Ed_Haynes

Boo-boo of the period, probably. Serious muck-up, for sure. Imbecile desecration, obviously. Some German tinkerer who had no idea of the award, or the language, or the award being "helpful" to some veteran who wanted to wear it on his medal bar (where it didn't belong). But, then, most similar Ottoman awards we see (in the "trade" and on this forum) are European jewelers' fantasies. A post-war ("after the fact") effort to take an Ottoman award (from a State that no longer existed, rather like Prussia) and make it "fit", using whatever size sledge hammer was required.

Oh . . . that is especially nice. Thank you!

Laugh? More like cry . . . . . . that some illiterate made it up wrong, spoiling what might have been an interesting (if novelty) item.

There is anorther thread under "world" (as these are no longer "British") over at http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=2450 Do the magic-wielding moderators want to conjoin the two?

Nice. For some reason, there don't seem to be many Czech medals about. Only a few at http://www.omsa.org/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=644

Victoria Cross winner Umrao Singh dead NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (PTI) Subedar Major and honorary Captain Umrao Singh, last of the surviving Victoria Cross winners in the Indian Army, died at the Army Research and Referral hospital here today after a prolonged illness. Singh, 85, of Jhajjar in Rohtak, Haryana, won the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery under imperial India for beating off four Japanese attacks on his advanced battery position at Kaladhan valley in Burma on the night of December 15-16, 1944. He struck down three Japanese soldiers before being knocked out. Six hours later, on counter attack, Allied forces found Singh at the site of his gun, so severely wounded that he was hardly recognisable. Around him lay 10 dead Japanese soldiers. He was the last survivor among 40 Victoria Cross winners in the Indian Army known for their feats in the first and second World Wars. Singh's funeral will take place in Palra tomorrow with full Army honours, an Army spokesman said. http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=336439

IGS 08s with Af/NWF named to "Rlys" are not that uncommon. There is avery interesting range of civilian awards for this clasp.

The Plassey and Pondicherry medals were issued only as table medals and I have no evidence that they were ever mounted for wearing. I can dig up images for them. I thought I had am image of the Ceylon Medal, but could not find it when I did the initial posting. Let me look again.

Yes, Rick, would assume he was a civilian railwayman, employed in moving troops up the frontier, most likely down in Sind. Nice medal.

Oh . . . . . . you mean not everyone knows the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Regiment? Part of the Armed Forces of India (essentially territorial forces, mainly Europeans settled in India and a few Anglo-Indians). Weekend warriors. These guys were railway employees in "civvie street". The regiment was raised in 1875 as the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Volunteer Corps. In 1890 they were absorbed in 1902 as the 2nd Battalion of the Midland Railway Voluneer Corps and renamed in 1917 as the 1/13th and 2/13th battalions of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Battations. The title given above dates from 1920. During Gandhi's civil disobedience campaign (Jan 1930-Nov 1931) they served as railway security guards and as guards at armories. In WWII, during the "Quit India" movement (1942), they were again embidied for this same sort of duty. While a territorial army continued after 1947, these AFI units were all disbanded.

As I was looking through back issues of The Medal Collector (now the JOMSA), I came across the attached short article (35, 4; April 1984; p. 19). Does anyone know if this sad tale ever had a happy ending or the stolen medals still, as they said in the "X Files", "out there"?

A lovely group - thanks for posting!

Efficiency Medal, "INDIA", type collection Partially duplicating things shown above, nevertheless . . . . 1- George V - CPL. C. H. JEREMIAH, DELHI CONTGT. A. F. I. - despite the name, probbaly not a European, I'd bet on Anglo-Indian so, therefore, legitimate for my collection 2- George V with additional bar for extra service - SEP. KALA, 11-13 F. F. RIF., I. T. F. - Unusual to an India and even more unusual with the second-award clasp, indicating twenty-four years of service. Wish there was some useful research direction. (Or is there?) 3- George VI - HAV-MAJ. BARKAT SINGH 11 SIKHS R. (I.T.F.)

