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Khan, Fateh

Service number:
51038
Nationality:
Indian (1858-1947, British Colony)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Company Havildar Major (Acting Company Sergeant Major)
Unit:
The Burma Regiment
Awarded on:
August 2nd, 1945
Recommendation:
"'Coy. Havildar Major Fateh Khan was wounded during the mopping up operation after the seizure of pt.1788. Despite his wound he personally killed three more Japanese who were survivors and still defending a strongly built building. During the day the Company on the position were subjected to constant enemy snipingTAUNGTHA area. Coy Havildar Major Fateh Khan was wounded during the mopping up operation after the seizure of Pt.1788. Despite his wound he personally killed three more Japanese who were survivors and still defending a strongly built building. During the day the Company on the position were subjected to constant enemy sniping and fire from Grenade Dischargers. Coy Hav. Major Fateh Khan was indefatigable in encouraging those who were digging the defences and in keeping up morale generally. During the night 14/15 March 1945 the position was heavily counter-attacked in considerable strength. It was imperative to ascertain the situation and despite his wound Coy Hav. Major Fateh Khan volunteered to leave his trench and through a hail of enemy Grenade Discharger and Small Arms fire he visited every post on the position. Later it was feared that the enemy had penetrated a part of the Perimeter. Coy Hav. Major Fateh Khan went forward to confirm, he found that this was unfortunately so and personally killed two of the Japanese who had already infiltrated. He exhorted his men to hang on and returned to report the situation to his Coy Commander.

Throughout the 36 hours during which the action lasted and although his wound warranted it, Coy Hav. Major Fateh Khan steadfastly refused that any particular attention be paid to it and displayed a very high degree of initiative, endurance, tenacity and courage of a very high order."
Burma Gallantry Medal (BMG)

Sources

  • - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37204 published on the 31 July 1945
    - British Medals

Photo