Maj Dalpat Singh was born and brought up in Jodhpur. His father, Col Hari Singh Shekhawat was a famous polo player. Under his guidance, Dalpat Singh grew and became an Army officer. He received his `King Commission' in 1912.

During the first world war, on September 23, 1918 Haifa (now in Israel), a stronghold of the Britishers was captured. Maj Shekhawat was given the task of capturing back Haifa from the enemies. By showing his military skill, tactics and leadership in battle, he succeeded in his mission and won Haifa. However, he became a martyr while completing his task. Haifa victory was a great achievement of Maj Dalpat Singh and the British Government honoured him with 'Military Cross' in the battle field.

Col Harvey, a British Army officer lamented on the death of such a heroic personality and in his words, "His death is a loss not only to all Jodhpuris, but to India and the whole of the `British Empire'. The British Government eulogised his heroic deed and adored him as Hero of Haifa.

The Government of Marwar built `Dalpat Memorial Hall' in the premises of Pratap School in his memory. Maharaja Shri Umed Singhji got prepared his silver replica which is now a piece of glory for 61 Cavalary at Jaipur.

Maj Dalpat Singh's valour has been depicted in the literature of Rajasthan. A great poet of Marwar, Mr Kishore Dan Baharat has written many poems in his memory named `Veer Vilas' and ‘Dalpat Raso’ in Rajasthani language. The supreme sacrifice of Maj Dalpat Singh was appreciated by the British Government. It got made his statue with two other first world war heroes' statues by an architect of London, Leonard Jennings in 1922. These statues were placed side by side on a monolith pillar in New Delhi.

The 83rd death anniversary of late Maj Dalpat Singh Shekhawat was recently celebrated at his native place, Jodhpur. At a meeting held on this occasion the senior officers, of Indian Army and civil administration recalled the supreme sacrifice of this Haifa Hero.