Chhelu Ram VC (10 May 1905 – 20 April 1943) was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in
the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 37 years old, and a Company Havildar-Major in the 4/6th Rajputana
Rifles, in the Indian Army during World War II when he
performed the following deed for which he was awarded the VC.
On the night of 19–20 April 1943 at Djebel Garci, Tunisia, the advance of a
battalion of the 5th Indian Infantry Brigade was held up by machine-gun and
mortar fire. Company Havildar-Major Chhelu Ram dashed forward with a Tommy-gun, killed the
occupants of a machine-gun post, and then went to the aid of his company
commander who had become a casualty. While doing so he was himself wounded, but
taking command of the company, he led them in hand-to-hand fighting. He was
again wounded, but continued rallying his men until he died.
The citation reads:
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the VICTORIA CROSS to: —
No. 8638 Company
Havildar-Major Chhelu Ram, 6th Rajputana Rifles, Indian Army.
This N.C.O. displayed most conspicuous bravery, determination, and
devotion to duty during the attack by the 5th Indian Infantry Brigade on the
DJEBEL GARCI feature on the night of the 19th/20th April, 1943.
He was with one of the two leading Companies, and during the advance to
the Battalion's second objective, the forward troops were held up by an enemy
machine-gun position on some high ground. Company Havildar-Major Chhelu Ram
armed with a "Tommy" gun immediately rushed forward through the
intense machine-gun and mortar fire and single-handed silenced the post,
killing its three or four occupants and thus enabling the advance to continue.
When the leading Companies were approaching their third objective the
enemy brought down intense machine-gun and mortar fire on them which mortally
wounded the Company Commander. Company Havildar-Major Chhelu Ram went to the
officer's assistance in a completely exposed position and attended to him,
during which he himself was seriously wounded.
He then took command of his own Company and elements of the other
leading Company and quickly reorganised them. Almost immediately the enemy put
in a heavy counter-attack and our troops began to run short of ammunition.
During the fierce hand-to-hand fighting which followed, this N.C.O.'s bravery and determination were beyond praise. Rushing
from point to point, wherever the fighting was heaviest, he rallied the men and
drove back the enemy with the cry of "Jats and Mohammedans, there must be
no withdrawal! We will advance! Advance!" He then advanced ahead of the
two Companies. Inspired by his fine example, the counter-attack on this vital
ground was driven back with bayonets, stones and rocks.
During this fighting Company Havildar-Major Chhelu Ram was again
wounded, this time mortally. He refused, however, to be carried back and
continued to command and inspire his men until finally losing consciousness. A
few minutes later he died from the effects of his wounds.
His magnificent action,
leadership, and utter contempt for danger were an inspiration to his men and
were the chief contribution to the holding of what was essentially vital
ground.
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