Personal info
- Name: SHAHAMAD KHAN
- D.O.B: 1st Jul, 1879
- D.O.A: 13th Apr, 1916
- D.O.D: 28th Jul, 1947
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Naik, 89th Punjabis, 7th (Ferozepore) Brigade, 3rd (Lahore) Division, Indian Army
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Bait Isa, Mesopotamia 12-13 April 1916
12-13 April 1916
The First World War Mesopotamia 1915-1918
While part of the British force attempting to relieve Kut-el-Amara had been fighting its way along the north bank of the Tigris, 3rd Indian Division had been advancing along its south bank. The Turkish trenches at Abu Rumman between Fallahiyeh and Sanna-i-Yat were captured by the British on 5 April. The next Turkish position along the south bank was Bait Isa about halfway between Sanna-i-Yat and Nukhailat on the opposite bank. At Bait Isa the Turks were breaching the banks of the Tigris to hold up the British advance. The British pushed forward here on 12 and 13 April 1916. Bait Isa was captured on 17 April 1916.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery. He was in charge of a machine gun section in an exposed position, in front of and covering a gap in our new line, within 150 yards of the enemy’s entrenched position. He beat off three counter attacks and worked his gun single-handed after all his men, except two belt-fillers, had become casualties. For three hours he held the gap under very heavy fire while it was being made secure. When his gun was knocked out by hostile fire he and his two belt-fillers held their ground with rifles till ordered to withdraw. With three men sent to assist him he then brought back his gun, ammunition, and one severely wounded man unable to walk. Finally, he himself returned and removed all remaining arms and equipment except two shovels. But for his great gallantry and determination our line must have been penetrated by the enemy.