Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) goes to someone who has contributions to arts and sciences, charitable and welfare organisations, or someone who has outstanding public service. For 103-year-old Rajindar Singh Dhatt, recognition by His Majesty King Charles is a long time coming.
He was recognised for his services to the South Asian Community in the United Kingdom. Born in 1921in pre-partition India, Rajindar had almost finished his schooling before World War II happened. The war is what prompted him to join the British Army.
Quickly, Rajindar moved through the ranks and in 1943, was promoted to Havildar Major (Sergeant Major.) He was then deployed to the Far East campaign where he spent time fighting in Kohima, northeast India. Through that campaign, he helped support Allied Forces in breaking Japanese defenses.
After the war, Rajindar returned to India and relocated alongside his family to Hounslow in 1963. He helped co-found the Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association. The group helps bring together World War II service personnel from pre-partition India who are living in the United Kindom.
In December 2024, he was presented with his MBE by King Charles.