Ram Sarup Singh VC

Name: Ram Sarup Singh

Conflict: Second World War

Gazetted: February 8, 1945

Service: Indian Army

Place/date of birth: Khere, Patiale State, India/April 13, 1919

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Acting Subadar

Date of bravery: October 25, 1944

London Gazette citation:

Jemadar (acting Subadar) Ram Sarup Singh (12744), 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, bayonetting 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 bayonetted 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.

Click here to see full Gazette entry.

Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Kennedy Peak, Burma/October 25, 1944

Grave/memorials: Rangoon Memorial, Burma

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2013

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum