Rajput's have had an important role to play in West Asia. This is not a recent occurrence; rather, it has been the case since millennia. Unfortunately this significant part of history has been long forgotten.
One major event, related to our military exploits, is the Battle of Haifa during World War I, where only 400 brave men defeated 1,500 officers, troopers and their artillery. It sealed the fate of the Ottoman Empire and led to its demise.
SIGNIFICANCE
For Indians, the Battle of Haifa is of particular significance, as it was fought by the cavalry of the Indian princely states which were commanded by Indian officers. All other units had only British officers. The charge was led by the Jodhpur Lancers and supported by the Mysore Lancers, and contingents of Bhavanagar, Baroda, Idar and Jamnagar state forces.
September 23, 2017, marks the beginning of the centennial anniversary of the Battle of Haifa, when exactly a hundred years ago, 400 Indian soldiers charged the fortified town of Haifa and Mount Carmel. They took 1,500 Turkish, German and Austrian prisoners captive at the point of their lances and swords; the opponents were armed with modern weapons. This feat of arms and display of courage remain unmatched in the annals of warfare. At the time, the contribution of the Indian officers and troops was acknowledged by one and all, including the House of Lords. This is clear from the proceedings of the House of Lords.
The seventh Earl of Mayo said on May 21, 1919: “My Lords, there were two divisions of Indian cavalry employed in Palestine including an Imperial Service brigade. I believe I am right in saying that they were all Indian. It is well-known to the authorities at the War Office and to the military authorities that these brigades did very good work indeed. They had tremendously hard work to do, so hard indeed that they were the first troops to go into Damascus... What I should like to ask is why the Indian cavalry did not get sufficient credit for what they had done. They fought the Turk and they beat the Turk.”
The Indian soldiers were oddly equipped against an army that had heavy artillery, but the troops did not back off. The Haifa war endorsed the bravery and the martial skill set of the Indian soldiers. They also seized 17 guns and 11 machine guns. Sadly, seven Indian soldiers were killed and 17 wounded in the battle.
A noteworthy aspect of the battle is the Abdu’l-Bahá connection. The Bahá’í faith has its origins in northern Iran, on the banks of the Caspian Sea. At the time of the Turkish revolution, the Turks felt that Abdu’l-Bahá was not supportive of them. Therefore, they took him captive and sentenced him to death. On hearing from the British intelligence that Abdu’l-Bahá was supportive to British allies, Arthur Balfour, who was foreign secretary then, ordered the troops to rescue him. The nearest troops then were the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who stormed Haifa on September 23, 1918, at 2 pm to capture Abdu’l-Bahá.
REGIMENTS
It is striking to note that the battle also paved the way in moulding the present-day Indian Army. Right since the time of the British, there have been three types of armies: British troops; British Indian Army, in which the officers were British and the troops were Indian; and, armies of the princely states. The armies of the princely states each had one or two British officers as advisors. During the 1899 Boxer Rebellion, the Indian troops (as part of the British Indian Army) were rubbing shoulders with the armies of Russia, France, Germany and America. Their performance in the battle was noticed. Two regiments from the princely states that took part were Jodhpur Lancers and Bikaner Ganga Risala.
The result of the participation of the Indian troops was the setting up of an institute called the Imperial Cadet Core, in 1903. The main objective of the institute was to train Indian troops so that they could become officers. In a matter of 10 years, the British killed the institution as they realised how good the Indian officers could be.
It was soon after the Battle of Haifa that Lt-Gen Maharaja Sir Pratap Singh led efforts to establish the Prince of Wales Royal Military College in 1922, in the same premises of the Imperial Cadet Core which had been shut down by the British in 1914. The institution is today called the Rashtriya Indian Military College, a necessary stepping stone for commission in the Indian Army. The college has seen several distinguished alumnus, one among them being KS Thimayya, who served as the Chief of Army Staff between 1957 and 1961. Subsequently the Indian Military Academy was also set up in 1933.
Marwar, the land of sand dunes, has always been the cradle of heroes where numerous chivalrous persons were nursed and, thus, this land became the nursery of brave and gallant people.
