Col J P Singh
(WW1 was fought in Trenches ilke this)
First World War had been the worst ever fought trench war where men lived an unimaginable hell. This war was one of the bloodiest in history. It shaped Europe’s politics and demographics. The immediate cause of the war was assassination of the Austrian Duke Franz Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo by a Bosnian activist on 28 June 1914. Duke was the heir to the throne of Austro-Hungarian empire. Austrian Govt believed that the assassination was organized by the Serbian Govt. Hence Austria declared war on Serbia. Following which various countries fought the other as part of opposing alliances. The triple alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy were pitted against the triple entente of Britain, Russia and France. The war which started in 1914 ended in 1918. To commemorate the first centenary of the first world war, a grand ceremony was held at Paris. It is a remarkable global tribute to honour those who laid down their lives in 1914-18 bloodiest war. It is also a tribute to the signing of ‘Armistice’ that brought the fighting to an end at 11 AM on 11 November 1918. Ironically the peace brought about by this armistice was elusive and short lived. French President Emmanuel Macron led the world leaders in an emotional ceremony in Paris for paying tributes to millions killed. Vice President led the Indian delegation. Over 2500 Dogra soldiers fought Britain’s war. 76 % of them never returned home. I was glad to see a decorated bus with a collage of Indian soldiers and inscription, “Thank You, 1.4 million Indian Soldiers: The Forgotten Heroes of WWI, ‘India.1914.com”, going around in London streets to commemorate their glory. Wish similar gesture was displayed in Jammu. British had less forces in East African theatre as compared to Germany and they made a demand on the State Forces. Maharaja Pratap Singh offered 3 Battalions (Bns) and a Mountain Battery (Mtn Bty). British immediately requisitioned them. Maharaja deputed 2 Kashmir Rifles (KR) commanded by Lt Col Raghubir Singh and 3 KR commanded by Lt Col Durga Singh. 2 KR had 50 % Muslims and the rest were Gorkhas. 3 KR had 50 % Dogras and 50 % Gorkhas. A Troop of J&K Horsed Cavalry under Jem, later Maj Hazra Singh, and 1 Mtn Bty also formed part of the Dogra Contingent. Later 1st KR and two Troops of Kashmir Imperial Lancers were dispatched to Egypt in February 1915. Over 2500 rank and file took part in the 1st world war out of which 76 % laid down their lives for their coloniser. They won lot of battle honours and individual gallantry awards. With that casualty rate and awards, valour of J&K State Forces deserve a mention in the media no matter they fought someone else’s war.
The State Forces contingent left Jammu in July 1914 for Ferozepur for training as part of Imperial Services Brigade at Deolali. They embarked at Karachi in September 1914 and landed at Mombasa, Africa on 27 September. Mombasa was attacked by the Germans as they arrived. For tactical reasons they were diverted and disembarked at Port Tanga and brought back to Mombasa to repel the German attack. Germans were repulsed but the entire force suffered heavy casualties. On 8 October state force repulsed another attack and helped clearing the Germans from Kilimanjaro and Tanga. State Forces troops suffered heavy casualties in these actions. But they performed magnificently in their first ever encounter with top class enemy. After the operation, Kashmir Rifles were rated as ‘reliable troops’ while many other Indian units were rated ‘unreliable’. Credit for this goes to their Commanding Officers. Despite the rout, Lt Col Durga Singh, CO 3 KR was awarded ‘Indian Order of Merit’ (IOM) Class 1 equivalent of PVC. Being seriously wounded he was repatriated and replaced by Lt Col Gandharb Singh. Sep Devi Singh, Ganga Singh and Hav Madho Singh were awarded Indian Distinguished Service Medal (IDSM). Sub Randhir Singh was awarded IOM, Class 2, equivalent of MVC.
In early 1915, 2 KR, as part of Varga Force, helped in the capture of Umba Valley and itself captured Jasin and when counter-attacked on 18 January 1915, successfully defended it. Lt Col Raghubir Singh, the CO was killed in action while defending Jasin in which 115 men were wounded, 135 were taken prisoner. Commenting on his death, Brig JL Rose said, “glorious one, falling as head of his men, fighting for his chief, King and the country”. He described the action of the troops as ‘magnificent’. Lt Col Raghubir Singh was awarded a Jagir of Rs. 400 per annum and two Marabas of Land of 50 acres to his family. Lt Col Lyall, a British officer, took over the command of the unit temporarily. Lt Col Haider Ali replaced him and commanded the unit for the remainder of stay in Afrika.
