Battle of Haifa 1918: Indian Cavalry in World War I and Forgotten Cavalry Triumph

S. No	Table of Content
1	Israel textbook controversy Battle of Haifa
2	Recent Changes in the Israeli Syllabus on the Battle of Haifa
3	The Battle of Haifa 1918: Detailed Analysis and Brief History of Events
4	1. The Background of the Battle of Haifa
5	2. Geographical Location of Haifa
6	3. Control of the Ottoman troops and Germans in Haifa
7	4. Why was Haifa Important for Allied Forces?
8	5. What Happens in the Battle of Haifa? Events in Chronology a. Operational Planning & Forces b. Commencement of the Battle c. Fighting in Haifa d. Casualties and Losses in the Battle e. Aftermath & Immediate Effects
9	How India honours the Battle of Haifa every year
10	Significance of Haifa Day for India and Israel
11	Consequences of the Battle of Haifa
12	Recent Developments and Why This Battle Is in the News Now
13	India-Israel relations 2025

Israel textbook controversy Battle of Haifa – Indian Standpoint Analysis

In recent years, the Battle of Haifa 1918 has been re-pickuped following a public statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recognizing Indian soldiers for freeing Haifa in the Great War and participation of Indian Cavalry in World War I. In a diplomatic speech he gave in 2023 during Haifa Day, Netanyahu claimed, “The Indian cavalry’s bravery in the Battle of Haifa will never be forgotten,” thus acknowledging a thread long subordinated in Israeli histories. Indian Standpoint provides you with the detailed analysis about the Battle of Haifa 1918 and its impact on the present India–Israel Relations in 2025.

With this recognition, the Israeli Ministry of Education spurred textbook updates in 2024–2025, and as a result, the curricula of Israeli history books on Battle of Haifa syllabus change now feature explicit content about the Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers of the British Indian Army and their role in Haifa liberation. This update raises the Israel textbook controversy Battle of Haifa and development in the India Israel Relations. Indian contributions were once commonly condensed to a mention or abstractly as part of “British forces.”

Recent Changes in the Israeli Syllabus on the Battle of Haifa

The recent Battle of Haifa syllabus change in Israeli history textbooks raises the Israel textbook controversy Battle of Haifa. It is expected only there is no official statement came from Israel’s Ministry of Education. This topic came in news when Mayor of Haifa City, Yona Yahav on Haifa Day 2025 exclaimed about the correction in history textbooks in the city. It is expected that the new editions may include: 

1. Entire lesson pages now cover the tactics, leaders, and troop movements of Indian cavalry in Haifa.
2. Maps, photographs, and sidebars have been added to deepen contextual understanding.
3. Classroom discussion prompts and worksheets now ask students to compare the role of Indian units with British command.
4. Local municipal history supplements used in Haifa’s schools will ensure that Israeli students in Haifa encounter an enriched and locally grounded narrative.

Thus, instead of a passing line in a section, Indian troops are integral protagonists in the story of Haifa’s liberation in the revised syllabus. Israeli historian Dr. Nir Arielli remarked that this “marks a necessary redress in public memory,” moving the Indian participants from the margins into the narrative center.

The Battle of Haifa 1918: Detailed Analysis and Brief History of Events

1. The Background of the Battle of Haifa

 In 1918, the Great War or World War I was on its final stage of conclusion. Central Powers including Germany, Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empire were being pressed by the Allied Powers including Britain, France with their colonial force, Russia lately joined by the USA, Japan and Italy. Under General Edmund Allenby, the Sinai & Palestine Campaign had advanced into Ottoman territory and momentum favored Allies.

2. Geographical Location of Haifa

Haifa, an Ottoman bastion located on the Mediterranean Coast was essential to control and manage northern Palestine. Haifa’s terrain was rough: Mount Carmel, the marshy Kishon riverbeds, coastal plains and ridgelines were natural defenses. Access routes were flanked on both sides by steep ridges with narrow passages. This was a dangerous place for cavalry, especially. On the northern side, there was a route that led towards Acre. To the south lay the fertile Jezreel Valley. This terrain provided both high vantages and natural cover for the defenders. Ottomans placed machine gun nests and artillery in strategic positions to make a frontal attack risky. 

