Rome: Italy’s Montone Municipality and the Embassy of India in Italy on Saturday jointly commemorated Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, a Victoria Cross recipient and Indian soldier who fought during the Second World War in Italy.
The commemoration highlighted the shared history between India and Italy and Ghadge’s bravery and sacrifice during the war. A key part of the event was a virtual interaction between students of Army Public School, Belagavi, in India, and Giuseppe Polidori Secondary School, Montone, in Italy.
Students Connect Across India And Italy
The Embassy of India said the interaction gave Indian and Italian students an opportunity to learn about Ghadge’s valour and sacrifice, exchange experiences and connect across borders.
The Embassy said the event was part of its efforts to highlight the shared history and enduring friendship between India and Italy.
Naik Yeshwant Ghadge’s Wartime Bravery
Naik Yeshwant Ghadge served with the 3/5th Mahratta Light Infantry, now known as the Maratha Light Infantry, during World War II.
On July 10, 1944, Ghadge single-handedly captured a machine-gun post at Morlupo in Italy’s Upper Tiber Valley. He was 24 when he lost his life during the action.
According to the National Army Museum in London, Ghadge attacked the machine-gun post despite knowing that he had no one left to accompany him. He used a grenade to knock out the machine gun and its operator before shooting another member of the crew. After running out of ammunition, he used his gun as a weapon against the remaining crew members.
Ghadge was subsequently shot by enemy snipers and died at the post he had captured. His Victoria Cross citation praised his courage, determination and devotion to duty despite the overwhelming odds.
Ghadge Remembered In Italy And India
Ghadge’s body was never recovered. He is commemorated at the Cassino War Memorial in Italy and by a statue at the Tahasil Office in Mangaon, Raigad district, Maharashtra.