Ed_Haynes

Langri Jhanda Singh, IOM, 1st Sikh Infanty 1- Indian Order of Merit, 3rd class, 1839-1911 "Langri Cook Jhanda Singh 1st Sikh Infy" IAO 865 of 1897: "Langri (Cook) JHANDA SINGH, 1st Sikh Infanty, was admitted to the 3rd class, for conspicuous gallantry on the same occasion [attack on politucal officer's escort at Maizar, 10 June 1897], in having when Lance-Naik Atr Singh [posthumous IOM3] was killed, run out and brought in the box of ammunition the Naik was carrying when he met his death." [Hypher II: 109-10] 2- India Medal, 1895-1902, Victoria, bronze - PUNJAB FRONTIER 1897-98 Unnamed (!), attributed to Langri Jhanda Singh, IOM, 1st Sikhs. Possible "restoration"?

SS 14304 Lieutenant Jagatsingh Gurung, IDSM, 3/5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) Hindu Gurkha, Lapsibot, 4000 Parbat, No. 4 West, Nepal. Enrolled 1 December 1924 Jemadar 1 October 1940 W. S. Subadar Wounded B II p. 384 s.l. 287 - IO 9577 Sub. Jagtasing Gurung, 1/5 GR, 12 May 1944 - Italy By October 1946 with Regimental Centre 8 December 1947 - commissioned as a lieutenant (SS 14304) By December 1957, acting captain The previous owner had Spink mount this group in a blissfully incorrect order (the Independence Medal should, of course, come first!). Grumble. As this is such a pretty mounting (Spink, after all), I have not had the heart (yet) to break up and remount the group. I present his medals in the proper order, though this is not (yet) reflected in the way they are mounted. (I have listed this group, in a somewhat arbitrary fashion, as a pre-1947 group. It could just as easily be categorised as a post-1947 group.) 1- The Indian Independence Medal, 1947 "SUBDR. JAGATSING GURUNG, 5 G.R." 2- Indian Distinguished Service Medal, George VI "JEMDR. JAGTASING GURUNG, 1-5 R.G.R." To "IO 9577 Jemadar Jagatsingh Gurung, IDSM, 1/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles". Recommendation (originally for IOM, downgraded to IDSM): ?Near St.NICOLA on 3 JAN 44, a t 0900 hrs, this Gurkha officer was in Comd of a Pl, 20 strong, ordered to attack a group of houses on the far side of a steep valley. "On reaching the bottom of the valley heavy enemy M.G. fire was opened from both flanks causing numerous casualties. "Although withdrawal was possible, JEM. JAGTASING by personal example and leadership infiltrated this Pl, now only 12 strong, forward to the far side of the enemy under continuous fire to within 50 yards of the houses. "He held this position in the face of numerous determined counter-attacks throughout the hours of daylight. By midday ammunition was running short, he pooled it for firing under his orders and prepared to hold his position with bayonets if necessary. "Having received ammunition after dark, he resumed the offensive and captured his objective. "The personal courage, unflinching determination and leadership displayed by Jem JAGTASING GURUNG was entirely responsible for the success of the operation.? 3- India General Service Medal, 1908-35, George V, 2nd variety - NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1930-31 "2953 RFM. JAGATSINGH GURUNG, 1-5 G.R." 4- India General Service Medal, 1936-39 - NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1936-37 "2953 HAV. JAGATBAHADUR GURUNG, 1-5 R.G.R." 5- 1939-45 Star "I.O. 9577 SUBDR. JAGTASING GURUNG, 3/5 R.G.R." 6- Italy Star "I.O. 9577 SUBDR. JAGTASING GURUING, 3/5 R.G.R." 7- The Defence Medal, 1939-45 "I.O. 9577 SUBDR. JAGTASING GURUNG, 3/5 R.G.R." 8- The War Medal, 1939-45 "I.O. 9577 SUBDR. JAGTASING GURUNG, 3/5 R.G.R."

