Bengaluru, September 24: Remembering the soldiers from erstwhile Mysore Lancers which is now part of 61st Cavalry, the only horse mounted regiment in the world of the Indian Army on its 105th Anniversary of Liberation of Port City of Haifa now in Israel, a wreath was laid for those sacrificed there lives when they fought under the British Army in 1914 to 1918. The Wreath Laying Ceremony was held as a mark of respect to the soldiers at Mysore Lancers Haifa Memorial situated in JC Nagar, Bangalore.
Mysore Lancers, during pre- Independence era was founded on 1st April, 1892 as part of 15th Cavalry brigade of British Empire. During the outbreak of World War 1 in 1914, over 1.5 million Indian soldiers fought under the British Empire and Mysore Lancers being a key cavalry regiment was tasked with liberating the Port City of Haifa now in Israel from then Ottoman Empire. Over, 23 officers along with 444 non-Commissioned officers, 528 horses, 49 mules and 132 followers embarked on a journey from then Bangalore on 13th October, 1914.
Then Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV had contributed ₹ 50 lakhs towards the war. Remembering the sacrifices made by then Mysore Lancers, a statement was issued by Shri Raja Chandra Urs / Shri Varchus ML Urs, Mysore Royal Family & JC Wadiyar Trust ” The unsung legend – the monolith which speaks about the heroic deeds of our forefathers for many decades remained oblivious to the modern world.
Through the active efforts of a group of people today the monument comes alive to narrate a story of grit and glory every year on the 23rd of September, as we commemorate Haifa Day. The memorial of the Mysore Imperial Service Troops located on Col. J Desraj Urs Road near the TV Tower stands tesmony to the sacrifices of the Mysore Lancers and the Mysore Transport Corps during the First World War (1914 ~ 1918) and on this day we gather to pay our respects and homage to the Martyrs and their families.
With the active support that we now receive from the Indian Army, the Israeli Consul General and the State Government, the event has grown in stature, and we are now hopeful that in the days to come this event will be instituionalised and the Mysore Imperial Service Troops Memorial is accorded its due recognition” M.L.Varchusvin SS Raje Urs,Grandson of HH Shri. Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar the last Maharaja of Mysore State said.
As part of building friendly relationship between India and Israel a Business Summit was held at Madras Engineering Group (MEG) centre in Bengaluru.HE. Mr. Tammy Ben-Haim, Consul General for Israel in South India said “In commemorating the Mysore Lancers, we honor the timeless bravery and unity that transcends generations. Their legacy inspires us to forge ahead, believing that courage and collaboration can shape a brighter future. Today, the India-Israel partnership stands as a testament to shared values and innovative spirit. Together, we navigate challenges and build a stronger tomorrow. Let us remember the Mysore Lancers not as soldiers of the past, but as beacons of enduring hope and unity.”
As the concluding session of 105th Mysore Lancers Haifa Day 2023 a Memorial Lecture was organized. “This year in 2023 we have significant participation from the Mysore Royal Family Trust, Indian Army, Israel Consulate, Karnataka Government, Karnataka Police, The Bahai Community and various sections of the society including Historians, Authors, Students. The recent announcement at the G20 Summit in Delhi, the India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor which encompasses the strategic Port of Haifa in Israel the Historic Cultural relationship between India & Israel has increased the interest in collaboration between bot the countries” said Shri Udaya Raghunath Birje, Descendant of Mysore Lancers & President, Mysore Lancers Heritage Foundation
