Modi in Israel | Deeply honoured to salute valiant WWI Indian soldiers who died in Haifa: PM

At a solemn ceremony in Haifa, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu laid wreaths at the Indian War Cemetery in Haifa. 44 Indian soldiers had made the ultimate sacrifice during the liberation of the city in World War I. The two Prime Ministers unveiled a plaque commemorating the memory of Major Dalpat Singh, who led the successful cavalry charge that resulted in the liberation of Haifa.

"I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant soldiers, who laid down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the first World War," the Prime Minister wrote in the visitors book. 

"The exceptional bravery and supreme sacrifice of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh MC, the "Hero of Haifa" and his men, will be remembered forever and continue to inspire generations to come," he added.

He also wrote that next year, the centenary of the Battle of Haifa would present another opportunity to mark the enduring bond between India and Israel.  An Indian officer who laid down his life in the same battle, was Captain Aman Bahadur, whose grandson later served as a Brigadier in the Indian Army.

The three bronze statues at Teen Murthi chowk in Delhi represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. The brigade carried out the victorious assault on the fortified city of Haifa on 23rd September 1918, during World War I. There are various accounts of this battle – all narrate the brave valour with which the lancers undertook the assault on the garrisoned town protected by a joint force of Ottomans, Germany and Austria Hungary. The capture of Haifa cleared a route for the Allies for supplies to the city through the sea. Till date, the 61 Cavalry celebrates 23rd September as its Raising Day or “Haifa Day.”