Arthur Edward Cumming facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Edward Cumming
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| Born | 18 June 1896 Karachi, British India |
| Died | 10 April 1971 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Indian Army |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Commands held | 2/12th Frontier Force Regiment 63rd Indian Brigade Dehra Dun District |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Order of the British Empire Military Cross |
Arthur Edward Cumming was a brave Scottish soldier. He was born on June 18, 1896, in Karachi, British India. He later became a Brigadier in the army. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
Arthur Edward Cumming: A War Hero
Arthur Edward Cumming grew up in Karachi. He went to Karachi Grammar School. He joined the army and served in both World War I and World War II. His incredible bravery during World War II earned him the Victoria Cross.
Fighting in World War II
During World War II, Arthur Edward Cumming was a lieutenant colonel. He was 45 years old. He led a group of soldiers called the 2/12th Frontier Force Regiment. This group was part of the Indian Army during World War II.
The Battle of Malaya
In January 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Cumming and his soldiers were defending an airfield. This was near Kuantan in British Malaya (now Malaysia). They were fighting in the Battle of Malaya against Japanese forces.
An Act of Great Courage
On January 3, 1942, the Japanese army attacked very strongly. A large group of enemy soldiers broke through the defenses. Lieutenant Colonel Cumming quickly gathered a small team of his men. He led them in a counter-attack.
Wounded but Determined
During this fight, all of his men were hurt. Lieutenant Colonel Cumming himself received two bayonet wounds in his stomach. Even though he was badly injured, he kept fighting. His actions helped to fix the situation. This allowed most of his soldiers and their vehicles to get away safely.
Later, he drove a special army vehicle. He went under very heavy enemy fire. He was collecting soldiers who had been separated from their groups. During this, he was wounded again. His amazing bravery helped his entire brigade (a large group of soldiers) to retreat safely.
After the Battle
Because of his incredible bravery, Arthur Edward Cumming was awarded the Victoria Cross. This medal is now on display at the National Army Museum in Chelsea.
He was one of a few officers ordered to leave Singapore before it was taken by the Japanese in February 1942. Later, he was promoted to brigadier. He commanded the 63rd Indian Infantry Brigade during the Burma campaign. From 1944 until he retired in 1947, Brigadier Cumming was in charge of the Dehra Dun District in India.
See also
- Japanese Invasion of Malaya
