Abdul Hafiz (VC)

Abdul Hafiz
Born 4 September 1925(1925-09-04)
Died 6 April 1944(1944-04-06) (aged 18)
Allegiance British India
Service/branch British Indian Army
Rank Jemadar
Unit 9th Jat Regiment
Battles/wars

World War II

Awards Victoria Cross

Abdul Hafiz VC (4 September 1925 – 6 April 1944) 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.

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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.

His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.

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