Bob

Then a translation of a hand written note also obtained from documents - presumably from one of the bureaucrats in the authorities ---------------------- Had-written note Jambyn Dendev Selenge province Altanbulag town Bagh # 2 Partisan booklet #443 Family members: 2 Dendev is 68 years old Spouse is 60 years old Ownership: One horse Elder son Sodnomdarjaa is serving 10-year prison sentence since 1952. Dendev received 600 Tugrugs as an extra pension in 1955.

And now, perhaps most interesting, an exchange of letters relating to a request for a Partisan's pension First, roughly a year before receiving his second HMC, Dendev wrote this (translation of a hand written note) ============================ March 2, 1955 To: The Chairman of the Presidium of State Great Khural. This letter was submitted through the Presidium of Provincial khural deputies of Altanbulag city, Selenge province I am partisan Dendev, residing at Bagh #2 of Altanbulag city, requesting your attention to my living conditions. I am unable to work and have no any livestock and property to support my living. A goat bought by me in 1937 has increased in numbers and reached 17 heads but the by-products from the goatherd go for fulfilling the annual cashmere quotas and nothing is left to support my family. In recent years the herd number has decreased due to shortage of fodder and hay. In 1953, I bought a cow using my pension funds but it died because of illness last winter. This made our life even worse. I have been incapacitated for the last decade. The life of my spouse and myself is getting worse. Therefore, I request one time partisan pension. Serial number of Partisan’s Booklet is 443 Dendev

