The Flying Sikh - Hardit Singh Malik

Published on 23 January 2023
Submitted by Stephen Barker

From his arrival in the UK alone in 1908 as a fourteen-year-old, to Balliol College, Oxford and into the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, Hardit Singh Malik lived an extraordinary life, often in the face of great adversity, yet always with charm and good humour. He played cricket for Sussex and was an Oxford blue in golf, playing with the Prince of Wales.

Malik rose to become the Indian Ambassador to France after a long and distinguished career in the Indian Civil service, yet always maintained strong bonds with Great Britain. Yet it is as a fighter pilot during 1917-19 that he is best known, coming up against the Red Baron and the British military establishment. 

This presentation, by Stephen Barker describes Hardit Singh Malik's fascinating story.

The Flying Sikh - Hardit Singh Malik
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Searchable Magazine Icon
Searchable Magazine Archive

Identify key words or phrases within back issues of our magazines, including Stand To!, Bulletin, Gun Fire, Fire Step and lots of others.

Youtube Channel Icon
Subscribe to the WFA's YouTube channel

The WFA's YouTube channel features hundreds of videos of lectures given by experts on particular aspects of WW1.

Magazine
Historical Magazines

Read post-WW1 era magazines, such as 'Twenty Years After', 'WW1 A Pictured History' and 'I Was There!' plus others.

Other Articles

Austro Hungarian Navy (1)
3 February 2026

The Austro-Hungarian Navy during the Great War

Read more
Phyllis Guillemard Crop
25 January 2026

‘What a fine girl she was’

Read more
Voisin 3. Somme
22 January 2026

The first documented case of aerial victory by shooting

Read more
Saunders.
21 January 2026

Alfred William Saunders: Irish Fighter Ace

Read more
Thbm Hunterbunter
20 January 2026

‘Hunter-Bunter’: Lt. Gen. Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston

Read more