Jemadar Lall Singh MC*

Jemadar Lall Singh hailed from Buchkar village in the Jagraon tehsil of Ludhiana district, Punjab. Born and raised in a family deeply rooted in patriotism and service, he pursued his education before joining the Indian Army. On November 25, 1930, he was inducted into the 7th Light Cavalry of the Armoured Corps, a distinguished combat arm of the Indian Army known for its formidable tanks and heavy weaponry. Through dedication and exemplary service, he rose to the rank of Jemadar (equivalent to the present-day Naib Subedar) on September 18, 1944. Jemadar Lall Singh was a Viceroy’s Commissioned Officer and holds the rare distinction of being awarded the prestigious Military Cross (MC) for valour, along with a Bar, a remarkable achievement demonstrating his exceptional bravery. Impressively, he earned both distinctions within just three months of each other, an extraordinary feat that underscores his courage and skill in battle.

World War-II campaigns: Feb- May 1945

Jemadar Lall Singh served in the prestigious 7th Cavalry, part of the 254th Indian Tank Brigade under the 33rd Indian Corps during World War II. His unwavering courage and exceptional leadership earned him the prestigious Military Cross twice — a rare and remarkable achievement that underscored his dedication to duty and gallantry on the battlefield.

First Act of Bravery - Singu, February 11, 1945

On February 11, 1945, during intense combat operations at Singu, Jemadar Lall Singh displayed extraordinary valour as a tank commander. His tank was one of the leading vehicles advancing towards enemy positions when it came under heavy and precise fire from automatic weapons and anti-tank guns. Despite his tank sustaining multiple direct hits, including one that punctured the petrol tank, Jemadar Lall Singh remained steadfast in his mission. As fuel leaked dangerously, he continued to engage the enemy, returning fire with precision and calmly relaying critical information to his troop leader. Even when his tank sustained another frontal penetration, Jemadar Lall Singh remained undeterred. He accurately identified the enemy gun's position and coordinated with other tanks to silence it. By the end of the engagement, Jemadar Lall Singh’s tank had been hit 13 times, with three shells successfully penetrating its armor. Nevertheless, he maintained his position and continued firing until the assaulting troops had secured their objective. Only when his tank’s fuel was completely exhausted did he finally withdraw. His unwavering resolve, skillful combat tactics, and sheer determination inspired his entire squadron and earned him his first Military Cross.

Second Act of Bravery - Puzut, April 25, 1945

On April 25, 1945, while engaged in combat at Puzut, Jemadar Lall Singh again demonstrated outstanding courage and presence of mind. Facing a strongly defended enemy position, he realized his tank's guns could not be lowered sufficiently to target the enemy. Thinking swiftly, he resorted to throwing grenades from his tank’s turret to dislodge the Japanese soldiers. During the exchange, Jemadar Lall Singh sustained a shoulder injury from enemy fire. Despite his wound, he dismounted from his tank, advanced on foot, and continued to throw grenades, killing four enemy soldiers. Unable to eliminate the remaining resistance, he returned to his Squadron Commander to report the situation. Despite his injury, he led a section of infantry back to the hostile position. Under his determined leadership, the remaining enemy fighters were successfully neutralized. His remarkable bravery, leadership, and refusal to abandon his post despite injury earned him his second Military Cross. 

In addition to his battlefield accomplishments, Jemadar Lall Singh also played a significant ceremonial role. In June 1945, the 7th Light Cavalry sailed from Rangoon to Madras and was stationed at Ahmednagar by July. In August 1945, the regiment was selected to be part of the British Indian Division (BRINDIV), which served under the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (BCOF) as part of the Allied Occupation Forces in Japan. The regiment moved to Japan during March-April 1946, playing a vital role in the post-war stabilization efforts. In Tokyo, Japan, Jemadar Lall Singh participated in a historic joint ceremonial Guard Mounting at the Imperial Palace grounds. This unique event involved both the US Army and the Indian Army. The Indian contingent was commanded by Lt Shiv Singh Sidhu, with Jemadar Lall Singh serving as his deputy commander, further exemplifying his leadership and dedication. 

Indo-Pak war: 16 Feb 1948

In 1948, Jemadar Lall Singh was serving with the 7th Light Cavalry, operating Stuart light tanks under the command of Lt Col Rajinder Singh ‘Sparrow’. The 7th Cavalry played a significant role during the tumultuous period following the attack on Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947. As part of the first Indian Army formation to respond to the crisis, the regiment was actively involved in defending strategic locations alongside other units. During the epic siege of Poonch in 1947, the 7th Cavalry operated in coordination with the Dogra Regiment, 17 Mountain Battery, and 1 Para (Kumaon). The regiment’s mobility and firepower were instrumental in reinforcing defensive positions and supporting infantry operations. Their presence provided crucial armoured support, bolstering the efforts to repel enemy advances and secure vital positions. The 7th Cavalry’s contribution during this critical phase not only ensured the protection of key strategic points like the Srinagar airfield but also played a vital role in safeguarding the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir during the early days of the conflict.

On 16 February 1948, during one such operation, Jemadar Lall Singh sustained serious injuries while bravely confronting enemy forces. Despite his critical condition, his unwavering resolve and commitment to duty stood as a testament to his exceptional courage. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice for the nation.  Alongside Jemadar Nand Singh, MVC, VC, Jemadar Lall Singh remains one of the most highly decorated officers of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-48. His selfless sacrifice reflects the highest standards of courage and devotion to duty, earning him a revered place in the annals of India's military history. In recognition of his courageous service, Jemadar Lall Singh besides Military Cross and Bar, was awarded several other  prestigious medals, including: The Burma Star, The War Medal (1939-1945), The India General Service Medal, and The Indian Independence Medal. 

The citation for the "Military Cross" awarded to him on February 11, 1945 reads:

“At Singu on 11 Feb. 1945, Jemadar Lall Singh was tank commander of one of the leading tanks, which came under heavy and accurate automatic and close range anti-tank gunfire. His tank received multiple hits and the petrol tank, being holed began to leak. In spite of the grave risk, Jemadar Lall Singh, remained in action, returning the fire of the guns and making calm and accurate reports to his troop leader. Later while still engaging the gun, which had not yet been silenced, his tank was again penetrated frontally. Jemadar Lall Singh, unperturbed reported the position of the flash, which he could now see, and with the help of other tanks silenced it.

Although his tank had received 13 direct hits of which three penetrated, he kept his tank in action until the assaulting troops reached the objective, only then halting when all his petrol had expired. His skill, dogged determination and splendid courage were an inspiration to the remainder of the squadron.”

Citation for the "Military Cross" awarded to him on May 11, 1945 reads: 

At Puzut (693879) on April 25, 1945, Jemadar Lall Singh encountered a party of Japs in strongly defended positions. As he was unable to depress the guns of his tank sufficiently to fire at the enemy; he threw grenades from the turret. The enemy returned fire and wounded him in the shoulder. Undeterred, he dismounted from his tank and by throwing; more grenades killed four of the enemy. Unable to dislodge the remainder he returned to the Squadron Commander, to report the situation, and although suffering from his wound, led a section of attached infantry back to the position, where under his leadership, the remaining enemy were completely destroyed. Jemadar Lall Singh set a very high example of gallantry and his leadership, and disregard for his personal safety was an inspiration to all ranks. His actions are deserving of the highest praise.