Governor-General of India, Lord Chelmsford while talking about Haifa battle, once said in his speech, "Jodhpur Lancers .... by their exploits at Haifa and in the Jordan Valley recalled the deeds of their ancestors who fought at Tunga (lalsot), Merta and Patan. The reputation which they have gained is well worthy of glorious annals of Marwar."
But if we seek for a picture of chivalrous gallantry, unswerving fidelity, and fearless self-devotion, we have only to turn to the cavalry of the Rajepoot states; and particularly to that of the Rhattores.
We shall there find acts of resolute heroism that have not been surpassed by the troops of any age or country.
In the history of their own wars we find repeated instances of bodies of their horsemen dashing themselves against lines of spears and bayonets in the field and against batteries bristling with cannon, regardless of the havoc in their own ranks made by grape and steel; while, in defence of their fortresses,
We find them dying to the last man, rather than accept quarter from their assailants on any terms but such as they deem consistent with military honour,-for it is the izzut, the abroo, of the Rajepoot, which is dearer to him than life, which instigates him to peril that in its defence.
while his devotion to his chief and clan, like that of ...of the Highlanders of yore, makes all sacrifices easy when these are in peril.
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| Painting - Rathore Rajput fight against Europeans |
From the military memoir of Col. James Skinner.
—
One paladin nursed in this cradle was a military hero
1st :- late Maj Dalpat Singh Shekhawat, known in the annals of history as Haifa Hero.
Maj Dalpat Singh was born and brought up in Jodhpur. His father, Col Hari Singh Shekhawat was a famous polo player. Under his guidance, Dalpat Singh grew and became an Army officer. He received his `King Commission' in 1912.
2nd :- Lt Col Aman Singh Jodha
Led the victorious assault of the Jodhpur Lancers on Haifa ,a port city under Ottoman's control, on September 23 ,1918.
He became the officiating Commander when Major Dalpat Singh,MC,was killed in action.
Haifa was captured after a Fierce battle.
3rd :- Col Thakur Anop Singh of Rodla
Led the "D" Squadron of the Jodhpur Lancers which attack Haifa.
He was enlisted in the Sardar Risala on January 15,1890 and retired on August 5, 1929.
He rendered meritorious service in Tirah campaign in 1897-98, China war in 1899. He led "D" squadron which crossed the river Kisan under heavy shelling, attacked the enemy post with lancers, spears and swords and silenced the enemy guns. 3 guns, 4 machine guns and number of enemies were captured. He was honoured with Milliatry Cross.
During the first world war, on September 23, 1918 Haifa (now in Israel), a stronghold of the Britishers was captured. Maj Shekhawat was given the task of capturing back Haifa from the enemies. By showing his military skill, tactics and leadership in battle, he succeeded in his mission and won Haifa. However, he became a martyr while completing his task. Haifa victory was a great achievement of Maj Dalpat Singh and the British Government honoured him with 'Military Cross' in the battle field.
Col Harvey, a British Army officer lamented on the death of such a heroic personality and in his words, "His death is a loss not only to all Jodhpuris, but to India and the whole of the `British Empire'. The British Government eulogised his heroic deed and adored him as Hero of Haifa.
The Government of Marwar built `Dalpat Memorial Hall' in the premises of Pratap School in his memory. Maharaja Shri Umed Singhji got prepared his silver replica which is now a piece of glory for 61 Cavalary at Jaipur.
Maj Dalpat Singh's valour has been depicted in the literature of Rajasthan. A great poet of Marwar, Mr Kishore Dan Baharat has written many poems in his memory named `Veer Vilas' and ‘Dalpat Raso’ in Rajasthani language. The supreme sacrifice of Maj Dalpat Singh was appreciated by the British Government. It got made his statue with two other first world war heroes' statues by an architect of London, Leonard Jennings in 1922. These statues were placed side by side on a monolith pillar in New Delhi.
