Martial Races of TodayÕs Pakistan in British-Indian Army in World War-II*

Looking for info on the British 14th army I found this,



The Role of Muslims Martial Races of TodayÕs Pakistan in British-Indian Army in World War-II
Columnist Brig (Retd) NOOR A HUSAIN writes about the Muslims in the British Army during World War 2
Introduction
The British Indian Army during World War II was the largest volunteer army the world has known with long martial traditions going back to the advent of the British in the subcontinent, even earlier. First raised as door keepers and trained bands to guard factories of early merchants, it grew into the army of John Company Bahadur, and subsequently grew into Presidency armies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay in 1795, after the fall of French Pondicherry in 1793. After 1857, the Crown abolished these Presidency Armies and took over their control and reorganisation. For almost 90 years thereafter, after various reorganisations, the British Indian Army distinguished itself in many wars, campaigns, expeditions in India, Asia, Africa, and Europe under the British flag.
The Political Scene in 1939-1940
Since the British Indian Army was a voluntary army, it would be pertinent to briefly recall the political scene in India. When the Second World War broke out in September 1939 and Viceroy Linlithgow announced that India was at war, there were two main political parties in India - the Indian National Congress, led by Mr Gandhi and the All India Muslim League headed by Mr. Jinnah. in 1940 when Great Britain braced herself to face a German invasion and General Weygand told Churchill that BritainÕs neck would be wrung like a chicken in 15 days, Mr Gandhi published an Òopen letterÓ to every BritainÓ Òurging cessation of hostilitiesÓ. He said:
ÒNo cause, however just can warrant the indiscriminate slaughter that is going on minute to minute ... I do not want Britain to be defeated, nor do I want her to be victorious in a trial of brute strength ... I want you to fight Nazism without arms ... I want you to lay down the arms you have as being useless for saving you or humanity. You will invite Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini to take what they want of the countries you call your possessions. Let them take possession of your beautiful island with your many beautiful buildings. You will give all these, but neither your souls nor your minds. If these gentlemen choose to occupy your homes, you will vacate them. If they do not give you free passage out, you will allow yourself, man, woman and child to be slaughtered, but you will refuse to owe allegiance to them ... I am telling His Excellency the Viceroy that my services are at the disposal of His MajestyÕs Government, should they consider them of any practical use in enhancing my appeal....1
On the other hand the sympathies of the All India Muslim League were clearly on the side of the Allies as against the Axis powers.2 Mr. Jinnah had even said that if Britain lost, the Muslims were likely to suffer.3 L.S. Amery, Secretary of State for India in a confidential press briefing emphasized the fact that Òto a large extent IndiaÕs fighting war effort was dependent on Muslim effortÓ4. Churchill emphasized that the British Òmust not on any account break with the Muslims who represented a hundred million people and represented the main army elements on which the British must rely for the immediate fightingÓ5.
The ArmyÕs Expansion
The Indian Army expanded from about 189,000 in October 1939 to 2,500,000 by 1945. In 1939 there were 78 infantry battalions, 20 Gurkha battalions, 18 Cavalry units. The officer strength was 3,000 British; 1,115 Indian. By 1945 these were about 34,500 British, 15,740 Indian officers, of all classes.
The Army took part in campaigns in France, East Africa, North Africa, Syria, Tunisia, Malaya, Burma, Greece, Sicily and Italy. During the war it was organised under one Army Group, four armies, seven Indian Corps, four Armoured Divisions, one Air Borne Division, and twenty three Infantry Divisions. Some of these were lost in Malaya-Singapore, a few re-organised as Lines of Communication Commands in Middle East.
Even before September 1939 troops of the Indian Army were on station duty in Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Aden, the Gulf, Burma, Malaya and Hong Kong. The first and only units of the Indian Army that took part in the war in France were four animal transport companies of Royal Indian Army Service Corps with the British Expeditionary Force in 1940. While the personnel were evacuated, the gallant horses and mules were undoubtedly given resident status in France were four animal transport companies of Royal Indian Army Service Corps with the British Expeditionary Force in 1940. While the personnel were evacuated the gallant horses and mules were undoubtedly given resident status in France.
