King's Commissioned Indian Officer facts for kids

A King Commissioned Indian Officer (often called a KCIO) was a special type of Indian officer in the British Indian Army. These officers received their training in the United Kingdom, usually at famous military schools like the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Once they completed their training, they were given a full commission directly from the King. This meant they had the same authority and privileges as British officers and could command both British and Indian soldiers.

This was different from other Indian officers, like the Indian Commissioned Officers (ICOs) who trained in India, or the Viceroy's Commissioned Officers (VCOs). KCIOs were introduced in the early 1900s as part of a plan to include more Indians in leadership roles in the army. They were very important because they helped lead the army during major events like World War II and later became key leaders in the armies of independent India and Pakistan.

Indians Join the Officer Ranks

In 1918, a big change happened: the King's Commission was opened up to Indian people. This meant that ten spots were set aside each year at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst in the UK for Indians to train as officers for the Indian Army. The very first Indian cadets from Sandhurst and another college in India, Daly College, received this special King's Commission.

At first, some British officers were not happy about serving under Indian officers. They worried that Indian cadets might not be as good at leading or that Indian soldiers wouldn't accept them. However, the British government believed that training in the UK was the best way to create strong leaders.

Training Challenges

The training at Sandhurst was tough, and it was very different from what young Indian men were used to. Because of these challenges, not all the early Indian cadets succeeded. For example, out of the first 25 Indian cadets at Sandhurst, ten didn't meet the required standards. To help prepare Indian cadets better, a new college was set up in India on March 13, 1922. It was called the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College. This school helped Indian students get ready for the tough training at Sandhurst.

Slow Progress for Indian Officers

The British government also started a plan called the "Eight Unit Scheme of Indianisation" in 1923. This was the first step to include more Indian officers in the army. However, it was a very slow process. Out of many army units, only eight were chosen to have Indian officers at every level. This included just five infantry battalions, two cavalry regiments, and one pioneer battalion. Many Indians wanted a faster change, but the British government had much slower plans.

Despite these challenges, the KCIOs proved themselves to be excellent officers. In the 1930s, they served bravely in areas like Waziristan. During World War II, they performed outstandingly. They fought against German and Italian forces in the West and against the Japanese army in East and Southeast Asia. Some KCIOs even took the surrender of Japanese forces in places like Vietnam and the Philippines. After the war, they were an important part of the forces that helped keep peace in Japan.

Leaders After Independence

After India gained independence in 1947, these KCIOs became the core leaders of both the new Indian Army and the Pakistan Army. Many of them rose to the highest ranks. For example, K.M. Cariappa and Rajendrasinhji became Commanders-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Ayub Khan became the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army and later its President. Other KCIOs became Army Chiefs or held other very senior positions, showing their great leadership and dedication.

Eight Special Units

The first eight units of the Indian Army chosen to have King Commissioned Indian Officers were:

• 7th Light Cavalry
• 16th Light Cavalry
• 2nd Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment
• 5th (Royal) Battalion, 5th Mahratta Light Infantry
• 1st Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment
• 1st Battalion, 14th Punjab Regiment
• 4th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment
• 2nd Battalion, 1st Madras Pioneers

Famous KCIOs

Many brave and talented officers started their careers as KCIOs. The very first group included people like Commander-in-Chief Tripura Forces Col. Rana Jodha Jung Bahadur Rana, Maj. Gen. Ajit Rudra, and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.

Many officers who later became very important in the Indian and Pakistan armies were KCIOs. Some well-known names include:

• Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa
• General Rajendrasinhji
• General K.S. Thimayya
• Lieutenant General S.P.P. Thorat
• Field Marshal Ayub Khan

One notable KCIO was Maj. Gen. Dewan Misri Chand, who was the first Indian army pilot. He even won a famous air race in 1934! Another important KCIO was Maj. Gen. Harkirat Singh. He was an engineer who studied at top schools in the UK and later became a very important figure in Indian engineering and construction.

The last KCIO to serve in the Indian Army was General P.P. Kumaramangalam, who retired in 1969 after serving as the Chief of Army Staff.