The 83rd death anniversary of late Maj Dalpat Singh Shekhawat was recently celebrated at his native place, Jodhpur. At a meeting held on this occasion the senior officers, of Indian Army and civil administration recalled the supreme sacrifice of this Haifa Hero.
Already celebrated as the "Jo Hukums", which literally means "As you command", for their reckless courage and discipline in following orders, however dangerous, the Jodhpur Lancers arrived in Egypt in early 1918, a part of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade, 5th Cavalry Division, Desert Mounted Corps. After three months of training near Cairo they moved into the Jordan Valley. There, in more familiar terrain at last, they would cover themselves with glory. Indeed, bored with the trenches of France and itching for some real cavalry fighting, they showed their mettle in their very first action, at Abu Tulul on 14th July. Two squadrons of the Lancers led by Harji's son, Major Thakur Dalpat Singh (Kachwaha tribe), attacked a large body of Turks on a ridge, spearing many and capturing many more. The Eastbourne educated Dalpat, like his father a great favorite of Sir P's, outpaced his troop and single-handedly attacked a machine-gun emplacement, succeeding in capturing a senior officer. For this he was awarded the Military Cross. Not the only one decorated that day. In all the Lancers received six Indian Orders of Merit and seven Distinguished Service Medals for their success at Abu Tulul.
Yet, it was only the beginning. The Commander-in-Chief, Egypt Expeditionary Force, Sir Edmund Allenby's historic offensive into Palestine and Syria began on 19th September,1918. Four days later the Jodhpur Lancers with the 15th Cavalry Brigade, including the Mysore and Hyderabad Lancers, moved into position to capture strategic Haifa. This charming coastal town, now in Israel, was both strongly defended and easily defensible, commanded as it is by Mount Carmel (hailed for its beauty in the Song of Solomon) in the south-west and protected by the River Kishon in the north-east.
At 1400 hrs on 23rd September the battle began. Under heavy Turkish machine-gun fire, negotiating quicksand on the banks of the Kishon which they had to cross on the one hand, and the not-so-gentle slopes of Carmel on the other, the Jodhpur Lancers charged into Haifa. (The Mysore Lancers were sent in to "mop up" and the Hyderabad Lancers were held in reserve. Cover fire was provided by the Sherwood Rangers.) Interestingly the attack was led by 'B' squadron which consisted solely of Jodha Rathores. 'A' squad, the Mertias followed and 'C' squad, with its mixed forces, came in later.
Such raw courage the world had rarely seen. Nor had death and pain ever been treated with such disdain. Here were descendants of men who had fought at Sumel (Kumpa and Jaita's cavalry charged Sher Shah and penetrated deep), Khanua (Sanga's cavalry in his wings attacked Babur ) and Dharmat (Hadas, Jhalas, Sisodiyas and others charged Aurangzeb and reached his elephant. We don't think there were many rathores in the charge. Durgadas and company were in the gol protecting Jaswant Singh) and Merta (Dispersed De'boigne and the Marathas) and Malpura, all legendary Rathore charges, but this was perhaps the finest of them all. Indeed this charge at Haifa is described by many as the most remarkable cavalry action ever in the history of war and, as the historian Charles C.Trench remarks in his book, 'The Indian Army and the King's Enemies',."Only the Jo Hukums could have done it." That day the Jo Hukums had to be restrained as they galloped through the streets of Haifa, even after all the machine-gun posts had fallen, towards the placid and unknowing Mediterranean, spearing and butchering the unfortunate Turks who crossed their path, civilians even, for they had seen too many of their brothers fall. And among the dead was their beloved commander, Major Thakur Dalpat Singh (apparently he was shot in the spine).
Jodhpur Lancers' "Haifa Day" commemorated at Baha'i House of Worship in India in 2000
The courageous uphill assault by the Jodhpur Lancers, which took by surprise the German and Turkish artillery and machine gun emplacements on top of Mount Carmel, is also commemorated by the Haifa Monument that stands at one of New Delhi's busiest intersections. This year, for the first time, a Haifa Day commemorative event was held at the Baha'i House of Worship in New Delhi, highlighting a little-known connection between the bravery of the Indian fighters and the early history of the Baha'i Faith.
