On This Day ... in 1941 & 1944
Heavy fighting continued at the Italian colonial mountain stronghold of Keren in Eritrea. Richpal Ram, a Subadar (Captain equivalent) of the 6th Rajputana Rifles, led his company in an attack that succeeded in taking an Italian position. However, reinforcing him proved impossible. Nevertheless, he led his men in defending against no less than six fierce Italian counter-attacks, until, ammunition completely exhausted, he succeeded in extricating the survivors back to the main British lines.
Five days later, on 12 February, he once more distinguished himself in the attack, until he lost a foot in an explosion. He continued to urge his men forward until he died of his wound. For these combined acts of gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
1944: During the efforts by the Germans to contain the beach-head at Anzio, Major Sidney, Grenadier Guards, led a series of successful counter-attacks fought at very close range. Sidney was himself badly wounded, but, although increasingly weak from loss of blood, insisted at remaining at his post until he was sure that the battalion's position was safe. Only then did he consent to have his injuries attended to. He was awarded the Victoria Cross.