And here 2 ukaz - one for each of his HMC awardings ================================================================= First, the 1942 one July 20, 1942 Additional decree of the Presidium of State Small Khural of the Mongolian People’s Republic (#39) On awarding the partisans of 1921 People’s revolution for their dedication to the causes of revolution On the occasion of the 21st anniversary of great people’s revolution, to award the partisans of 1921 People’s revolution that directly took part in founding our People’s Republic and revolutionary government. The partisans listed below are the comrades who voluntarily enrolled the partisan formations led by our great leaders Sukhbaatar, Choibalsan and Magsarjav in 1921 for the cause of expelling the external enemies and bringing peaceful life to our Motherland. The Presidium of State Small Khural of the Mongolian People’s Republic decrees to award: One. The Order of the Red Banner of Military Valor Partisan Jigmid Gendenjamts, Herder of the herds of the Military Ministry, the resident of Bagh 21, Sub-district 5, Ulaanbaatar. Two. The Order of the Polar Star Partisan Gongor Bat-Ochir, Tax inspector of the Ministry of Finance, the resident of Bagh 5, Sub-district 2, Ulaanbaatar Partisan Choijil Sandag, Veterinary of the Ulaanbaatar city administration, the resident of Bagh 16, Sub-district 1, Ulaanbaatar Three. The Honorary Medal of Combat Partisan Dondov Dendev, Chairman of Hairhandulaan county, Uvurkhangai province Partisan Dorj Damba, Employee of a Bakery Cooperative, Altanbulag county, Selenge province Partisan Tseren Tohnoo, Resident of Bagh #9, Tsagaannuur county, Selenge province Partisan Bumba Genden, Employee of a Cooperative, Orhonshaamar county, Selenge province Partisan Mendbayar Ishdorj, Resident of Bagh #2, Tsagaannuur county, Selenge province Partisan Mend Seleejav, Resident of Bagh #9, Orhonshaamar county, Selenge province Partisan Vanchig Ganbaa, Resident of Bagh #1, Orhonshaamar county, Selenge province Partisan Bazar Maidar, Resident of Bagh #9, Orhonshaamar county, Selenge province Partisan Jamba Dendev, Resident of Bagh #5, Tsagaannuur county, Selenge province Partisan Khas Choimbol, Resident of Bagh #9, Orhonshaamar county, Selenge province Partisan Tumen Altangerel, Officer of Rear and Supplies, Ministry of Internal Affairs ======================= Second, the one awarded in 1956 DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE STATE GREAT KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC July 5, 1956. # 78, Ulaanbaatar On awarding the partisans, who actively participated in 1921 People’s Revolution, with Orders and Medals of the Mongolian People’s Republic. The Presidium of the State Great Khural decrees: On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Mongolian People’s Revolution, to award the partisans who actively participated in 1921 People’s Revolution with the orders and medals of the Mongolian People’s Republic. One. The Order of Sukhbaatar 1. Sukhbaatar Yanjmaa Precinct #5, Sukhbaatar soum, Sukhbaatar aimag 2. Puntsag Togtokh Precinct #6, Bayanzurkh soum, Tuv aimag 3. Doorov Dashzeveg Precinct #10, Luus soum, Dundgobi aimag 4. Dorj Badarch Precinct #10, University district, Ulaanbaatar 5. Amar Myagmar Precinct #5, Bayanzurkh soum, Tuv aimag Two. The Order of the Red Banner of Combat Valor 1. Dechin Dendev Precinct #13, University district, Ulaanbaatar 2. Choijil Sandag Precinct #…, Uliastai district, Ulaanbaatar 3. Yuruult Mangaalam Precinct #10, Bayanchandmani soum, Tuv aimag 4.Sengee Tsevegmed Precinct #4, University district, Ulaanbaatar 5.Luvsan Sharav Precinct #11, Tarialan soum, Khuvsgul aimag 6. Choijil Gonchig Precinct #7, Amgalaanbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar 7. Perlei Dashnyam Aldarkhaan soum, Zavkhan aimag 8. Tseveg Luvsantseveg Precinct #3, Orhonshaamar soum, Selenge aimag Three. The Order of the Combat Valor 78. Namdag Jambal Precinct #6, Orhonshaamar soum, Selenge aimag 79. Dorj Jamts Precinct #4, Undur Ulaan soum, Arhangai aimag 80. Dash Uvgunhuu Precinct #4, Altanbulag soum, Selenge aimag 81. Jambal Tudev Precinct #1, Deren soum, Dundgobi aimag 82. Choidon Damchaa Precinct #8, Batsumber soum, Tuv aimag 83. Khandjav Banzarzeveg Precinct #3, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar 84. Aj Sanjaasuren Precinct #1, Naran soum, Zavhan aimag 85. Tunj Bat-Ochir Choibalsan town, Choibalsan aimag 86. Mend Lamjav Ulaanbaatar 87. Gonchigjav Tsend-Ayush Precinct #3, Batsumber soum, Tuv aimag 89. Sumya Dagva Precinct #8, Hutag-Undur soum, Bulgan aimag 90. Dorj Dendev Precinct #3, Orhonshaamar soum, Selenge aimag 91. Myatav Yarinbaatar Precinct #10, Bayanchandmani soum, Tuv aimag 92. Bayaryn Gendenbaldyr Precinct #1, Bayantsagaan soum, Tuv aimag 93. Anjilyn Yuruult Precinct #7, Khalkhgol soum, Choibalsan aimag 94. Ulzii Jadambaa Precinct #2, Zuunselbe district, Ulaanbaatar 95. Tseren Dagva Precinct #5, Batsumber district, Ulaanbaatar 96. Mandah Zagdbazar Precinct #2, Baruunselbe district, Ulaanbaatar 97. Yondon Luvsanperenlei Precinct #7, Baruunselbe district, Ulaanbaatar 98. Baljinyam Dashzeveg Jargalant soum, Zavkhan aimag 99. Damdin Sodnomdarjaa Precinct #8, Choibalsan town, Choibalsan aimag 100. Tseren Zagd Precinct #3, Batsumber soum, Tuv aimag 101. Tseren Jalbuu Precinct #2, Bulgan soum, Bulgan aimag 102. Vanchinsuren Luvsandanzan Precinct #3, Buyant soum, Khovd aimag 103. Mash Tsedev Precinct #3, Yuruu soum, Selenge aimag Four. Honorary Medal of Combat 60. Luvsan Tudev Selenge soum, Bulgan aimag 61. Jamts Dashdavaa Precinct #3, Khutag-Undur soum, Bulgan aimag 62. Sambuu Dagva Precinct #5, Shaamar soum, Selenge aimag 63. Tsembel Batdelger Precinct #19, Chingeltei district, Ulaanbaatar 64.Jantsan Choimbol Precinct #1, Shaamar soum, Selenge aimag 65. Gombo Sanjid Precinct #1, Jargalant soum, Zavkhan aimag 66.Jamba Dendev Precinct #2, Altanbulag soum, Selenge aimag 67. Namsrai Altangerel Precinct #1, Darhan soum, Selenge aimag 68. Luvsandorj Damdindorj Precinct #1, Shaamar soum, Selenge aimag 69. Luvsanravdan Myagmar Precinct #7, Buren soum, Khuvsgul aimag 70. Gombo Damdinsuren Arbulag soum, Khuvsgul aimag 71.Lonj Chultem-Osor Precinct #8, Worker’s district, Ulaanbaatar

