Nizam of Hyderabad and his role in the formation of the Royal Air Force

# Summary

Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, made significant contributions to the formation of the Royal Air Force by donating aircraft and funds during World War I and World War II.

# Abstract

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, recognized as the world's richest man in 1937, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Royal Air Force (RAF). His contributions extended beyond the donation of 18 aircraft to the RAF, with a substantial financial donation of one million dollars between December 1914 and March 1917. These donations were instrumental in the formation of the RAF on November 1, 1917, and the funds were also allocated for other war resources such as ambulances, motor cars, and animals. The Nizam's generosity led to the creation of the No. 110 Squadron RFC, known as the "Hyderabad Squadron," which featured the Nizam's emblem, a demi-tiger, in its badge. Post World War I, the Nizam was honored with the title "Faithful Ally of the British Crown" for his financial support to the British Empire's war efforts. His contributions also included funding a Royal Navy vessel, the HMAS Nizam, in 1940. In recognition of his support, the British government gifted the Nizam a Messerschmitt 109, which was displayed in Gulbarga until it went missing a decade ago. There is a recent call to return the surviving DH9A aircraft from the RAF Museum in London to Hyderabad as a tribute to the princely state's role in the Allied Forces' victory in both World Wars.

# Opinions

- The Nizam of Hyderabad's role in the formation of the RAF is underappreciated, as evidenced by the surprise many express upon learning of his significant contributions.
- The historical significance of the Nizam's contributions is underscored by the desire to repatriate the DH9A aircraft to Hyderabad, indicating a modern-day recognition and appreciation of his efforts.
- The title "Faithful Ally of the British Crown" reflects the British Empire's acknowledgment of the Nizam's substantial financial support and the value they placed on his assistance during the war.

Nizam of Hyderabad and his role in the formation of the Royal Air Force

Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan was known for his many opulences and for the same reason he was also been featured on the cover of Time magazine as the richest person at the time in the year 1937. But many are not aware of the fact that he also played a crucial role in the formation of Royal Air Force (RAF). Apart from donating as many as 18 aircraft to the RAF during World War I as well as World War II, the Nizam also donated one million dollars to the British air force between December, 1914 and March, 1917. Those aircraft were divided among three squadrons named after Hyderabad 110, 152 and 252 squadrons.

TIME Magazine Cover On Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam of Hyderabad. TIME Magazine Described Nizam as The Richest Man In The World.

The RAF was formed on November 1, 1917 and was heavily funded by Mir Osman Ali Khan. Apart from purchasing aircraft, the British government used the money for ambulances, motor cars and animals like horses, mules and camels for use in war. At the same time British government also formed the No. 110 Squadron RFC (Royal Flying Corps) at Rendcombe (Gloucestershire County, UK). The unit became known as the “Hyderabad Squadron” and the crest depicting demi tiger which was also the badge of the Nizam of Hyderabad was used in the squadron badge. The aircraft also carried the statement that they were donated by the Nizam.

Crest depicting the demi-tiger in the badge of of 110 Sqn

He was given the title of “Faithful Ally of the British Crown” after World War One due to his financial contribution to the British Empire’s war effort. He also paid for a Royal Navy vessel, the N-class destroyer, HMAS Nizam commissioned in 1940 and transferred to the Royal Australian Navy. In return, British government also gifted the Nizam, the Messerschmitt 109 (ME109) which was being shot down by RAF during the Battle of Britain. It was lying in Gulbarga till a decade ago for the people to come and see, and then suddenly it went missing.

Lately there are some demand to bring back the only surviving aircraft of Hyderabad Squadron 110, DH9A (De Havilland 9A) which is currently parked at the RAF Museum in London to Hyderabad in a fitting tribute to the contribution of the princely state of Hyderabad to the victory of the Allied Forces in two World Wars.