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| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1912|07|15}} | | birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1912|07|15}} | ||
| death_date = {{Death date|df=yes|1948|07|03}} (aged 35) | | death_date = {{Death date|df=yes|1948|07|03}} (aged 35) | ||
| birth_place = Bibipur | | birth_place = Bibipur (now [[Mau district]]), [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]], [[British Raj|British India]] | ||
| death_place = [[Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir|Nowshera]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]] | | death_place = [[Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir|Nowshera]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]] | ||
| allegiance = {{flag|British India}}<br/>{{flag|India}} | | allegiance = {{flag|British India}}<br/>{{flag|India}} | ||
| branch = {{army|British India}}<br/>{{army|India}} | | branch = {{army|British India}}<br/>{{army|India}} | ||
| serviceyears = 1934–1948 | | serviceyears = 1934–1948 | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
| awards = [[File:Maha_Vir_Chakra_ribbon.svg|25px]] [[Maha Vir Chakra]] | | awards = [[File:Maha_Vir_Chakra_ribbon.svg|25px]] [[Maha Vir Chakra]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[Brigadier (India)|Brigadier]] '''Mohammad Usman''' [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]] (15 July 1912 – 3 July 1948)<ref>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=106056 Wreath Laying Ceremony of Brig Mohammad Usman, MVC], Ministry of Defence, Government of India, 3 July 2014.</ref> was the highest ranking officer of the [[Indian Army]] killed in action during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]. As a [[Muslim]], Usman became a symbol of India's inclusive secularism.<ref name = Guha>{{cite book |first=Ramachandra |last=Guha |authorlink=Ramachandra Guha |title=India after Gandhi |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=0-06-019881- | [[Brigadier (India)|Brigadier]] '''Mohammad Usman''' [[Maha Vir Chakra|MVC]] (15 July 1912 – 3 July 1948)<ref>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=106056 Wreath Laying Ceremony of Brig Mohammad Usman, MVC], Ministry of Defence, Government of India, 3 July 2014.</ref> was the highest ranking officer of the [[Indian Army]] killed in action during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]. As a [[Muslim]], Usman became a symbol of India's inclusive secularism.<ref name = Guha>{{cite book |first=Ramachandra |last=Guha |authorlink=Ramachandra Guha |title=India after Gandhi |date=24 July 2007 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-019881-7 |page=[https://archive.org/details/indiaaftergandhi00guha/page/94 94] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/indiaaftergandhi00guha/page/94 }}</ref> At the time of the [[partition of India]] he with many other Muslim officers declined to move to the [[Pakistan Army]] and continued to serve with the Indian Army.<ref name="Hindu 2004"/> He was killed in July 1948 while fighting Pakistani soldiers and militia in [[Kashmir|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="Hindu 2004">[https://web.archive.org/web/20040813150302/http://www.hindu.com/2004/07/05/stories/2004070510170400.htm "Tributes paid to Brigadier Usman"], ''The Hindu'', 5 July 2004.</ref> He was later awarded the second highest Indian military decoration for gallantry in the face of enemy, the [[Maha Vir Chakra]].<ref name="Hindu 2012"></ref><ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/brig-mohammad-usman-s-death-anniversary-commemorated-115070300999_1.html Brig Mohammad Usman's death anniversary commemorated], Business Standard, 3 July 2015.</ref> | ||
==Birth and Education== | ==Birth and Education== | ||
Mohammad Usman was born in Bibipur, now Mau, Uttar Pradesh, in the [[Azamgarh district]], [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]], [[British Raj|British India]] on 15 July 1912{{sfn|V. K. Singh, Leadership in the Indian Army|2005|loc=Chapter 5}}<ref>Rohit Singh, [http://www.claws.in/images/journals_doc/SW-Autumn2010.167-172.pdf Brig Mohammed Usman, MVC, The Lion of Naushera], CLAWS Journal, Autumn 2010.</ref><ref name="BS">[http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/army-commemorates-birth-centenarybrig-usman/27833/ Army commemorates birth centenary of Brig Usman], ''Business Standard'', 3 July 2012.</ref> to Jamilun Bibi and Mohammad | Mohammad Usman was born in Bibipur, now Mau, Uttar Pradesh, in the [[Azamgarh district]], [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]], [[British Raj|British India]] on 15 July 1912{{sfn|V. K. Singh, Leadership in the Indian Army|2005|loc=Chapter 5}}<ref>Rohit Singh, [http://www.claws.in/images/journals_doc/SW-Autumn2010.167-172.pdf Brig Mohammed Usman, MVC, The Lion of Naushera], CLAWS Journal, Autumn 2010.</ref><ref name="BS">[http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/army-commemorates-birth-centenarybrig-usman/27833/ Army commemorates birth centenary of Brig Usman], ''Business Standard'', 3 July 2012.</ref> to Jamilun Bibi and Mohammad Farooq Khunambir. Usman and his younger brothers, Subhan and Gufran, were educated at Harish Chandra Bhai School, [[Varanasi]].{{Citation needed|date= August 2022}} At the age of 12, he had jumped into a well to rescue a drowning child.{{Citation needed|date= August 2022}} | ||