Maharana Gambhir Singhji II of Rajpilpla Visit of the Prince of Wales to India, 1875-76, silver - No. 11 MAHARANA GUMBHIR SINHJI RAJA OF RAJPIPLA Maharana Gambhir Singhji II (b. 1847, r. 1860-10 January 1897, son of predecessor) A total of 165 silver medals were minted.

221 Lance-Naick Gurbhaji, 41st Dogra Regiment George V Corononation Medal, 1911 - DELHI - 221 41 Attributed to 221 Lance-Naick Gurbhaji, 41st Dogra Regiment (roll, p. 456). 134 of this clasp awarded.

Sowar Lachman Singh, Fane's Horse Second China War Medal, 1857-60 - TAKU FORTS 1860, PEKIN 1860 - SOWAR LUTCHMAN SING, REGt of FANE'S HORSE. Regiment raised for service overseas at the outbreak of the Second China War and was filled with volunteers, as was the custom for Indian units pressed to "cross the black water." Together with Probyn's Horse it stormed the Taku Forts in August 1859 and continued on to Peking, where it was in the van of the final cavalry attack that routed the Manchu and Mongol horsemen from the city, earning five Indian Orders of Merit for its more impressive members. (Of whom Lachman Singh was NOT one, alas.)

Dost Kumal, Bengal Sappers and Miners Ghazni Medal, 1839 -- For the defence of Ghazni, 21-23 July 1839. Originally an Afghan award, but after the fall of Amir Dost Muhammad it was "Adopted" by the East India Company. The Queen had extended her permission for Crown troops to wear the Afghan medal in March 1841. In accuracy, it should probably be treated as an Afghan medal, though its status is ambiguous. The 2nd and 3rd companies of Bengal Sappers and Miners served in the Bengal Column, under Maj-Gen. Sir W. Cotton.

Khan Sahib Arbab Mohd Ayub Khan. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Punjab Indian Police Medal, George VI, for distinguished conduct Gazette of India, 2 January 1939: "Khan Sahib Arbab Mohd Ayub Khan is an Afghan of the Peshawar district. He joined the Police as a Probationary Sub. Inspector in 1909 and held non-gazetted appointments until February 1919, when he was appointed to officiate as Deputy Superintendent of Police. He was confirmed in this rank in February 1923. He was commended on numerous occasions during his non-gazetted period of service, and in January 1930, he was awarded the title of Khan Sahib. During the course of his 29 years served, this officer has shown himself to be possessed of strength of character and ability above the average, and has maintained an excellent reputation for integrity and impartiality. In February 1938 the communal relations in the Kaithal sub-division, Karnal district, became seriously strained over the question of kine slaughter. In one village over 1,000 Hindu Jats collected to prevent kine slaughter on the occasion of Id. Mohammedans also collected and a very threatening situation arose. It was entirely owing to the tact courage and resource displayed by Khan Sahib Arbab Mohd Ayub Khan that the outbreak of a serious riot was prevented. His energetic action was all the more creditable in view of the fact that he is 52 years of age."

