A war hero who returned with his horse

RS Dalal

The world has been celebrating 100 years of the end of World War I, with the signing of Amistice on November 11. On the occasion, Haryana remembered thousands of its brave sons who fought in Europe in the first Great European War. 

Capt Ami Lal of Balland village of Rohtak district is one such proud son. Born in 1878 to a farmer’s family, from childhood he was determined to make a name for himself and joining the armed forces was the surest way to do it. He grew to be a tall and lanky. At the first opportunity, he stood in the queue for army recruitment, but was rejected for being too lean. He did not lose heart and reappeared, but was rejected. Not the one to give up, he was in the queue again after a year. The recruiting officer recognised him. Impressed by his determination, he was recruited this time. 

After gruelling training, he was allotted to ‘Ist Skinner Horse’, the famous cavalry battalion. In no time, he proved his mettle and was known as the master horseman, excelling at equestrian skills and dare devilry. Thus, though only a sepoy, he played polo alongside maharajahs of Rajasthan. Twice he forsook his turn for annual leave as he didn’t want to miss any chance to take part in military action. The opportunity for this brave soldier knocked at the door when World War I broke out. And soon, he was shipped across the sea to fight in France against the central powers arrayed against the Allied forces. For his feat of bravery in fierce battles, he was conferred the title of ‘Bahadur’. 

In the second half of the war, his unit was deployed in Mesopotamia. In one of the actions, a platoon of his unit was surrounded by the enemy on all sides. The commander called for volunteers for assault at night to open a safe passage for the encircled platoon. True to his valour, Ami Lal volunteered and led the assault with his machine gun firing incessantly all through the night, breaching enemy lines. The British commander was stunned at this unbelievable display of courage in the face of sure-death. 

He was awarded the Military Cross  (Order of the day No. 108 dated 01-06- 1918 Great European War) for extraordinary courage and commitment to duty. 

The war was fought on horses. Promoted as Hony Captain, Ami Lal returned to his village along with his horse, which also survived fierce battles. He retired and settled in his village and worked for social uplift and spread of education. 

Incidentally, I am married to the granddaughter of Capt Ami Lal. His saddle has been passed down to me through my father-in-law and is a proud possession in our house.