Umrao Singh
Havildar, Royal Indian Artillery
- Register No.
- 1244 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Havildar all Havildars →
- Unit
- Royal Indian Artillery (register: 81st West African Division) all 81st West African Division VCs →
- Date of action
- 15–16 December 1944 on this day → all of 1944 →
- Conflict / campaign
- Second World War
- London Gazette
- 31st May 1945 on this day → all of 1945 →
- Born
- 11th July 1920 at Palra Village, Jrajur, Rhotak, Punjab,
Digest of citation
In the Kaladan valley, Burma on the the 15/16th December 1944, Havildar Umrao Singh was in command of a gun in an advanced position of his battery. It came under very heavy fire from Japanese 75 mm guns and mortars for one-and-a-half hours before two companies of the Japanese attacked the position in the first of four assaults. He so inspired his comrades by personal example and his giving of encouragement that the attack was beaten off. Although he'd been wounded twice by grenades, Umrao Singh managed to beat off the four attacks by his heroic action and courage. By the final attack, the other gun had been overrun and all the ammunition exhausted. Seizing the gun barrel, he closed with the enemy and fought them fearlessly hand-to-hand. In an impetuous attempt to save the gun, he was observed striking down three Japanese soldiers before he finally succumbed and was knocked out. On the counter-attack, six hours later, Umrao Singh was found, at the side of his gun, so severely wounded that he was hardly recognisable. Around him lay 10 dead Japanese soldiers. His outstanding bravery, devotion to duty and his setting of a wonderful example was an inspiration to all. His gun was still in working order and saw further action that day
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
UMRAO SINGH (Reg. No.1244)
Havildar Royal Indian Artillery.
London Gazetted on 31st May 1945.
Born on 11th July 1920 at Palra Village, Jrajur, Rhotak, Punjab, India. Attended VC Dedication at Westminster Abbey on 14th May 2003.(Aged 82)
Digest of Citation reads: In the Kaladan valley, Burma on the the 15/16th December 1944, Havildar Umrao Singh was in command of a gun in an advanced position of his battery. It came under very heavy fire from Japanese 75 mm guns and mortars for one-and-a-half hours before two companies of the Japanese attacked the position in the first of four assaults. He so inspired his comrades by personal example and his giving of encouragement that the attack was beaten off. Although he'd been wounded twice by grenades, Umrao Singh managed to beat off the four attacks by his heroic action and courage. By the final attack, the other gun had been overrun and all the ammunition exhausted. Seizing the gun barrel, he closed with the enemy and fought them fearlessly hand-to-hand. In an impetuous attempt to save the gun, he was observed striking down three Japanese soldiers before he finally succumbed and was knocked out. On the counter-attack, six hours later, Umrao Singh was found, at the side of his gun, so severely wounded that he was hardly recognisable. Around him lay 10 dead Japanese soldiers. His outstanding bravery, devotion to duty and his setting of a wonderful example was an inspiration to all. His gun was still in working order and saw further action that day.
India.
Attended VC Dedication at Westminster Abbey on 14th May 2003.(Aged
82)
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