His bio from the 3 volume Partisan book ========================= JAMBYN DENDEV (1898-1960) He was born in a place named Shorov gol at the former Erdenevan county of Tusheetkhan province (current Tsagaannuur county of Selenge province). Dendev lived with his parents until the age of 16. Up to 1921, he was engaged in small farming. In 1921, he enrolled the People’s partisan formations and took part in battles against the remnants of White Guards in western and Central Mongolia. He was discharged from the military service in 1921 and raised animals until 1960. In 1921, I voluntarily enrolled the troops of Sumya Count whose unit was a part of the People’s partisan formation. The commander of our regiment was Putsag. The Commander of our sub-unit of ten soldiers was Chultem. I recall that Sharav, Dugarsuren, Damba and Dovdon were in my sub-unit. At first, eleven soldiers under the command of Kh. Choibalsan left the Choron River to fight the White Guards. We passed through the Zelter border point and entered the territory of Russia. In Russia, we reached a place called Gedee Nuga where we were trained in shooting, sword-hitting, ambushing, retreating and marching for a about one month. After finishing the training, we returned to Mongolia and chased the White Guards at a Modon Khul pass. We beat the White Guards and confiscated their horses and other animal herds. After this battle, we traveled to Rashaant Mount in the Mergen Count’s county of Sainnoyonkhan province and we fought with the White Guards there. Choibalsan and Puntsag commanded the Mongolian troops at the Rashaant battles. Red Army regiment of some 600 soldiers commanded by Davydov and Shetinkin assisted us at the Rashaant battle. There were some 300 Mongolian troops that fought against the White Guards at the Rashaant Mount. We lost twelve Mongolians in this battle. I personally knew six of the killed. I recall Sambuugiin Genden of Nomohan province, hunter Sodnomdash of Khyaran and Norov of Erdenevan county who were killed in the battle. I forgot the names of others. We lost the battle at the Rashaant battle. Out of twelve carts with mounted machine guns, eleven were damaged and abandoned. We had to retreat to Russia where we continued to fight with the White Guards. After numerous skirmishes in Russia, we returned to Mongolia and stationed temporarily at the Nomonkhan monastery. Our unit was summoned to fight the White Guards camped at the forest at Dukh Mount. The Dukh forest is situated on the northern bank of Selenge river on the border of Ahai Count and Erdene count’s territory. I learned that some 200 Mongolian troops and more than 500 Russian White Guards fought against each other there. The battle lasted for three days. Choibalsan and Puntsag commanded the Mongolian troops there. I headed a squad of ten soldiers. We have defeated the White Guards at Dukh forest. Two airplanes from Red Army assisted us in this battle. After the battle, our unit returned to Vangiin town (current Bulgan town). I got sick right after the battle. After recuperation, I took part in two battles against the White Guards at a place called Zulegtei in Janjinvan’s county.

Something underway to reach me but wanted to share the background info already. A tiny document group related to Partisan Jambyn Dendev and consisting of an Order and Medal Booklet listing two Honorary Medals of Combat (one awarded in 1942 and another in 1956). The booklet has his original photo and is in great condition. His Partisans booklet is missing unfortunately nor are the medals themselves included. There is info on Dendev in the 3 volume Partisan memoirs book series posted elsewhere (volume 1 page 150). Also, some background documentation was able to be uncovered: - The ukaz awarding him and some other partisans with orders and medals in 1942 - His request to receive the partisan's pensions in 1955 and 1956. These requests and also recommendations from the provincial government for the partisan's pension shed light on his living conditions when he got really old. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2014/post-679-0-31880000-1401147174.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2014/post-679-0-81530100-1401147179.jpg

