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| Darwan Singh Negi was awarded Victoria Cross medal, for his bravery during the Battle of Festubert in 1914. |
Darwan Singh Negi, a legendary soldier of the British Indian Army, became one of the first Indian recipients of the Victoria Cross during World War I. His exceptional bravery during the Battle of Festubert in 1914 remains a testament to his courage. This article explores his life, military career, and enduring legacy.
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Introduction
Darwan Singh Negi was one of the first Indian soldiers to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest military decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy, during World War I. His bravery and leadership in the trenches of Festubert, France, earned him a place in military history. This article explores his early life, military career, heroic actions, and legacy.
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| Naik Darwan Singh Negi, Victoria Cross Photo | via: Wikipedia. |
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Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Darwan Singh Negi was born in 1881 in the small village of Kafarteer, near Chamoli district of Uttarakhand (then part of the United Provinces, British India). He belonged to the Negi clan of the Garhwali Rajputs, a community known for its martial traditions.
Detail Information
| Full Name | Darwan Singh Negi |
| Birth Year | 1881 |
| Birthplace | Kafarteer village, near Chamoli District (Uttarakhand, India) |
| Ethnicity | Garhwali Rajput (Negi clan) |
| Family Background | Agrarian, martial tradition |
Education and Early Career
Growing up in a rural, mountainous region, formal education was limited. Like many young men in his community, he was drawn to military service, which offered stability and honor. The British Indian Army actively recruited from the Garhwal Rifles due to the bravery and resilience of its soldiers.
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Detail Information
| Education | Limited formal schooling (typical for rural Garhwal) |
| Early Occupation | Likely engaged in farming before enlistment |
| Military Influence | Belonged to a region known for supplying soldiers to the British Indian Army |
Military Career
Enlistment and Early Service
Darwan Singh Negi enlisted in the 1st Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles of the British Indian Army in 1902. His regiment was part of the Garhwal Brigade, which later became famous for its valor in World War I.
World War I: Deployment to the Western Front
When World War I broke out in 1914, Indian troops were rapidly deployed to Europe. The 39th Garhwal Rifles were sent to France as part of the Indian Corps. They fought in some of the most brutal battles of the early war, including:
- The First Battle of Ypres (1914)
- The Battle of Neuve Chapelle (March 1915)
- The Battle of Festubert (November 1914 & May 1915)
It was during the Battle of Festubert that Negi displayed extraordinary courage.
The Victoria Cross Action
The Battle of Festubert
On the night of November 23-24, 1914, near Festubert, France, the German forces launched a fierce attack on British and Indian positions. The Garhwal Rifles were heavily outnumbered, and the enemy broke through their trenches.
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Timeframe and Action
| Night of Nov 23-24 | German forces breach British-Indian trenches |
| Initial Wounding | Negi injured in head and arm but continues fighting |
| Counterattack | Leads charge to retake lost trenches |
| Outcome | Successfully repels German forces |
Negi’s Heroic Actions
Despite being wounded in the head and arm, Rifleman Darwan Singh Negi led a counterattack. His Victoria Cross citation describes his actions:
"For great gallantry on the night of the 23rd–24th November, near Festubert, France, when the Germans had broken through our trenches, and Rifleman Negi, one of the few survivors, led a counter-attack which succeeded in driving them back. Though wounded in the head and arm, he continued to fight and refused to leave the field until the enemy was repulsed."
His leadership and bravery helped reclaim the lost trenches, saving many lives.
Award of the Victoria Cross
On December 5, 1914, King George V personally awarded Negi the Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace. He was among the first Indian soldiers to receive this honor in World War I, alongside Khudadad Khan (VC).
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Detail Information
| Date of Award | December 5, 1914 |
| Presented by | King George V at Buckingham Palace |
| Significance | One of the first Indian VC recipients of WWI |
Later Military Service and Life After War
Continued Service in the Army
After recovering from his wounds, Darwan Singh Negi continued to serve in the Garhwal Rifles. He was promoted to Havaldar and later Subedar.
Post-War Life
After retiring from the army, he returned to his village in Kafarteer. Despite his fame, he lived a quiet life, respected by his community.
Death and Legacy
Darwan Singh Negi passed away on June 24, 1950, at the age of 69. He was buried in his ancestral village.
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Memorials and Honors
Statues and Memorials
- Victoria Cross Memorial, London – His name is inscribed among the VC recipients.
- Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, Lansdowne – A memorial honors his bravery.
Commemorative Stamps and Publications
- India Post issued a stamp in his honor.
- His story is featured in books on Indian Victoria Cross recipients.
Military Honors
- Victoria Cross (1914)
- 1914 Star (with "Mons" clasp)
- British War Medal
- Victory Medal
Conclusion
Darwan Singh Negi’s courage at Festubert remains a symbol of the immense contribution of Indian soldiers in World War I. His Victoria Cross stands as a testament to his bravery, leadership, and sacrifice. Today, he is remembered as a national hero in India and a legendary figure in the Garhwal Rifles.
His legacy continues to inspire future generations of soldiers and civilians alike, reminding us of the extraordinary valor of those who fought in the Great War.