In May 1915, 2 KR led the advance of 1 East Afrika Division to Dar-es-Salaam. By a flanking move Bn surprised the enemy, decimated a German Company, captured their weapons and ammunition and took many prisoners. On 30th July, Bn captured a Brass Eagle, (a German insignia) and their Flag. Both continue to be their prized war trophies. Dar-es-Salaam fell on 3rd September 1916. This action was commended by Gen Smuts. By end of the month, German forces were cut off from the sea and by December 1916 beginning, East Afrika was cleared of all enemy. By then 2 KR was left with only 180 men alive having suffered alarming 78 % casualties. That was the sacrifice made by Dogra troops fighting for the Crown and should not remain unsung, is the idea behind telling this story.
Coming back to 3 KR, in April 1915, it moved to Nairobi. They fought a gallant action at Nadi Railway Station which was attacked by Germans in July 1915. Lt Col Gandharb Singh, CO was killed in this action. He was awarded ‘Order of British Empire’ (OBI). Unit took part in further advance and Nairobi was finally captured in December 1916. After rest and refit 3 KR was dispatched to Middle East in March 1918 to join 1st KR which had arrived there in January 1918 under Lt Col Ishri Singh. 3 KR relieved British at Palestine and formed part of 10 Indian Div which was entrusted to defend Suez Canal. Turks assembled 20,000 men & 10 Btys of Arty to march to Ismailia. But the Turks were forced to withdraw. Thereafter 3 KR was put under 75 Indian Div which cleared Haifa, Beirut and Alepo.
Since State Force had fought gallantly, more demands were made by British for the Dogra troops. Capture of Nigosaki was the last action fought by Dogras in March 1918 after which they were withdrawn from the war zone and repatriated. Only 605 surviving soldiers sailed back home. All were given ‘special annam’ of Rs 25 per person and officers were given 50% pay hike. 114 Jagir Annams were granted for distinguished services. Lt Col Ishri Singh, CO 1st KR, was awarded IOM Class II and a title of Sardar Bahadur. Maj Onkar Singh, 2IC was awarded OBI Class II. Bn won 2 IOM, 2 IDSM & 5 IMSM. It brought 2 captured Turkish Guns as war trophies. Hav Ali Akbar, Nk Teju and Sep Mohd Akram of 2 KR were awarded IMSM. Hav Atta Ullah, Hav Nanbir, Sep Hafiz Ali, Rahim Ali and Lnk Devi Singh of 3 KR were awarded IOM Class II & Jem Ram Bahadur, Hav Harku, Lnk Indru were awarded IDSM. Lt Col Haider Ali was awarded CIE, OBI and the title of Sardar Bahadur Class I. Sub Surgeon Mohd Din of 2 KR was awarded OBI & title of Khan Bahadur Class II. Maj Sansar Singh of 3 KR was awarded the ‘French Croix-de-Grace. Hav Ballu got Medal of Military Valour. Maj Durga Dutt, medical officer got OBI & title of Sardar Bahadur II. Following Battle Honours were also awarded to the State Force units:- 1st Mtn Bty; Nayangoa & East Africa. 1st KR; Megiddo, Nablus & Palestine. 2 KR; Kilimanjaro, Behobeho & East Africa. 3 KR; Kilimanjaro, Behobeho, Megiddo, Sham & Palestine. Many names may be left out for which I apologise.
These gallantry awards and valour of Dogra soldiers is etched in military history on the basis of which British recognized Dogras, irrespective of caste or religion, as martial race and had ‘Dogra Certificate’ covenant issued to facilitate their enrolment in armed forces and Assam Rifles. Surprisingly Omar Abdullah led NC-Congress coalition annulled this covenant in 2011. Despite protests, Dogra certificate wasn’t restored which is increasing their unemployment. However leadership of Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan has resolved to have it restored early.
Such stories of valour and sacrifices, I think, are precious for coming generations. Hope families of martyrs read this story and celebrate their ancestors. It is my sincere conviction that the Dogra soldiers, without whom the contours of the war might well be different, have got their due recognition at the global stage and their progenies are allowed Dogra Certificate to emulate their ancestors.
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