Personal info
- Name: KARANBAHADUR RANA
- D.O.B: 20th Dec, 1898
- D.O.A: 10th Apr, 1918
- D.O.D: 15th Jul, 1973
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Rifleman, 2nd Battalion 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles, 232nd Infantry Brigade, 75th Division, Indian Army
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
El Kefr, Palestine 10 April 1918
10 April 1918
The First World War 1918
The launch of the German Spring offensive in Europe led to troops being transferred there from Allenby’s command in Palestine. At the same time, the first British raid across the Jordan to Amman had not achieved the success that had been hoped for. On 9 April 1918 XXI Corps attacked the Turkish positions at Deir Ballut, El Kefr and Berukin in the hill country north-east of Lydda. It was in the continuation of this fighting on the 10th that Rifleman Karanbahadur Rana, 2nd Battalion 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles, distinguished himself by his gallantry.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery, resource in action under adverse conditions, and utter contempt for danger. During an attack he, with a few other men, succeeded under intense fire, in creeping forward with a Lewis gun in order to engage an enemy machine gun which had caused severe casualties to officers and other ranks who had attempted to put it out of action. No. 1 of the Lewis gun opened fire, and was shot immediately. Without a moment’s hesitation Rifleman Karanbahadur pushed the dead man off the gun, and in spite of bombs thrown at him and heavy fire from both flanks, he opened fire and knocked out the enemy machinegun crew; then, switching his fire on to the enemy bombers and riflemen in front of him, he silenced their fire. He kept his gun in action and showed the greatest coolness in removing defects which on two occasions prevented the gun from firing. During the remainder of the day he did magnificent work, and when a withdrawal was ordered he assisted with covering fire until the enemy were close on him. He displayed throughout a very high standard of valour and devotion to duty.