12 September - The Battle of Saragarhi ( Saragarhi Day )

 

The Battle of Saragarhi took place on 12 September 1897, during the Tirah Campaign on the northwest frontier of British India, which is now in modern-day Pakistan. This battle is one of the most celebrated last stands in military history.

Key Details:

• Context: The Saragarhi post was a communication relay between two important British forts, Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, located in the rugged terrain of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).
• The Sikh Soldiers: The 21 Sikh soldiers were from the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army, led by Havildar Ishar Singh. These soldiers chose to fight to the last man despite being heavily outnumbered.
• Pashtun Forces: Around 10,000 Pashtun tribesmen from the Afridi and Orakzai tribes launched a massive attack on the post, which was vital for the British military communication network.
• Casualties: The Sikh soldiers fought valiantly, killing hundreds of attackers before all of them were overrun and killed. The Pashtun forces suffered significant losses despite their overwhelming numbers.

Legacy:

The courage and sacrifice of the Sikh soldiers in the face of impossible odds have made this battle legendary, especially in Sikh and Indian military history. All 21 soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award given to Indian soldiers at that time, equivalent to the Victoria Cross.

The Battle of Saragarhi is remembered annually, and Saragarhi Day is observed to honor the bravery of those soldiers.