Jemadar (now Subedar) Muhammad Azam Khan, IDSM, Frontier Constabulary As he is Frontier Constabulary, this will be hard to research. 1- IDSM, George V, first variety - "JEMDR. MOHAMMAD AZAM, FR. CONSTB." - Chhina, p. 175, H&A, p. 129, AO 1589 of 1920 for Waziristan. With a very strange job of affixing the suspension brooch to the suspension bar. 2- BWM - "SUBDR. MOHD AZAM KHAN, FR. CONSTAB." 3- IGS 08, Af/NWF - "JEMDR. MOHAMMAD AZAM, FR. CONSTB." Missing Waziristan 1919-20 clasp, as he was MiD by Gazette of India, 16 July 1921: "The names of the undermentioned . . . for distinguished service . . . operations in Waziristan, 1919-20 . . . despatch dated August 1st, 1920. (published in the Supplement to the London Gazette dated December 8th, 1920)", page 974: "Frontier Constabulary . . . Muhammad Azam, No. 1389 Jemadar". Broken or complete?

Subadar Rur Singh, 32nd Sikh Pioneers 1- Indian Distinguished Service Medal, Edward VII - Subdr Rur Singh 32d Sikh Pioneers 2- India General Service Medal, 1854 - HAZARA 1891, SIKKIM 1888 - 2396 Sepoy Rur Singh 32d Bl Infy 3- India Medal 1895 - WAZIRISTAN 1901-2, RELIEF OF CHITRAL 1895 - 2396 Havdr Rur Singh 32nd Bl Infy 4- Tibet Medal - GYANTSE - Subdr Rur Singh 32nd Sikh Pioneers 5- India General Service Medal, 1908 - George V, 1st variety - ABOR 1911 - Subadar Rur Singh 32nd Sikh Pioneers

You asked . . . . 2649 Rifleman Manbir Ale (III), IOM, 43rd Bengal Infantry enlisted early 1889? died in service between June 1898 and December 1898 1- Indian Order of Merit, 3rd class, 1839-1911 GGO 647 of 1891: "The undermentioned non-commissioned officers and men were admitted tp the 3rd class, in recognition of the gallantry and devotion displayed by them while serving under the command of Lieutenant C. J. W. Grant, V.C., 12th (Burma) Regiment of Madras Infantry, during the advance on, and defence of Thobal from the 28th March to the 9th April [1891], in connection with the measures that were taken to restore order in Manipur and to exact retribution for the murder of the Chief Commissioner of Assam and other British officers, in March 1891:-- "43rd (Gurkha) Regiment of Bengal Infantry (Rifles): " . . . "No. 2649, Sepoy Manbir Ale (III) ". . . ." Recommendations in Military Proceedings, Manipur A, 1891, 490-510. Description of the action in Military Proceedings, Manipur A, 1891, 479-82. 2- India General Service Medal, 1854-95 - N. E. FRONTIER 1891 "2649. Sepoy Manbir Ale. 43d Bl Infy"

Hi Dave, Does this help? Anything else will take a few days. Ed

Fascinating. Guess this is why the records I have get really really vague ca. 1938-39.

See the prinzengr??e group I posted at http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=2328&hl= Ed Haynes

No, Rick, I had wondered about this too. No joy, so far, but research never ends . . . .

More to come . . . if you can stand them . . . ??

79 Lascar Boy Sheikh Mahomed, R.I.M.S. Hardinge 1- Sea Gallantry Medal, Edward VII, silver, small, "Awarded by the Board of Trade for Gallantry in Saving Life" named in engraved capitals "SHEIK MAHOMED. 3rd MAY. 1901. 2- Africa General sevice, Edward VII, Somaliland 1902-04, named in impressed capitals: "79 LSCR. BOY SHEIK MOHOMED. R.I.M.S. HARDINGE." Help?!?!?!

