Lalbahadur Thapa
Lalbahadur Thapa Magar VC (Nepali: लालबहादुर थापामगर; February 1906 – 19 October 1968) was a Nepali Gorkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Lalbahadur Thapa Magar | |
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| Born | February 1906 Sumsa, W/No:6, Baglung, Dhawalagiri Anchaal, Nepal |
| Died | 19 October 1968 (aged 62) Pakalihawa, Nepal |
| Buried | Pakalihawa Cemetery |
| Allegiance | British India |
| Service/ | British Indian Army |
| Rank | Subedar-Major |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 2nd Gurkha Rifles |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Details
He was approximately 37 years old, and a Subedar in the 1st Battalion, 2nd Gurkha Rifles, in the Indian Army during World War II when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 5/6 April 1943 during the silent attack on Rass-es-Zouai, Tunisia, Subadar Lalbahadur Thapa, taking command of two sections, made his first contact with the enemy at the foot of a pathway winding up a narrow cleft which was thickly studded with enemy posts. The garrison of the out-posts were all killed by the subadar and his men, by kukri or bayonet and the next machine-gun posts were dealt with similarly. This officer then continued to fight his way up the bullet-swept approaches to the crest where he and the riflemen with him killed four - the rest fled. Thus secured, advance by the whole division was made possible.[1]
He later achieved the rank of Subedar-Major
The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Gurkha Museum in Winchester, Hampshire, England.
References
- "No. 36053". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 June 1943. p. 2719.