David Fromkin, historian of “A Peace to End All Peace” observes that the Ottomans were thinly staffed but still held key strongholds such as Haifa to keep communication open with Syria.

3. Control of the Ottoman troops and Germans in Haifa

Their antagonists were the Ottoman Army, aided by German military experts, detachments of artillery, and specialist formations. Defensively, the Yildirim Army Group, under German control (including Liman von Sanders), controlled the strategy in Palestine. Locally, Ottoman and German forces defended fortifications in Haifa.

Haifa’s defensive system took advantage of Mount Carmel’s commanding height. Guns and machine guns were used to maintain control over the Kishon and its access roads. Allied planners realized Ottoman troops could regroup or reinforce themselves if Haifa wasn’t captured. It was decided that despite rugged terrain the cavalry would be used to immediately assault the city to maintain the momentum

4. Why was Haifa Important for Allied Forces?

1. Port Access & Logistics: This allowed Allied supply vessels to land closer to the advancing forward front, reducing supply lines.
2. Communication Point: Haifa was the hub of communications control, with telegraph lines, roads and potential rail links to the interior.
   3. Geo-strategic point: The Ottoman retreat was disrupted by the security of Haifa, which threatened Ottoman lines along the coast.
   4. Staging Point: This became an advancing base for operations in Acre, Lebanon and Syria.
   5. Psychological Impact: It reinforced colonial troops’ role and symbolised the collapse of Ottoman Resistance.

5. What Happens in the Battle of Haifa? Events in Chronology

The time frame of the Megiddo attack was from 19 to 25 September 1918, and during this time Haifa emerged as an essential venture for both the parties. After a successful breakthrough in Ottoman defences at Sharon and Nablus, Allenby’s cavalry were commanded to move towards the North side. In order to ensure dominance in logistics, Allenby wanted to cut off Ottoman withdrawal into Syria.

On 23 September 1918, the Battle of Haifa was fought by the most daring soldiers of India. This battle is also known as one of the last battles fought by cavalry units. 

Approximately 400 Indian cavalrymen took part in the combat phases of the Battle of Haifa, drawn from the 15th Cavalry Brigade of Imperial Service (fighting for British Crown). 

This assault was led by Major Thakur Dalpat Singh Shekhawat, along with his brave officers included Captain Aman Singh Jodha, Captain Bahadur Singh, and Lieutenant Sagat Singh Rathore, who also distinguished themselves in battle of Haifa 1918 with their valour, bravery and incredible skills of warrior. They all were Indian heroes of Haifa.

a. Operational Planning & Forces

Major-General W. G. Mac Andrew was the person on lead and the 15th Cavalry Brigade of Imperial Service was ordered to seize Haifa. This brigade includes:

S. No.	Lancers	Leaders
1.	Jodhpur Lancers	Under the command of Major Thakur Dalpat Singh Shekhawat.
2.	Mysore Lancers	Under the command of Captain Aman Singh Jodha.
3.	Hyderabad Lancers	in reserve to consolidate services.

The plan for this operation was scheduled as threefold:

1. The Frontal assault was led by Jodhpur Lancers through the Kishon valley to overrun enemy artillery and enter the Haifa region.
2. A flanking sweep was operated by Mysore Lancers around Mount Carmel to isolate positions of the guns.
3. Consolidation by Hyderabad Lancers were reserved to hold conquered ground and manage prisoners.

When the operation was executed then soldiers were exposed to the problem of the terrain including deep mud in the riverbed, steep ridges, hidden machine-gun nests, and mined approach routes. The defenders had anticipated an infantry attack, but not a cavalry attack.

b. Commencement of the Battle

The action started at 14:00 under intense heat and heavy gunfire. As they advanced, Major Dalpat Singh rallied his men by shouting “Jodhpur! Forward!” While horses struggled to cross the Kishon River in mud, German machine guns on Mount Carmel caused casualties.

