Subedar Subramanyan

On 24 February 1944, Subedar Subramanyan, 11 Field Park Company, was in charge of a small party of Sappers engaged on mine clearance near Mignano. He was operating the mine detector with Lance Naik Sigamanu behind him marking his path with white tape. Suddenly a small explosion occured. He realised in a flash that the Lance Naik had trodden on an anti-personnel mine and that within 4 seconds the canister would be thrown into the air and explode causing death & injury to his party. Without the slightest hesitation, instead of flinging himself to the ground, where he would have had a good chance of escaping unhurt, Subedar Subramanyan turned round and deliberately flung himself on top of the mine, at the same time knocking aside Lance Naik Sigamanu. The force of the explosion was largely neutralised by the Subedar's body, causing such severe injuries that he died a few minutes later.

Lt. H. Young, who was 9 yards away, escaped unscathed and the two other Sappers immediately behind him received only minor injuries. This act of unsurpassed bravery on the part of Subedar Subramanyan saved Lt. Young and also of the other five men who were all within the lethal area of the mine. Perhaps, the most striking part of his extreme gallantry & courageous act was his instant realisation when he heard the characteristic small explosion, that only the immediate action of placing his own body on top of the mine could save the lives of the party. The fact that he took this action and so deliberately gave his own life to save that of his comrades, shows that Subedar Subramanyan possessed qualities of the highest order. He was posthumously the George Cross, the first to be awarded to a member of the Indian Forces. His example of unexcelled heroism, was in accordance with the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Jai Hind!! Jai Jawan!!