India's services in the war (Volume 3): The United Provinces (Lucknow, 1922)

CHAPTER VII.

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against heavy bombing until relieved. For their gallant bearing
they received the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Major Davidson, 58th Vaughan’s Rifles, received the Distinguished
Service Order in recognition of his determined leadership.
Naik Darwan Singh Negi, V.C., 1st Battalion, 39th Garhwal
Rifles. Conspicuous and ever in the van, this non-commissioned
officer, from the beginning to the end, was either the first, or amongst
the first, to push round each successive traverse, facing a hail of
bombs and grenades. Although twice wounded in the head and once
in the arm, he refused to give in, and continued fighting without even
reporting that he was wounded. When the fight was over and the
company fell in, his company commander saw that he was streaming
with blood from head to foot. For his conspicuous bravery Naik
Darwan Singh was awarded the Victoria Cross, being the second
Indian soldier to receive this honour.
Captain Lane, 1st Battalion, Garhwal Rifles, received the M.C.
for gallant conduct.
Captain Lamb, of the same battalion, received the M.C. for
gallant conduct.
Subadar Dhan Singh Negi, of the same battalion, received the
M.C. for the same reason.
Subadar Jagat Singh Rawat, of the same battalion, received the
Order of British India, 2nd Class.
Seven men of the same battalion received the Indian Order of
Merit, 2nd Class, and five others the I. D. S. Medal. The names of
these 12 men have, unfortunately, not been published.
Lieutenant-Colonel Swiney’s (C. O. l/39th Garhwal Rifles)
valuable services were recognized by the grant of a brevet-colonelcy.
The l/39th Garhwalis, having only been raised in 1887, had had
little chance until this war of showing their mettle, but they have most
valiantly proved their right to take their place beside the best
regiments in the army. It is noteworthy that the Victoria Cross has
been won by men of both the l/39th and the 2/39th Garhwal
Rifles.