Mesopotamia

[2lewis's]

Hi,

I am knee deep in a read about Mesopotamia campain.

There have been a few mentions of Jats....can someone please let me know what and who Jats are?

Many thanks

Confused

[DrB]

A Jat is a Sikh. In fact, they are about 2/3 of all Sikhs. They were stated to be the backbone of the Punjab. Not all Jats are Hindu, some being Muslim. Nearly all were cultivators and their characteristics were described as stubborn, tenacious, patient, devoted, brave, and disciplined.

They could be identified by their very tall turbans and were considered to be the ideal Sikh sepoy.

DrB

[Owen D]

More info on Jats here.

http://indianmilitaryhistory.org/regiments/jat/overview.html

Short extract from that site.

The Jat is the agriculturist par excellence and the quintessential soldier who dominates the area comprising the Punjab States, Sindh, Haryana, Jammu, Rajasthan, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Whether Hindu, Sikh, or Muslim he constitutes the most important peasantry in both India and Pakistan. But it is the Hindu Jat of Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan who concerns us since it is he who forms the bulk of the composition of the Jat Regiment, renowned for it’s valour and dour steadfastness in battle. Although so near to the seat of Mughal power in Delhi, the Jats managed to preserve a semblance of independence. Primarily tillers, they are rustic par excellence and as fighting men have established for themselves a reputation of being determined, sturdy, fierce and desperate fighters. Their background makes them simple, hard working, honest and loyal – the essential qualities of good soldiers.

History 1803 to 1947

The British in their quest for power and domination in India came into conflict with the Jats and recorded that they caused them the maximum trouble to subdue after the Sikhs. So impressed were they by the soldierly qualities of the Jats that they soon started recruiting them in ever-increasing numbers into all branches of the Bengal Army. The 1st Battalion was raised as the 22nd Bengal Native Infantry in 1803. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions were raised in 1817 and 1823 respectively. All three battalions had distinguished records of service including the winning of many honours during WW 1. The 1st Battalion in particular served with great distinction in France and Iraq (then Mesopotamia) and was conferred the signal honour of being declared ‘Royal’ in addition to being made Light Infantry

Do a Google on "jats" there's some interesting stuff out there.

Such as http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/...iments/Jat.html

[Owen D]

http://www.mgtrust.org/meso.htm

Jat Lewis gunner firing at enemy plane, Mesopotamia, 24th October 1918

[Owen D]

WW2 VC Winner here.http://www.wewerethere.mod.uk/popup/605.html

Good picture of a Jat turban.

[Trevelyan]

Dear 2Lewis's,

Also, there were the two Indian Army Battalions: 6th Jat Light Infantry and 10th Jat Infantry, which both served in Mespot during the war.

Best Regards,

Chris

[2lewis's]

Many thanks to all.

Thanks for all the back ground information it was a great help.

The account I am reading written in 1918 has nothing but praise for all regiments of Jats despite the horendous conditions.

Thanks

Mark