One of the residents of Haifa in 1918 was 'Abdu'l-Baha, the son of the Founder of the Baha'i Faith and designated by Him as His successor. The commander of the Turkish forces in Syria and Palestine, Jamal Pasha, had threatened to crucify 'Abdu'l-Baha and destroy the Baha'i holy places in Haifa and nearby Acre. With the liberation of Haifa, the threat to 'Abdu'l-Baha's life was lifted.
This link between the Jodhpur Lancers and the life of 'Abdu'l-Baha first came to light in February 2000 when the architect of the Baha'i House of Worship, Fariborz Sahba, met with Union Minister for External Affairs, the Honorable Jaswant Singh. Mr. Singh's father was a member of the Jodhpur Lancers and fought under General Allenby. The event on 23 September was attended by the Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani; the Union Minister for Disinvestments and Planning, Mr. Aroun Shourie; the Ambassador of Israel, Mr. David Aphek; the Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, Mr. T. McCann; the Ambassador of the European Commission, Mr. Caillouet; and other high-ranking army personnel, diplomats, and heads of nongovernmental organizations. The ex-rulers of the princely states of Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad, whose cavalries have now combined to form the Indian Army's 61st Cavalry, were also invited.
"The Jodhpur Lancers distinguished themselves with their equestrian and fighting skills and sheer courage ... and the day is a very important one in our annals," wrote the Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur in response to the invitation. "The link between the Haifa Charge of 1918 and the life of 'Abdu'l-Baha is indeed interesting and adds a new dimension to the whole story of Haifa for us here at Jodhpur."
"Teen Murti Haifa Chowk - New Delhi"
Designed by Leonard Jennings
Teen Murti Haifa War Memorial in new delhi, it's the cenetnary year of the First World War. A special wreath was laid to remember those men of the Indian cavalry who had served in France and Flanders, Mesopotamia and the Middle East, and Egypt. And Delhi was reminded, even if for a day, that the Teen Murti is actually a First World War memorial raised in the memory of those cavalry troopers of the princely states who fell in the line of duty. The three bronze statues on the memorial represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore lancers.
BATTLE OF HAIFA 1918
Major Thakut Dalapat Sinh Shekhawat, Military Cross
The Hero Of Haifa Battle, 1918
Nationality: Indian
Rank: Major
Regiment/Service: Jodhpur (Imperial Service) Lancers
Date of Death: 23/09/1918
Awards: MC
Additional information: Son of Thakur Hari Singh, of Deoli, Pali, Jodhpur, Rajputana.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Memorial: HELIOPOLIS (PORT TEWFIK) MEMORIAL
23rd September is annually observed as 'Haifa Day' in commemoration of the capture of that city following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade during the First World War. The 15th IS Cavalry Brigade consisted of three famous Indian State Forces Cavalry Regiments: the Jodhpur IS Lancers, Mysore IS Lancers and the Hyderabad IS Lancers, formed a part of the 5th Cavalry division of the Desert Mounted Corps. In the autumn of 1918, the Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine under Allenby, rolling up the remnants of the Turkish Seventh and the Eighth Armies and their German allies in the last great cavalry campaign in history.
On 23rd Sept 1918 the Brigade less the Hyderabad Lancers, was ordered to advance and capture Haifa in present day Israel. The sun-baked city of Haifa lies due north of Jerusalem on the southern shore of the Bay of Acre on the Mediterranean coast. The road and the railway leading into the town is dominated by the steep wooded slopes of Mount Carmel to the south and bounded by the swift and swampy Nahr el Muqatta or River Kishon to the north. The approach into the town therefore had to be made through the narrow defile between mountain and river, and this was well covered by fire by the Turkish gun emplacements and artillery. The Turks were strongly posted just outside Haifa to hold the defile thus formed. It was here that the enemy had established themselves, covering every part of the ground with their guns.
