He was about 29 years old, and a Sepoy in the 9th Bhopal Infantry, British Indian Army during the First World War when he performed the deed for which he was awarded the VC.

On 13 January 1916 during the Battle of the Wadi, Mesopotamia, Sepoy Chatta Singh left cover to assist and to rescue his commanding officer, who was lying wounded and helpless in the open.

The citation reads: His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned ... Man: — For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in leaving cover to assist his Commanding Officer who was lying wounded and helpless in the open.

Sepoy Chatta Singh bound up the Officer's wound and then dug cover for him with his entrenching tool, being exposed all the time to very heavy rifle fire.

A contemporary copy of the Victoria Cross, which is believed to have been presented to Sepoy Chatta Singh 'in the field' on 8 March 1916, was sold by Dix Noonan Web on 22 September 2006.