Ranjoor Singh
Few people, I imagine, can identify with the loneliness of leading an illiterate and suspicious group of men to escape. Ranjoor Singh was an Indian Army officer in World War I who single-handedly planned and led his Sikh regiment's escape from German imprisonment. He used his skills and deep faith to guide his men from Turkey safely back to India, crossing the Kurdish mountains and the Persian desert on foot!
Bengal Lancers, Indian Army
Aware that his men suspected him of secretly working for the Germans, Ranjoor knew he might be murdered at any moment. But he didn't deviate from his duty as their officer.
Ranjoor mapped out safe routes, overpowered the enemy for food and transport, and anticipated events so successfully that his journey reads like a story today. And he never let his men forget their Sikh ideals.
When the hungry, ragged group turned mean or murderous Ranjoor challenged their warrior pride. He was physically alone against them, but his confidence in God's support showed in every stand he took.
« Ye have called me traitor behind my back, yet ye have obeyed me these weeks past. Ye have used me while it served your purpose, planning to toss me aside at the first excuse. Is that not shameful? Now we reach the place where you must do instead of talk. There is the plunder you have yearned for, and here stand I, between it and you. »
Why is this Sikh's incredible accomplishment unknown in his community? Luckily the American author, Talbot Mundy, recorded his story in "Hira Singh". But a book in English shouldn't be his only tribute. Tall jāts in turbans should sing of Ranjoor Singh as they dance the bhāngra on a warm Punjab night.
Other heroes and heroines
Bryan Clark, Australian teacher
John Clark, American philosopher
Faiz El-Ghusein, Damascan historian
Contact
I'm available at frontender[AT]veeryani[DOT]com. Replace the brackets, and words in them, with the usual symbols.
Links
Hira Singh: when India came to fight in Flanders
.- VEERYANI: little-known, unsung heroes and heroines
- [veeryani: language Sanskrit, meaning heroic deeds; from the word veer for brave, courageous, hero.]