I.O. 7269 Honorary Captain and Subadar Major Narbahadur Gurung, Sardar Bahadur, IOM, OBI, IDSM, 2/4th Gurkha Rifles Born 1903, Sabet, dist. Gandaki, West Nepal Enlisted 3 December 1921 Jemadar 6 November 1936 Subadar 1 October 1940 WS Subadar-Major ???? retired 1946 served in Nepal Government as Deputy Minister of Health in Nepal, 1951-52 died 26 January 1977, Pathankot, India, just after marching in Republic Day parade in New Delhi 1- Order of British India, first class, type 2, 1939-1947 - Rawalpindi 13 Jun 1946, Gazette of India Extraordinary 13 Jun 1946, Notn 150 ? H. OBI2 ? Northern Italy, 14 June 1945, GoI Extraordinary, 14 June 1945, Not. No. 140-H. Apologies for the naked medal. I am having trouble locating OBI 1 final two-striped ribbon. Help? 2- Indian Order of Merit, 2nd class, 1939-45 - This is a puzzle. With 1/4th GR as I.O. 7269 A/ Subdr ? Major in Italy, Gazette of India 19/ 6 May 1944. Not. No. 101?H. For Italy. Note the regimental history vol. 3 does not record this action but his name is recorded on page 454 as having been awarded the IOM. Not in Peterson. Almost certainly for escape from POW camp and subsequent evasion in Italy. Captured in North Africa in the ?Battle of the Cauldron? on 5/6 June 1942. Intermed in camp ?P.G. 63 P.M. 3400 Italy? per his letters (P.G. 63, Aversa? just north of Naples). He escaped, evaded, and rejoined the Battalion late in October and early November 1943. Recommendation is elusive. 3- Indian Distinguished Service Medal, George VI - Named "JEMDR. NARBAHADUR GURUNG, 2-4 G.R." For Black Rocks, Koti Raghza Waziristan, NWFP (gazetted as Waziristan, NWFP), action date 29 June 1937, Gazette of India Extraordinary 10 Dec 1937, Not. 192-H. 4- India General Service Medal, 1908-35, George V, 2nd variety, "NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1930-31" - Named "6375 L-NK. NARBAHADUR GURUNG, 2-4 G.R." 5- India General Service Medal, 1936-39 "NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1937-39" - Named "JEMDR. NARBAHADUR GURUNG, 2-4 G.R." 6- 1939-45 Star - unnamed 7- Africa Star - unnamed 8- Italy Star - unnamed 9- The Defence Medal, 1939-45 - unnamed 10- The War Medal, 1939-45 - unnamed 11- George V Silver Jubilee Medal, 1935 - unnamed, on roll as "No. 7038 Rifleman Narbahadur Gurung, 2/4th Gurkha Rifles"

Havildar Jagat Sing Rana, 5th Gurkha Regiment A good bit of research remains on this one, but I post it here in a preliminary fashion, subject to later editing and expansion. 1- Indian Order of Merit, 3rd class, 1839-1911 "Sepoy Juggut Sing 5th Gookhir Regt." Order of Merit announced in GGO 89 of 24 Jan 1879, Afghanistan - joint citation with Bugler Soorbir Damai, Sepoy Kishnbiar Nuggurkoti (who uniquely won promotion to the 1st Class and then won a special gold bar) and Sepoy Hushtbir Khuttrie: "For conspicuous gallantry in checking the advance of the enemy in action at the Mangiar Pass on the 13th December 1878." Roberts' despatch of 18 December 1878: "The conduct and steady behaviour of the 5th Goorkhas on the occasion merit my warmest commendations. For nearly five hours this Regiment maintained a rear-guard fight over most difficult ground with a bold and active enemy thoroughly acquainted with the locality, and so successfully was this duty performed that not a single baggage animal or load was lost. It is therefore my pleasure and my duty to bring the gallant conduct of this fine Regiment once more to the special notice of His Excellency and the Government in India." IOM personally presented by Lord Roberts, on Queen's Birthday Parade of 24 May 1879. 2- India General Service Medal, 1854-95 - JOWAKI 1879-8, NORTHWEST FRONTIER, UMBEYLA "Sepoy Jaggut Sing, 5th Goorkha Regt." 3- Second Afghan War, 1878-80 - PEIWAR KOTAL, CHARASIA, KABUL, KANDAHAR "Havr. Jagat Sing Rana 5th Goorkha Regt" 4- Kabul to Kandahar Star "Havr. Jagat Sing Rana 5th Goorkha Regt"

