Remembering a Tamil soldier’s sacrifice during World War 2

Subedar Subramaniam was the first Indian soldier to be awarded the George Cross, which is the highest award the British had instituted for an act of gallantry, while not in direct engagement with the enemy. Remembering the gallant war hero, Captain DP Ramachandran, Founder and Managing Trustee of Colours of Glory Foundation, an initiative to promote public awareness of India’s Military Heritage, said, “Subedar Subramaniam was a second-generation soldier, who joined the Madras Sappers and Miners, which his father belonged to. He was only 32 years old, when he took part in the battle of Monte Cassino, which was one of the bloodiest in the Italian campaign.” 

The commemoration was held to honour Subedar Subramaniam’s bravery, which is an inspiration to the armed forces, said Captain Ramachandran. “On 24 February in 1944, he was leading a minefield-breaking party and was followed by the Non-Commissioned Officer marking the path cleared. Suddenly, there was a flick and Subedar Subramaniam, a well trained officer, knew that the officer had stepped on a mine. In four minutes, the mine would have blown, killing the entire team. In a split second, he threw himself on the minefield and took the force of the explosion on his body, saving his fellow soldiers. He was alive for a few minutes after the explosion, surrounded by the soldiers before he died. The story of Subedar Subramaniam’s supreme sacrifice really touched me,” said the Captain. 

Subedar Subramaniam was survived by his wife, Shanmugavalli, who was 27 at the time of his death, with a daughter and son. “Shanmugavalli received the George Cross. Subedar’s daughter died recently and his son, OS Durailingam was present at the function held on May 27. He was felicitated by Major General Jose Manavalan, AVSM (Retd) Commandant, Madras Engineer Group & Centre,” said Captain Ramachandran.