Centenary of Haifa Day – the Ceremony

[michaeldr]

 

Tribute in Memory of Fallen Indian Soldiers
Haifa Indian Cemetery
6th September 2018

 

As mentioned previously [https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/264304-centenary-of-haifa-day/]
Haifa Day is being marked a little early on this the centenary year, as later this month the local calendar here is full of holidays, and the Indians therefore obliged by bringing forward their own celebrations. 

 

Commencing at 10:00 hrs the gathering was welcomed by Group Captain Tejpal Singh, India's Defence Attaché. 

 

An address was then given by H E The Ambassador of India Mr Pavan Kapoor

 

Followed by an appreciation of the warm Haifa-India links given by the mayor of Haifa, Mr Yona Yahav

 

A Two Minutes Silence was observed, which was followed by the national anthems of India and Israel. The IDF provided a band for the playing of the anthems

 

 

Wreaths were then laid. As is traditional at this ceremony, the leading tributes were placed at both the Hindu & Sikh memorial, and at the Muslim memorial. They were then followed by others in alphabetical order, alternatively placing their wreaths at one, then the other memorial. 

 

HH the Maharaja of Jodhpur laid his wreaths accompanied by Brigadier M. S. Jodha (the grandson of the officer, Thakur Aman Singh Jodha, who took over command of the Jodhpur Lancers in the midst of this action when Thakur Dalpat Singh MC was mortally wounded)

 

All carried out with buglers and a guard of honour provided by the Indian army contingent serving with the UN on the Golan heights, and the 61st Cavalry Regiment who are the direct successors of the lancers who charged here in 1918.   

 

The Muslim Memorial

 

The Hindu & Sikh Memorial

 

Representatives of the IDF's airforce and naval arms, together with other participants

 

 

Thanks are due to Gp Capt. Tejpal Singh and his staff for a very well organised event, including the thoughtful provision of extensive shade, electric fans and refreshments for the guests.