The 14th Army in Burma was the single largest army in the world. Its battle front of 700 miles was approximately as long as the Russian front against Germany 6.
The Indian Army suffered the following casualties upto August 1945:
a. Killed - 24,338
b. Wounded - 64,354
c. Missing - 11,754
d. POW - 79,489
---------------
Total: 179,935
WriterÕs Note: (In addition approximately 62,507 from b.c.d, above died). 160,000 of the total casualties are commemorated in war cemeteries in fifty countries extending from the Pacific Islands to UK, according to Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Indian Army won 31 Victoria Crosses and out of a total of 27 Victoria Crosses awarded for the Burma campaign 20 were personnel of the Indian Army. The total gallantry awards were 4028.8 Four Victoria Crosses were awarded to soldiers and units of present day Pakistan. For V.C. citation of Sepoy Ali Haider see Annexure A.
Composition of the Army - 1940-1947
Annexure B shows the composition of the British Indian Army. It will be noticed that the percentage of Muslims decreased after 1 January 1942 not because of paucity of volunteer recruits but because of Government of India policy, as the demand for Pakistan built up 1940 onwards. But these figures do not represent Muslim races of present day Pakistan only. On the eve of World War II almost 34,000 Punjabi Muslims were in the army (29 per cent) and during World War-II over 380,000 joined (about 14% of the total). No other class came close to these figures: Sikhs: 116,000, Gurkhas: 109,000, Muslims of other classes from UP, Deccan, Madras, Bengal, NWFP, etc 274,000, were recruited during 1939-1945. Muslims as a whole constituted a quarter of the Indian Army as of 1947 9....
Almost 70 per cent of the wartime recruitment was from what became Pakistan had been from the undivided Punjab, 19.5 per cent from NWFP, 2.2 per cent from Sindh, and 0.06 per cent from Baluchistan.10 The three semi-arid districts of Punjab-Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock (Campbellpur) and two districts of NWFP-Kohat and Mardan pre-dominated in supplying recruit volunteers in World War II. Today the recruitment base has enlarged. Now ethnic Baluchis, and Bruhis, who were recruited till the middle of the 19th century, and Sindhis are coming into the Pakistan army in large numbers for Baluch and Sind Regiments. Recruitment of Muslim personnel from Jammu and Kashmir were considered under Punjabi Muslims in World War II. Today they have their own Azad Kashmir Regiment.
Some sixty thousand or so Bengali Muslims (former East Pakistan) also served in World War II in pioneer construction roles.
Class Composition - Infantry
During World War II the increase in the combat arms specially infantry was from 96 units to 228 units, excluding Indian State Forces. In Cavalry from 18 to 19 armoured units and artillery from 7 to 61 units. An analysis of the class composition of infantry regiments would be useful. Please see Annexure C. Noteworthy is the fact that as a matter of policy there were no complete Muslim infantry units since 1857, although there were complete Hindu, Sikh, Gurkha infantry units. Based on the recruiting areas, five Punjab regiments (excluding 2 Punjab), the Baluch Regiment, the Frontier Force Regiment and the Frontier Force Rifles i.e, a total of 6 infantry regiments came to Pakistan ArmyÕs share in 1947. Thereafter a Bengal Regiment (till 1971) an Azad Kashmir Regiment and a Sind Regiment have been raised.
Brigadier M. I. Qureshi has very ably covered the role of PakistanÕs Punjab Regiments in Second World War. I will refrain from tautology, and confine my analysis of the roles of the Baluch Regiment, The Frontier Force Regiment and the Frontier Force Rifles only. I regret I am unable to cover the roles of other arms and services that were organised on Òall classÓ basis, except Guides Cavalry. That requires a major effort in sifting of data, not quite available to me.
The Baluch Regiment in World War II
The Baluch Regiment fielded some 16 battalions and 5 Garrison companies. Their awards and decorations collated from names of Muslims totalled: 289, including one Victoria Cross.11 Exact figures of their casualties are not available.
The Frontier Force Regiment in World War II
The Frontier Force Regiment fielded some 12 battalions, 1 Garrison battalion, and 3 Garrison companies. Their awards and decorations, were collated from names of Muslim elements, except those of Mention in Dispatches and Jangi Inams which were collated on 10% of officers and 50% for JCOs and ORs on class composition basis totalled: 458 approximately. Casualties - killed in action, wounded or died from wounds sustained totalled: 2,44312 approximately. These were calculated from total on basis of 10% for officers, 50% for JCOs and ORs on class composition basis.
