The Legacy of Khudadad Khan – Pakistan’s First Victoria Cross Hero
Date of Birth: 20 October 1888
Died: 8 March 1971
Who was Khudadad Khan?
Khudadad Khan was a soldier in the British Indian Army and the first Indian and Pakistani-origin recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross — the highest military award for bravery in the face of the enemy. Born in the village of Dab (in present-day Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan), he served with the 129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis during World War I.
The Heroism at Hollebeke, Belgium (1914)
During the First Battle of Ypres on 31 October 1914, Khan's machine gun crew held their position under extreme German attacks near the village of Hollebeke. Despite being severely wounded and his team killed, Khudadad Khan continued to operate the gun, slowing down the enemy until reinforcements arrived. His courage directly prevented the Germans from breaking through to the English Channel ports.
Award of the Victoria Cross
In recognition of his bravery, King George V presented Khan with the Victoria Cross in France in January 1915. He remains the first soldier from British India to receive this honor.
Legacy and Controversy Over His Medal
Khudadad Khan passed away in 1971 and is buried in Mandi Bahauddin, Pakistan. A statue commemorating him stands at the entrance of the Pakistan Army Museum in Rawalpindi. His medal has also been a subject of controversy — newspaper reports claim that the original Victoria Cross was stolen in 1950, and later surfaced for sale in private hands.
At one point, the medal reportedly appeared on public classified websites for confidential sale. A 2011 post referencing the medal was archived from a now-defunct listing on OLX.
For historical context only, we have compiled all verified information and accounts in this article.
References
This article is published by SellUp.pk as part of our “Unsung Heroes of Pakistan” blog series. All content is for educational purposes and honors historical figures from Pakistan’s past.