Each year, on 23 September, the eyes of innumerable war heroes, their family members and supporters of the Indian Army are moistened!
This is the day when Haifa, a coastal town In Israel, was saved by their cavalry squadron from attack by Ottomans.
900 Indian soldiers interred in cemeteries
Israel Government celebrates it as a national event to pay homage to nearly 900 Indian soldiers who are interred in cemeteries thee following this battle. The lone event is held at headquarters of 61 Cavalry by playing a polo match and offering flowers to the martyrs.
These were three Indian Cavalry Regiments: Mysore, Hyderabad and Jodhpur Lancers, that helped liberate Haifa following a dashing charge. In this action, they represented the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade of the then British Indian Army.
Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) and Captain Anop Singh and 2nd Lt Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross (MC) as recognition for their bravery in this battle while Major Dalpat Singh was awarded a Military Cross for his bravery.
Major Dalpat Singh sacrificed his life in the action
Israel celebrated centenary of this battle in 2018 and former Maharaja of Jodhpur, Gaj Singh, and Brigadier M S Jodha, grandson of Aman Singh Bahadur, also attended it. India has renamed the iconic Teen Murti War Memorial as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk. It is to commemorate that action by Indian soldiers.
61 cavalry is the only horse regiment in India
It needs to be mentioned here that 61 Cavalry is the only horse regiment in India. It is an amalgam of various Lancer and Cavalry units that had been raised by former rulers. So it has battle inoculation from distance and hoary sources. The battalion is located at Jaipur and has been responsible for providing horsemanship to armed personnel, an experience getting rarer. Under-trainee cadets for defence services undergo horse riding as an essential drill.
What an irony! Govt attempting to lose horse power for ever
An irony! The Government is in process of disbanding this regiment in a bid to convert its personnel as an armoured unit. Where its nearly 300 horses will go? To army veterinary corps or to President’s House? It shall push a long tradition into background. Losing horse power for ever.