Usman later made up his mind to join the Army, and despite the limited opportunities for Indians to get commissioned ranks and despite intense competition, he succeeded in gaining admission to the prestigious [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] (RMAS). He entered RMAS in 1932, was commissioned as a [[Second Lieutenant]] and appointed to the Unattached List for the Indian Army on 1 February 1934.<ref>London Gazette 2 Feb 1934 page 755</ref> He was attached in India to the 1st battalion of the [[Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)|Cameronians]] on 12 March 1934 for a year.<ref> | Usman later made up his mind to join the Army, and despite the limited opportunities for Indians to get commissioned ranks and despite intense competition, he succeeded in gaining admission to the prestigious [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] (RMAS). He entered RMAS in 1932, was commissioned as a [[Second Lieutenant]] and appointed to the Unattached List for the Indian Army on 1 February 1934.<ref>London Gazette 2 Feb 1934 page 755</ref> He was attached in India to the 1st battalion of the [[Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)|Cameronians]] on 12 March 1934 for a year.<ref> | ||
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==Military career== | ==Military career== | ||
At the end of his year with the Cameronians, on 19 March 1935, he was appointed to the Indian Army and posted to the 5th battalion of the [[10th Baluch Regiment]] (5/10 Baluch).<ref>July 1938 Indian Army List</ref> Later in the year he saw active service on the [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–55)|North-West Frontier]] of India during the [[Mohmand campaign of 1935]].<ref>Indian Army List 1941 supplement</ref> He qualified as a 1st class interpreter in [[Urdu]] in November 1935. | At the end of his year with the Cameronians, on 19 March 1935, he was appointed to the Indian Army and posted to the 5th battalion of the [[10th Baluch Regiment]] (5/10 Baluch).<ref>July 1938 Indian Army List</ref> Later in the year he saw active service on the [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–55)|North-West Frontier]] of India during the [[Mohmand campaign of 1935]].<ref>Indian Army List 1941 supplement</ref> He qualified as a 1st class interpreter in [[Urdu]] in November 1935.{{Citation needed|date= August 2022}} | ||
Usman was promoted to the rank of [[Lieutenant]] on 30 April 1936 and [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]] on 31 August 1941. From February to July 1942, he attended the [[Command and Staff College|Indian Army Staff College]] at [[Quetta]].<ref>{{cite book| last=Masters| first=John| authorlink=John Masters| title=The Road past Manadaley| publisher=Cassell| year=2002| isbn=978-0-3043-6157-1| pages=91, 335}}</ref> By April 1944, he was a temporary [[Major]].<ref>April 1944 Indian Army List</ref> He served in [[Burma]] and was [[mentioned in dispatches]] as a temporary Major in the London Gazette | Usman was promoted to the rank of [[Lieutenant]] on 30 April 1936 and [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]] on 31 August 1941. From February to July 1942, he attended the [[Pakistan Command and Staff College|Indian Army Staff College]] at [[Quetta]].<ref>{{cite book| last=Masters| first=John| authorlink=John Masters| title=The Road past Manadaley| publisher=Cassell| year=2002| isbn=978-0-3043-6157-1| pages=91, 335}}</ref> By April 1944, he was a temporary [[Major]].<ref>April 1944 Indian Army List</ref> He served in [[Burma]] and was [[mentioned in dispatches]] as a temporary Major in the London Gazette 25 September 1945. He commanded the 14th battalion of the 10th Baluch Regiment (14/10 Baluch) from April 1945 to April 1946.<ref>History of the Baloch Regiment 1939-56, p 257</ref> | ||
===Indo-Pakistani War of 1947=== | ===Indo-Pakistani War of 1947=== | ||