Burma Gallantry Medal Named: 61314 A/HAVILDAR-MAJOR SA BAW GAM. THE BURMA REGT. Kachin, from village Jakhandap, district Bhamo. London Gazette, 19 July 1945, p. 3719, "in the field": "No. 61314, Havildar-Major (acting) Sa Baw Gam, The Burma Regiment" Citation, from WO 373/98/487: "During the period October 1942 to April 1944, this soldier carried out many months continuous and volunteer patrolling in Japanese occupied territory as much as 150 miles in advance of our troops. For six months he was senior NCO of the patrol, and owing to his knowledge of Burmese was the one mainly employed in plain clothes for contacting villagers. Working in conditions of extreme physical and nervous strain, he carried out these duties even when the patrol was being closely pursued and he was under nervous tension amounting almost to terror. He was one of the patrol which was accompanied to INDAW in November 1943 by an R.E. Lt.Colonel (who was awarded an immediate D.S.O. for the visit) and which stayed on patrol around that area for 4 months after the Lt.Col.'s returnm to the British lines." According to other information with the medal (apparently from an interview with his wife?), he escaped from Burma by boat in August 1942, being at sea with no food for eight days before reaching Calcutta. He was there enlisted in (Z) Force and received gas, parachute, and intelligence training. He returned to Burma on several occasions (sometimes by parachute) and worked behind Japanese lines. After WWII he joined the 3rd Kachin Rifles and rose to the rank of 2/Lt. He retired and died in February 1992.

467 Naik Basawa Singh. No. 2 (Derajat) Mountain Battery, P.F.F. Central Africa Medal, 1891-98 "CENTRAL AFRICA 1894-98" - 467 Naick Basawa Singh. No. 2 Batty. The 2nd MB claimed 5 medals, he was the senior NCO present. For 14 separate expeditions, January 1894-April 1898. He served: (1) Matapauiri, September 1895; (2) the expedition against Chikusi, October 1896; and (3) the expedition against Chief Mpeseni of the Chimpingo, January-February 1898.

Muleteer Chundiah Singh, 3rd Levy Punjab Muleteers Abyssinian War Medal, 1869 - Muleteer Chundiah Sing 3rd Levy P Muleteers Sent out to Ethiopia: 8 Jemadars, 7 Daffadars, 403 Drivers, 1 Mate. Somehow, there had been confusion and theh mule drivers had gotten the idea they were to be combat troops and there was a near mutiny once they reached Ethiopia.

Sepoy Hanuman Singh, 50th Bengal Native Infantry Punniar Star, 1843 - Sepoy Hunnoommun Sing, 50th Native Infy. Raised in 1804; mutinied at Nagode, 27 August 1857.

I guess I could put these in a "collector's showcase", but I have started here already. Please, others add on. I will show a few, and can show more as interest demands. Won't show ones I have shown elsewhere

And many of the IMD were Anglo-Indian ("Eurasian").

