Bhandari Ram

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

BHANDARI RAM. (Reg. No. 89).

Sepoy 10th Baluch Regiment, Indian Army.

London Gazetted on 8th February, 1945.

Born on 24th July 1919 at Serunia (Village)Bilaspur State, Simla, India.

Died on 19th May 2002 at Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh, India..

Digest of Citation reads: On 22nd November, 1944 at East Mayu, Arakan, Burma, Sepoy Bhandari Ram's platoon was pinned down by machine-gun fire. Although wounded he crawled up to a Japanese light machine-gun in full view of the enemy and was wounded again, but continued to crawl to within five yards of his objective. He then threw a grenade into the position killing the of Gunner and two others. This action inspired his platoon to rush and capture the enemy position. Only then did he allow his wounds to be dressed.

Additional information:. Promoted Subadur Captain Bhandari Ram married Champa Devi in 1950. The had three sons and two daughters, all of whom survive him. Captain Bhandari Ram continued to serve in the Army at the end of the war. He transferred to the Dogra Regiment, in the New Indian Army, from the 10th Baluchi at the Partition of India in 1947 because, as a Hindu, he felt he could not serve in the Baluch. He served in the army for another 22 years, retiring in November 1969 at the age of 50. He farmed until ill health prevented him. His old Baluch Regiment created a montage of his army career and his actions in the winning of the Victoria Cross. He was also awarded the Indian Medal for Most Distinguished Service, the Param Vishissht Seva (PVS). His death on 19th May 2002 leaves 16 surviving Victoria Cross recipients.