In 1947 Pakistan sent tribal irregulars into the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] in an attempt to capture it and accede it to Pakistan. Usman, then commanding the 77th Parachute Brigade, was sent to command the [[50th Parachute Brigade (India)|50th Parachute Brigade]], which was deployed at [[Jhangar]]<!-- As per wiki guidelines, retain redlink to encourage its | In 1947 Pakistan sent tribal irregulars into the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] in an attempt to capture it and accede it to Pakistan. Usman, then commanding the 77th Parachute Brigade, was sent to command the [[50th Parachute Brigade (India)|50th Parachute Brigade]], which was deployed at [[Jhangar]]<!-- As per wiki guidelines, retain redlink to encourage its creation. --><ref>Jhangar in Naushera sector of Rajauri district is Zero Point on LOC.</ref> in December 1947.<ref name="Frontier"/> On 25 December 1947, with the odds stacked heavily against the brigade, Pakistani forces captured Jhangar. Located at the junction of roads coming from [[New Mirpur City|Mirpur]] and [[Kotli]], Jhangar was of strategic importance. On that day Usman took a vow to recapture Jhangar – a feat he accomplished three months later, but at the cost of his own life.<ref name="Academy"> | ||
[http://nausheraacademy.com/battle+of+naushera.html About Battle of Naushera], Naushera Defence Academy, retrieved 23 March 2019. | [http://nausheraacademy.com/battle+of+naushera.html About Battle of Naushera], Naushera Defence Academy, retrieved 23 March 2019. | ||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
[[File:Order of the day by Brigadier M Usman.jpg|thumb|Order of the day by Brigadier M Usman led to a victory ensuring integration of Nowshera & Jhangar with India. Brig M Usman an epitome of valour, led the Battle and dislodged the enemy.]] | |||
In January–February 1948 Usman repulsed fierce attacks on [[Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir|Nowshera]] and Jhangar, both highly strategic locations in Jammu and Kashmir. During the defence of Nowshera against overwhelming odds and numbers, Indian forces inflicted around 2000 casualties on the Pakistanis (about 1000 dead and 1000 wounded) while Indian forces suffered only 33 dead and 102 wounded. His defence earned him the nickname '''Lion of Nowshera'''.<ref>"Saluting the Brave", [[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]](India), 6 July 2006.</ref> Pakistani forces then announced a sum of Rs 50,000 as a prize for his head. Unaffected by praise and congratulations, Usman continued to sleep on a mat laid on the floor as he had vowed that he would not sleep on a bed till he recaptured Jhangar, from where he had had to withdraw in late 1947.<ref name="Academy"/> | In January–February 1948 Usman repulsed fierce attacks on [[Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir|Nowshera]] and Jhangar, both highly strategic locations in Jammu and Kashmir. During the defence of Nowshera against overwhelming odds and numbers, Indian forces inflicted around 2000 casualties on the Pakistanis (about 1000 dead and 1000 wounded) while Indian forces suffered only 33 dead and 102 wounded. His defence earned him the nickname '''Lion of Nowshera'''.<ref>"Saluting the Brave", [[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]](India), 6 July 2006.</ref> Pakistani forces then announced a sum of Rs 50,000 as a prize for his head. Unaffected by praise and congratulations, Usman continued to sleep on a mat laid on the floor as he had vowed that he would not sleep on a bed till he recaptured Jhangar, from where he had had to withdraw in late 1947.<ref name="Academy"/> | ||
The enemy was eventually driven from the area, and Jhangar was recaptured. Pakistan brought its regular forces into the fray in May 1948. Jhangar was once again subjected to heavy artillery bombardment, and many determined attacks were launched on Jhangar by the Pakistan Army. However, Usman frustrated all their attempts to recapture it. It was during this defence of Jhangar that Usman was martyred on 3 July 1948, by an enemy 25-pounder shell. He was 12 days short of his 36th birthday. His last words were "I am dying but let not the territory we were fighting for fall for the enemy". For his inspiring leadership and great courage, he was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] posthumously.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |title=Citation on Brig. Usman given on his Regiment's website |access-date=2015-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608081808/http://www.indianparachuteregiment.kar.nic.in/heroes.htm |archive-date=2016-06-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
The enemy was eventually driven from the area, and Jhangar was recaptured. Pakistan brought its regular forces into the fray in May 1948. Jhangar was once again subjected to heavy artillery bombardment, and many determined attacks were launched on Jhangar by the Pakistan Army. However, Usman frustrated all their attempts to recapture it. It was during this defence of Jhangar that Usman was | |||
