Personal info
- Name: GOBIND SINGH
- D.O.B: 7th Dec, 1887
- D.O.D: 9th Dec, 1942
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lance Dafadar, 28th Light Cavalry, attached 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse), 5th (Mhow) Cavalry Brigade, 4th Cavalry Division, Indian Army
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Cambrai, France 1 December 1917
1 December 1917
The First World War 1917
After the German advance on 30 November 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, the British counter-attacked on 1 December. 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards attempted to recapture Gonnelieu, just south of the Péronne-Cambrai road, south-west of Bonavis, which had fallen to the enemy the preceding day. During this action, Acting Captain G H T Paton commanded the support company. The attack failed but it prevented the Germans from advancing out of Gonnelieu. Meanwhile to the south, the British mounted several cavalry attacks south of Gauche Wood towards Villers-Guislain which had also been captured by the Germans the day before. One of these involved 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse), 5th (Mhow) Cavalry Brigade. They came under very heavy fire and were soon pinned down. Lance Dafadar Gobind Singh carried a report on the position to Brigade HQ and brought back the reply. He then carried another report back to the HQ but was refused permission to return to the front. His regiment eventually completed a successful withdrawal after nightfall.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in thrice volunteering to carry messages between the regiment and Brigade Headquarters, a distance of 1½ miles over open ground which was under the observation and heavy fire of the enemy. He succeeded each time in delivering his message, although on each occasion his horse was shot and he was compelled to finish his journey on foot.