General M R Sinhji belonged to the house of Nawanagar. Born at Sarodar in 1899, he had his education at Rajkumar College , Rajkot , Malvern College , UK and Royal Military College , Sandhurst . In 1921, he was commissioned into the 3rd Bn the 60th Rifles (KRRC British Army) and the 2nd Royal Lancers a year later. During World War II in 1941 he went to North Africa as a Squadron Commander where, for his courageous leadership and determined actions he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
In 1943 he was appointed Commandant of the 2nd Royal Lancers. In May 1945 he went to Washington as the firstMilitary Attache to that country. During this tour of duty he was decorated by President Truman with the order of American Legion of Merit.
In September 1946 he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier and commanded a Sub Area. In 1947 he was promoted to the rank of Major General and took over command as GOC Delhi and East Punjab Area. He rendered valuable and effective service in controlling the disturbances in Delhi and the Punjab . Subsequently, In Jan 1948 he became General Officer Commanding -in- Chief Eastern Command, thereafter moved as General Officer Commanding -in- Chief Southern Command in May 1948, where he directed the swift police action in Hyderabad in September of that year.
The General Officer was selected to succeed General Cariappa as C - in - C and assumed office on 15th January 1953. The General Officer was awarded Queen Elizabeth II's Commendation Medal in June 1953. The Order of Yugoslavia Army Class I was bestowed on him by HE Marshal Tito. The General Officer was appointed as Chief of Army Staff from 1st April 1955 to 14th May 1955. He passed away on 1st Jan 1964.