Ah . . . titles. You'll be sorry you asked. To put it very briefly (really): Things like "Babu" were merely titles of respect (= "Mr.) but with a Bengali regional connotation and, over time, becoming a title of ridicule. Arguably, the title badges are one of the least understood but most interesting of pre-1947 British awards for India. Titles had been awarded since before even Sultanate and Mughal times and remained (and remain) one of the important indigenous means of recognizing achievement. As the East India Company emerged as one of the regional power players in the Subcontinent by the early 18th century, they, too, became both the recipient and bestower of titles. By the early 19th century, they moved to eclipse the Mughal Emperor in all aspects of his power, including the right to award titles. This practice continued and grew even into the years after 1858, when India came under vaguely defined crown rule. Yet the patterns of awarding titles remained a distinctly provincial and regional activity and there was no central "system" until efforts began in the late 1880s at standardizing and rationalizing the award of titles. At the suggestion of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, and as one of the "Durbar Boons" for the 1911 Durbar, the king-emperor established a series of accompanying "badges" which could be worn to display the title awarded. Restospective badges were awarded for those individuals still living who had received titles prior to 1911 and the titles awarded at the Durbar and afterward were accompanied not only by the customary sanad (certificate) but by a badge. Roughly, these titles were awarded in three "degrees", with distinctive titles representing the imperial construction of religion and region in India. 1- A silver-gilt six-pointed rayed star (the gilt is very thin and has often disappeared in polishing or simply evaoprated over time) with a crown above and the image of the king-emperor in the center (facing to the viewer's right). The name of the title is on a light blue enameled circlet surrounding the king's image. The ribbon is light blue ("Star of India" blue) with narrow dark blue ("Order of the Indian Empire" blue) edges. The badges were worn around the neck from a 45-inch length of ribbon. All badges, including the restrospective awards, were named on the reverse. 1a- "Sardar Badadur" to Muslims (almost uniquely in Baluchistan and Sind) and to Sikhs (in the Punjab only) - Almost all "Sardar Bahadur" awards were to Sikhs or to individuals with significant military service. Great confusion accompanied the fact that the title "Sardar Bahadur" was also awarded with the OBI 1st class. 1b- "Diwan Bahadur" to Hindus (in practice, mostly in southern India) 2- As for the "1st class", but with the encircling band unenameled (the intent was for it to be red enamelled, but the mint could find no red enamel that would stick to the medal and green was not deemed appropriate due to to religions connotations regarding Islam). The ribbon is light red with narrow darker red edges. 2a- "Khan Bahadur" - to Muslims 2b- "Rai Bahadur" to Hindus in "north India" 2c- "Rao Bahadur" to Hindus in "south India" 3- As for the 1st and 2nd class, but all silver. The encircling band with the name of the title is enameled in dark blue. The ribbon is dark blue ("Order of the Indian Empire" blue) with narrow light blue ("Star of India" blue) edges. 3a- "Khan Sahib" - to Muslims 3b- "Sardar Sahib" - to Sikhs, usually in Punjab only (elsewhere, they were rewarded as Hindus) 3c- "Rai Sahibr" to Hindus in "north India" 3d- "Rao Sahib" to Hindus in "south India" Neither the geographical distinction between ?Rais? and ?Raos? nor the dividing line between the great defining category of ?British India? ? religion ? was entirely impermeable. In general, the ?Rai? title was awarded to Hindus in north India (Bengal, East Bengal, Assam, Burma, the United Provinces, Punjab, the North-West Frontier, and Baluchistan), while the ?Rao? titles were awarded to Hindus in Madras and Bombay (including Gujarat). Other areas were more ambiguous, and ?Rai? and ?Rao? titles were bestowed in almost equal numbers in the Central Provinces and Central India, in Hyderabad, in Mysore, and in Rajputana and Ajmer-Merwara; in many cases, nominated title recipients were consulted as to their personal preference between the ?Rai? and ?Rao? appellations. Religious distinctions, however certain they sometimes appeared in the census process, were an especially complex problem. In general, Hindus were ?Hindus? and Muslims were ?Muslims". In general, Parsis (Zoroastrians) were treated as ?honorary Muslims? and received the standard Khan Sahib-Khan Bahadur-Sardar Bahadur progression of honorifics. There were, however, cases of Parsis being appointed in the ?Hindu series? of titles. Sikhs posed a particular problem, occupying as they did both a prominent position in the ?Martial Races? ideology of ?British India? and an ambiguous religious niche between Hinduism and Islam. This