Israel paid homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in liberating Haifa from the Turks 100 years ago with an Army contingent from Jaipur-based 61 Cavalry participating in the events in that country, Army said Saturday.
A nine men Indian Army contingent from the 61 Cavalry participated in the Haifa Day celebrations at Haifa in Israel to pay tributes to the Indian soldiers. The contingent has returned to India.
"Besides the senior civil and military officers of Israel and local dignitaries of Haifa, the Indian Ambassador to Israel and the Defence Attache, the Mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, was also present for all the functions in Israel," a defence spokesperson said here Saturday.
"The gallant actions of Indian soldiers were praised during the events in Israel. The Indian contingent returned to India on Saturday. The next leg of celebrations will take place in Jaipur on September 22," Spokesperson Colonel Sombit Ghosh said.
A mounted cavalry force comprising of the Jodhpur Lancers, the Hyderabad Lancers and the Mysore Lancers had liberated the city of Haifa from the occupation of Turkey in a unparalleled mounted cavalry charge in September 1918, he said.
A large number of soldiers from Rajasthan including the leader of the charge Major Dalpat Singh had laid down their lives in the bold action, the officer said.
"Present day 61 Cavalry Regiment is the new avatar of amalgamation of the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers and hence the custodian of this great historical heritage," he said.
Major Dalpat Singh hailed from Pali in Rajasthan. He had led the Indian Cavalry that changed the course of history in the decisive battle of Haifa. His is remembered in Haifa with reverence and respect, the spokesperson added.
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