The Jodhpur Lancers was commanded by Major Thakur Dalpat Sinh Shekhawat of Deoli, were tasked with leading the charge. Having to carefully negotiate quicksand on the banks of the Kishon River, and riding over the rocky, lower slopes of Mount Carmel while raising their battle-cry, the Jodhpurs’ charged machine gun and artillery emplacements; their lances shimmering in the fierce Palestinian sun. Parallel to this momentum, two squadrons of the Mysores’, reinforced by supporting fire from The Sherwood Rangers and the Honourable Artillery Company, attacked the Turkish positions on Mount Carmel from the north and the east. Despite taking heavy fire, and having to swing the body of the main charge owing to quicksand and a steep river bank, the Jodhpurs’ successfully managed to fight through, carrying their charge into the streets of Haifa itself; the regiment by now enraged on losing their CommandingOfficer, Major Dalpat Singh who had been hit while single-handedly capturing a Turkish machine gun piquet. That action earned him a well-deserved Military Cross. And, there were two other Military Crosses awarded that day, to Captain Anoop Singh and 2/Lt. Sagat Singh also of the Jodhpur Lancers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives protecting the Israeli city of Haifa during World War I from the Ottoman Empire forces. He said their sacrifice was a mark of the enduring bond between the two nations.
Mr. Modi visited the Indian cemetery in Haifa along with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the last day of his visit to Israel and laid wreaths at the site. “Together in homage to the fallen brave. Wreaths by PM @narendramodi & PM @netanyahu at Haifa,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Gopal Baglay tweeted.
Mr. Modi also unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, known as the ‘Hero of Haifa’ for his critical role in the liberation of the city.
“I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant Indian soldiers, who laid down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during WW I,” Modi wrote in the guest book. “The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the ‘Hero of Haifa’ and his men, will be remembered and continue to inspire generations to come. Next year, the centenary of the battle of Haifa will present another opportunity to mark this enduring bond between India and Israel.”
HAIFA DAY
The Indian Army commemorates September 23 every year as Haifa Day to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments that helped liberate the city following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.
Captain Aman Singh Bahadur and Dafadar Jor Singh were awarded the Indian Order of Merit and Captain Anop Singh and 2nd Lt. Sagat Singh were awarded the Military Cross in recognition of their bravery in this battle. Major Dalpat Singh was awarded a military cross for his bravery.
In 2012, the municipality of Haifa decided to immortalise the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery here, by including the stories of their valiant efforts in school curricula.
In his Despatches,
General Sir Edmund Allenby wrote;
"Whilst the Mysore Lancers were clearing the rocky slopes of Mount Carmel, theJodhpur Lancers charged through the defile, and riding over the enemy's machine guns, galloped into the town, where a number of Turks were speared inthe streets. Maj. Thakur Dalpat Singh, M.C., fell gallantly leading the charge."1,350 enemy prisoners were taken, including 2 German and 35 Ottoman officers. The Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers combined lost 1 officer, 7 soldiers and 60 horses. 6 officers and 28 soldiers were wounded, as were 83 horses.“No more remarkable cavalry action of its scale was fought in the whole course of the campaign. Machine gun bullets over and over again failed to stop the galloping horses even though many of them succumbed afterwards to their injuries.."
The Official History of the War (Military Operations Egypt and Palestine: VolumeII)
Lt Col Hyla Holden was the special service British officer with the regiment. He chose his senior most and experienced 'B' Squadron Commander Captain Aman Singh to lead the attack and capture the defile. After the capture of the defile the 'D' Squadron under Captain Anop Singh was to attack the Mount on east of the road after passing through the defile to capture machine guns located on it. Thus the capture of the defile was the most critical operation to the whole battle.
To avoid this dangerous defile, it was decided to cross the Kishon and attack the town from the north-east. A Squadron of the Mysore Lancers was sent east of Haifa and another squadron was sent up from the north to silence the enemy guns on Mount Carmel. After giving this movement time to develop, the Jodhpur Lancers were ready to make a mounted attack on the Turks holding the defile from the east. In the meantime frequent patrols were sent to reconnoiter the ground and locate the enemy. No news reached about the action of the squadrons sent out earlier to silence the enemy guns.
