On This Day...... 11 March

[rKr]

The following is on the UK Ministry of Defence web site - we should publicise such things as much as possible

Published Friday 11th March 2005

1944: In Burma, Nand Singh, a Naik with 1/11th Sikh Regiment, led his section in a counter-attack after the Japanese had succeeded in taking a British position on a ridge-line. He led his men up a very steep and exposed hillside, in the face of heavy machine-gun fire, and despite being repeatedly wounded in the leg, face and shoulder, did not rest until all three trenches had been taken. He was awarded the Victoria Cross.

http://news.mod.uk/news_headline_story.asp?newsItem_id=1537

[Akaal Purakh Di Fauj]

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WOW <_<

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[Harjit_S_Banga]

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WGJKF

Awesome, thanks for sharing... <_<

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[S1ngh]

Thanks for reminding us about this great sikh soldier <_<

The story of Naik Nand Singh, a Sikh soldiers who personally recieved a Victoria Cross from Lord Mountbatten in 1944 for his bravery and heroism against the Japanese in Burma is truly inspirational.

" The only possible approach onto the hill followed a narrow track leading up to the enemy position. Along this track Naik Nand Singh lead his section. Reaching the crest the section came under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and every man was knocked over, either killed or wounded. Nonetheless, Naik Nand Singh dashed forward alone under intense fire at point blank range. He was wounded by grenade as he neared the first Japanese trench. Without hesitating he went on, captured the trench, and killed the two occupants with the bayonet. Not far away was another trench. Under continuous heavy fire, Naik Nand Singh jumped up and charged it. He was again wounded by a grenade and knocked down, but he got up and hurled himself into the trench, again killing both occupants with the bayonet. He moved on again, and captured a third trench, still single-handed. With the capture of this third trench, enemy fire died away. Naik Nand Singh's encounter had taken little time, and the remainder of the platoon, checked for the moment by the sudden heavy fire opened on it as it reached the crest, now moved up and captured the remainder of the position, killing with bayonet and grenade thirty seven out of the forty Japanese who were holding it. "Naik Nand Singh's part in this brilliant little action, his splendid resolution and utter disregard for his own life were fittingly recognized by the award of the Victoria Cross." (Colonel F.T. Birdwood)