Dalpat Singh, refusing to stop, changed tactics. He ordered his Lancers, using shock, to overpower firepower. They broke through with lances and swords in hand, smashed the first defensive wall, sacked gun positions, and advanced into the rear of the enemy.

The Mysore Lancers also advanced simultaneously from the flank. Aman Singh Jodha divided his squadron. One unit advanced uphill in order to stop the artillery while another turned around and cut off reinforcements coming from Acre road. The Ottomans were confused by this maneuver.

c. Fighting in Haifa

By 16:00 hours, the two regiments converged near the Haifa railway station. Urban combat erupted. Ottoman and German defenders held positions in buildings and trenches, then resorted to close-quarters defense.

The Lancers, trained for mobility, adapted to dismounted combat when necessary, fighting with rifles and bayonets in narrow streets. According to British War Office dispatches, scenes unfolded where cavalrymen dismounted and cleared buildings under small arms fire and grenades.

During this intense phase, Major Dalpat Singh was hit and mortally wounded. In this wounded situation he refused evacuation and urged his men forward until he collapsed. His second-in-command, Captain Bahadur Singh, assumed leadership and led the final push into the city core.

By 17:00 hours, Indian troopers saved the city from central powers and locals appreciated their valour. With their bravery they captured 17 artillery guns, 11 machine guns, and 1,350 prisoners of war, including German officers.

d. Casualties and Losses in the Battle

Indian cavalry casualties were:

1. 44 men were martyred, including Major Dalpat Singh,
2. 34 wounded,
3. Several horses lost, many stuck in mud or shot,

Whereas, Ottoman and German losses were heavy:

• Approximately 1,350 prisoners taken,
• Over 200 killed,
• 17 artillery guns, 11 machine guns, and large ammunition was seized.

Despite these losses, the objectives were achieved in under five hours, a remarkable operational success.

e. Aftermath & Immediate Effects

By nightfall, Haifa was firmly in Allied hands. Locals reportedly greeted the cavalry liberators with relief. The Carmel Pass was cleared, allowing Allied forces to move northward; Acre fell within days.

General Allenby, in his official report, praised the Indian troops – “The capture of Haifa shall remain one of the finest achievements of the Imperial Service Troops. Their courage, skill, and endurance defy all praise.”

The Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers took up garrison duties thereafter, maintaining control until the Ottoman surrender. Haifa, now the first major city in northern Palestine to fall in the campaign and became a strategic foothold for further operations into Syria and Lebanon.

Historian Dr. George Morton-Jack, in The Indian Empire at War, wrote: “Haifa shows that colonial troops were not passive instruments; they were active, decisive agents in shaping the Middle Eastern order.”

How India honours the Battle of Haifa every year

This Indian cavalry charge remembered in Israel with great honour. Regimental histories and the Indian Army continue to honor these brave men, and commemorate their sacrifice, every year on 23 September as Haifa Day. The Indian Army World War I contribution is unforgettable, these brave hearts fought for the British crown at that time but represent the valour of their mother soil on foreign land. In 1922, the Teen Murti Memorial, now known as Teen Murti Haifa Chowk was built in Delhi in commemoration of soldiers fought in the Battle of Haifa. 

Significance of Haifa Day for India and Israel

Every 23 September, the city of Haifa in Israel holds memorial ceremonies at the Indian Soldiers’ Memorial, honouring the 44 Indian soldiers who died and the larger brigade. The dignitaries of Israel, Indian diplomats, and veterans’ representatives were present in the event.

