| Lalbahadur Thapa | |
|---|---|
| File:Lalbahadur Thapa VC.jpg | |
| Born | February 1906 |
| Died | October 19, 1968 (aged 62) |
| Place of birth | Nepal |
| Place of death | Pakalihawa, Nepal |
| Allegiance | British India |
| Service/branch | British Indian Army |
| Rank | Subedar-Major |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 2nd Gurkha Rifles |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
 Victoria Cross |
Lalbahadur Thapa VC (Nepali: लालबहादुर थापा; February 1906 – 19 October 1968) was a Nepalese 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 approximately 37 years old, and a Subedar in the 1st Battalion, 2nd Gurkha Rifles, in the Indian Army during World War II when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 5/6 April 1943 during the silent attack on Rass-es-Zouai, Tunisia, Subadar Lalbahadur Thapa, taking command of two sections, made his first contact with the enemy at the foot of a pathway winding up a narrow cleft which was thickly studded with enemy posts. The garrison of the out-posts were all killed by the subadar and his men, by kukri or bayonet and the next machine-gun posts were dealt with similarly. This officer then continued to fight his way up the bullet-swept approaches to the crest where he and the riflemen with him killed four - the rest fled. Thus secured, advance by the whole division was made possible.[1]
He later achieved the rank of Subedar-Major.
The medal[]
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Gurkha Museum (Winchester, Hampshire, England).
Notes[]
- ↑ "No. 36053". 11 June 1943. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36053/page/
See also[]
External links[]
The original article can be found at Lalbahadur Thapa and the edit history here.