Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Subadar (Captain)

Unit:

"A" Company, 4/15th Punjab Regiment, 33th Indian Infantry Brigade, 7th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

June 28th, 1945

Received in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.
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"Subedar DHANNA SINGJ, 4th Battalion 15th Punjab Regiment, throughout the KOHIMA operations showed inspiration, courage and leadership of a standard unsurpassed in the history of the Battalion. The cheerful and absolute confidence with which he tackled all tasks had a most inspiring effect on his company. All ranks and all classes of this battalion are agreed on the superb gallantry shown at all times by this outstanding V.C.C.

The examples of his gallantry are given below.

Subedar DHANNA SINGH was a platoon commander in "A" Company during the Battalion's first operation for the relief of KONIMA in May 1944. In this operation "A" Company was ordered to attack the left half of a vital feature strongly held by the Japs. Subedar DHANNA SINGH was in command of the right forward platoon of his company. His platoon reached the crest of the feature, where they came under devastating fire from bunkers ahead and on both flanks. The platoon suffered heavy casualties and all but 7 were either killed or wounded.

Subedar DHANNA SINGH without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety rallied his remaining 6 men and advanced boldly on to the bunkers ahead. During this advance his number were reduced to himself and one other man. He then took up a position some 10 yards from a bunker and remained there covering the bunker which enabled the platoon on his left to make a substantial advance. In this attack Subedar DHANNA SINGH's company commander and 2-in-command were wounded. Realizing that the less of these two officers might have an adverse effect on the morale of the men, he immediately took over command of the company on his own initiative and moved about his men under heavy fire constantly encouraging them. Out of this company which went into battle 80 strong, 17 were killed and 33 wounded. It is safe to say that it was mainly due to the courage, imitative and leadership of this V.C.O. that this vital position was taken. This superb act of gallantry was worthy of the highest traditions of the Indian Army..

On the 29th May 1944, Subedar DHANNA SINGH was 2-in-command of "A" Company during the attack on "CHURCH KNOLL" a vital position in the NAGA VILLAGE, KOHIMA. The company went into the attack and suffered more than fifty per cent casualties including the company commander. Subedar DHANNA SINGH immediately took over command of the remaining men and reorganized them. He advanced at the head of the leading section and showed utter contempt for the enemy shells falling round him and the bunkers ahead. The remnants of "A" Company inspired by his magnificent leadership gained their objective. Subedar DHANNA SINGH then advanced with a small section on to a Jap bunker situated on the reverse slope. He could be seen moving freely amongst his men cheering and encouraging them on. He was mortally wounded within a few yards of the bunker.

The work of this V.C.O. assisted considerably in the relief of KOHIMA."

["This VCO missed an immediate award of an IOM probably through a hastily worded citation. He is recognised by all ranks in the Battalion to have been the most deserving of all of award.
12/10/44"]

LG 37151/3384. Posthumously awarded.