Cemetery: Imphal Indian Army War Cemetery

Country: India

Area: Imphal

Rank: Jemadar

Force: Army

Official Number: 11460/IO

Unit: 3rd Bn. 9th Jat Regiment

Country of Service: Indian

Details: V C 06/04/44 Aged 25 3. Q. 2. Son of Nur Muhammad and Hamidan; husband of Jigri Begum, of Kalanaur, Rohtak, India. The following details are given in the London Gazette of 23rd July, 1944:- In Burma on 6th April 1944, 10 miles north of Imphal, the enemy had attacked and occupied a prominent feature. Jemadar Abdul Hafiz was ordered to attack with two sections up a completely bare slope, very steep near the crest. Jemadar Abdul Hafiz so inspired his sections that from the start the attack proceeded with great dash. The enemy opened fire with machine-guns and grenades, causing several casualties, but the assault continued without hesitation up the last few yards of the hill. Jemadar Abdul Hafiz was wounded, but seeing a machine-gun firing, he immediately went towards it and, seizing the barrel, pushed it upwards whilst another man killed the gunner. He again advanced, killing several of the enemy, but was badly wounded in the chest. He died shortly afterwards. The inspiring leadership and bravery displayed by Jemadar Abdul Hafiz in spite of having been twice wounded so inspired his men that the position was captured and severe casualties inflicted on the enemy. His complete disregard for his own safety, and his determination to capture and hold the position at all costs, were an example to all ranks.

Photograph by Jon Wort, James Gibson, Frank Holden, Kanwaljit Singh & David Milborrow