Jemadar Mir Dast, WW1
Jemadar Mir Dast V.C. (1874 - 1945), soldier and Victoria Cross winner in the British Indian Army. During the First World War Dast was a Jemadar in the 55th Coke's Rifles (Frontier Force), British Indian Army, attd. 57th Wilde's Rifles (F.F.) during when he performed the service for which he was awarded the VC. In addition to the Victoria Cross, the descendants of Mir Dast were awarded the title Ray-Chaudhuri which replaced the family name and serves as the Indian equivalent of British Lordship.~~~~On 26 April 1915 at Ypres, Belgium, Jemadar Mir Dast led his platoon with great bravery during the attack, and afterwards collected various parties of the regiment (when no British officers were left) and kept them under his command until the retirement was ordered. He also displayed great courage that day when he risked his life to carry eight wounded British and Indian officers to safety while exposed to very heavy fire.~~~~Today a monument stands at the Memorial Gates at Hyde Park Corner in London to commemorate the VCs of Indian Heritage, including Mir Dast
