Soldiers from the Past
LIEUTENANT COLONEL MIAN KHAN TPK, M.C (30 JUNE 1927 – 19 MAY 1955), 9™ PUNJAB REGIMENT, 21 MEDIUM REGIMENT ARTILLERY,6th RAJPUTANA RIFLES
Lieutenant Colonel Mian Khan was enlisted in the British Indian Army as a Sepoy in the year 1927. Born in Buchal Khurd, District Chakwal, Punjab on 16th June 1908, he completed his initial Schooling in his native village. He then joined the British Indian Army in the year 1927. As a NK he fought the 1930-32 Burmese Campaign. Later on he fought on the Waziristan front firstly in the year 1934 and then again in 1941.
After seeing his distinguished service record he was granted Commission in the Army. He joined the Indian Military Academy on 1st December 1940 and passed out on 14th February 1941,and was posted to the 10th Battalion of the 6th Rajputana Rifles. Soon after being Commissioned, he proved his metal when on 24th September 1942, as a Company Commander he was leading a counter-offensive against the invading German Army in North Africa. As he charged forward with his men, the German Army suffered heavy casualties. In recognition of his audacity and bravery he was awarded the Military Cross.
Having recovered from those near-fatal wounds in North Africa, Mian Khan was posted to the British Indian Infantry School. After having been employed there as an Instructor he was awarded the honour of distinguished Instructor in Sniper firing.
At the Independence of Pakistan he joined the 9th Punjab Regiment and later on Commanded the same Regiment in 1948. He also has the unique honour of Commanding 21 Medium Regiment Artillery. He again saw action in the Indo-Pak war of 1948 at the Kashmir frontier. Towards the close of war, Lieutenant Colonel Mian Khan proceeded to attend a course at the metropolitan police detective training school Hendon, England. On repatriation he had the honour of being posted as the first Muslim Commandant of the Military Police Centre in 1951. On relinquishing command of Military Police Centre he was posted as an Instructor at the school of Infantry & Tactics in 1952. After completing nearly three decades of Military Service, Lieutenant Colonel Mian Khan retired from the Army on 12th may 1955.
He remained alive till 18 December, 1964. Following his footprints, his grandson Major Malik Haider Ali is currently serving in Pakistan Army Aviation.
Following are the list of medals which Lieutenant Colonel Mian Khan was awarded with:-
Tamgha-e-Pakistan
Khidmat-e-Pakistan Medal (Kashmir War Of 1948)
I.G.S Medal Of 1936 With Clasp For Services On The Waziristan Front (1934 & 1941)
The Burmese Campaign Medal (1930-1932)
The Burma Star
As Niak, Captain and Lt. Col below