Hope Will Survive

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all." These words of Emily Dickinson truly represent the tale of 300 Indian soldiers. A largely undocumented event in Dunkirk's history is the involvement of Indian soldiers and the horrors they faced.

The K6 Platoon | Source: The National

The story of Dunkirk is one of human perseverance, hope, and facing adversity when the stakes are stacked against them. Christopher Nolan's Dunkirkdepicted those harrowing times with cinematic brilliance. However, a common shortcoming in all Western media's portrayals of the war is the omission of the involvement of Indian soldiers and their significant contribution. Nolan's Dunkirk, like many others, perpetuates this apparent whitewashing, shaping the global memory of those challenging times.The real story of Dunkirk from the Indian perspective remains unknown to the masses.

The murky, sandy beaches of Dunkirk witnessed the arrival of thousands of British soldiers on 28 May 1940. Among those thousands were 300 Indian soldiers, including Major Mohammed Akbar Khan from the Royal Indian Army Service Corps — the men of Force K6. Belonging to the 25th Animal Transport Company, they were tasked with transporting supplies on mules over a distance of 11,265 kilometres. Dressed in khaki with tin helmets, hats, and turbans, these soldiers were chosen for their skills in operating mules in areas inaccessible to motorised vehicles. Working tirelessly in treacherous conditions, unarmed and without proper utilities, they ensured frontline troops were adequately equipped.

As the war progressed and the situation worsened, British and French troops decided to withdraw, leaving Indian soldiers stranded at Dunkirk. Many of these soldiers, trained for logistics operations rather than combat, faced the dire consequences of being unarmed and without a clear escape strategy. Left stranded behind enemy lines, they formed small groups and embarked on a perilous journey to reach the safety of the French port of Le Havre, more than 320 miles away. Their journey became fraught with danger as they traversed a hostile landscape occupied by German forces, relying on ingenuity to evade capture. Locals played a crucial role, helping them hide as civilians and escape the German navy.

Their adventure turned into a relentless struggle for survival, with a constant threat of capture and the uncertainty of reaching safety. Unfortunately, not all soldiers made it to Le Havre, with many being captured by German forces, and their fates largely undocumented. Those who succeeded faced similar challenges while awaiting evacuation from France, eventually making it to the United Kingdom, where they were debriefed and assigned various roles.

This story of the 300 Indian soldiers at Dunkirk is a testament to their dedication and bravery, often in the face of unimaginable fear. Their vital contribution to the war effort, transporting animals and supplies, was crucial. However, their abandonment and fight for survival behind enemy lines remain a largely forgotten aspect of the Dunkirk evacuation. This tale serves as a reminder of the stories of the many unsung heroes of World War II, whose narratives deserve to be told and celebrated. The legacy of the Indian soldiers at Dunkirk is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals worldwide during this tumultuous period in history.