Lost Victoria Cross Medal Found After Three Days of Mystery

A Victoria Cross medal belonging to the distinguished Lieutenant General PS Bhagat was lost for three days before its unexpected recovery. The incident, which took place in the mid-1970s, highlights not only the valor of Bhagat but also the enduring legacy he left behind.

Bhagat earned the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery during World War II, specifically in the **1941 Karen battle** in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). Despite suffering from a punctured eardrum and shrapnel wounds, he displayed remarkable courage while neutralising and detonating mines, ultimately becoming the first Indian Army officer to receive this prestigious award during the conflict.

In February 1964, during a visit to the **17 Infantry Division** in Sikkim, Bhagat was involved in strategic discussions regarding potential threats from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to the **Siliguri Corridor**. A junior officer in the Operations Branch, tasked with carrying maps, recalls an eventful journey back to Gangtok. As snow began to fall, the driver struggled on a treacherous stretch known as the “Death Gallery.” Showing initiative, the young officer took the wheel, successfully navigating the hazardous conditions. Upon reaching safety, General Bhagat expressed gratitude with a gift of a gold-capped black Parker pen, a symbol of appreciation for the skilled driving.

Tragically, Bhagat’s career was cut short when he was superseded for promotion shortly before retirement. Following a brief appointment as Chairman of the Damodar Valley Corporation, he passed away due to a sudden illness. In a fitting tribute to his service, the **Bombay Engineer Group** sought to honour his contributions through a lasting memorial. They approached Bhagat’s widow, requesting memorabilia, particularly the Victoria Cross.

On the day of her planned visit to share the medals, Mrs. Bhagat stopped to speak with a friend, inadvertently leaving the container of medals on the roof of her car. The container slipped off during her drive, remaining hidden for three days until discovered by Lance Naik SC Ghosh of the **Signal Regiment**. Ghosh’s discovery brought relief to Bhagat’s family, who were anxious about the lost medals.

Reflecting on the incident, Ashali Verma, the General’s daughter, noted, “We couldn’t stop smiling. We had gone through hell. At last we would be able to sleep again.” The medals were eventually presented at a ceremony on **1 February 1976** at the Bombay Engineer Group in Pune, where they remain on display today.

The connection between Bhagat’s life and literature is further highlighted in **Michael Ondaatje’s** novel, *The English Patient*, which features a character named Lieutenant Kirpal Singh, a Sapper similarly trained in minefield neutralisation. Ondaatje acknowledges the Indian Army’s influence on his writing, reflecting the shared experiences of soldiers like Bhagat.

As the legacy of Lieutenant General PS Bhagat continues to inspire, his story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces. His Victoria Cross, once lost, now stands as a testament to enduring bravery and dedication.