britain who were the driving force behind the setting up of these memorials.
Our politicians have no time for our martyrs. On Kargil Day many leaders had no time to grace the functions held to mark the occasion.
MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari (Hamirpur)
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