The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, presented by Fiona Bruce, recorded another first this Sunday (17th September, BBC One, 8pm) when it valued a Victoria Cross medal awarded to a Sikh soldier for his bravery when fighting with Allied forces in the Far East campaign of 1945.
The medal’s accompanying citation reads: “The enemy were well concealed in foxholes along cactus hedges and Naik Gian Singh soon observed enemy some twenty yards ahead. Ordering his Light Machine Gunner to cover him, he, alone, rushed the enemy foxholes, firing his Tommy Gun. He was met by a hail of fire and wounded in the arm. In spite of this he continued his advance alone, hurling grenades. . . . . By this time a troop of tanks came under fire from a cleverly concealed enemy antitank gun. Naik Gian Singh quickly saw the danger and, ignoring the danger to himself and in spite of his wounds, again rushed forward, killed the crew and captured the gun single-handed.
Naik Gian Singh was ordered to the Regimental Aid Post but, in spite of his wounds, requested permission to lead his section until the whole action had been completed. This was granted. There is no doubt that these acts of supreme gallantry saved Naik Gian Singh’s platoon many casualties and enabled the whole operation to be carried out successfully with severe losses to the enemy.”
Naik (Corporal) Gian Singh was awarded the highest award for gallantry, receiving the Victoria Cross from King George VI in October 1945. He would travel to London every two years to attend the Victoria and George Cross Reunion. He died in 1996.
This is the first time that Antiques Roadshow has featured a Victoria Cross awarded to a Sikh Soldier. The medal has been valued at £250,000 by expert valuer Mark Smith. Mark previously valued a WWI Victoria Cross at the Portchester Castle Roadshow in 2021.
Mark Smith said: “It is always an immense honour to see, let alone hold, a Victoria Cross. The humble bronze Cross represents the highest traditions of courage, sacrifice and honour, how can one not be moved to be in its presence. Always a moment to remember.”
Mr Singh’s son Charanjit, who contributed the medal, said: “It was a wonderful day to hear Mark Smith talk about my father, I was so proud and emotional. We have never been minded to sell the medal and have not thought about its value so it was a great surprise (to learn what it is now valued at).”
The medal will go on display in November for two years at the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow.
Antiques Roadshow is presented by Fiona Bruce on BBC One this Sunday, 17th September 2023, at 8pm, from Pollok Country Park, Glasgow. Further episodes will be from Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff, Ebrington Square in Londonderry and Roundhay Park in Leeds.
The series is produced by BBC Studios Factual Entertainment. The Series Editor is Robert Murphy.
Antiques Roadshow was commissioned by Clare Mottershead, BBC Factual Entertainment and Events Commissioner.
Source
BBC One
