Recently, England has made a notable announcement. The design for a sculpture of the early 20th century Sikh fighter pilot, Hardit Singh Malik has been approved. The sculpture will be part of a new memorial set up in the port city of Southampton, dedicated to all Indians who bravely fought in the World Wars. English artist Luke Perry, famed for his evocative sculptures, will create the memorial.
About Hardit Singh Malik
Born into a Sikh family on November 23, 1894, in Rawalpindi, West Punjab, pre-partitioned India, Hardit Singh Malik is a beloved figure in both Indian and British history. Malik first arrived in the United Kingdom as a young 14-year-old in 1908 to study at Balliol College, University of Oxford.
In 1914, Malik began his service in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. His success as the first Indian and turbaned pilot earned him the nickname “Flying Sikh.” Besides aviation, Malik also had a successful career as a cricketer, playing for Sussex. After a long and illustrious career in the Indian Civil Service, he took on the role of the Indian Ambassador to France. He passed away in New Delhi on October 31, 1985.
India’s Contribution to World War I
World War I, otherwise known as the Great War, lasted from July 1914 to November 1918. The Allies, composed of France, Russia, Britain and later, the United States, took on the Central Powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. India contributed significantly to Britain’s war effort.
A staggering amount of 100 million British Pounds were donated by India to Britain, expecting dominion status and home rule in return. Troops, funds and supplies were raised in India, with high expectations of self-rule after the war. However, these promises remained unfulfilled.
Almost 1.5 million volunteers, including Muslim, Sikh and Hindu men from various parts of India, participated in the significant battles of the war. Yet, the war’s immense toll is evident in the loss of around 50,000 men, 65,000 injured and 10,000 reported missing.
India also provided considerable resources during World War I. This included 1,70,000 animals and 3.7 million tonnes of supplies, which greatly aided the British government.
India’s Contribution to World War II
World War II was a global conflict that took place between 1939–45. The principal belligerents were the Axis powers, namely Germany, Italy, and Japan, and the Allies including France, Great Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union and China.
India’s contribution to World War II was phenomenal but often overlooked by Allied powers. An estimated 2.5 million Indian soldiers served in this war, with over 36,000 losing their lives and countless others wounded or taken as prisoners of war.
Notably, Indian fighter pilots played crucial roles in several key theatres of war. East, North Africa, Italy, Burma, Singapore, Malay Peninsula, Guam and Indo-China all saw the bravery and determination of Indian soldiers.
Apart from military contributions, India also assisted in other ways. Indian doctors and nurses offered their services on British soil and other countries. Additionally, India provided over 1.7 million food packets to soldiers and Asian prisoners of war, and delivered warm clothes and other essential supplies.