Brigadier Saiyed Anwar Hasan Rizvi MC was a decorated Indian Army officer who received the Military Cross in the Burma Campaign during the Second World War.
Anwar Hasan Rizvi | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance |  British India (1943-1947)  India (1947-1969) |
| Service |  British Indian Army Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1969 |
| Rank |  Brigadier |
| Service number | IEC-4247 (emergency commission)[1] IC-1865 (regular commission)[2] |
| Unit | First Battalion, The Bihar Regiment, 38 Medium Regiment |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Life and career
editRizvi was from Allahabad, and received an emergency commission as a second lieutenant in the Bihar Regiment on 28 February 1943.[3] As a war-substantive lieutenant during the Burma Campaign, he fought with the Lushai Brigade and was awarded a Military Cross (MC) for his heroism.[4]
The citation recommending Rizvi for a Military Cross runs as follows:[1][5]
16 October 1944
W. S. Lieut. SAIYED ANWAR HASAN RIZVI, 1st Bihar Regiment
Area HAKA-FALAM road.
On 16 October 1944 Lieutenant RIZVI when leading a patrol of 4 sections, came across signs of further evacuation of Pioneer Camp. He tracked the enemy to TIHPUL village and overtook them. He saw about 150 Japs and INA including 3 officers in the area about 100 yards away. Disregarding the numerical superiority of the enemy and at considerable risk to himself and his men he advanced within 50 yards and opened fire on the enemy and took them completely by surprise causing 9 casualties. By his cool and determined action in the face of grave danger he was a great inspiration to his men.
After the war, Rizvi remained in the British Indian Army and opted to continue serving in the Indian Army post-Indian independence. He received a regular commission in the artillery, and was promoted to major on 28 February 1956.[6] As a lieutenant-colonel, he was given command of an infantry brigade on 10 December 1964.[2] He was promoted to the substantive rank of colonel on 22 December 1965,[7] and to substantive brigadier on 12 November 1967.[8] On 11 January 1968, he was appointed Commander, Lucknow Sub-Area,[9] and took retirement on 16 December 1969.[10]
Awards and decorations
edit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| General Service Medal 1947 | Indian Independence Medal | 20 Years Long Service Medal | 9 Years Long Service Medal | |
| Military Cross | 1939–1945 Star | Burma Star | War Medal 1939–1945 |
References
edit- ^ a b "Recommendation for Award for Saiyed Anwar Hasan Rizvi". The National Archives (UK). UK Government. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 23 January 1965. p. 40.
- ^ Indian Army List (August 1947; Special ed.). Government of India Press. 1947. p. 754.
- ^ "No. 36994". The London Gazette (Supplement). 20 March 1945. p. 1545.
- ^ "Lushai Brigade". The Soldier's Burden. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 4 August 1956. p. 157.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 10 June 1967. p. 465.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 10 February 1968. p. 98.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 9 March 1968. p. 98.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch)". The Gazette of India. 31 January 1970. p. 177.