[1] He was 24 years old, and a Naik in the 15th Punjab Regiment in the British Indian Army, when during the Burma Campaign 1944–45 of World War II he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the VC.

Two Companies of the 15th Punjab Regiment carried out successfully a wide encircling movement and established themselves on some high ground about one and a half miles in the rear of this enemy position.

By this time a troop of tanks moved up in support of this platoon and came under fire from a cleverly concealed enemy antitank gun.

Naik Gian Singh was ordered to the Regimental Aid Post but, in spite of his wounds, requested permission to lead his section until the whole action had been completed.

There is no doubt that these acts of supreme gallantry saved Naik Gian Singh's platoon many casualties and enabled the whole operation to be carried out successfully with severe losses to the enemy.

Promoted to subedar major on 15 June 1967,[5] Singh retired from the army in August 1969 with the honorary rank of captain.

[7] Singh's medals, including his Victoria Cross, are held by his son Charanjit Sangha, who lives in Scotland.