Indian contribution during WW-I grossly understated, Amarinder tells Londoners
Friday, 05/09/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140905/punjab.htm#21
Patiala : The year 2014 marks the centenary of World War I (1914-1918) and it was a perfect timing for the "Patiala Maharaja" Captain Amarinder Singh to be there in London and recall the erstwhile Patiala state and India's contribution to British war efforts.
Amarinder Singh highlighted the contribution of Indian soldiers in the World War I and the fact that their contribution was still "grossly understated" in history.
The erstwhile Patiala kingdom sent around 28,000 soldiers for the war and Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, grandfather of Capt Amarinder Singh, dedicated a Gateway at the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, Sussex (October 26, 1921) in memory of Indian soldiers who fought on the Allied Side.
It was during Maharaja Bhupinder Singh's reign between 1900 and 1938 that Maharajas of Patiala carried the title "Farzand-i-Khas-i-Daulat-Inglishia" demonstrating their proximity to the British Crown.
"India's great contribution to the 'World War I' has remained grossly understated and this despite the fact that about one million Indians participated in the war. Of them, around 74,000 died and 67,000 got seriously injured, but that contribution has not figured prominently anywhere," said Amarinder Singh while addressing a gathering at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London on Wednesday evening. The event was also attended by Field Marshall Sir John Chapple, Lord Singh of Wimbledon, and Paul Uppal MP representing the government.
The function was held in memory of the Indian soldiers who participated in the war and laid down their lives.
Amarinder Singh said, "Even today this is a largely untold story of how over a million volunteers stepped forward and helped change the outcome of the war. It is a contribution that can neither be overlooked nor ignored."
Indian role
During the WW-I, the XXth Deccan Horse and 29 Lancers Deccan Horse, regiments of Indian Cavalry, served with distinction and were awarded several battle honours
Awards to the officers and men included Victoria Cross 1, Distinguished Service Order 10, Military Cross 13, Bar to Military Cross 1, Indian Order of Merit 14, Order of British India 11, Indian Distinguished Service Medal 55, Indian Meritorious Service Medal 98 and Mentioned in Dispatches 14
Twelve British officers, 12 Indian officers and 308 Indian other ranks were killed and many more wounded
