Nayak Subedar Mangal Singh Kamboj

By Manpreet Maycock

My grandfather, Mangal Singh Kamboj was born in Gujranwala, which today lies in Pakistan. Life in his village was simple, yet he stood out from an early age. He became the first boy in his village to pass the 10th class (the equivalent of today’s GCSEs). The whole village celebrated by beating drums and people gathering to mark the occasion. It was a proud moment that showed he was destined for more.

He went on to become the first from his community and his village to join the British Indian Army, serving in the Army Supply Corps. His role was to make sure that soldiers received the supplies and support they needed in the field. His work took him to different parts of India, including postings in Chennai, Shimla, Gurgaon, and Wardha in Madhya Pradesh. At one stage in his career, he was also posted in the capital, Delhi and spent three years at the Red Fort.

Over time, he rose to the rank of subedar, a junior commissioned officer (JCO). This was an important achievement, as it meant he was recognised not just as a soldier but as a leader trusted with responsibility and command. In the village, this rank carried deep respect and pride.

During partition in 1947, Gujranwala became part of Pakistan. Mangal Singh sent his family across the border to India while he continued with his duty. This was a volatile time in India.

On his own journey towards the city of Bareilly, he was confronted by a mob. He had only his service pistol with six bullets. Shaken but calm, he told them he would take five lives before using the last bullet on himself. At that moment, his friend, Desh Raj arrived in a Land Rover fitted with a machine gun. Desh Raj - who later became a senior superintendent in India - used the weapon to frighten the mob. The sight of the soldier standing firm and his friend ready to fight was enough to scatter the crowd. Mangal Singh survived and safely crossed into India to reunite with his family.

He continued to serve with pride, including during the conflict with China, before eventually retiring with honour. For his family and the generations that followed, he was more than a soldier. He was a pioneer who opened new paths in education and service, and a man whose courage and determination carried his family through one of the hardest times in their history.