THE VICTORIA CROSS AWARDED TO SUBADAR RAM SARUP SINGH, 2ND BN, 1ST PUNJAB REGIMENT, INDIAN ARMY, HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE LORD ASHCROFT VC COLLECTION.
11 December 2013


( select to enlarge )
Medal entitlement of Subadar Ram Sarup Singh,
2nd Bn, 1st Punjab Regiment

  • Victoria Cross
  • 1939-45 Star
  • Burma Star
  • War Medal ( 1939-45 )

Image courtesy of the Lord Ashcroft Collection / © IWM

The Victoria Cross and campaign medals awarded to Subadar Ram Sarup Singh, 2nd Bn, 1st Punjab Regiment, Indian Army, has been acquired by the Michael Ashcroft Trust the holding institution for the Lord Ashcroft VC Collection. The VC group will go on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery housed in the Imperial War Museum, London.


For the award of the Victoria Cross

[ London Gazette, 8 February 1945 ], Kennedy Peak, Tiddim Area, Burma, 25 October 1944, Jemadar ( Acting Subadar ) Ram Sarup Singh, 2nd Bn, 1st Punjab Regiment, Indian Army.

In Burma on the 25th October 1944, two platoons of the 1st Punjab Regiment were ordered to put in a diversionary attack on the flank of an enemy position. This feature was of exceptional natural strength and was defended by a large force of fresh Japanese troops who had turned the hill into a fortress. Every approach was covered by medium and light machine guns sited in bunkers.

The platoon of Subadar Ram Sarup Singh at once charged the position with another section. This instantaneous action completely bewildered the enemy, who fled from the bunkered positions suffering casualties in their retreat. The Subadar was wounded in the legs but took no notice of his wounds. While he was consolidating his position, the enemy opened heavy fire with grenade dischargers, and at the same time put in a strong counter-attack in three waves of twenty each from a flank. It seemed that the platoon must be overwhelmed, but Subadar Ram Sarup Singh got another light machine gun into position and led a charge against the advancing enemy, bayoneting four himself, and checking them.

Although badly wounded in the thigh, he got up and, ignoring his wound, again went for the enemy shouting encouragement to his men. He bayoneted another Japanese and shot a further one, but was mortally wounded by a burst of medium machine gun fire in the chest and neck.

It would be difficult to find a finer example of cool bravery, cheerfulness, leadership and determination. His action had a profound effect on the rest of the Company, and when volunteers were called for to bring in his body, under the heaviest fire, the entire Company volunteered. Subadar Ram Sarup Singh's gallantry will inspire the Regiment for all time.


Subadar Ram Sarup Singh has no known grave and therefore his name is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial in Burma, Face 30.

Acquisitions

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Iain Stewart, 11 December 2013