Quick Facts
Biography
Chatta Singh VC (1886 – 28 March 1961) 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.
Details
He was about 29 years old, and a Sepoy in the 9th Bhopal Infantry, British Indian Army during the First World War when he performed the deed for which he was awarded the VC. On 13 January 1916 during the Battle of the Wadi, Mesopotamia, Sepoy Chatta Singh left cover to assist and to rescue his commanding officer, who was lying wounded and helpless in the open.
The citation reads:
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned ... Man: —
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in leaving cover to assist his Commanding Officer who was lying wounded and. helpless in the open. Sepoy Chatta Singh bound up the Officer's wound and then dug cover.for him with his entrenching tool, being exposed all the time to very heavy rifle fire. For five hours until nightfall he remained beside the wounded Officer, shielding him with his own body on the exposed side. He then, under cover of darkness, went back for assistance, and brought the Officer into safety.
— London Gazette, 21 June 1916.
He later rose to the rank of Havildar.
The Medal
A contemporary copy of the Victoria Cross, which is believed to have been presented to Sepoy Chatta Singh 'in the field' on 8 March 1916, was sold by Dix Noonan Web on 22 September 2006.