Sgt. Major Gandhi

He study law at University College, London, England in 1888. After working briefly as an Indian attorney, he was recruited to Durban, South Africa, as a legal advisor for a prominent Indian merchant firm. In 1893, he move to South Africa. Before Sargent Major Gandhi arrive in South Africa in 1893, the black Zulu South Africans were engage in a civil rights movement that was nonviolent against their colonial British rulers. They refuse to pay taxes, and sometimes even refuse to work. Surprisingly, those not familiar with Gandhi refuse to pay taxes and sometimes even work. He was eventually prompt to the rank of Sgt.  A Major in the British Army. He wrote propaganda about war and later, years later, lie about his participation in his autobiography.

British Declare War on Blacks

Two British tax collectors were kill sergeant major Gandhi in 1906 by Zulus as a protest against a new poll-tax. The British declare war against the Zulus in retaliation. They hanged, shot and severely tortured thousands of Zulus. During the rebellion, around four thousand Zulus were murder.

While the British took proactive measures to arm and raise an arm force to suppress the blacks, Gandhi began to prepare for war against the “Kaffirs” he called.

Gandhi Endorses British War

Gandhi encourage the British for six months to create an Indian regiment to fight the Zulus.  Despite being regard as an Apostle of Nonviolence sought out a chance to serve in the military. His campaign start in 1905 when he wrote “An Indian Volunteer Corps” to the Indian Opinion. He stated, “If the Government only realize how much reserve force is being waste, they would make use thereof and allow Indians to receive a thorough training for actual war.”

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Gandhi vented his frustration at the British for not having raise an Indian regiment during his Mar. 17th of December 1906, “A Plea For Indian Volunteering.” Gandhi express frustration that the British had not yet raise an Indian regiment in their Mar. Over one hundred thousand Indians live in Natal. They can perform very efficient work in times of war. Is it prudent that the Government allows a source for strength, which is always at its disposal to go to waste?

Gandhi Calls for Care Packages to British Troops

Gandhi ask the Indian community to send care packages and money to the white Zulus fighting them, while the Zulus continue their struggle for freedom. He wrote in “The Natal Rebellion”, February 2, 1906: “The essence of it is that Indians are not capable to go to battle-field but that they can help the men at front with the necessary amenities.” He also ask Indians to contribute to funding the war effort by saying that “It would be good to collect money and send it either to the Government or to any Fund that might have been establish. Then, we will be consider to have fulfill our duty. We are hopeful that the leaders of the community will address this matter.”

He wrote glowingly in his June 6, 1906 “Soldier’s Fund” that “The Durban Women’s Association had start a special fund to help soldiers who went to the front to battle the Kaffirs.” The Fund has receive contributions from all the leading men, and some Indian names can be seen among them. We recommend that more Indians, traders, and other people subscribe to the Fund.” He also request that civilians send care packages for soldiers. Strangely, Gandhi, a staunch Brahmanism, suggest that these packages include tobacco, which is consider a sin within Hinduism. He wrote, “The soldiers’ lives are hard …..” Therefore, those who don’t go to war should raise funds to send the soldiers food, tobacco and warm clothing. It is our responsibility to subscribe to such funds.

Gandhi Seeks Recruitment into the British Armed Services

Gandhi manage to convince the British government that an Indian stretcher-bearer crop was allow. Although he seem disappointed by the non-combatant status, Gandhi wrote in his May 12, 1906, “Indian Volunteering,” that “The pity is that the Government…haven’t taken the elementary precaution to give the necessary discipline, instruction, and supervision to the Indians.” It is physically impossible to expect Indians, or anyone, to use the rifle, or to perform any work relate to war with any efficiency. | Sargent Major Gandhi

Gandhi, still determine to convince the British to arm the corps, spoke of an “amendment to the Fire-Arms Act” June 9, 1906 in “Indians, Native Unrest”. This amendment would “[provide] the supply of arms for Indians…intend give Indians the opportunity to take their part in the defense of the Colony.”