Here is a translation of the decree which, among others, awarded Sodnomdarjaa a Mongolian Honorary Medal of Combat in 1941 =========================== July 10, 1941 Additional decree of the Presidium of State Small Khural of the Mongolian People’s Republic (#44) On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of great people’s revolution, to award: The partisans of 1921 People’s revolution for outstanding feats and contributions for cause of founding our People’s Republic and revolutionary government. The commanders, commissars and soldiers of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Army for feats and efforts directed at protecting the sovereignty and independence of our Motherland. The herders, employees and workers of plants, factories, trade, education and cultural organizations for labor feats and achievements directed at strengthening and developing national economy and agriculture. The Presidium of State Small Khural of the Mongolian People’s Republic decrees to award: One. The Order of the Red Banner of Military Valor A native of Dariganga soum of Dornod province Biziya Jlhaa for courage and bravery displayed during the battles against Japanese invaders in 1939. Partisan Batnasan Sengeravdan, a native of of Bagh #2, Altanbulag town, Selenge province Four. The Honorary Medal of Combat Partisan Damdin Sodnomdarjaa, native of Dornod (Eastern) province Partisan Gendenjav Banzarjav, resident of Ulaanbaatar Partisan Sambuu Damdin, Resident of Sub-district #3, Ulaanbaatar Partisan Rentsen Namsrai, resident of Ulaanbaatar Partisan Sanjaa Yondon, a native of of Bagh #2, Altanbulag town, Selenge province Partisan Hayan Dashinyam, a native of of Bagh #2, Sukhbaatar town, Selenge province Partisan Jantsan Jamsran, a native of of Bagh #3, Sukhbaatar town, Selenge province Partisan Damnai Namsrai, a native of of Bagh #1, Bayangol county, Selenge province

And here related to a later Polar Star awarded to Baldan ------------------------------------- DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE STATE SMALL KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC July 9, 1949. # 46, Ulaanbaatar On awarding the officers of the People’s Revolutionary Army with Orders and Medals for long-service The Presidium of the State Small Khural decrees: In accordance with the Decree #16 dated March 16, 1947 and on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the Mongolian People’s revolution, to award the officers of the Ministry of Defense with the orders and medals for more than 10 years irreproachable service for the army. One. The Order of the Red Banner of Combat Valor 1. Major General Genden Rendoo 2. Colonel Zagdsuren Dugar 3. Lieutenant Colonel Togoogiin Bathishig 4. Major Dashi Damdinjav Two. The Order of the Combat Valor Colonel Myadag Odsuren Lieutenant Colonel Chimiddorj Haltarhuu Lieutenant Colonel Damba Namsrai Lieutenant Colonel Gombo Tserenjav Major Genden Bandgai Sergeant Gendejamst Senge-Ish Lieutenant Colonel Sunrev Choidongavaa Major Mahbal Orgi Three. The Order of the Polar Star Major General Suuri Baldan Colonel Jadamba Davaasuren Lieutenant colonel Ochirjav Choijiljav Captain Ayush Dambiijantsan Lieutenant Colonel Navaan Baasan Lieutenant Colonel Tseren Jamba Captain Sainhuu Janlav Major Chimiddorj Ayush Major Purev Sanduijav Captain Yanjmaa Tserenlham Senior Lieutenant Dansuren Batsengel Major Namsrai Genden Captain Purevdendev Tsedensonom