Indian Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] and his Cabinet colleagues attended the funeral of Usman — "the highest ranking military commander till date" to lay down his life in the battlefield. He was given a state funeral of a martyr.<ref> | Indian Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] and his Cabinet colleagues attended the funeral of Usman — "the highest ranking military commander till date" to lay down his life in the battlefield. He was given a state funeral of a martyr.<ref> | ||
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[[File:Tomb of Mohammad Usman 02.jpg|thumb|Grave of Mohammad Usman|212x212px]] | [[File:Tomb of Mohammad Usman 02.jpg|thumb|Grave of Mohammad Usman|212x212px]] | ||
Usman is buried in Okhla cemetery<ref>{{Cite book|last=Pinaki Biswas|title=Rabindranath Hatya Shorojantra (Bengali)|publisher=Lalmati Prakashan|year=2021|isbn=978-81-953129-3-1|location=Kolkata|pages=95}}</ref> near the [[Jamia Millia Islamia]] campus in [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/samachar/july15-06/h3.htm |title=Brig Usman : A Legend Remembered |access-date=2012-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220160426/http://mod.nic.in/samachar/july15-06/h3.htm |archive-date=2012-02-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Upender Sood and Ranjan Kumar Singh | Usman is buried in the Okhla cemetery<ref>{{Cite book|last=Pinaki Biswas|title=Rabindranath Hatya Shorojantra (Bengali)|publisher=Lalmati Prakashan|year=2021|isbn=978-81-953129-3-1|location=Kolkata|pages=95}}</ref> near the [[Jamia Millia Islamia]] campus in [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/samachar/july15-06/h3.htm |title=Brig Usman : A Legend Remembered |access-date=2012-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220160426/http://mod.nic.in/samachar/july15-06/h3.htm |archive-date=2012-02-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Film directors Upender Sood and Ranjan Kumar Singh produced a film on Brigadier Usman's life.<ref name="Hindu 2004" /><ref name=Rediff> | ||
{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/jul/16media.htm |title=Remembering the Lion of Naushera |website=Rediff On The Net |date=1997 |access-date=27 August 2018}} | {{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/jul/16media.htm |title=Remembering the Lion of Naushera |website=Rediff On The Net |date=1997 |access-date=27 August 2018}} | ||
</ref> | </ref> | ||
In 2020, photos of the grave's defaced | In 2020, photos of the grave's defaced headstone were widely circulated and triggered outrage on social media. This led several Army veterans to condemn the dishonour done to his memory, ultimately leading the Army to initiate the restoration of the vandalised grave.<ref>{{cite web |title=Army to restore defaced Jamia grave of war hero |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/army-to-restore-defaced-jamia-grave-of-war-hero/cid/1802136 |website=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |publisher=[[Anandabazar Patrika]] |access-date=31 December 2020}}</ref> | ||
His birth centenary was celebrated in 2012 by the Indian Army at Jhangar, [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="BS"/> A Paramotor Expedition was organized by Gorkha Training Centre in the memory of Brigadier Usman.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130103142538/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-01/varanasi/32494345_1_expedition-paratroopers-indo-pak-war Paramotor expedition to mark birth centenary of Brigadier Mohammad Usman], The Times of India, 1 July 2012.</ref> | His birth centenary was celebrated in 2012 by the Indian Army at Jhangar, [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="BS"/> A Paramotor Expedition was organized by Gorkha Training Centre in the memory of Brigadier Usman.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130103142538/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-01/varanasi/32494345_1_expedition-paratroopers-indo-pak-war Paramotor expedition to mark birth centenary of Brigadier Mohammad Usman], The Times of India, 1 July 2012.</ref> | ||
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== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
* {{citation |last=Singh |first=V. K. |title=Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cJDsk_g6tXUC&pg=PA160 |year=2005 |publisher=SAGE Publications | | * {{citation |last=Singh |first=V. K. |title=Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cJDsk_g6tXUC&pg=PA160 |year=2005 |publisher=SAGE Publications |isbn=978-0-7619-3322-9 |pages=160– |ref={{sfnref|V. K. Singh, Leadership in the Indian Army|2005}}}} | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Usman, Mohammad}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Usman, Mohammad}} | ||