IO-24563 Jemadar Rajpal Singh, MC, 9th Royal Deccan Horse Enrolled 14 May 1937 Driver MT Class I Armament Course - grade Q-1 English 1st class Jemadar 24 Oct 1942 F.S.C.A. from 1 October 1944 to 22 October 1945 Discharged 11 May 1946 (medical board, exemplary character) Although the group is entirely unnamed (!), it came direct from the family with a good bit of documentation, including the photographs shown. The group also includes his ribbon bar, jemadar's stars, and a wound stripe. 1- Military Cross, George VI, first variety, 1945 MC action of 21/28 May 1945, Burma, London Gazette, 20 September 1945, p. 4677. The recommendation: "On the MAWCHI rd on 21 May 45 Jem RAJPAL SINGH was leading the tp being used in sp of the inf. Advancing, his tank was hit by a 47 mm AP shell. He was ordered by the Tp Comd to withdraw but having seen the flash he held his ground knowing he would be unable to locate it if he went back to cover. His rapid fire then forced the crew to abandon the gun. A 75 mm then opened fire and this he silenced with a direct hit. During this enaggement his tk was hit five times, one jamming the cupola and fracturing the periscope. This action enabled inf to adv and three guns were captured. "On 28 May he was loading with a coy of 4 GR. One of his guns jammed but rather than hold up the adv he pressed on but was hit five times by the enemy guns destroying the tk and killing the crew. The Jem. escaped with severe burns. "This Jemadars courage and steadiness has been a very fine example to all." 2- 1939-45 Star 3- Burma Star 4- The War Medal, 1939-45 (medal mounted reversed) 5- The India Service Medal, 1939-45 And a "before" and "way after" photo of the man.

2466 Naik Amarbahadur Khattri, IOM, 1/9th Gurkha Rifles A Hindu Gorkha, Sayan Dhumurya, Razasthal, No. 2 West, Lamjung, Nepal. 1- Indian Order of Merit, 2nd class, 1939-45 London Gazette 21 September 1944, p. 4371. The recommendation for the IOM is shown below. "During the operations on Monastery Hill above Cassino between 15th and 34th March 1944, this NCO showed courage and devotion of an outstanding quality. Naik Amarbahadur was acting Platoon Havildar of one of the platoons of the company which, alone, captured Hangman's Hill on Monte Cassino on the 16th March 1944. When the company had secured Hangman's Hill the Germans brought intense small arms, mortar and shell fire to bear on the hill top from the Monastery and adjacent ridges, which overlooked Hangman's Hill from point blank range. After enduring this for some time, Naik Amarbahadur picked up a Bren gun, the crew of which had become casualties, and climbed to the highest pinnacle of the rock, where the best view of the enemy could be obtained but which also was completely exposed. From this position he engaged the enemy, particularly a mortar which was causing considerable damage to the company. So effectively did he do this, that the mortar was silenced. He was shortly afterwards wounded, but continued to fight on and engage machine gun posts under the Monastery wall. It was not until the situation quieted down considerably that this NCO allowed himself to be removed and have his wound dressed.? 2- India General Service Medal, 1936-39 - NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1936-37, NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1937-39 "2446 RFM. AMARBAHADUR KHATTRI, 1-9 G.R." 3- 1939-45 Star "2446 NK. AMMARBAHADUR KHATTRI, 9 G.R." 4- Africa Star "2446 NK. AMMARBAHADUR KHATTRI, 9 G.R." 5- Italy Star "2446 NK. AMMARBAHADUR KHATTRI, 9 G.R." 6- The Defence Medal, 1939-45 "2446 NK. AMMARBAHADUR KHATTRI, 9 G.R." 7- The War Medal, 1939-45 "2446 NK. AMMARBAHADUR KHATTRI, 9 G.R."

