Mir Dast Afridi

Subedar Mir Dast Afridi was a highly decorated British Indian soldier who served with distinction during the First World War. Serving as a jemadar in the 55th Coke's Rifles (Frontier Force), attached to the 57th Wilde's Rifles, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and valor during the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium. On April 26, 1915, during a fierce German counter-attack accompanied by chlorine gas, he took command of his regiment's remnants after all British officers had fallen, holding them together under intense fire.

In addition to his tactical leadership at Ypres, Mir Dast displayed extraordinary physical courage by personally rescuing eight wounded British and Indian officers, carrying them to safety while under heavy enemy fire and suffering from the effects of gas inhalation. This action left him severely wounded and handicapped, but earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British and Commonwealth forces.

Following his wounding, Mir Dast was sent to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England, for medical treatment. It was there on August 25, 1915, that King George V personally pinned the Victoria Cross onto his chest. He returned to British India as a celebrated hero, having also earned prestigious awards from both the British Indian government and foreign allies, including Imperial Russia.