The Frontier Force Rifles in World War II
The Frontier Force Rifles fielded 15 battalions and 3 Garrison companies.
Awards and decorations, collated by names of Muslim elements totalled 400 including one Victoria Cross, see citation at Annexure A.
Figures of Mention in Despatches and Jangi Inams were collated on basis of 10% for officers, 50% for JCOs and ORs respectively on class composition basis. Casualties - killed in action, wounded or died from wounds sustained totalled, 3,126 13 approximately. These were also collated on 10% for officers, 50% for JCOs and ORs on basis of class composition.
Conclusion
The achievements of the Muslim Martial Races of TodayÕs Pakistan in the British Indian Army in World War II are considerable. Awards and decorations are not always an accurate gauge of their supreme sacrifices. These units, as also Muslims of other arms and services took part in all campaigns in the various theatres in World War II from 1939-1945, and even after the surrender of Japan, in Java, Sumatra and Indo China.
What motivated these youngmen to volunteer, give their lives and suffer captivity and privation, in distant lands? The answer is military traditions, a sense of adventure, a livelihood for as long as they lived, loyalty to their oath and flag, fighting aggression and oppression.
Since 1947, their sons and grandsons have been deterring, defending and defeating aggression against PakistanÕs eastern, northern and western frontiers under the Pakistan flag.
Since the 1960s they have also been serving under the UNO flag in 16 different countries at different times in Asia, Europe, Africa and Central America in peacekeeping, peace-making and peace enforcing roles, keeping alive their glorious traditions of professionalism.
*Paper presented at the International Conference on The British Commonwealth and the Allied War Effort 1939-1945, St. AnthonyÕs College, Oxford, U.K. 6-8 April 1998.
ANNEXURE A - SEPOY ALI HAIDER
6th Royal Bn 13th Frontier Force Rifles
ÒIn Italy, during the crossing of the River Senio, near Fusignano, in daylight on 9th April, 1945, a Company of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles were ordered to assault the enemy positions strongly dug in on the far bank. These positions had been prepared and improved over many months, and were mainly on the steep flood banks, some 25 feet high.
ÒSepoy Ali Haider was a member of the left-hand Section of the left-hand Platoon. As soon as the Platoon started to cross, it came under heavy and accurate machine-gun like from two enemy posts strongly dug in about 60 yards away. Sepoy Ali HaiderÕs Section suffered casualties and only 3 men, including himself, managed to get across. The remainder of the Company was temporarily held up. Without orders, and on his own initiative, Sepoy Ali Haider, leaving the other two to cover him, charged the nearest post which was about 30 yards away. He threw a grenade and almost at the same time the enemy threw one at him, wounding him severely in the back. In spite of this he kept on and the enemy post was destroyed and four of the enemy surrendered. With utter disregard of his own wounds he continued and charged the next post in which the enemy had one Spandau and three automatics, which were still very active and preventing movement on both banks. He was again wounded, this time in the right leg and the right arm. Although weakened by loss of blood, with great determination Sepoy Ali Haider crawled closer and in a final effort raised himself from the ground, threw a grenade and charged into the second enemy post. Two of the enemy were wounded and the remaining two surrendered.
ÒTaking advantage of the outstanding success of Sepoy Ali HaiderÕs dauntless attacks, the rest of the Company charged across the river and carried out their task of making a bridgehead.
ÒSepoy Ali Haider was picked up and brought back from the second position seriously wounded.
ÒThe conspicuous gallantry, initiative and determination combined with a complete disregard for his own life shown by this very brave Sepoy in the face of heavy odds were an example to the whole Company. His heroism had saved an ugly situation which would - but for his personal bravery - have caused the Battalion a large number of casualties at a critical time and seriously delayed the crossing of the river and the building of a bridge. With the rapid advance which it was possible to make the Battalion captured 3 officers and 217 other ranks and gained their objectives.Ó
- London Gazette, 3rd July, 1945