Centenary of Haifa war was completed in 2018, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu jointly offered wreaths and respect to the brave martyrs of this battle. On this date Battle of Haifa commemoration events are celebrated including lectures, exhibitions, and cultural programs. The Haifa City Council also ensures local school programs include contextual sessions, especially after the recent syllabus changes recognising Indian contributions. Liberation of Haifa 1918, is a remarkable chapter in the British Indian Army history in which the presence of Indian soldiers in Israel (present day). Haifa War 1918 played a crucial role in present India Israel relations.

Historian Col. M. L. Ahuja, in History of Indian Cavalry, called the battle “a rare fusion of chivalric valour and calculated warfare.”

Whenever we talk about the British Army in World War I, we always think of white soldiers but the contribution of common wealth nation soldiers including the Indian Army in World War I was incredible and unforgettable. Their stories, like the Battle of Haifa, should come in lime light and it’s our responsibility to commemorate these brave hearts with all respect and honour.

Consequences of the Battle of Haifa

1. Control of Allied Forces: on 23 September 1918, Haifa and its ports fell under the control of the Allied Forces.
2. Strategic Control: Opened seaborne supply lines, shortened Allied logistics, disrupted Ottoman retreat routes, and allowed further northward advances.
3. Seize of Enemy Assets: Over 1,350 prisoners, 17 artillery guns, 11 machine guns, and significant ammunition stocks were taken under control by this unit. The 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade shows incredible bravery in this battle.
4. Earned Recognition: The Indian regiments received battle honours; British authorities publicly praised their contribution.
5. Loss to Ottomans: This success played a vital role in accelerating the collapse of Ottoman control in Palestine and Syria.

Recent Developments and Why This Battle Is in the News Now

Several concurrent events have renewed attention to the Battle of Haifa:

• Netanyahu’s public statements honouring Indian soldiers.
• The textbook revisions in Israel that now highlight Indian cavalry.
• The 2025 Haifa municipal commemoration, attended by Indian and Israeli representatives.
• A new India–Israel joint research initiative announced in 2024 to document Indian soldier contributions in the Middle Eastern theatres of WWI.

These factors, combined with the anniversary and renewed scholarly interest in colonial military history, have kept Haifa in contemporary news cycles.

India-Israel relations 2025

1. Diplomatic Relations: The formal relations between India and Israel was started in 1992 The relationship has been consolidated rapidly through visits at high levels like PM Modi’s visit of 2017 and Netanyahu’s visit of 2018. Haifa memories are shared, which strengthen the bond. India-Israel diplomatic relations 2025 are strengthening well.
2. Drones & Security: Israel is a significant defense technology provider to India. Israel provides India with drones, radars and other missiles. Assemblies are working on joint projects for co-production and development. Shared intelligence and collaboration in the fight against terrorism are two of our strongest pillars. All these developments help to boost Indo-Israel defense cooperation 2025 as well.
3. Trade: There is an important bilateral trade in both technology and economics. India signed a 2025 bilateral investment protection accord with Israel to increase flows. India and Israel collaborate in the areas of agriculture (precision agricultural), water tech, cyber-security, start-ups as well via I4F India-Israel R&D Fund.
4. Cultural & symbolic Relations: Joint commemoration of Indians war martyrs in Haifa. Naming public monuments and increasing people-to-person exchanges strengthen the cultural affinity. Haifa Day celebrations in India and Israel are the most significant for both the nations.

India attempts to strike a balance between its Israel connections and historical positions of support for Palestinian sovereignty, but in recent decades strategic and national security interests brought both countries together in a strong partnership. Israel is an important partner for India in diplomatic affairs and a strong friend in the geopolitical arena.

You can also check these links for the Detailed Analysis on Various Topics by Indian Standpoint

1. US – Taliban Bagram Air Base Conflict 2025: Detailed Analysis by Indian Standpoint
2. Air Defense Systems: Indian Standpoint’s Detailed Analysis
3. Natural Disasters in Uttarakhand: An Indian Standpoint on Climate Change and Recommendations for a Safer Future
4. Northwest Passage 2025: Trade, Absolute Geopolitics, and India’s Interest