"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."
From Naik Singh's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 22 May 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment