Captain Ishar Singh is best remembered as the first Sikh recipient of the British Empire's highest battle honor, the Victoria Cross. He was a pioneering soldier of the 28th Punjab Regiment who was awarded the Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in a battle that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Ishar Singh's joined the 28th Punjab Regiment during the period that saw 1.3 million Indian men join the British armed forces as volunteers to fight for the empire.
As a Sepoy in the 28th Punjabis, Indian Army, Ishar Singh, then 25years old, displayed remarkable gallantry during the Waziristan Campaign that earned him the Victoria Cross on 10 April 1921. It was near Haidari Kach (Waziristan) he undertook actions that led his senior officer, Captain Bernard Oddie, to recommend him for the award of a VC.
The CItation
The citation depicting the bravery that led Ishar Singh to win the Victoria Cross was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 25 November 1921.
War Office, 25th November 1921.
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned: —
No. 1012 Sepoy Ishar Singh, 28th Punjabis, Indian Army
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 10th of April 1921, near Haidari Kach (Waziristan). When the convoy protection troops were attacked, this Sepoy was No. l of a Lewis Gun- Section. Early in the action he received a very severe gunshot wound in the chest, and fell beside his Lewis gun. Hand-to-hand fighting having commenced, the British officer, Indian officer, and all the Havildars of his company were either killed or wounded, and his Lewis gun was seized by the enemy.
Calling up two other men he got up, charged the enemy, recovered the Lewis gun, and, although, bleeding profusely, again got the gun into action.
When his Jemadar arrived he took the gun from Sepoy Ishar Singh and ordered him to go back and have his wound dressed.
Instead of doing this the Sepoy went to the medical officer and was of great assistance in pointing out where the wounded were, and in carrying water to them. He made innumerable journeys to the river and back for this purpose. On one occasion, when the enemy fire was very heavy, he took the rifle of a wounded man and helped to keep down the fire. On another occasion he stood in front of the medical officer who was dressing, a wounded man, thus shielding him with his body. It was over three hours before he finally submitted to be evacuated, being then too weak from loss of blood to object.
His gallantry and devotion to duty were beyond praise. His conduct inspired all who saw him.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration given to members of the armed forces of several Commonwealth nations and former British Empire territories for gallantry "in the face of the enemy." With the exception of the George Cross, with which it shares precedence, it is first in the order of wear in the United Kingdom Honors system. It may be awarded to a person of any military rank in any service and civilians under military command. At an investiture conducted at Buckingham Palace, the British monarch often presents the VC to the recipient or their next of kin.
The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honor acts of valor during the Crimean War. Since then, the medal has been awarded 1,357 times to 1,354 individual recipients. Since the Second World War, just 14 medals—ten to British Army personnel and four to Australian Army personnel—have been given out.
Later rising to the rank of captain, he served in the Second World War. Along with receiving the Victoria Cross, he was also given the coveted Order of British India, First Class, which came with the honorific title "Sardar Bahadur." Ishar Singh’s descendants emigrated to Canada and eventually to Calgary, the city they call home.
Lord Ashcroft holds his medal in his collection.
While remaining true to his faith, Captain Ishar Singh has portrayed the spirit of a true soldier. Despite his injury, he exhibited the high spirit of the Sikhs in matters of courage and Sewa, the act of helping others. Ishar Singh is a legend and the stories of his valor and pride will be remembered for posterity.