| Ishar Havildar Singh | |
| Birth Date: | 30 December 1896 |
| Birth Place: | Nainwa, Bundi State |
| Death Place: | Nainwa, Bundi district, Rajasthan |
| Serviceyears: | 1914-1945 |
| Rank: | Captain |
| Unit: | 28th Punjabis |
| Battles: | First World War Waziristan Campaign Second World War |
Sardar Bahadur Ishar Singh VC, OBI (30 December 1895 – 2 December 1963)[1] was a soldier in the British Indian Army and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Born at Nainwa, he was the first Sikh to receive the Victoria Cross.[2]
He was 25 years old, and a sepoy in the 28th Punjabis, Indian Army during the Waziristan Campaign when, on 10 April 1921, near Haidari Kach he undertook the actions which led his senior officer, Captain Bernard Oddie, to recommend him for the award of a VC. The citation was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 25 November 1921:
He later achieved the rank of captain,[3] and served in the Second World War.[4] In addition to the Victoria Cross, he was awarded the prestigious Order of British India, First Class, which carried with it the title of "Sardar Bahadur."[4]
His medal is held in the collection of Lord Ashcroft.[5]