The British High Commission on Thursday handed over the United Kingdom’s three replacement medals to a Chakwal veteran for his services and sacrifices he made while working as a driver in the British Indian Army during World War II (WWII).
99-year-old Lance Naik Umar Hayat gathered with his family and neighbors at a ceremony where Tom Hyde, the Commission’s Deputy Head of Communication, presented him with three medals: the Burma Star, the War Medal, and the 1939-1945 Star, which he had lost in 1975 when his house collapsed due to torrential rains that caused flooding.
Considering how significant this year is for the Commonwealth ties and given King Charles II’s interest, the UK decided to replace the medals the veteran had lost. According to Hyde, “Medals reflect the official thanks of a government to those who have served it honorably, often with gallantry or distinction.”
A Remembrance Day ceremony was held in Hayat’s village of Dhermond in the Talagang Tehsil, Chakwal District, Punjab, under clear skies and a warm winter day to honor and remember the British service members who had participated in the wars. Hayat, his sons, and some of the 95 family members in total attended.
Hayat served in Burma, which is now Myanmar while serving in the army from 1941 to 1948.
The Chakwal veteran held the mementos proudly and said, “These medals have brought back all the memories of the war.” He was dressed in a white Shalwar Qameez that matched his turban and beard, shining black shoes, and a straight-backed chair at home (WWII). My unit, my friends, my officers, and all the sacrifices we made while fighting is all visible to me.
“Really it is an honor for me,” said Hayat when given his replacement medals. The veteran revealed that his father, Aulia Khan Major, had fought in the First World War.
When the second one started, he recalled, his father told him to join the army and embrace martyrdom but not take a step back.
For Hayat, war is a good thing as it gives one a chance to show bravery against his enemies.
His character certificate from March 6, 1948, his service certificate, and two plates on which they were served meals during the war are all still in his possession.
With the involvement of more than 30 countries, World War II was the largest and deadliest conflict in history. The war, which was started by the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939, lasted six horrific years before it was finally won by the allies, the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, United States, and China, in 1945.
The 2.5 million British Indian Army during World War II, according to Hyde, was the biggest volunteer force ever mobilized.
Hyde stated that the veterans we have been meeting with on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Pak-UK Dosti were present when the relationship first began, and it is “only fitting that 75 years later we honor their achievements again as we celebrate our shared ideals through the Commonwealth.”
When Hayat thought back to the day the battle ended, he recalled how the soldiers rejoiced in their success and how his unit was happier since it had not suffered the kind of severe troop losses—including those of Hindus and other groups—that many other units had.
War veterans receive a small allowance from the Commonwealth Ex-Services League.
Hayat, who appeared content with getting his medals back, had only one wish from local authorities: “give a job to my two grandchildren in the army”.
