Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Havildar (Sergeant)

Unit:

3rd Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Rifles, Indian Army

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1945

"On 15th September 1943, Havildar Mohindar Singh escaped from Avezzano for the first time, and led a small band into the mountains, where he contacted a friendly farmer, and laid up for the winter. However, on 7th January 1944 he was over-run by the Germans and re-taken prisoner. On 15th March, whilst en-route from Laterina to Germany, he cut his way through the under-carriage of the train, fell out, and awaited the train passing over him. Once free he struck off into the mountains towards Switzerland, but on the fifth day he was once again recaptured and sent to Nancy.

On 1st September 1944 he was assembled in a column which was to march to Germany. Seizing his opportunity, Havildar Mohindar Singh dived out of sight of the column when the sentry was not looking, sought refuge in a nearby house, and a fortnight later was over-run by American forces.

For his courage in attempting to escape no less than three times, it is considered that Havildar Mohindar Singh should be recommended for the award of the Military Medal."

North West Frontier 1937-39