Subadar Major Sardar Bahadur Gulzar Singh, IOM, IDSM, Burma Mounted Rifles Some things, when you miss them the first try, come around again. While a partial group, still nice. 1- Indian Order of Merit, 2nd class, 1912-39 - unnamed South Persia (Marri Field Force) ? Rissaldar Gulzar Singh, I.D.S.M. (H&A p. 54; Duckers, p. 217). Sabadar Gulzar Singh was awarded the IDSM for gallantry on 25th May, 1918, when he extricated his squadron from a very difficult situation, returning to the open to retrieve the body of an officer and wounded men, under heavy fire. The IOM 2nd class was awarded for service in South Persia while attached to Marri Field Force. IAO 158 of 17 January 1919 (and IAO 882 of 1919): ?For gallantry on the 25th May 1918 when he extricated his squadron from a very difficult situation in excellent order and having done so returned himself to the open to help bring in the body of an officer and wounded men, under heavy fire. He was conspicupous for his skillful leadership in every action in which he was engaged.? Shown in 1941 War Services (p. 176), retired, as ?Subadar-Major Sardar Bahadur Gulzar Singh, Sardar Bahadur, IOM, IDSM" ? IOM 25 May 1918, Not. 158 of 17 Jan 1919. 2- Indian Title Badge, George V, first variety, 1st class, Sardar Bahadur - Subadar-Major Gulzar Singh I.O.M., I.D.S.M., 2nd June 1923 - ribbon incorrect No. 1643-H of 2 June 1923 ? Sardar Bahadur to ?Subadar-Major Gulzar Singh, I.O.M., I.D.S.M., Burma Military Police, Burma?. 3- Indian Distinguished Service Medal, George V, 1st variety - RISALDAR GULZAR SINGH, BURMA MOUNTED RIFLES South Persia ? Risaldar Gulzar Singh (Chhina, p. 174; H&A p. 128). IDSM by AO 1703 of 1918. 4- British War Medal, 1914-18 - 77 SUB-MAJ. GULZAR SINGH, BURMA MTD. RFLS. Also MiD by AO 1188 of 1920 and 1747 of 1920. As Burma Mounted Rifles, research chances slim. Need to seek Sardar Bahadur recommendations this summer.

Major HH Maharaja Nihal Singh, C.B., Lokendra Bahadur of Dholpur 1- Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath 2- India Medal 1895 - Victoria - TIRAH 1897-98, PUNJAB FRONTIER 1897-98 - Major HH Maharaja Nihal Singh, C.B., Lokendra Bahadur of Dholpur One of the first CBs to Indians.

3021 Sepoy Nand Singh, IOM, 45th Sikh Regiment 1- Indian Order of Merit, 3rd class - unnamed IOM for defence of Chakrada Fort, one of the great Victorian "defences" (better than Chitral or Rorke's Drift?!). Written up as a full chapter in Winston Churchill's Malakand Field Force. Hypher II:119, IAO 49 of 14 January 1898: "No. 3021 Sepoy Nand Singh, 45th (Sikh) Regiment of Bengal Infantry. ? For conspicuous gallantry at a critical moment of the attack on Chakdarra Fort on the 2nd August 1897, in spontatenously taking the lead in serving the 9-pr gun under a heavy fire, the commander, Kishen Singh [2807 Havildar, killed by gunshot], having been killed whilst laying the gun." Shown (IAL Jan 1919, 3:1982) as retired as Havildar. 2- The India Medal 1895 - PF 97-98, MALAKAND 1897, TIRAH 1897-98, Waz 1901-2 - "3021 Sepoy Nand Singh 45th Sikhs"