Here is the translated bio of another Partisan: Jambyn Dendev. He's not mentioned yet in this thread nor do I have his partisan badge or booklet but I have managed to acquire some other items of him which I'll post later (once finally in my hands). These Partisan book bio's are a real treasure trove! The other items/info I've obtained on Dendev will also shed more light on various practicalities with regard to the Partisan badge awardees. ======================== JAMBYN DENDEV (1898-1960) He was born in a place named Shorov gol at the former Erdenevan county of Tusheetkhan province (current Tsagaannuur county of Selenge province). Dendev lived with his parents until the age of 16. Up to 1921, he was engaged in small farming. In 1921, he enrolled the People’s partisan formations and took part in battles against the remnants of White Guards in western and Central Mongolia. He was discharged from the military service in 1921 and raised animals until 1960. In 1921, I voluntarily enrolled the troops of Sumya Count whose unit was a part of the People’s partisan formation. The commander of our regiment was Putsag. The Commander of our sub-unit of ten soldiers was Chultem. I recall that Sharav, Dugarsuren, Damba and Dovdon were in my sub-unit. At first, eleven soldiers under the command of Kh. Choibalsan left the Choron River to fight the White Guards. We passed through the Zelter border point and entered the territory of Russia. In Russia, we reached a place called Gedee Nuga where we were trained in shooting, sword-hitting, ambushing, retreating and marching for a about one month. After finishing the training, we returned to Mongolia and chased the White Guards at a Modon Khul pass. We beat the White Guards and confiscated their horses and other animal herds. After this battle, we traveled to Rashaant Mount in the Mergen Count’s county of Sainnoyonkhan province and we fought with the White Guards there. Choibalsan and Puntsag commanded the Mongolian troops at the Rashaant battles. Red Army regiment of some 600 soldiers commanded by Davydov and Shetinkin assisted us at the Rashaant battle. There were some 300 Mongolian troops that fought against the White Guards at the Rashaant Mount. We lost twelve Mongolians in this battle. I personally knew six of the killed. I recall Sambuugiin Genden of Nomohan province, hunter Sodnomdash of Khyaran and Norov of Erdenevan county who were killed in the battle. I forgot the names of others. We lost the battle at the Rashaant battle. Out of twelve carts with mounted machine guns, eleven were damaged and abandoned. We had to retreat to Russia where we continued to fight with the White Guards. After numerous skirmishes in Russia, we returned to Mongolia and stationed temporarily at the Nomonkhan monastery. Our unit was summoned to fight the White Guards camped at the forest at Dukh Mount. The Dukh forest is situated on the northern bank of Selenge river on the border of Ahai Count and Erdene count’s territory. I learned that some 200 Mongolian troops and more than 500 Russian White Guards fought against each other there. The battle lasted for three days. Choibalsan and Puntsag commanded the Mongolian troops there. I headed a squad of ten soldiers. We have defeated the White Guards at Dukh forest. Two airplanes from Red Army assisted us in this battle. After the battle, our unit returned to Vangiin town (current Bulgan town). I got sick right after the battle. After recuperation, I took part in two battles against the White Guards at a place called Zulegtei in Janjinvan’s county.

Nanzai was awarded the Order of Polar Star in 1941 and below is a translation of his ukaz ============================== DECREE OF THE PRESIDIUM OF THE STATE SMALL KHURAL OF THE MONGOLIAN PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC December 5, 1941. Ulaanbaatar On awarding the participants of the First Conference of the Best Herders of the Mongolian People’s Republic with Orders and Medals The Presidium of the State Small Khural decrees: To award the herders who have achieved significant results in the cause of developing the animal husbandry by closely caring for the animals, preparing the animal fodder, constructing and renovating the warm animal corrals, increasing the number of heads of mother animals, conducting correct animal-mating campaigns, rearing newborn and young animals and using wool from all animals. The herders who achieved the above requirements and exerted all efforts for fulfilling the utmost important tasks of the Party and Government and thus, serving an example for others. One. Order of the Red Banner of Labor Valor Yatavyn Jamtso, a 73-year-old man, the best herder from Bulgan County, Hovd province. Sabaryn Nyangai, the best herder, Precinct #1, Bulgan County, Hovd province. Dambyn Ravdan, Head of the Precinct # 4, Darvi County, Hovd province. Avirmidyn Dashzeveg, the best herder, Precinct #5, Erdeneburen County, Hovd province. Luvsanain Chuluun, the best herder from Yench County, Hovd province. Jinjiin Dashi, the best herder from Darvi County, Hovd province. To award with the Order of the Red Banner of Combat Valor the Chairman of the Bayanzurkh County of Tuv aimag Puntsagiin Luvsangombo. Two. Order of the Polar Star Choijin Nanzai, the best herder, Precinct #4, Manhan County, Hovd province. Zagdyn Bavaa, the best herder, Precinct #4, Altai County, Hovd province. Munguni Badarah, the best herder, Precinct #10, Umnugobi County, Uvs province. Batyn Chimid, the best herder, Hovd County, Uvs province. Avaryn Batjargal, best herder, Precinct #4, Uvs province.