The Role of Muslims Martial Races of TodayÕs Pakistan in British-Indian Army in World War-II*

 

"The exemplary valour of the men of Indian Army is reflected by the fact that, next to the United Kingdom, it has won more VCs than any other force of the British Empire. For instance, during World War -- I, the Indian soldiers won 11 VCs in various theatres like Palestine, Egypt, France, Belgium and Mesopotamia. During World War -- II, they won 31 VCs in diverse theatres including Egypt, Tunisia, Eritrea, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Many have asked as to what makes the Indian soldier unique. History is replete with innumerable instances of valour, which prove that the Indian soldier has always remained highly motivated and courageous. To cite an example, the late Capt Umrao Singh, who won his VC while a Havildar with his Indian Artillery unit in Burma in December 1944, showed outstanding bravery against the Japanese. In the same vein, Nk Yeshwant Ghadge of 3/5 Mahratha Light Infantry also won his VC posthumously in July 1944, while fighting the enemy forces in Italy. He was a Mahratha soldier hailing from Phalasgaon village in erstwhile Kolaba District, Bombay.
The Indian Army's youngest recipient of the VC was 20-year-old Sep Kamal Ram, who won the award during his first action in Italy, in May 1944. The Sepoy, a resident of Bholupura Village, of erstwhile Karauli State (UP), belonged to 3/8 Punjab Regiment, and was transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment after Partition.
Equally striking have been the heroic deeds of some of the other VC recipients, such as Nk Dharwan Singh Negi of the Garhwal Rifles (1 Garhwal), who won his award at Festubert, France, during World War -- I in November 1914 and Ln Nk Lala of 41 Dogra (now 3 Dogra) who won the award at Mesopotamia in January 1916. These were just two of the eleven Indian recipients of the VC during this war.
During World War -- II, the 31 Indian VC awardees also included Sub Richpal Ram and Company Havildar Maj Chhelu Ram, both belonging to the 4th Battalion of the 6th Rajaputana Rifles (Outrams). While the former won the VC (posthumously) in February 1941 in Eritrea, the latter won his award posthumously in Tunisia.
Only two Indian officers have won the VC, and that too, during World War -- II. Second Lieutenant PS Bhagat (later Lieutenant General), a Sapper officer won the award at Abyssinia in March 1941 and Lt Karamjeet Singh Judge, of 4/15 Punjab Regiment earned it posthumously while fighting against the Japenese in Burma in March 1945."

http://mod.nic.in/samachar/jan15-06/h1.htm

 

Wow a lot of interesting reading here! Amazing that so few Indians got the VC. it's nice to have a little thought for these brave man, thye really deserve it

 

"Martial races"? Strange vocabulary, for sure. My PC mentallity (ha!) would rather prefer speaking of sociological causes but...

 

Some distance from the Indian Army, but it reminds me of this fine shot I saw yesterday on IWM Collections. Part of a nice series on a detail of the British home front.


Title: MUSLIM COMMUNITY: EVERYDAY LIFE IN BUTETOWN, CARDIFF, WALES, UK, 1943

Collection No.: 4700-27

Description: Members of Butetown's 'International Warden's Post' at work. Left to right, they are: Edward Bovell from Barbados; Reverend Edward Avery (Chief Warden, holding a stirrup pump) of the Methodist Colonial Mission (he had previously been a missionary in Sierra Leone); and Miope Nagi from Aden. According to the original caption, this Air Raid Warden's Post had been visited by the King and has members of more than twenty different nationalities: "The Post has a reputation, unexcelled by any, for promptness, courage and devotion to duty gained in a district that has suffered heavily in Cardiff's worst blitzes".



Cheers,
Adam.

 

Yep. Sum of them thar furrineers shure due likes ta speek funni HUH? LOL. I think he was just suggesting the the Muslim Indians had a long tradition of serving in the military.