Bhandari Ram facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Subedar Major and Honorary Captain
Bhandari Ram
VC
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| Born | 24 July 1919 Pargna Gugeda, Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Died | 19 May 2002 (aged 82) Auhar, Himachal Pradesh |
| Allegiance |  British India India |
| Service/ |
 British Indian Army Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1969 |
| Rank | Subedar Major and Honorary Captain |
| Unit | 16th Battalion, 10th Baluch Regiment Dogra Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross Param Vishisht Seva Medal (India) |
Bhandari Ram was an incredibly brave Indian soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage given to soldiers. This special medal is for showing extreme bravery when facing the enemy. It can be awarded to forces from the British and Commonwealth countries. Bhandari Ram was born on July 24, 1919, and passed away on May 19, 2002.
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A Hero in World War II
Bhandari Ram was born in 1919 in a village called Auhar. This village is now part of Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh in India. He joined the British Indian Army as a Sepoy, which is a soldier. He was part of the 16th Battalion of the 10th Baluch Regiment.
Fighting in Burma
During World War II, Bhandari Ram fought in the Burma Campaign. This was a tough fight against the Japanese Army. He showed amazing courage during the Third Arakan Offensive in Burma. His actions there earned him the Victoria Cross.
The Day of Bravery: November 22, 1944
On November 22, 1944, Bhandari Ram's company was attacking a strong Japanese bunker. This bunker was a hidden, fortified position. His group had to climb a very steep hill. They moved along a narrow path with sharp drops on both sides.
When they were about 50 yards from the top, heavy machine gun fire hit them. Three soldiers were hurt, including Sepoy Bhandari Ram. He was shot in his left shoulder and leg. The intense enemy fire stopped his group from moving forward.
Even though he was wounded, Bhandari Ram did something incredible. He crawled towards the Japanese machine gun. He was in plain sight of the enemy. He got within fifteen yards of their position. The enemy then threw grenades at him. These grenades seriously wounded him in the face and chest.
Despite his severe injuries and bleeding, he kept going. With amazing courage and determination, he crawled to within five yards of the enemy post. He then threw a grenade into the position. This brave act killed the enemy gunner and two other soldiers. He continued to crawl towards the post.
Inspired by his incredible example, his group rushed forward. They successfully captured the Japanese position. Only after the position was taken did he finally lie down. Then, his wounds could be treated.
Bhandari Ram's calm courage and strong will helped his group win. He wanted to destroy the enemy at any cost. He completely ignored his own safety. This young Sepoy helped his group capture what he knew was the most important enemy position.
After the War
Bhandari Ram continued to serve in the Indian Army after India became independent. He was promoted to subedar in 1958. Later, he became a subedar major in 1967. He retired from the army in August 1969. He held the honorary rank of captain. Bhandari Ram passed away in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of immense bravery.
Awards and Medals
Bhandari Ram received many awards for his service and bravery. The most famous was the Victoria Cross. He also received several other medals for his service in the Indian Army.
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