And here a picture explaining the operation on eliminating Dambiijantsan. It contains photos of people (incl. Sodnomdarjaa) who took part in the special operation.

And here a link to Mongolian Wikipedia with an article on Dambijantsan, killed by a secret mission which Sodnomdarjaa was on. http://mn.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%96%D0%B0_%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BC_%D0%94%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%86%D0%B0%D0%BD It also links on to English, Chinese, Russian etc. versions of the same page. Thanks so much to a forum friend who made me aware of this! It includes (!) a picture of Dambijantsan's severed head (!) which was taken away as proof and apparently found it's way to the Kunstkammer of the Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia. Some of the points from Wikipedia: Dambiijantsan's settlement called Maajinsag was situated near Mongol-Chinese border (currently in China). It was a walled settlement and Dambijantsan's ger was heavily guarded. Dambijantsan himself was very suspicious man and never trusted his people. Besides few trusted bodyguards, he did not allow his troops to be permanently armed as he was afraid of coups and assassinations. So he used to distribute weapons to his men when he needed and later take them back and keep the weapons in a warehouse. So that's why his people could not resist few Mongolians when they killed their leader. This detail is not provided in Sodnomdarjaa's memoirs. Mongolian soldiers decided to invite him to their ger and kill him there because it was impossible to do that in his quarters. He had it well guarded and fenced. You can see his fenced ger on the left bottom of the picture attached (I'll post this later). The historical sources say that the Mongolians had to stay in his settlement and gradually gain Dambijantsan's trust. For that they used references of his close friends in Mongolia and have been giving him presents. Sodnomdarjaa, being a soldier, probably did not know about this then and he recited what he knew then in his memoirs without adding details that he learnt later. Damiijantsan had a very tumultuous life. He was born and raised in Astrahan, Russia. He is a Kalmyk by nationality. He traveled a lot and could surprise people with his knowledge of other nations. He has been in Tibet, China and other countries. Some historians that visited Mongolian give some description of him in their works. He was in Mongolia before the October Revolution and fought with Mongolians against Kazakhs. After sometime, he was arrested and taken to Russia where he was exiled to Siberia and later allowed to stay in Astrahan. There he met the October revolution and he was free to come back to Mongolia. He formed a group of bandits and accumulated wealth by robbing traders leaving China for Mongolia and Russia. He had ambitions to create his own state in Western Mongolia which the new People's Government did not like. He was also engaged in propaganda among Mongolians to flee Mongolia and stay in his estate. Probably he was hoping to set up a state in Xingiang. He was well renowned for his cruelty. He used to bless his flag with a heart of man and skin the body of a human. Probably he used this to frighten his enemies and his followers. He was also very good at spreading rumors. He spread a rumor that he is immortal and he is invincible to bullets. After he was killed, his head was taken to Uliastai and put on public display and later to UB. His head ended up in Russia in 1920s and it is believed that it is in one of St. Petersburg's Museums.

