Abdul Hafiz
Abdul Hafiz VC (4 September 1925 – 6 April 1944) was an Indian Muslim 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. He was from Kalanaur, district Rohtak Haryana, India. He became martyr during World War II on 6 April 1944 north of Imphal, India.
Details
He was 19 years old, and a Jemadar in the 9th Jat Regiment, in the Indian Army during World War II when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 6 April 1944 north of Imphal, India, Jemadar Abdul Hafiz was ordered to attack with his platoon a prominent position held by the enemy, the only approach to which was across a bare slope and then up a very steep cliff. The Jemadar led the assault, killing several of the enemy himself and then pressed on regardless of machine-gun fire from another feature. He received two wounds, the second of which was fatal, but he had succeeded in routing an enemy vastly superior in numbers and had captured a most important position.
The Medal
His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.
References
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