Yeshwant Ghadge’s Heroic WWII Sacrifice: The Forgotten Story of India’s Brave Soldier in Italy

Introduction

• Defence Minister’s recent visit (Oct, 2023) to memorial in Italy highlights Yeshwant Ghadge’s heroism in WWII
• Significance of Italian campaign and role of Indian soldiers often overlooked

India’s Defence Minister recently paid tribute at the VC Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial in Montone, Italy. This visit highlights the heroic sacrifice of Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, an Indian soldier who displayed remarkable courage during World War II’s Italian campaign. Though Indian soldiers like Ghadge played a pivotal role, their contributions have often been overlooked until now. The memorial in Italy finally sheds light on this forgotten shared military history.

Yeshwant Ghadge’s Heroic Sacrifice

• Background and military service
• Details of his brave act in July 1944 that earned him the Victoria Cross

Yeshwant Ghadge enlisted in the British Indian Army and was part of the 5th Mahratta Light Infantry regiment during World War II. Having already displayed dedication to duty by earning a mention in dispatches in 1941 as a Sepoy, he had risen to the rank of Naik and was leading his own rifle section by July 1944. During an Allied attack on a strongly defended enemy position in the Upper Tiber Valley in Italy on July 10, 1944, Ghadge’s section came under intense machine gun fire at close range. With all other members either killed or wounded, the 23-year old Ghadge was the sole survivor.

Fully aware of the overwhelming odds, Naik Ghadge showed astonishing courage by charging the machine gun post alone. He lobbed a grenade to knock out the gun, and used his Tommy gun to eliminate one crew member. With no ammunition left, he ferociously bludgeoned the remaining two crew members to death with his gun’s butt. Though fatally wounded by enemy snipers, Ghadge valiantly captured the post single-handedly before succumbing to his injuries.

The Italian Campaign in WWII

• Overview of major events and battles
• The role and contribution of Indian soldiers
• Numbers involved and casualties suffered

The Italian campaign from 1943-1945 was part of World War II, where the Allied Forces took on the Axis Powers of Germany, Italy and Japan. The Allies started by invading Sicily in July 1943, then progressed up mainland Italy after the Fascist regime collapsed. However, German troops offered stiff resistance along successive defensive lines across Italy, like the Albert Line and formidable Gothic Line.

The British Indian Army contributed over 2.5 million soldiers to support the Allied cause during World War II. Specifically in the Italian campaign, around 50,000 Indian soldiers from the 4th, 8th and 10th Divisions participated. These Indian troops suffered 23,722 casualties, with 5,782 making the ultimate sacrifice on Italian soil.

Recognition of India’s Role

• Indian Army’s professionalism noted by Allied commanders
• Memorials and tributes highlighting contribution

The Indian Army’s professionalism and achievements in the Italian campaign were acknowledged by Allied commanders. Indian soldiers often spearheaded attacks against the German defensive lines. The significant role played by Indian troops is now being recognized through memorials like the one in Montone, Italy.

Significance for India

• Inspiring values like bravery, sacrifice and service to nation demonstrated
• Part of India’s military heritage and shared history with Italy

Naik Yeshwant Ghadge displayed values like bravery, duty, valour and sacrifice while serving the nation. His story is an inspiring example from India’s military heritage and shared history with Italy. His story sheds light on the overlooked contributions of Indian soldiers in World War II.

Conclusion

• His legacy and values for Indian soldiers to emulate

In conclusion, Yeshwant Ghadge’s courageous sacrifice in Italy during World War II is an important event of Indian History. His legacy as a war hero demonstrates the values of selfless service, courage under fire and devotion to duty that Indian soldiers should emulate. Recalling his valour highlights the role of Indian troops in securing victory.