Just in, a translation of the bio on Sodnomdarjaa from the Partisan book of bio's. Also here a link to the thread on the Soviet section on Sodnomdarjaa... from whom I have a documented 1920's order of the red banner A great movie could be made of this! http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/36164-1920s-order-of-the-red-banner/page-1 ======================================== DAMDINY SODNOMDARJAA (1895-1961) He was born at a place called Yanzai at the Delgermunh Mount in Noble Ulzii’s estate of Sansraidorj Count’s county of Setsenkhan province (current Choibalsan county of Dornod province). Until the age of 17, he was herding livestock. In 1921, he was drafted to the military service in his native province and transferred to Hujirbulan to attend the sergeant courses. Sodnomdarjaa graduated from the course in 1914. In 1915, he was selected to a group of 20 soldiers that left Ulzii noble’s county to fight the Chinese invaders and troops of Bavuujav and Jodvoo. In 1921, Sodnomdarjaa visited the capital where he met with D. Sukhbaatar and Kh. Choibalsan. From 1921-1923, Sodonomdarjaa accomplished special missions in Western Mongolia following the orders of Sukhbaatar and Choibalsan. One of his primary missions was the elimination of anti-revolutionary leader Dambijantsan. Since 1923, he worked for the MPRP Central Committee, Council of Ministers, Department of Internal Security, state trade, finance and manufacturing organizations. My family was poor. Therefore I had to work for others to meet the ends until the age of seventeen. In 1912, when I reached 17, I heard that 28 conscripts from my county are slated to join 1000- strong military unit of Setsenkhan province. I met my nobleman Ulzii and asked him to allow me to join the conscripts. He agreed. In 1913, I was transferred to the capital and selected to continue my service in the capital from the candidates of four provinces. Subsequently, I became one of fifty soldiers selected to attend the sergeant’s course. I graduated from the sergeant’s course in 1914 and was allowed to visit my family for duration of one month. However, my noble man did not allow me to return to my unit after the expiration of the leave period. In spring of 1915, a group of bandits led by Bavuujav raided some parts of Eastern border regions. I was selected to a unit to protect the eastern borders and took part in several clashes. After I returned from this assignment, I married to a young woman named Deleg. In 1920, I went to the Administrative center of San Beis county where I saw the Chinese invaders for the first time. In order to get familiar with situation in the capital, I decided to meet with Sukhbaatar and visited the capital. However, I did not find Sukhbaatar there but I saw what was happening in the capital. After I came back to my county, I was summoned to the Administrative center of San Beis county. At the center, I was included in to a small unit of soldiers. We spent the night at a Russian settlement at Duruu village where I learned that our unit is joining the troops led by Dugar. We got fully armed and moved to Choir where we fought with the Chinese soldiers several times. Our unit was separated from the main unit. During this time, we met Khatanbaatar Magsarjav and Naidan Count who told us that Dugar’s troops were mobilized to strengthen the Baron Ungern’s White Guards and summoned to the capital. Our unit continued its mission in Inner Mongolia where we defeated Chinese units many times. We caught up with the main troops near the capital. Rumors started to spread among the soldiers of our unit. Some said that the “Reds” are moving to the capital. Since our commander Dugar is allied with Ungern, we may suffer at the hands of “Reds”. After that, soldiers started to desert the unit in small groups. We also heard that troops of Governor Jodvoo from Inner Mongolia are moving to fight with us. So our unit moved to southeast to fight with them. I heard that commander Dugar is about to send a letter to Count Gombo-Idshin whose headquarters were at the Moltsog sand dunes. I decided to volunteer to take the letter as his courier. The reason I volunteered lied in my intent to meet Sukhbaatar in order to make a right assessment of the situation. After I delivered the letter to the destination, I had to urgently come back to my unit. Our unit fought with the troops of Governor Jodvoo from Inner Mongolia. After returning from a mission, I heard that Count Gombo-Idshin is about to send an urgent letter to the Military Ministry in the capital and I asked the Count to send me. I delivered the letter to the Military Ministry and later met Sukhbaatar. Sukhbaatar sent me with a letter summoning him to the capital. The new People’s Government appointed Dugar to command troops stationed in Zamyn-Uud. I was also appointed to the same unit. After one month, I was transferred to Moltsog HQ where I served until the spring 1922. In 1922, I was summoned by Sukhbaatar who appointed me as the courier-soldier stationed in Hovd province administration. Sukhbaatar also instructed me to gather possible intelligence on the situation in Hovd province. Cout Gombo-Idshin was appointed as the Minister for Wetern Mongolian by the People’s Government. I was instructed to work under his supervision. In autumn of 1922, Count Gombo-Idshin summoned me and ordered to me to urgently proceed to the Altai mountain range pass at Khushuu trees. My mission was to apprehend