Fazal Din


Fazal Din VC was an Indian Muslim recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life

He was born in 1921 to Punjabi Muslim family in the Hoshiarpur District of Punjab, British India. His parents belonged to Jat community. Fazal Din, having only passed Middle School, was inspired to join the British Indian Army by the outbreak of the World War. He was recruited as a rifleman and became a section gunner in the 10th Baluch Regiment, before rising to the rank of Naik - equivalent to a British Army corporal.

Victoria Cross citation

Fazal Din was 23 years old, and an acting Naik in the 7th Battalion of 10th Baluch Regiment, British Indian Army during when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross: