Bravery by Nayak Darban Singh Negi
History of Tehri King Narendra Shah -3
History of Tehri Kingdom (Tehri and Uttarkashi Garhwal) from 1815 –1948- 195
History of Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon and Haridwar) – 1442
By: Bhishma Kukreti (History Student)
British Government started appointing soldiers at Lansdowne army camp from both the Garhwal guessing the surety of war. The Garhwali youth had good opportunity for earning and travelling various Indian cities and foreign countries. Garhwal Riflemen showed extra ordinary bravery in First World War at Frontiers. Nayak of First Garhwal Rifle Battalion Draban Singh and Rifleman Gabbar Singh Negi were awarded by Victoria Cross award the heist British Army Award for their extraordinary bravery.
Darban Singh Negi:-
Darban Singh Negi belonged to Kafarteer Village of Kadakot Patti of British Garhwal. By the time Darban Singh Negi got promoted as Nayak. British Army sent Garhwal Rifle Battalion to Europe front on 21st September 1914. Garhwal Riffle men reached French Port Marcels on 13 October 1914 (2). Immediately, British authorities sent the Garhwal Rifle men to the front. First Garhwal Rifle Battalion was asked to fight with German soldiers in Festuwart along with other Indian battalion Firohpur Brigade. There was fierce war between Garhwal Riffle men and German soldiers. On 23rd November 1914, German Army captured front Ditch of 300 meter. The Ditch was strategically important for British Army. Garhwal Rifle was asked to get back the Ditch from Germans in night only.
On the same night, Garhwal Rifle capture 80 meter Ditch from Germans and captured 40-45 German soldiers. However, it was difficult for Garhwal Riffle to march ahead with captured German soldiers. Nayak Draban Singh had been in front at every attack as leading from the front. German soldiers were bombing as rain. Draban Singh got injury in head and arm. Draban Singh was not ready to back out from the front. Garhwal Riffle was heading inch by inch in ditches for two days and two nights. Within 48 hours, Garhwal Riffles captured 105 German soldiers. Then Another Garhwal Riffle platoon came to replace that Garhwal Riffle platoon.
British Army awarded Draban Singh by heist award; Victoria Cross’. In December 1914, Indian army welcome the king at Loken. King handed over the Victoria Cross Award to Darban Singh Negi. Darban Singh Negi was first Indian to get award from the King in person.
References-
1-Dabral S., Tehri Garhwal Rajya ka Itihas Bhag 2 (new edition), Veer Gatha Press, Dogadda, (1999) page 4-5
2- Sir Ralf Deeds, Historical Records of Garhwal Rifles VOl.2, page XXI
3-Sir Ralf Deeds, Historical Records of Garhwal Rifles VOl.2,
Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti