Italy: Indian Army honoured for contribution in World War II

The Commune of Monotone (in Italy) and Italian Military Historians unveiled the “VC Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial” at Montone (Perugia, Italy), according to information provided to the Ministry of Defence.

This was done in homage to Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, a Victoria Cross who was killed in action while fighting on the heights of the Upper Tiber Valley, and in remembrance of the Indian soldiers who served in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War.

India was represented at the ceremony by the Indian Defence Attaché and India’s ambassador to Italy, Neena Malhotra. According to a press statement from the Ministry of Defence, the event was attended by a large number of Italian civilians, distinguished guests, and members of the Italian Armed Forces.

Six Indian soldiers received Victoria Crosses out of the 20 that were given out in Italy. According to the release, there were 23,722 Indian soldiers killed throughout the war, of which 5,782 gave their lives. These warriors are remembered in the 40 Commonwealth War Graves spread across Italy.
An Indian Army plaque honouring the valiant sacrifice of all ranks of the Indian Army who served in the Italian Campaign has been erected at the memorial to make it a participatory endeavour.

The memorial is in the form of a live Sundial. The motto of the memorial is “Omines Sub Eodem Sole” which translates in English as “We all live under the same sun”.

according to the Ministry of Defence,

According to the Ministry of Defence, Campaign is a testimony to the fact that Italy holds in high reverence the supreme sacrifices and contributions of the Indian Soldiers during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War.