A RETIRED East Renfrewshire postmaster has spoken of his hero dad’s vital role in the defeat of the Japanese during the Second World War.

This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Japan – VJ Day – and, for the first time, the contribution of soldiers from across the Commonwealth, particularly India and Africa, is being recognised.

One of the many unsung heroes was farmer Naik Gian Singh, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in battle by the Queen’s father, George VI.

He took on a Japanese unit single-handed, captured their anti-tank gun and paved the way for a successful advance by his own regiment.

Naik’s proud son, Charanjit Sangha, said his father would come over every two years from India to attend a reunion of recipients of the Victoria Cross hosted by the Queen and Queen Mother.

Barrhead News: Naik Gian Singh during his time in the British ArmyNaik Gian Singh during his time in the British Army

While he was in the UK, Mr Singh would stay with him in Newton Mearns and then both would travel to London for the royal gathering.

Mr Singh was part of the Fourteenth Army – said to be the largest volunteer army in history, with 2,500,000 men.

Around 80 per cent were recruited from India, Africa and other parts of the former British Empire.

Mr Sangha, 64, who moved to East Renfrewshire with his wife and family 35 years ago, told the Barrhead News: “My dad joined the British Army in 1937 when he was only 17 and served in the legendary 15th Punjab regiment.

“In one battle with the Japanese, all of the troops around him were killed.

“He was the last one left alive and was only about 50 yards from the enemy foxhole.

“My father could see 15 to 20 Japanese there and an anti-tank gun. He knew that, if he tried to run back or escape, he wouldn’t survive.

“He thought: ‘If I’m going to die now, I might as well do something.’

“My father grabbed hold of his machine gun and some hand grenades and got up in front of the enemy.

“The Japanese were not expecting that, as they thought the enemy were all dead.

“My father killed them all and recaptured the anti-tank gun. By doing that, the route was clear for the British Army to advance.”

Mr Singh retired from the army in 1969, with the rank of Captain.

He then lived on the family farm in the Punjab before his death in 1996.

Mr Sangha, who has two grown-up sons and retired as a Paisley postmaster five years ago, added: “I feel sad that my father is not here with us but excited that we’re now talking about the contribution made by Commonwealth countries and people like my father during the Second World War.”

The  VJ Day commemorations will be marked by a series of events organised by armed forces charities Legion Scotland and Poppy Scotland, in conjunction with the Scottish Government.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Legion Scotland chief executive, said: “The Fourteenth Army was effectively ‘the forgotten army’ but it’s vital on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day that their bravery and sacrifice is forgotten no more.”