difficulty was, of course, compounded by late-nineteenth-century movements within the Sikh community that aimed as asserting an increasingly distinct religions identity. As these movements progressed throughout the early twentieth century, they would generate greater problems in India than just what title to award deserving Sikhs. Yet, in the realm of titles, most provinces treated Sikhs as Hindus and awarded them the ?Hindu series? of titles. Only the Punjab government ? and this is hardly surprising ? adopted a different policy, and had been awarding the title of ?Sardar Sahib? to Sikhs at the lowest level of achievement and, apparently, promoting Sardar Sabibs direct to ?Sardar Bahadur? as their next step in the title hierarchy, by-passing the normal second-level titles entirely. Jews were rewarded as Muslims and Christians were awarded titles approroitate to what their families had been prior to conversion (if it could not be determined, they, too, were seen as honorary Muslims). Buddhists were rewarded as Hindus. As no titles have been located that were bestowed on Jains, it is impossible to determine how they were fitted into the title regulatory policies. Anglo-Indians ("Eurasians") and women were never included in the title badge system. Appointments, except in truly exceptional cases, would be to the lowest level (for example, a Hindu (in Bengal) would first be made a ?Rai Sahib?), and later appointments would come to the intermediate (?Rai Bahadur?) and highest (?Dewan Bahadur?) titles. In practice, most Muslims were restricted to two "steps": "Khan Sahib" to "Khan Bahadur". A Sikh, however, would vault from "Sardar Sahib" to "Sardar Bahadur". From 1913, the date of the award of the title (usually, but not always, either New Year's or Birthday Honours) was added to the naming engraved on the reverse. (Unnamed badges are mint "espcapees".) After WWI, miniature medals came into fashion and a place had to be found in the order of wearing for the title badges. They were inserted following the Kaisar-i-Hind Medals, a rather lofty place (a fact not widely known, then or now). An ongoing debate raged as to whether the badges could be worn either in uniform or in ribbon bars. It had been the original intent to restrict their wearing, but over time this policy erroded. An additional problem arose (one that can be comprehended by those who collect these badges today) in that the ribbons were difficult to obtain, especially in the lengths required. The ribbons were made in China and, with the rise of civil war, supplies were difficult. As a response to this problem, in part, the badges were allowed to be worn on the left breast, if the recipient so desired, from 5 March 1923. On 1 June 1933, the awareness seems to have dawned that the image of the King-Emperor on the title badges was facing in the ?wrong? direction, and the king?s image was reversed to face, more properly, to the left (as seen by the observer). While design work was begun for Edward VIII badges after the death of George V, this work was stopped when he abdicated in favour of his brother. The massive confusion of this period led to the issue of interim badges for the 11 May 1937 (Birthday Honours) awards where an interim image of the new ruler, George VI, was simply glued over the old image of his father, which had been ground down. Even honor could become flexible when demands of schedules and costs demanded. The award of title badges continued until the final honours lists to Indians, 13 June 1946. To summarize: 100 George V (first type, bust right, undated 1911-13): 110 1st class: 111 Sardar Bahadur 112 Diwan Bahadur 120 2nd class: 121 Khan Bahadur 122 Rai Bahadur 123 Rao Bahadur 130 3rd class: 131 Khan Sahib 132 Sardar Sahib 133 Rai Sahib 134 Rao Sahib 200 George V - first type, bust right, dated, could be worn on breast ribbon from 1923 (1913-33): 210 1st class: 211 Sardar Bahadur 212 Diwan Bahadur 220 2nd class: 221 Khan Bahadur 222 Rai Bahadur 223 Rao Bahadur 230 3rd class: 231 Khan Sahib 232 Sardar Sahib 233 Rai Sahib 234 Rao Sahib 300 George V (second type, bust left, 1933-37): 310 1st class: 311 Sardar Bahadur 312 Diwan Bahadur 320 2nd class: 321 Khan Bahadur 322 Rai Bahadur 323 Rao Bahadur 330 3rd class: 331 Khan Sahib 332 Sardar Sahib 333 Rai Sahib 334 Rao Sahib 400 George VI - interim "pasted-on" awards (11 May 1937): 410 1st class: 411 Sardar Bahadur 412 Diwan Bahadur 420 2nd class: 421 Khan Bahadur 422 Rai Bahadur 423 Rao Bahadur 430 3rd class: 431 Khan Sahib 432 Sardar Sahib 433 Rai Sahib 434 Rao Sahib 500 George VI (1938-47): 510 1st class: 511 Sardar Bahadur 512 Diwan Bahadur 520 2nd class: 521 Khan Bahadur 522 Rai Bahadur 523 Rao Bahadur 530 3rd class: 531 Khan Sahib 532 Sardar Sahib 533 Rai Sahib 534 Rao Sahib There was also a separate series of titles (and badges) for literary titles and for titles awarded in Burms, but these are another topic, for another day. For more, if you can stand it, see: http://sagongs.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=265