The Dogras
A British officer who commanded a battalion of Dogra Regiment in 1946, Lt Col (Retd) H W Davis was so impressed by Dogras that he wrote a poem on Dogras.
When God planned his creation He chose a special place Streams,
snow-clad hills and forests And called it Dogra Desh.
From Chamba to Rajouri Suketh to Shimla Hills ,
He helped it grow In beauty Amidst these rocks and rills.
Here, midst this verdant beauty With a gradener’s care and grace,
He sprinkled down from heaven Seed of the Dogra race.
Here, Katoch, Manhas, Chib. Rana Were planted side by side ,
Chandel, Guler, Pathania Blossomed into India’s pride.
God noticed that these people Loved music, dance and song,
That smiles possessed their faces When so much else went wrong.
He showered on them His blessings And sent them on their way,
With honour Truth and courage Their hall-mark till today.
These men of Dogra Desh came forth When danger filled the air,
No enemy of strength or stamp Ever touched them with despair.
They fought the Turk at Hanna The Hun at Passehendale,
At Malakhand they triumphed When bullets fell as rain.
From Razmak down to Rangoon In Sittang’s awful hell At Nungshigum and Magwe,
The Dogra fought and fell. He fought and died at Dograi Asal Uttar • Barwali too Displaying the kind of valour His fathers loved and knew.
I’ve shared his joy and laughter In friendship shook his hand,
Enjoyed his hospitality Most genuine in the land.
I’ve seen him wounded. bleeding With his life’s blood running low,
Have seen the smile light up his face Before he let life go.
In death as in his living He gives duty place of pride,
For the glory of his country And the honour of his tribe.
So, when we his comrades reach the end Dark death approaching soon,
A Dogra will be sent by God To guide us through the gloom.
