Gian Singh, recipient of the Victoria Cross

The contributor remembers Gian Singh, the contributor's uncle, as a kind and helpful person. After seeing her walking to school in the rain, Gian Singh bought her a bike!

Gian Singh lived with the contributor's family when she was growing up. She remembers seeing lots of medals and trophies in his room - some from the British Army and some from India - but she did not know what or how important they were. She also does not know where they are now.

Gian Singh was the recipient of the Victoria Cross. He was invited to the Queen's birthday. The contributor recalls that a white British person - an unusual sight in Shahapur, Punjab - came to pick him up. He was able to take one person with him to the event but the contributor does not remember who he chose.

The contributor found out about her uncle's Victoria Cross through his sons. Gian Singh and other family members did not like to talk about it (especially not to children). It was only later that the contributor found out that he had carried on fighting after being wounded in the arm in Burma.

Gian Singh's son is the custodian of his father's Victoria Cross and recently took it on 'Antique Roadshow'. It now resides in a museum in Scotland.