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Gian Singh VC: A Lone Warrior’s Stand Against the Enemy
Gian Singh VC (5 October 1915 – 6 October 1996) was a man forged in the fires of war. Born in Sahabpur, Punjab, British India, he would go on to etch his name in history as one of the bravest soldiers of the Second World War. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy within British and Commonwealth forces. As a soldier of the 15th Punjab Regiment, Singh embodied the fearless spirit of the Sikh warriors before him. But it was on one fateful day in 1945 that his unyielding courage would earn him immortality. |
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The Battle for Meiktila: A Test of ValourOn 2 March 1945, the jungles of Burma bore witness to an extraordinary act of heroism. As part of the 4th Battalion, 15th Punjab Regiment of the British Indian Army, Singh was advancing with the 19th Indian Infantry Division towards the vital city of Meiktila—an essential stronghold for the Japanese Army. The battle was fierce. The enemy held fortified positions, their machine guns spitting death across the battlefield. Yet, Singh did not falter. Seeing his platoon pinned down by relentless enemy fire, he took matters into his own hands. A One-Man Assault Against All OddsWith unshakable determination, Singh charged alone towards the enemy bunker, armed with his submachine gun and grenades. He knew hesitation meant death—not just for him, but for his comrades. Under a hail of bullets, he stormed the first enemy position, taking out the soldiers within. Without pausing, he turned to the next bunker, throwing grenades and firing with deadly precision. Japanese soldiers fell before his relentless assault. His comrades watched in awe as he single-handedly wiped out the enemy stronghold, clearing the way for the platoon’s advance. But Singh was not finished yet. Though wounded in the fierce engagement, he continued pressing forward, eliminating enemy soldiers until he had fully secured the objective. The Victoria Cross: A Nation Honours Its HeroFor his unparalleled bravery, Gian Singh was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation (below) immortalised his gallant act — London Gazette, 22 May 1945. [2] The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:-- No. 11620 Naik Gian SINGH, 15th Punjab Regiment, Indian Army. In Burma, on 2nd March, 1945, the Japanese were holding a strong position astride the road Kamye-Myingyan. Two Companies of the 15th Punjab Regiment carried out successfully a wide encircling movement and established themselves on some high ground about one and a half miles in the rear of this enemy position. As all water supply points were within the enemy position it was vital that he should be dislodged. The attack on to the first objective was successful and one platoon was ordered to attack a village to the right. This platoon's attack, with the aid of tanks, advanced slowly under very heavy enemy fire. Naik Gian Singh was in command of the leading section. The enemy were well concealed in foxholes along cactus hedges and Naik Gian Singh soon observed enemy some twenty yards ahead. Ordering his Light Machine Gunner to cover him, he, alone, rushed the enemy fox-holes, firing his Tommy Gun. He was met by a hail of fire and wounded in the arm. In spite of this he continued his advance alone, hurling grenades. He killed several Japanese including four in one of the enemy main weapon pits. By this time a troop of tanks moved up in support of this platoon and came under fire from a cleverly concealed enemy antitank gun. Naik Gian Singh quickly saw the danger to the tanks and, ignoring the danger to himself and in spite of his wounds, again rushed forward, killed the crew and captured the gun single-handed. His section followed him and he then led them down a lane of cactus hedges, clearing all enemy positions which were being firmly held. Some twenty enemy bodies were found in this area, the majority of which fell to Naik Gian Singh and his section. After this action, the Company reformed to take the enemy positions to the rear. Naik Gian Singh was ordered to the Regimental Aid Post but, in spite of his wounds, requested permission to lead his section until the whole action had been completed. This was granted. There is no doubt that these acts of supreme gallantry saved Naik Gian Singh's platoon many casualties and enabled the whole operation to be carried out successfully with severe losses to the enemy. The magnificent gallantry of this Naik throughout, his devotion to duty and leadership, although wounded, could not have been surpassed. A Life of Service and HonourEven after the war ended, Singh continued his service. He later joined the Indian Army after independence, rising to the rank of Subedar Major before retiring. But the battlefield was not the only place where he fought for justice. Like many Indian VC recipients, he faced years of inadequate recognition. However, his valour was never forgotten by those who understood the price of sacrifice. A Legacy That Stands the Test of TimeGian Singh VC passed away on 6 October 1996, leaving behind a legacy of unbreakable courage. His medals now rest in the Imperial War Museum, a reminder of his fearless charge and selfless sacrifice. His story is not just about one soldier’s heroism—it is about the spirit of those who fight against all odds, who stand firm when others fall, and who leave behind a legacy that inspires generations to come. Read more about this brave soldier here |
 Source: SikhiWiki
https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/
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