At 2 PM Brigadier Harbord the Brigade Commander ordered the Jodhpur Lancers for the attack. The Jodhpur Lancers from a position of readiness 500 yards north-east of Beled Esh Sheikh moved forward at a trot with 'B' Sqn leading, cantered out in to open towards the stream, coming under intense fire as they crossed the Acre railway line. A previous reconnaissance of the proposed crossing point had been prevented by heavy enemy fire. Now, approaching the river it was found that the bank leading down to the water was very steep, even worse, as the two scouts in front forced their horses down the steep embankment to the water's edge they were swallowed up in quicksand. It was obvious that no crossing was possible.
By now the regiment was out in the open with no cover, and was being raked by fire of 77 mm guns from the front and flank, and horses were falling fast. Lt Col Holden now ordered Maj Dalpat to quickly swing the regiment to the left and charge the machine guns on the lower slopes of Mount Carmel. As the squadrons reversed direction, Maj Dalpat was hit in the spine by a machine gun bullet and was felled (he died later that night on the operation table).
This was the most critical moment of the whole operation. But the leading 'B' Squadron Commander Captain Bahadur Aman Singh immediately assumed the command of the regiment, swiftly rallied and turned and galloped straight at the enemy. Getting among the machine guns, they speared the detachments capturing 2 machine guns, 2 camel guns and killing over 30 of the enemy. The mouth of the narrow defile through which ran the road to Haifa was now open.
The 'B' Sqn galloping over the two branches of the Wadi Ashlul el Wawy, dashed into the enemy and opened the defile through which ran the main road in to Haifa, between the Wadi Selman and the mountain (through the Turkish bridge) for the passage of the rest of the regiment.
The 'D' Sqn under Captain Anop Singh passed through the defile and galloped up the road, wheeled half right and charged two machine guns on a Mount east of the road, capturing both. Passions inflamed at the loss of their gallant CO Maj Dalpat, the remaining two squadrons now dipped their lances to the 'charge' and thundered down the road straight into the town. So unexpected and rapid was the whole attack that the enemy did not have enough time to react to it, several Turks being ridden down in the streets.
Meanwhile after clearing the defile the 'B' Sqn made its way along the lower slopes of Mount Carmel, and charged into the German colony west of Haifa, capturing several machine guns and killing large numbers of Turks and Germans.
As soon as the charge got home the two squadrons of Mysore Lancers who had supported the attack with their fire mounted and followed at a gallop into the town. Shots were fired by Turks here and there from behind the walls of houses but the fight had practically finished as soon as the defile was crossed by the leading 'B' squadron. A large number of the enemy were still hiding in the town disguised as Arabs, those were gradually rounded up.
The Jodhpur Lancers charged the Ottoman position, crossing theAcrerailway line,but came undermachine gunand artillery fire. The charge was further obstructed byquicksandon the river banks, so they manoeuvred to the left onto the lower slopes of Mount Carmel. The regiment secured the position capturing thirty prisoners, two machine guns, two camel guns and opening up an access route intoHaifa. The Jodhpur Lancers continued their charge into the town, surprising the defenders. Those Mysore Lancers who had been giving fire support to the attacking regiment, mounted and followed them into the town. Together the two regiments captured 1,350 German and Ottoman prisoners, including two German officers, 35 Ottoman officers, 17 artillery guns including four 4.2 guns, eight 77mm guns and four camel guns as well as a 6-inch naval gun, and 11 machine guns. Their own casualties amounted to eight dead and 34 wounded. 60 horses were killed and another 83 injured.
We tried to cover the Turks’ retreat, but we expected them to do something, if only keep their heads. At last we decided they were not worth fighting for.— A captured German officer[19]
After the Commanding Officer of Jodhpur Lancers Dalpat Singh, died in the war, who had been later bestowed with the title of Haifa Hero, was replaced by another officer of Jodhpur Lancers Aman Singh as the officiating Commanding Officer of the Jodhpur Lancers. Under his able command, the soldiers of the forces, got the Haifa freedom from 450 years old Turkish rule.
