A veteran from Chakwal was honored for his service and the sacrifices he made while serving as a driver in the British Indian Army during World War II by the British High Commission, which presented him with three replacement medals on behalf of the United Kingdom (WWII).
Lance Naik Umar Hayat, who is now 99 years old, gathered with his family and neighbors at a ceremony where the Commission’s Deputy Head of Communication, Tom Hyde, honored him with three medals – The Burma Star, The War Medal, and The 1939-1945 Star – that he had lost in 1975 when his house collapsed as a result of torrential rains and flooding in the area. These medals included The Burma Star, The War Medal, and The 1939-1945 Star.
“Medals reflect the official thanks of a government to those who have served it honorably, often with gallantry or distinction,” Hyde maintained. However, considering how significant this year is for the Commonwealth ties and that King Charles II was interested in the matter, the United Kingdom decided to replace the medals that the veteran had lost.
Hayat, along with his sons and some of the total 95 members, attended the ceremony organized at his village Dhermond in the Talagang Tehsil, Chakwal District, Punjab, in line with the Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day is the day to honor and commemorate the British service members who participated in the wars.
Between 1941 and 1948, Hayat was an active army member and saw combat in what is now known as Myanmar.
The Chakwal veteran wore a white Shalwar Qameez that matched his turban and beard. He wore polished black shoes and sat with a straight back on a charpoy at his home while holding the mementos with pride. He said, “These medals have brought back all the memories of the war” (WWII). I can see my entire unit, my comrades, my superiors, and the sacrifices we made while we were fighting.
News Feed Express Tribune Pakistan.
