1605

Naik Shah Ahmad Khan

1/89th Punjabis

Date of Action: 12/13 April 1916

Place of Action: near Beit Ayessa, Mesopotamia

Date and Place of Birth:

CITATION

Naik Shahahmad Khan "was in charge of a machine gun section in an exposed position, in front of and  covering a gap in the British new line, within 150 yards of the enemy's entrenched position. He beat off three counter attacks and worked his gun single-handed after all his men, except two belt-fillers, had become casualties.

"For three hours he held the gap under very heavy fire while it was being made secure. When hisgun was knocked out by hostile fire, he and his two belt-fillers held their ground with rifles till ordered to withdraw.

"With three men sent to assist him, he then brought back his gun, ammunition and one severely wounded man who was unable to walk.

"Finally, he himself returned and removed all remaining arms and equipment except two shovels.

"But for his great gallantry and determination the British line must have been penetrated by the enemy." (London Gazette, 26 September 1916)

Naik Khan was also awarded the Russian Cross of St. George, 2nd class (authorized in Army Order No. 1065 of 1917)