Hardit Singh Malik: World War One Flying Ace

When Hardit Singh Malik grows up in Rawalpindi in Punjab, India – which would, after World War Two, become part of Pakistan – he has no idea of the life that awaits him.  

When he moves to England to go to school, Hardit experiences a culture shock: life in England is very different from Rawalpindi, and British people are not that welcoming to him, even though he is a British subject – especially at his school, where he is expected to pray in a Christian chapel, despite it not being his religion. 

Yet, when war breaks out in 1914, Hardit is studying at Oxford University and has been asked to play cricket for the Sussex County Cricket team. Everything changes overnight, and Hardit wants to do his bit. But, as an Indian, he isn’t permitted to enlist in the armed forces. Instead, he joins the French Red Cross as an ambulance driver, and then, finally, the British Royal Flying Corps. 

This wonderful title joins the Voices series from Scholastic, which presents a series of gripping adventures that reflect the authentic and unsung stories of under-represented voices from history. Hardit’s story is one of bravery, perseverance and strength of character, expertly told by Bali Rai, a master storyteller.