Risaldar-Major Mir Alam Khan, Sardar Bahadur, IOM, 1st Punjab Cavalry 1- Indian Order of Merit, 3rd class - unnamed Admission to the IOM3 was for the action at Rampur Kasia on 3 Nov 1858 during the early stages of the so-called 'winter campaign' in Oudh. Advancement to the IOM2 was for gallantry at Syad-but in Shorawak on 27 March 1879 where the escort to Mr O.T. Duke, Asst Agent to the Gov-Gen for Baluchistan, fended off an attack by 1,600 Baraitch Pathans. Mir Alam was also mentioned for Ahmad Khel on 19.4.1880 where he 'set a good example to all by his forwardness'. The group was acquired years ago in India with this IOM along with it. Where are his other medals?! 2- Mutiny Medal - no clasp - "Naib Risaldar Mir Alam Khan 1st Reg Punjab Cavy" Enrolled 1 April 1858 as Jemadar without prior service in the ranks Ressaidar 1 May 1868 Risaldar 1 November 1878. Risaldar Major 13 June 1882 retired in 1885 or soon thereafter My guess is that he was entitled to three campaign medals: Mutiny no clasp, IGS one clasp NWF, Afghan one clasp Ahmad Khel. His awards were: IOM3 GGO 645 of 29 April 1859 (wef 3 November 1858) IOM2 PGO 190 of 19 March 1880 (wef 27 March 1879) OBI2 GGO 571 of 21 October 1881 OBI1 GGO ??? of 17 October 1885

Just a few samples, as eye-candy.

PS: If you want more PDRA awards posted, just ask.

Yes, he did seem to enjoy his car, and he invited his friends along too.

No matter the field of interest, an isolated medal is only a chump of metal and ribbon. The joy, the ability of reinstalling life in that object, is with research. An example: Several years ago, as a real "fringe" item in my collection, I acquired a Soviet Order of Glory, 3rd class, type 2, var. 2, #805395. No big investment ($20), no big deal, just a "thing". Well, for several times the purchase price, I was able to get research done (during one of those windows of time when research in Moscow could be obtained). This uninteresting medal was awarded to First Sergeant of the Guards Alexandra Vasilyevna Grebenschchikova [female], Sanitary Instructor of motor rifle company, 1st Motor Rifle Battalion, 29th Guards Order of Bogdan Khemelnitsky 1st Degree Motor Rifle Brigade of Unech, The Guards Tank Ural-Lvov Voluntary Corps. She was Russian, born 1922. She was wounded 12 August 1942. The field nurse's citation: "When fighting against German invaders Guards First Sergeant Grebenschchikova was among the first to cross in the forging of the River Oder [ca. 22 Jan 1945] and under strong machine-gun and artillery fire rendered medical assistance to 75 wounded. She took 63 heavily wounded persons with their personal weapons away from the battlefield. "The Guards First Sergeant Grebenschchikova deserves a government award, Order of the Red Banner." While this award was down-graded to an Order of Glory, it was approved 20 March 1945. The medal, however, was not physically awarded until 28 March 1990. The 23 year old nurse got the award for her deeds when she was 70. Wow.

While really marginal to my interests (and I am easily distracted), a nice 1813 Iron Cross group. 1- Iron Cross, 1813, 2nd class, combatant, in Prinzensize / Eisernes Kreuz, 1813, 2. Klasse, f?r K?mpfer, in Prinzengr??e - Probably a privately acquired prinzen cross. Worn in post-1839 style. 2- Commemorative Medal 1813-1815 for Combatants, 1813-1814 / Kriegs-Denkm?nze 1813-1815 f?r K?mpfer, 1813-1814 3- Commemorative War Medal for combatants of 1813-1815, from bright bronze / Erinnerungs-Kriegsdenk?nze f?r die K?mpfer von 1813-1815 aus heller Bronze 4- Hohenzollern Commemorative Medal for combatants of 1848/49 / Hohenzollernsche Denk?nze f?r K?mpfer von 1848/49 No attribution, unfortunately.

What is unusual is the accompanying awards booklet. In group with award document (#00528, with his photograph) to Feng Zhai-lu (DOB October 1924, male, Han nationality, born Do County Shandong Province).