b. ? d. 31/08/1986 Khushab, Pakistan.
DATE AND PLACE OF GC ACTION: 31/05 – 01/06/1935 Quetta, India.
Ahmed Yar (?-1986), it is believed, was born in India, though his biographical details are unknown, as is sadly, much of his life. What is known is that he enlisted with the Indian Army, and became part of the 24th Mountain Brigade of the Royal Artillery. He had risen to the rank of Acting Havildar Major, and been posted to the Quetta District, just prior to the destructive earthquake of May-June 1935.
George Cross
On the night of 31st May – 1st June 1935, in Sandeman Road, Quetta, Ahmed Yar for a period of five and a half hours worked in a hole about fifteen feet below a very unsafe wall, extricating a man who was eventually found to be unharmed. During this time, there were several aftershocks, and a grave risk of being buried in rubble. Ahmed Yar was constantly on duty for nearly 72 hours until his Battery was returned to its line on 3rd June 1935. Ahmed Yar was one of nine Empire Gallantry Medals awarded for the Quetta Earthquake (London Gazette, 19th November 1935).
In September 1940, following the creation of the George Cross, all recipients of the EGM who were still alive, were entitled to exchange their medals, and this included Ahmed Yar. Little else is known about his life post the award of the EGM/GC. He died on 31st August 1986 in Khushab, Sargodha, Pakistan and it is believed he was cremated. His GC, 1953 QEII Coronation Medal and 1977 QEII Silver Jubilee Medal are held privately.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: PRIVATELY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: PROBABLY CREMATED IN PAKISTAN.
