 Source: Facebook page of Royal Artillery Museum - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3142655152727097
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Umrao Singh VC: A Legacy of Unyielding Courage
Captain Umrao Singh VC (21st November 1920 – 21st November 2005) was a soldier whose name stands among the bravest in history. As an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy within British and Commonwealth forces, his legacy is one of resilience and heroism. He remains the only Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in both the Royal Artillery and the Royal Indian Artillery to have received the VC during the Second World War. Between 1912—when Indians first became eligible for the award—and Indian independence in 1947, only 40 Indian soldiers were bestowed with this honour. Umrao Singh was the last surviving recipient from this elite group, his story etched in the annals of history. The Battle of Kaladan: Unbreakable Resolve: On the night of 15th to 16th December 1944, deep in the Kaladan Valley of Burma, Havildar Umrao Singh’s courage was tested in one of the most ferocious engagements of the war. Serving as a field gun detachment commander with the 33 Mountain Battery, 30th Mountain Regiment of the Indian Artillery (IA), he was on detachment with the 81st West African Division under Viscount Slim’s British 14th Army. Their mission: support the advance of the XV Corps on the Arakan. Positioned at an advanced post with his field gun, Singh and his detachment provided artillery support to the 8th Battalion, The Gold Coast Regiment. Then, under the cover of darkness, the battlefield erupted—Japanese forces launched a relentless 90-minute bombardment using 75mm guns and mortars. What followed was a brutal assault by at least two companies of Japanese infantry. Amidst the chaos, Singh seized a Bren light machine gun, directing his men’s fire while personally holding off the advancing enemy. His leadership and marksmanship kept the attackers at bay, but he was wounded by two grenade blasts. The Last Stand: A Fight to the Death: Wave after wave of Japanese soldiers stormed their position. A second assault wiped out all but Singh and two other gunners—yet they refused to surrender. With only a few rounds remaining, they fired until their ammunition was completely exhausted. Then, as a third wave of attackers descended, Singh did the unthinkable. Grabbing a "gun bearer"—a heavy iron rod akin to a crowbar—he waded into the enemy ranks, fighting with sheer brute force. He struck down three enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand combat before being overwhelmed by a hail of blows. For six agonising hours, the battlefield lay silent. When a counterattack finally reclaimed the position, Singh was discovered near his artillery piece, battered and unconscious, his face almost unrecognisable from severe head injuries. Yet, even in that state, he still clutched the gun bearer in his hand. Around him lay the bodies of ten Japanese soldiers. His field gun, the very weapon he had fought to protect, was brought back into action later that day. Honour and Recognition: For his extraordinary bravery and unwavering devotion to duty, Umrao Singh was awarded the Victoria Cross. On 15th October 1945, he stood at Buckingham Palace, where King George VI personally presented him with the prestigious honour. His VC citation read: "Havildar Umrao Singh set a supreme example of gallantry and devotion to duty." Promoted to Subedar Major after his recovery, Singh continued his service until 1946. Following India’s independence in 1947, he rejoined the Indian Army, serving with distinction until 1965. Upon retirement, he returned to his roots, tending to his family's small two-acre farm. In recognition of his service, he was made an honorary Captain in 1970. A Forgotten Hero's Voice: Despite his accolades, even the bravest warriors are sometimes forgotten. During the 50th anniversary of VE Day in London in 1995, Singh arrived to take his rightful place among the VIPs—only to be denied entry because his name was not on the official list. It was only when Brigadier Tom Longland, the event organiser, recognised his Victoria Cross that Singh was given the honour he deserved. Yet, the injustice did not end there. Singh, along with nine other surviving Indian VC recipients, was receiving a meagre annual pension of just £168—an amount unchanged since 1960. He took his case directly to British Prime Minister John Major, challenging the disparity in recognition. His words did not fall on deaf ears. Soon after, the pension was raised to £1,300 per year, a long-overdue acknowledgment of their sacrifice. A Legacy That Lives On: Captain Umrao Singh’s life was a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit. From the brutal battlefields of Burma to standing before royalty, from being nearly forgotten to reclaiming his rightful honour—his journey is one that will inspire generations. His story is not just about a soldier’s courage; it is about the unwavering spirit of a man who fought, not just on the battlefield, but for justice and dignity long after the guns had fallen silent. Read more about Umrao Singh Yadav here |
 Source: Wikimedia - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:Umrao_singh_Yadav.webp
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Our Vice Chair Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter met Capt Umrao Singh Yadav, when he visited the UK before he passed away. Here is a short orbituary in The Times by Sir Evelyn.
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