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THE EXPRESS INDIA NEWS : NEWSPAPER
LEST WE FORGET: GUTS AND GLORY ON FOREIGN SOILS – IX
Ishar Singh, The hero of Waziristan
(Maj Gen Harvijay Singh, SM)
1921: Between the Wars
Sardar Bahadur Captain Ishar Singh Victoria Cross
In 1921, Ishar Singh was a Sepoy in the 28th Punjabis, Indian Army.
During the First World War, the Battalion fought on the Tigris Front, as the British made desperate efforts to relieve their besieged garrison at Kut al Amara. In 1917, the regiment took part in the Third Battle of Sannaiyat, the Capture of Baghdad, and the actions at Istabulat and Tekrit. In 1918, the 28th Punjabis participated in the Palestine Campaign. During the war, the regiment suffered a total of 1423 casualties. It raised a second battalion in 1918, which was disbanded after the war.
In 1921, Sepoy Ishar Singh of the 28th Punjabis was awarded the Victoria Cross for exceptional valour during the Waziristan Campaign.
The Waziristan Revolt of 1919-1920 was sparked by the Afghan invasion of British India in 1919. Though the Waziri tribesmen fought hard. This conflict the first time that air power was used in the Sub Continent.
Near Haidari Kach, Waziristan, Sepoy Ishar Singh was No. l of a Lewis Gun-Section when the convoy protection troops were attacked.
Ishar Singh received a serious gunshot wound in the chest, and fell next to his Lewis gun. The British officer, Indian officer, and all the Havildars of his company were either killed or wounded, and his Lewis gun was seized by the enemy.
Calling up two other men he got up, charged the enemy, and recovered the Lewis gun. Despite bleeding profusely, he again got the gun into action and killed many of the enemy breaking their attack.
Ordered to go back and have his wound dressed, he went to the medical officer. There he instead started helping the other wounded and carried water to them, making many trips to the nearby river and back. It was only after three hours that he finally submitted to be evacuated, being then too weak from loss of blood to object.
His bravery was recognised with the award of the Victoria Cross.
During World War II, the 28th Punjabis (redesignated as the 4th Battalion, the 15th Punjab Regiment) fought in the Burma Campaign with great distinction, suffered 921 casualties and was awarded numerous gallantry awards including two Victoria Crosses to Lieutenant Karamjeet Singh Judge and Naik Gian Singh. In 1947, the Battalion was allocated to the Pakistan Army.
Indian Armed Forces stand tall among their global peers because of their rich battle-hardened heritage, motivation and tough training.
………………Contd, because these stories must be told