Brigadier Mohammad Usman- Nowshera ka “Shera.”

Hello aspirants,

Our history is full of brave officers and soldier who sacrificed their lives so that the entire nation is safe one such exemplary example of selfless officer Brig Usman. After going through the post, your heart will swell with pride and mind full of motivation.

Let's start

1. Early life
   

• Mohammad Usman was born in Bibipur, Azamgarh district, United Provinces, British India on July 15, 1912.
• He received his education in Varanasi and was determined to join the armed forces.

2. Life in the forces and commission

• He succeeded in getting admission to the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in 1932, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
• Usman was attached in India to the 1st battalion of the Cameronians(rifle regiment during British rule) on 12 March 1934 for a year.
• On 19 March 1935, he was appointed to the Indian Army and posted to the 5th battalion of the 10th Baluch Regiment (5/10 Baluch).
• Usman was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 30 April 1936 and Captain on 31 August 1941. By April 1944, he was a temporary Major.

3. During India- Pakistan separation

• Usman being a Muslim officer in Baluch regiment was pressurised by the Pak army to stay with their army, However, despite the fact he was promised a future position as the Pakistan Army Chief, he was unconvinced and adamant about joining the Indian military.
• When the Baluch Regiment was allotted to Pakistan, Usman was transferred to the Dogra Regiment.

4. Indo-Pak war 1947

• After independence war broke out and Usman was commanding the 77th Parachute Brigade, was sent to command the 50th Parachute Brigade, which was deployed at Jhangar in December 1947.
• On 25 December 1947 Pakistani forces captured Jhangar. Located at the junction of roads coming from Mirpur and Kotli, Jhangar was of strategic importance.
• On that day Usman took a vow to recapture Jhangar – a feat he accomplished three months later, but at the cost of his own life.
• Usman reverted with full force along with his men on Nowshera and Jhangar both highly strategic locations and inflicted massive damage to the Pak army. His defence was so strong that it earned him the nickname ‘Lion of Nowshera’.
• Pakistani forces which at one point of time wanted him on their side then announced a sum of Rs 50,000 as a prize for his head.
• The enemy was eventually driven from the area, and Jhangar was recaptured. It was during this defence of Jhangar that Usman was killed on July 3, 1948, by an enemy 25-pounder shell.
• His last words were "I am dying but let not the territory we were fighting for fall for the enemy”.
• For his courage and supreme sacrifice, he was awarded Maha Vir Chakra posthumously.
• Usman is buried in a grave near the Jamia Millia Islamia campus in New Delhi.

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Jai Hind