Naik Moti Lal Thapa IDSM

On 23rd June 44, this NCOs Section was the left hand leading section of 'C' Company which captured the railway bridge at MOGAUNG around which the defence of the town hinged.

He personally led his section with the bayonet in the advance and destroyed two bunker positions and two snipers in the face of strong opposition. On reaching his objective he came under very heavy MMG fire which was enfilading his position on the railway line from a position dug in under the railway Rest House 300 yards to his left.

His company commander, Lieut BUTLER and the 2nd in command Lieut OATES were killed by this gun and 'B' Company and the South Staffordshire Regiment on his left were forced to withdraw temporarily from the railway line.

In spite of this, fully realising the importance of the bridge, this NCO hung on to his position by the skin of his teeth, taking advantage of every conceivable piece of cover and digging in in the face of severe fire. He held his position throughout. His determination and dogged courage to hold on at all costs were beyond praise.