Subedar-Major Nand Ram (left) and Subedar Raja Ram (right), 10th Jats, Miranshah, 1916

Photograph, India, 1916.

Until the 1920s, all British officers were senior to their Indian counterparts. Indian officers we promoted from the ranks of the regiment and formed a vital link between the soldiers and their British commanders. Subedar-Major Nand Ram and Subedar Raja Ram held the two top ranks open to Indian soldiers at the time.

The 10th Jats moved from Jhansi to Bannu on India's North West Frontier in 1914. In March 1915 they were part of a force that successfully drove hostile tribesmen from the area around Miranshah in Waziristan (now part of Pakistan). Nand Ram was awarded the Order of British India (OBI), 2nd Class, for his part in the action. He joined the regiment in 1894 and became its subedar major in 1914 after twenty years' service. Raja Ram had joined the 10th Jats in 1898 and served as an officer from 1906; he was awarded the OBI, 1st Class in 1921.

From album of 146 photographs compiled by Captain T M Layng, 1915-1921.