"In Burma on the night of the 11th/12th March, 1944, a Japanese
platoon about 40
strong with Medium and Light Machine-Guns and a Grenade Discharger
infiltrated into the Battalion position covering the main
Maungdaw-Buthidaung road and occupied a dominating position where they
dug foxholes and underground trenches on the precipitous sides of the
hill. Naik Nand Singh commanded the leading section of the platoon
which was ordered to recapture the position at all costs. He led his
section up a very steep knife-edged ridge under heavy machine-gun and
rifle fire. Although wounded in the thigh he rushed ahead of his section
and took the first enemy trench with the bayonet by himself. He then
crawled forward alone under heavy fire and though wounded again in the
face and shoulder by a grenade which burst one yard in front of him,
took the second trench at the point of the bayonet. A short time later when all his section had been either killed or
wounded, Naik Nand Singh dragged himself out of the trench and captured
a third trench, killing all the occupants with his bayonet.
Due to the capture of these three trenches the remainder of the platoon were able to seize the top of the hill and deal with the enemy. Naik Nand Singh personally killed seven of the enemy and owing to his determination, outstanding dash and magnificent courage, the important position was won back from the enemy."
Due to the capture of these three trenches the remainder of the platoon were able to seize the top of the hill and deal with the enemy. Naik Nand Singh personally killed seven of the enemy and owing to his determination, outstanding dash and magnificent courage, the important position was won back from the enemy."
From Naik Singh's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 2 June 1944.
A truly deadly ally for sure!
Brian
Memorial in the village of Bathinda, India.
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