Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance Naik (Lance Corporal)

Unit:

7th battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment, Indian Army

Awarded on:

May 8th, 1945

Citation:
"In Burma, on the night 19th-20th January, 1945, at Kyeyebyin Kaladan, Lance-Naik Sher Shah commanded the left forward section of his platoon.
At 1930 hours a Japanese platoon attacked his post. Realising that overwhelming numbers would probably destroy his section, he, by himself, stalked the enemy from their rear and broke up their attack by firing into their midst. He killed the Platoon Commander and six other Japanese and, after their withdrawal, crawled back to his section post.
At 0015 hours the Japanese, who were now reinforced with a Company, started to form up for another attack. He heard their officers giving orders, and bayonets being fixed prior to the assault. Again he left his section post and, in spite of Japanese covering fire from small arms and mortars, crawled forward and saw Japanese officers and men grouped together. He fired into this group and they again broke up and started to withdraw in disorder.
Whilst on his way back for the second time he was hit by a mortar bomb, which shattered his right leg. He regained his position and, propping himself against the side of the trench, continued firing and encouraging his men. When asked whether he was hurt, he replied that it was only slight. Some time afterwards it was discovered that his right leg was missing.
The Japanese again started forming up for another attack. In spite of his severe wounds and considerable loss of blood, and very heavy Japanese supporting fire, Lance- Naik Sher Shah again left his section post and crawled forward, firing into their mid at point blank range. He continued firing until for the third time the Japanese attack was broken up, and until he was shot through the head, from which he subsequently died.
Twenty-three dead and four wounded Japanese, including an officer, were found in daylight, immediately in front of his position.
His initiative and indomitable courage throughout this very critical situation undoubtedly averted the over-running of his platoon, and was the deciding factor in defeating the Japanese attacks. His supreme self-sacrifice, disregard of danger and selfless devotion to duty, were an inspiration to all his comrades throughout the Battalion."

Awarded posthumously.
The London Gazette, dated May 8th, 1945.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sepoy (Private)

Unit:

7th battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment, Indian Army

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1945

Received in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.

Awarded posthumously.
At the time he was recommended he still held the rank of Sepoy.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)