Kadir Muhammad

Tilat Kader’s story

My grandfather, Kadir Muhammad’s regiment, 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse) 2381, was one of the first to be sent to the Western Front in October 1914. He served in France and Belgium throughout World War One (1914-1918). He was then stationed in Egypt and Palestine between 1918-1920.

My late mother told us stories about some of his experiences. One that stayed with me was a story about him being in the trenches when they found themselves being semi-buried as German tanks rolled over them. They ended up on the German side. Although orders were to reunite, he assessed the situation and decided to stay put otherwise they would be killed or captured. He thought they should wait until they could escape with a better chance of survival. Mum described how they lived on a handful of food a day for two weeks with Germans above them until they were able to reunite with their regiment.

My grandfather was a decorated WW1 hero

He was awarded the Indian Meritorious Service Medal for services in France.

My grandfather was also sent to London and my mother said he described it as an old and historical city. It would be interesting to know why he was in London during his war service.

One of my grandfather’s brothers also served on the Western Front during World War One. Unfortunately, I don't know which brother. He would have served in a cavalry regiment in Hyderabad, India. His story is that he met an English nurse whilst serving at the front and they got married. When he returned home with the news, the family were not pleased, and he chose to go and live in England with his wife. As far as we are aware, they had children. My late mother always wanted to locate and reunite with that part of the family in England.

My father worked for the Pakistani diplomatic service and was offered a transfer to the UK or Singapore. I suspect he chose the UK as his education and degree was in the English language rather than Urdu. He was more proficient in English and knew the history and culture. When applying for stay in the UK, my mother said we had to provide proof of my grandfather’s service.

I'm proud of my grandfather’s service as he seemed to show himself to be a courageous and an ethical person in that he was willing to override orders when he thought they would be cannon fodder, but he also remained loyal.

My mother also said he was very close to those he served, regardless of religion and caste – they treated each other like brothers. In fact, they had pacts to look after one another’s families if one of them didn’t make it home.

As a result, my grandfather took care of two widows, who we used to call Nani (meaning gran). Growing up, I had no idea they weren't related by blood, but their husbands were like blood brothers for Kadir Muhammad during the conflict.