Hira Lal Atal

Who is Hira Lal Atal?

Hira Lal Atal was the first Cadet Captain, or Head Boy, of the famous Rashtriya Indian Military College, which was at that time known as the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College, Dehradun. The year was 1922 and the RIMC had just been established in an attempt to nurture native Indians to help them take command of the British Indian Army. He was at the Rawlinson Section, which later came to be known as Pratap Section after 1947.

Attended Sandhurst and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant onto the Unattached List, Indian Army 29 January 1925. He was attached to 1st battalion Gordon Highlanders from 20 March 1925 after which he was appointed to the Indian Army on the 31st March 1926 and the 16th Light Cavalry.

Promoted Lieutenant 29 April 1927, he was appointed Quarter-Master 3 January 1928 till 1 October 1930. Attended the eight-month course at the Equitation School, Saugor during 1929-30. Appointed Adjutant 1 October 1930 until being attached for service with the Rewa State Forces, being appointed Chief of General Staff 16 February 1935, an appointment he relinquishes in 1936. Promoted Captain 29 January 1934. Attached to the 15th Lancers, now a training regiment, 7 September 1937 until being appinted Adjutant and Quartermaster of the Equitation School, Saugor 4 December 1938 until the establishment was closed in September 1939.