Naik FAZL DIN

The citation in the London Gazette of 24th May, 1945, gives the following details : In Burma, on 2nd March, 1945, Naik Fazl Din commanded a section during a company attack on a Japanese bunkered position. His section was held up by machine-gun fire and grenades from several bunkers. Unhesitatingly he attacked the nearest position with grenades and silenced it; but as he led his men against the others, six Japanese soldiers rushed from a house near by, led by two officers wielding swords. The section Bren gunner shot one officer and another Japanese soldier, but was killed by the second officer, who next ran his sword through Naik Fazl Din. Despite this terrible wound Naik Fazl Din, seized the sword from the Japanese officer and killed him with it - he killed two more Japanese soldiers, and encouraged his section before staggering to his platoon headquarters to report. He collapsed there, and died soon after reaching the Regimental Aid Post. His action was seen by almost the whole platoon, who, inspired by his gallantry and taking advantage of the bewilderment created among the enemy by the loss of their leaders, continued the attack and destroyed the Japanese garrison. The supreme devotion to duty of this gallant N.C.O. even when fatally wounded, his presence of mind and outstanding courage, can seldom have been equalled, and reflect his unquenchable spirit.