In Remembrance of Subedar Mohammed Ali, and All Commonwealth Soldiers Who Served Alongside the British
10 11 2008
I was rather moved by the events this weekend, commemorating the sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth soldiers in service to Queen and Country. This was partly because I had met some of the (very few) British survivors of the Great War some years ago at a special event held at the National Archives in London (We were involved in a project with them at the time).
I recall being in complete awe, speaking with some of the veterans at the time about their experiences, and slowly coming to realise that here I was sharing a room with people who had actually shaped history; and that, as they say, was amazing!
The other reason was that my grandfather (Mohammed Ali) also served in the Indian army during both the First and Second World Wars.
I’m ashamed to say, however, that although I have a keen interest in (British) history, I know very little of my own family’s past, particularly my grandfathers! So, in an attempt to rectify this, I decided to do a quick investigation. I’m afraid I don’t have much to go on, but I thought I’d record what I know so far…
India’s contribution to the First World War was immense, mainly due to the outpouring of goodwill and loyalty to the United Kingdom at the time. 1.3 million soldiers and other personnel served alongside the British during the war, my grandfather amonst them. They served in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. From the information I have gathered so far, I know that he actually served in the Middle Eastern and Persian theatres at the time, presumably involved in the Invasion of Mesopotamia.
During the Second World War, India contributed around 2.5 million soldiers and personnel. It suffered 1.5 million civilian casualties (more than the United Kingdom) and around 43,000 military casualties (more than any other Commonwealth country).
By this time, my grandfather had reached the rank of Subedar, which was equivalent to a Lieutenant in the British army, and the highest rank an Indian soldier could reach. However, Subedars were confined to only commanding Indian troops, and not the British! “Well, we can’t have darky telling us what do eh? what, what!?”, was probably what the conversation went like at the time. :)
This time he served in the Middle Eastern, African and European theatres. My parents also explained that he did in fact end up inside Germany during the final days of the war. I’ve yet to confim this though, as my cousin explained that he fought in the South Asian theatre against the Japanese (Rangoon to be exact). This also took place during the latter parts of the war.
He left the army in 1946 when he visited his family in Jalandhar, and couldn’t bear to be away from them again, especially his youngest son (my Uncle!) who he was very fond of. I think by this time, he’d probably done enough for the world, so I’m sure he was forgiven for leaving. :)
He sadly passed away in 1983, at a ripe old age. Some say he was over 100; others say he was in his 90’s. No one actually knows his exact age, as records were never kept in those days.
The sad thing is that I never knew him that well, having only met him when I was very young. Although, I do remember seeing his vast collection of medals, which he kept safely in a wooden box. The family think he was conned into giving them to someone he knew before he died. This is a real shame, as I would have loved to preserve them for future generations.
The other thing I remember was the loud conversations we tended to have, as he was hard of hearing. Until today, I thought this was an injury he sustained during his time in the armed forces. As it turns out, it was actually as a result of an accident later on in life. His son was banging firewood together, caused a loud bang, and damaged his hearing permenently. Yes, this was the very same son that he had left the army for!
So, let’s not forget the immense contribution of the Indian army, and other Commonwealth soldiers, in both World Wars. We are in their debt and they will never be forgotten. I am immensely proud of my Grandfather. May he rest in peace.
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