Mahatma Gandhi - Combat Soldier?

Mahatma Gandhi was world famous for his efforts to achieve Indian independence from the British Empire, but did you also know that Gandhi was a soldier, twice, seeing action WITH the British Army in Africa and receiving medals for that service. Find out the full story here...

Special thanks to viewer Nicholas Raphael for suggesting this topic.

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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress

[joey]

At one time, Gandhi and Churchill were at the same batlleground at the boerwar

[kleverich]

I could never imagine him as a frontline combat soldier, but his exposure to war makes perfect sense in the formation of his views on peaceful non-violence.

[mRahman]

History is often oversimplified and distorted. Video documents like this help paint a clearer picture. Life is no so black and white.

[dominicdmello]

My grandfather died in Egypt in WWI fighting in the British Indian Army. My father served in the Royal Indian Navy in WW2. He was imprisoned in South Africa as a Naval officer because he refused to follow the apartheid rules in Durban port. I have his war service medals. But neither received any recognition or compensation from Britain. I'm proud My father became a freedom fighter and was court martialed in 1946 for the naval revolt against British rule.

[PaulDekleva]

I have read in places that Gandhi was a complex character and I’ve known about his military service for a long time. When I finally got around to watching the Gandhi movie, I always wondered why his service was not shown. Thanks Mark for the video; as someone who has read WWII history for 50 years, you always inform me of something that I didn’t know.

[tomtomtrent]

His insistence that Indians prove their loyalty to the British through military service reminds me a bit of the number of Jews who disproportionately volunteered for the German Army in World War I. Unfortunately, it can be pretty hard to earn someone’s respect once they’ve already decided you’re inferior

[homunculous]

Thank you Dr. Felton for yet another fascinating story.

[charlesknowles]

In Central Johannesburg the main bus station was called Vanderbijl square. It was renovated, and the name changed to Gandhi Square in the mid 1990s. The reason being Gandhi's law Practice was situated right on that square where the bus station stands to this very day. I often caught busses there in the early morning and returned in the late afternoon. Thanks Mark for the excellent video, and for bringing back many fond memories for me.

[HeavyDragoon]

Another "flanking move" of notoriety and cunning from Dr Felton...expecting another great WW2 or otherwise interesting historical episode..I was given this...something I had NOT heard of before...another marvel from the Felton that just keeps giving...BRAVO!

[bluebeastgamer]

I will really appreciate if you would make more Indian WW2 history videos. There are almost no creators who talk about Indian role in WW2 and yet they played a crucial role.

[IXXILordFibonacciIXXI]

He certainly changed alot and that was the point. He experienced so much and kept growing.

[JCinerea]

Gandhi's first name was Mohandas. "Mahatma, " meaning "Great One, " was an informal title of respect given by his followers.

[gregorferry]

Fantastic Dr Felton! Being a Scot and having taught the independence movement from Pakistan's point of view in Punjab and married to to Pakistani, having lived in India and learned the independence movement from India's point of view it's always good to hear well balanced research. I've heard opinions about Gjandi on both sides of the Indian/Pakistani border and in Britain. Wonderful work!!

I've also recently discovered your written works and they are every bit as wonderful as the work of your channels. I'm looking forward to many long evenings continuing to enjoy both. Thank you for all your hard work!!

[steveinthemountains]

People really are complex....and interesting! Great vid. Happy Labor Day!

[jamalwatson]

Fun fact: Gandhi was staying in London studying law during the same time Jack the Ripper was committing his murders

[greyone]

You're right. I knew precisely nothing about his military service.

[sandeeppallapu]

Looking at the comments, i realised there are two sides of the spectrum....

All the non-indians revering Gandhi as a peaceful non-violence person

And there's my own countrymen( I'm an Indian) who particularly despise this person and disregard him as a freedom fighter and rather call him a "British servant" or "lapdog" (especially post 2014, iykyk)

Crazy world, eh??

[derekantill]

Very interesting, my father met Gandhi while serving in the Royal Artillery in India during WW2.

[dipanjandatta]

Struggle for Indian independence against British empire began years before Gandhi set foot on India. In 1905 a mass protest started in Bengal against Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal. That was the first spark of freedom struggle against the empire. This protest movement had a deep impact on other parts of India too. The British govt was ultimately compelled to withdraw its decision to partition Bengal on 1911 and they shifted the capital from Calcutta to Delhi the next year.

[bhaveshparekh]

Gandhi was wrong in some respecs in his youth and early middle age. He had the courage to evolve. We do him an injustice by putting him on the pedestal of sainthood. Gandhi was a brilliant politician. His contribution in the 1920s and 1930s makes him as one of the greatest leaders of world history.