[7] Upon the outbreak of World War I, the then Lieutenant Colonel Pathania was in charge of mobilizing the 2nd Kashmir Rifles from 12 to 15 September with the regiment leaving Jammu at the end of the month to meet up with the rest of the Imperial Service Infantry Brigade which was to be concentrated at Deolali by 1 October.

On 18 January 1915, the Germans attacked the village of Jassin to secure Tanga which had successfully repelled an Anglo-Indian Invasion.

The fighting would last for nine hours in an attempt to relieve the nearby Yasin Garrison but to no avail as the regiment would eventually run out of ammunition against a superior German force and would surrender.

[9] Pathania's services were recognized by the state government as they would grant a Jagir worth 400 Rupees per annum and around 50 acres of land to his family.

[10] Brigadier J. L. Rose would comment on Pathania's death, stating: A glorious one falling as the head of his men fighting for his Chief, King and the Country.