Zaman Ali Khan | |
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_British_India_Army_(1906).jpg) Honorary Captain Zaman Ali Khan, Sardar Bahadur, in 1906. | |
| Native name | زمان علی خان |
| Allegiance |  British Raj (British Indian Army) |
Branch | Infantry |
Rank | Honorary Captain (formerly Subedar-Major) |
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Conflicts |
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Honorary Captain Zaman Ali Khan, Sardar Bahadur, OBI, IOM, RVM (also known as Zaman Sardar Bahadur Khan) was a highly decorated officer of the British Indian Army.[1] Serving from 1877 to 1906, he participated in major military operations on the North-West Frontier of India and led overseas colonial expeditions in East Africa, Uganda, and Tibet. He is notable for being one of the rare Indian officers of his era to receive both classes of the Order of British India, the Indian Order of Merit, and the Royal Victorian Medal.[1]
Military Career
Zaman Ali Khan enlisted in the 5th Punjab Infantry (later reorganized as the 5/13th Frontier Force Rifles) on May 29, 1877.[2] He earned promotions through the non-commissioned ranks:
- Naik: 1 July 1880
- Havildar: 1 May 1881
He was commissioned as a Viceroy's Commissioned Officer (VCO):
- Jemadar: 1 October 1889
- Subedar: 7 December 1895
On March 1, 1901, he transferred to the 40th Pathans (later reorganized as the 5/14th Punjab Regiment) as the Subedar-Major, the most senior Indian rank in the regiment.[3] He retired from active service on April 15, 1906, and was subsequently advanced to the rank of Honorary Captain.
Campaigns and War Services
During his 29 years of active service, Captain Zaman Ali Khan was engaged in seven distinct colonial military campaigns across Asia and Africa:
- Jowaki Expedition (1877–1878): Served on the North-West Frontier of India, receiving the India General Service Medal with the "Jowaki 1877-78" clasp.
- Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880): Participated in the actions of the Peiwar Kotal, Charasiah, and the Defence of Sherpur. He was awarded the Afghanistan Medal with three clasps.
- Mahsud Waziri Expedition (1881): Served on the North-West Frontier.
- Miranzai Expedition (1891): Served on the Frontier (awarded clasp).
- British East Africa (1895–1896): Served during the Mwele campaign, participating in the attack on Mwele. He received the East & Central Africa Medal and was appointed to the Order of the Brilliant Star of Zanzibar (3rd Class, 1st Grade) by the Sultan of Zanzibar.
- Uganda Campaign (1897–1898): Engaged in the military actions at Kakunguru, Kabagamba, and Kiswal. He was awarded the Uganda Medal with two clasps and was recommended for the Indian Order of Merit (IOM) for conspicuous gallantry.
- British Expedition to Tibet (1903–1904): Participated in the march to Lhasa, the actions at Niani, and operations in and around Gyantse. He was awarded the Tibet Medal with the "Gyantse" clasp and was Mentioned in Despatches on November 11, 1904.[4]
Honours and Awards
For his long, loyal, and distinguished service, he received several major imperial honors:
- Order of British India (First Class, 1902): Conferred with the title of Sardar Bahadur.
- Order of British India (Second Class, 1901): Conferred with the title of Bahadur.
- Royal Victorian Medal (RVM, 1906): Awarded personally by the Sovereign or Viceroy.
- Indian Order of Merit (IOM): Awarded for gallantry (1895–1896 / Recommended in Uganda 1897–98).
- Order of the Brilliant Star of Zanzibar: (3rd Class, 1st Grade) awarded by the Sultanate of Zanzibar.
References
- Indian Army List (Pre-1906), India Office Records, British Library, London. (Records the commissions, OBI, and promotions of Honorary Captain Zaman Ali Khan).
- Condon, Brigadier W. E. H. (1953). The Frontier Force Regiment, London: Gale & Polden. (Details the history and officers of the 5th Punjab Infantry).
- History of the 5th Battalion (Pathans), 14th Punjab Regiment formerly 40th Pathans ("The Forty Thieves"), London: James Bain Ltd. (Details the service and deployment of Subedar-Major Zaman Ali Khan from 1901 to 1906).
- "Mentioned in Despatches for Tibet", The London Gazette, 11 November 1904, Page 7254.
Category:British Indian Army officers Category:Recipients of the Order of British India Category:Recipients of the Indian Order of Merit Category:Recipients of the Royal Victorian Medal