For his unmatched bravery and takeing possession of Haifa city despite all odds, Singh was bestowed upon the title of the India Order of Merit.
Relatives of Aman Singh, with the coordination of the Israel govt. built a memorial in Haifa in the memory of this war in 2010 and since then, every year, September 23 is celebrated as 'Vijay Diwas' there.
According to Brigadier Mahendra Singh Jodha, grandson of Aman Singh, Israeli had strived hard to trace the Jodhpur link with the Haifa victory after Indian independence but they could not succeed.
"In 2007, some Israeli tourists came to Jodhpur and during the visit of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, they were told about the Jodhpur royal's link with the Haifa war. With the adequate information, they went back to Israel and this visit was followed by efforts to set up a war memorial in Haifa", said Singh.
Singh along with two other persons, then visited Haifa after installation of the war memorial in 2010 and the first celebration of the Haifa Victory was observed on September 23, 2010.
"Since then, every year on September 23, Haifa Vijay Diwas is celebrated at this war memorial in Israel", Jodha said.
AFTERMATH
Soon afterwards the 13th Cavalry Brigade captured Acre, to the north, together with its garrison of 150 men and two artillery guns. On 26 September, the 300 strong remnant of the Haifa garrison arrived at Beirut and were ordered inland to Riyak, to the north of Damascus.
Allenby reported on 25 September to the War Office regarding the proposed advance to Aleppo and the general situation of the battle:
I have your HW wire and that from Troopers proposing a Cavalry raid to Aleppo. I don't think Aleppo possible; but am sending 3 Divisions of Cavalry, as soon as I can, to Damascus. Chaytor's Division of Anzac Light Horse is about Amman now, and will deal with enemy coming from the South. Prisoners number well over 40,000 and are still coming in. I have Australian mounted troops at the S. end of Lake Tiberias, and they are pushing to Tiberias. If I get Damascus, Beirut falls to us certainly; and I hope to push troops, Northwards, thither, by the coast–road from Haifa, feeding from the sea, stage by stage.— Allenby to Wilson CIGS War Office 25 September 1918.
By 29 September, the 7th (Meerut) Division was concentrated at Haifa with the XXI Corps Cavalry Regiment at Acre in preparation for their march to Beirut.[22]
The Jodhpur Lancers' commander Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat, who was killed in the battle, was posthumously awarded theMilitary Cross.[23]The Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers are now represented by61st Cavalry Regimentin theIndian Armyand still commemorate the battle every year on 23 September as Haifa Day.
With lances and swords, Jodhpur (marwar) princely Imperial cavalry overwhelmed Ottoman troops
When the Princely States acceded to the Union of India, most of their state-forces, were absorbed into the Indian Army. Some elements of the cavalry that had fought at Haifa continue to remain in active service, some forming part of armoured regiments like the 20th Lancers, as well as one horse cavalry regiment.
The 61st Cavalry, a largely ceremonial mounted regiment which was formed by combining a number of these princely state forces, including the Patiala and Gwalior Lancers, as well as Jaipur’s Kacchawa Horse, continues the tradition to commemorate and celebrate ‘Haifa Day’ each year. Last evening, The Commandant and All Ranks hosted the Haifa Banquet at the Cavalry Officer’s Mess in Jaipur,
And today there are to be a number of events to mark this heroic and last great cavalry charge.
This year is a double celebration for them; it also happens to be the Diamond Jubilee of this young regiment, which inherited an invaluable legacy from its illustrious and valiant forebears.
INDEPENDENCE
On the eve of India’s independence, the Indian Army was one million strong. Field Marshal Lord Wavell, the then Viceroy of India, wrote to Clement Atlee, the then British Prime Minister, that the Indians in the British Indian Army had strongly identified with the fight for India’s independence. Thus the time was ripe for the British to leave India. “Britishers realised they can’t rule India without the army and the army was clearly not with them,” says Major General Dhruv Katoch, editor of the Salute magazine and secretary general of the Indian War Veterans Association.