He also show his selfish motives for creating an Indian regiment. This had nothing to do the British, and completely ignore the cause of the black Zulus. He wrote, “Indians now have a wonderful opportunity to show that they can appreciate the duties of citizenship.

” The fact that the corps was raise is something to be proud of. It is not uncommon for twenty Indians or two hundred to go to war. Rightly, the Indian sacrifice will be regard as insignificant. It is the principle that makes the event so important. Accepting the offer from the Government has shown their goodwill. The future is bright if the Indians can overcome this ordeal. If they are given a permanent position in the Militia they will be free to complain about the Europeans claiming that they alone must bear the burden of Colonial defense. Indians will stop feeling that they are being left out.

Gandhi is made a Sergeant Major

Gandhi made his oath on June 6, 1906 in “Pledge of Allegiance.” 6d. per day.”

It was official. Gandhi was made a Sergeant. Major in the British Army and would lead 20 Indian volunteers for the war against the Zulus.

Gandhi writes propaganda for war on blacks | Sargent Major Gandhi

Gandhi publish the Indian Opinion, “Should Indians volunteer or not?” as a final touch before heading to war. Gandhi passionately encourage Indians to sign up for the war, saying that “there is not a family where someone hasn’t gone to fight against the Kaffir rebels.” We should follow their lead and be strong. The time is now when leading whites demand that we take this step. If we don’t, we will regret it later.

He create statistics about previous British wars to downplay the dangers associate with going to war. He wrote that the Crimean War had cause heavy casualties. However, it was estimate that more men die of bullet or bayonet wounds than from carelessness or perverse living. On average, Ladysmith’s attack result in more deaths from fever and other diseases than Boer bullets. Every war was a similar experience.

Gandhi Tells Lies about His Participation in the War on Blacks

In his autobiography from 1920s Gandhi attempt to rewrite South African history. He said, “I had no grudge against Zulus. They had harm no Indian.” I was skeptical about the’ rebellion.’ He also stated, “My heart was with Zulus. “But in 1906, he demand that Indians “[take] their part in the defense of the Colony.” He cheer the opportunity to train for “actual war.”

However, his lies were even more obvious.

Yet, in Fatigue Duties, his last dispatch from battle, Gandhi describes his duties as follows:

“Early in the morning of 27th, therefore, one half of the Corps with two stretchers under the command of Sgt. Joshi went to Optimate where he was given instructions to transport one of the daze troopers. Fortunately, the trooper was able to recover before the party reach Thring’s Post. A co-trooper had shot another trooper, name Forder. He fortunately rode to the camp. The N. M. C.’s Mr. Stokes was the one who need assistance.

The Optimate stretcher party was to transport Maphumulo Private Sutton, Durban Reserves, whose foot was broken by a wagon, and Trooper Forder. Because his wound was so delicate, the latter had to be carried on a stretchered. It was much more difficult than we thought to carry Trooper Forder. All the men involve had to work hard to carry the wound men, particularly as they had to go uphill. The Captain of our escort inform us that Forder could be transferor to the ambulance wagon if it was possible. Otherwise, the Natives on the hill might mistakenly believe that the rebels had wound at least one of our soldiers. Trooper Forder was delight to accept the invitation and jump into the wagon. The fatigued bearers were also happy to be freed from the burden of carrying their load up the steep hill at Maphumulo.

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Gandhi later claimer that his military work consisted only of caring for wound blacks. However, his earlier writings reveal a different story. His primary work was to care for British soldiers wound in the war against blacks.

Summary

It is clear that Gandhi actively support and participate in a war that was solely design to strip blacks of their liberties. Gandhi support the oppressive white race at a time when there was a lot of racial conflict. He was even desperate for Zulu blood and said in July 1906, “At 12 o’clock, we complete the day’s journey with no Kaffirs to combat.”