Montone, Italy, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : Montone, Italy, witnessed a poignant tribute on September 19, as the local municipality and the Indian Embassy honored Yashwant Ghadge, a Victoria Cross recipient who fought valiantly during World War II. The ceremony highlighted Ghadge’s remarkable contributions while serving with the 3/5th Maratha Light Infantry.
The Indian Embassy shared on social media that the event featured a virtual interaction between students from Army Public School in Belagavi, India, and Giuseppe Polidori Secondary School in Montone. This exchange allowed children from both nations to learn about Ghadge’s bravery and sacrifice, fostering connections that transcend borders.
Yashwant Ghadge, who was only 24 years old, displayed extraordinary courage on July 10, 1944, when he single-handedly captured an enemy post in the Upper Tiber Valley of Italy. According to the London-based National Army Museum, his citation details a remarkable act of valor. Ghadge charged towards a machine gun post knowing he was alone, threw a grenade to disable the gun and its operator, and then engaged the remaining soldiers. Tragically, he was shot by enemy snipers and died at the very post he had valiantly taken.
Though his remains were never recovered, Ghadge’s name is inscribed at the Cassino War Memorial in Italy. In his honor, a statue has also been erected at the Tehsil office in Mangaon, Raigad district, Maharashtra, India, ensuring that his legacy endures.
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