World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Gorakhpur, British India, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, Indian Army. On the night January 31, 1941, following the capture of Metemma, Ethiopia, 2nd Lieutenant Bhagat was in command of a Field Company detailed to accompany the leading mobile troop trucks to clear the road and adjacent areas of mines. During this period, he detected and personally supervised the clearing of no less than 15 minefields. Speed being essential, he worked at high pressure from dawn to dusk. On two occasions when his carrier was blown up with casualties to others, and on a third occasion when ambushed and under close enemy fire he himself carried straight on with his task. He refused relief when worn out with strain and fatigue and with one eardrum punctured by an explosion, on the grounds that he was now better qualified to continue his task to the end. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and was the first Indian commissioned officer awarded the Victoria Cross on June 10, 1941. Remianing the service, he later achieved the rank of Lieutenant General in the Corps of Indian Engineers.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Gorakhpur, British India, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, Indian Army. On the night January 31, 1941, following the capture of Metemma, Ethiopia, 2nd Lieutenant Bhagat was in command of a Field Company detailed to accompany the leading mobile troop trucks to clear the road and adjacent areas of mines. During this period, he detected and personally supervised the clearing of no less than 15 minefields. Speed being essential, he worked at high pressure from dawn to dusk. On two occasions when his carrier was blown up with casualties to others, and on a third occasion when ambushed and under close enemy fire he himself carried straight on with his task. He refused relief when worn out with strain and fatigue and with one eardrum punctured by an explosion, on the grounds that he was now better qualified to continue his task to the end. For most prestigious gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and was the first Indian commissioned officer awarded the Victoria Cross on June 10, 1941. Remianing the service, he later achieved the rank of Lieutenant General in the Corps of Indian Engineers.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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