"In order to stop an advance into the Chin Hills of greatly superior Japanese forces it was essential to capture Basha East hill which was the key to the enemy position. Two assaults had failed but a third assault was ordered to be
carried out by two platoons of Havildar Gaje Ghale's company and two
companies of another battalion. Havildar Gaje Ghale was in command of one platoon: he had never
been under fire before and the platoon consisted of young soldiers. The approach for this platoon to their objective was along a
narrow knife-edge with precipitous sides and bare of jungle whereas the
enemy positions were well concealed. In places, the approach was no more
than five yards wide and was covered by a dozen machine guns besides
being subjected to artillery and mortar fire from the reverse slope of
the hill. While preparing for the attack the platoon came under heavy
mortar fire but Havildar Gaje Ghale rallied them and led them forward. Approaching to close range of the well-entrenched enemy, the
platoon came under withering fire and this N.C.O. was wounded in the
arm, chest and leg by an enemy hand grenade. Without pausing to attend to his serious wounds and with no heed
to the intensive fire from all sides, Havildar Gaje Ghale closed his men
and led them to close grips with the enemy when a bitter hand to hand
struggle ensued. Havildar Gaje Ghale dominated the fight by his outstanding
example of dauntless courage and superb leadership. Hurling hand
grenades, covered in blood from his own neglected wounds, he led assault
after assault by shouting the Gurkha's battle-cry. Spurred on by the irresistible will of their leader to win, the
platoon stormed and carried the hill by a magnificent all out effort and
inflicted very heavy casualties on the Japanese. Havildar Gaje Ghale then held and consolidated this hard won
position under heavy fire and it was not until the consolidation was
well in hand that he went, refusing help, to the Regimental Aid Post,
when ordered to do so by an officer. The courage, determination and leadership of this N.C.O. under the most trying conditions were beyond all praise."
From Havildar Ghale's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 28 September 1943.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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