Shahamad Khan

He held a gap alone for hours against repeated enemy attacks

Shahamad Khan was born near Rawalpindi in 1879 and joined the Indian Army in 1904. He served with the 89th Punjabis during the First World War, in several overseas theatres, including France and Mesopotamia.

On 12-13 April 1916 at Beit Ayeesa on the Tigris front, Naik Khan commanded a machine-gun section covering an exposed gap close to the enemy trenches. Almost all his men became casualties. With only two ammunition belt-fillers remaining, he worked the gun himself and beat back three attacks, holding the position for three hours.

When enemy fire disabled the gun, the survivors continued with rifles until ordered to retire. Khan helped recover the weapon, ammunition and a badly wounded man, then returned for the remaining equipment. His resistance prevented the enemy from breaking into the line and earned the Victoria Cross.

He continued his military career, received his VC from King George V in 1919, and rose to subadar in 1926 before retiring in 1928. He died in his home village of Takhti in July 1947.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. He was in charge of a machine gun section in an exposed position, in front of and covering a gap in our new line, within 150 yards of the enemy’s entrenched position. He beat off three counter attacks and worked his gun single-handed after all his men, except two belt-fillers, had become casualties. For three hours he held the gap under very heavy fire while it was being made secure. When his gun was knocked out by hostile fire he and his two belt-fillers held their ground with rifles till ordered to withdraw. With three men sent to assist him he then brought back his gun, ammunition, and one severely wounded man unable to walk. Finally, he himself returned and removed all remaining arms and equipment except two shovels. But for his great gallantry and determination our line must have been penetrated by the enemy.