One finds similar sentiments in the book, Thimayya of India, by Humphrey Evans. In the 1920s, soon after being commissioned as an officer from the Prince of Wales Royal Military College, Gen KS Thimayya, along with a few other officers, met Mahatma Gandhi expressing their interest to join the freedom movement. But Gandhi advised them to continue serving the Army as their services would be most required there. It’s sad that such a battle which has contributed in so many significant ways remains a lesser known fragment of history.
Israel releases a Video of Haifa hero's Maj Dalpat Singh Shekhawat and Capt Aman Singh Jodha of Jodhpur Lancers...Rajputs defeated Ottoman Turks and Germans at Haifa and liberated this city ..The supreme spiritual leader of the Bahai faith was also rescued in this operation.World War 1
Over the city of Haifa hovers the story of the last cavalry battle in the history in which a fortified city was taken.I commanded over this battle. my name is Th Dalpat Singh.but unfortunately already in the first minutes of battle , i was mortally wounded.so how did i get the title " hero of haifa " ? I was born in a small village in the province of jodhpur.My father thakur Hari Singh came from a simple and poor family.But his polo skills caught the eyes of the founder of jodhpur polo team Sir Pratap Singh. Outstanding athletes and celebrities,were also the most courageous officers of the indian army.so,it was no surprise that Sir Pratap also established the cavalry regiment of jodhpur.My father became a commander in this battalion,thus our family got to be household members in Sir Pratap's home.When I was ten my dad died.They say he drank and drank ,until his body collapsed.Sir Pratap did not hesitate and took me under his wing.He even sent me to school in England.when I returned to jodhpur in 1912,i was also attached to the cavalry regiment of jodhpur.At the outbreak of the great war we were sent to help british in their struggle against Ottoman Empire ,Austro-Hungarian and German , and i found myself in Israel.We were getting ready for the battle of Haifa which was an important strategic objective after a successful conquest in the south of the country. As the British army had already set in Megiddo , we received Intel on ottoman forces evacuation of the city of Haifa. The British thought they will simply travel to the city and wave the flag of British empire. A small armored force headed by General A King sitting in an open Rolls Royce went into the city. The info turned out to be incorrect and the strange force was caught in the fire from which it got out just 4 hours later. The mission of occupation was then assigned to us , the Indian cavalry regiment.
Our battalion leader was busy on a remote task so I was assigned to lead the battalion. I knew I could bring great honor and pride to Sir Pratap . Although he was already in his 70s , he accompanied the regiment in all our travels . For me it was like my dad was here with me and I started preparing for a hard battle. Mysore battalion had split in the morning of Sept 23 and I was assigned to attack the City with two divisions but the terrain conditions made it quite difficult for the troops. On the one hand , the horses sank into the marshes in coastal area and on the other hand we encountered a steep slope strewn with boulders. It slowed down the movement of horses causing injuries. We crossed between the Kishonwadi and Carmel ridge. When we reached the crossing , we ran into the barrage of heavy artillery shells and already at this stage I was mortally wounded. I wanted to stand up and lead the troops despite the risks , despite the fear as I learned from Sir Pratap but I was paralyzed.
In a last effort , I managed to see How captain Aman Singh Jodha , 40 years old and one of the experienced commanders of the battalion recognized those who got me and raced attacking them directly on the horsebacks.
Equipped with Spears of three and half meters and carbines , my friends backed by a British unit continued their offense against the ottomans who were armed with machine guns and cannons. Against all odds Aman Singh Jodha and soldiers killed 80 ottoman soldiers and took 700 captive. An hour later , Haifa was in our hands.
But in the meantime my severe injuries overwhelmed me and I closed my eyes. On my death I was 25 . For Sir Pratap , the news about my death was hard . He took care of me all his life and so on my death thanks to him I was awarded the title "Hero of Haifa" . But the story of conquest of Haifa is certainly not a single hero's story.
Haifa is the last fortified City conquered by cavalry , brave Indian cavalry , among them , me too.(Rajputs of Rajasthan )
