Naik Yeshwant Ghadge VC (1921-1944), 3/5th Mahratta Light Infantry, 1944 (b/w photo)

Naik Yeshwant Ghadge VC (1921-1944), 3/5th Mahratta Light Infantry, 1944. Photograph, 1944. Naik Yeshwant Ghadge served with the 3/5th Mahratta Light Infantry in Italy during the Second World War (1939-1945). He won a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) during fighting in the Upper Tiber Valley on 10 July 1944. Following the breach of the German positions around Lake Trasimeno at the end of June 1944 the Allies advanced northwards towards the next major line of German defences, known as the Gothic Line. In the first stage of this operation the 3/5th Mahratta Light Infantry, with other units of 10th Indian Division, was to advance from Perugia through the mountainous terrain of the upper Tiber Valley to assist with the capture of the town Citta de Castello. The Mahratta’s advance took them first to the village of Pianello, which they reached on 30 June. But from here the operation became far more arduous, as they had to tackle a string of mountains, including Monte Cucco, Monte Gengarella and Monte Marucchino, before they would be poised to assault the main German defences on Monte Delle Gorgacce. Despite the difficult terrain, the first stage was a great success and by 8 July the Mahrattas had fought their way to Monte Gengarella. But the following day their advance faltered when they encountered tough resistance from Germans stationed around Monte Marucchino. That night they relieved by the 2/3rd Queen Alexandra’s Gurkha Rifles, who brought fresh impetus to the attack. The Mahrattas were to enjoy no respite, however, as their position on Point 613, near Monte Gengarella, came under pressure from German counter-attacks mounted from a stronghold on Point 624, a mile to the north. The Mahrattas successfully repulsed a major attack on 10 July and then immediately followed this up by dispatching ‘C’ Company to launch a strike against Point 624. Unfortunately, this hill position proved to be strongly defended by enemy machine guns. This problem was compounded when a mortar section, that was to support the attack, did not come into action in time. Consequently, the Company was exposed to a devastating cross fire from enemy machine guns which killed the Company Commander, Captain Madiman, and six others and left 15 more men severely wounded. Section commander Naik Ghadge was the only man in his section to not have been killed or injured. He took prompt and heroic action for which he was awarded his posthumous VC. His citation reads: ‘Without hesitation, and well knowing that none were left to accompany him, Naik Yeshwant Ghadge rushed the machine gun post. He first threw a grenade which knocked out the machine gun and firer, after which he shot one of the gun crew with his Tommygun. Finally, having no time to change his magazine, he grasped his gun by the barrel and beat to death the remaining two men of the gun crew. Unfortunately Naik Yeshwant Ghadge was shot in the chest and back by enemy snipers and died in the post which he had captured single handed. The courage, determination, and devotion to duty of this Indian N.C.O. in a situation where he knew the odds against him gave little hope of survival, were outstanding.’ Following this, the Company retreated to point 613, where it arrived in time to help fight off another German attack. Thereafter, the Germans withdrew from point 624 allowing the Mahratta’s advance to continue. On 13 July the 2/3rd Gurkhas captured Monte Delle Gorgacca with the Marathas helping to protect their right flank. On the 22 July units of the 10th Division’s converged on Citta de Castello and the town fell to the Allies. Ghadge’s body was never recovered. He is commemorated on the Cassino War Memorial, Italy and with a statue at the Tahasil Office, Mangaon in the Raigad District of India.