or eliminate the white guard officer Alexandrov who was fleeing from Soviets to Xinjiang. I took a native teenage boy Damiran as my guide. I was also informed that a unit of 50 soldiers would be sent to help me later. We caught up with the White Guard officers in Munjav monastery and arrested Alexandrov and another officer there. We took tem back to Hovd where I learned that Alexandrov’s companion was a high-ranking officer who used to command White Guard regiment. The White Guard officers were handed over to the representatives of Red Army and the Soviet military advisor to the Minister commended me a lot for apprehending these officers. The advisor promised to inform his superiors on my mission (May be this assignment and the assassination of Dambyjantsan earned him the Soviet Red Banner in 1931). I was sent to the capital to inform Sukhbaatar and Military Minister Khatanbaatar Magsarjav on apprehending the White Guard officers. I made to the capital within five days and handed the letters to Sukhbaatar and Magsarjav. Sukhbaatar received the letters and instructed me to return to Hovd but warned not rush. He suggested that I make to Hovd within twelve days in order to get some rest. Sukhbaatar also instructed me take a German rifle with 10 cartridge magazine from the Hovd Ministry HQ as a sign of his appreciation. I returned to Hovd on September 29 and handed Sukhbaatar’s letters to Minister Gombo-Idshin and Chief of Department of Internal Security Baldandorj. At the same meeting, Minister Gombo-Idshin handed me a classified letter. I do not know when he received this letter. The letter contained a secret order of the Minister of Military Ministry that read “In order to eliminate anti-revolutionary Dambijantsan, the special meeting of the Council of Ministers set up a group tasked to eliminate Dambyjantsan and his entourage. The group shall consist of a commander of a unit in Tsetsenhan province Dugarjav, Commander of a unit in Tusheethan province Hero of the Bogdkhaant Mongolia Nanzad and soldiers of Hovd Ministry Sodnomdarjaa and Dash. Sodnomdarjaa is transferred under the command of Head of Government Special Commission Baldandorj. We inform you to keep the content of this letter secret.” I received a new German rifle and rode to Uliastai town with Baldandorj. In Uliastai we have developed a secret plan on eliminating Dambiijantsan. On December 23, 1922, Commander Dugarjav, Nanzad, Dash, Davaa, Damba and I left for Dambiijantsan’s stronghold. Chief Baldandorj was planning to aid us with some 300 troops if there will be a need for this. We traveled on horseback from Uliastai to Toli Beis county. There, we left our horses and rode the camels. When we reached Dambiijantsan’s settlement, we pretended to be people seeking his protection. He allowed us to stay in his camp. The next day, we requested Dambiijantsan to visit our ger (Mongolian felt lattice walled dwelling) to bless us and receive a gift from us. When Dambiijantsan stepped into a ger, Dugarjav and Dashi twisted his arms and Nanzad shot him in the chest. I was manning the ger at the entrance and shot a big white dog that attacked me. I also shot at two of Dambiijantsan’s bodyguards and forced them to retreat. I also made sure that Dambyjantsan’s weapons stocks were under our control. We have gathered all residents of settlement and followers of Dambiijantsan. From the second floor of a building I announced the death of oppressive Dambiijantsan and distributed propaganda leaflets. We have cut the head of Dambiijantsan as a proof of the accomplishment of the mission and stored it in a box for transportation. We also liberated people who were tortured by Dambiijantsan and his men. There were many people whose eyes were removed or crippled. There were several Tibetans, the envoys of Tibetan Monk Banchin Erdene, who were taken hostage by Dambiijantsan. We freed them and provided them with horses and supplies. We also appointed people to confiscate Dambiijantsan’s herds and other property. When our reinforcement arrived with Chief Baldandorj, the close followers and collaborators of Dambijantsan were also arrested. Some were executed on the spot and some were sent to a prsion. We decided to move the residents of the settlement to another place and abandon this settlement. The Government’s mission was accomplished successfully. The oppressive Dambiijantsan was eliminated and people who were oppressed by him liberated. The documents and belongings of Dambiijantsan were confiscated and handed over to the state authorities in Uliastai town.

A link to the partisan badge section on the Mongolia forum - a very interesting addition added there, the bio of Sodnomdarjaa from the Partisan book of biographies http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/4519-mongolian-partisan-badge/page-10

More information on Zagdsambar: First, the translation of the table showing herds in possession of herder Zagdsambar at the time of attending the herder conference. The table shows his herds broken down into the five major animals. Daramyn Zagdsambar-herds.doc Also, he was awarded the Honorary Certificate by the Council of Ministers when attending the herder conference. Attached is a translation of the document showing his name and serial number of the certificate. Zagdsambar -Gramota.doc

Some pics of an item once offered for sale to me Compared with the Soyombo's, these get relatively little attention. Probably because the odds of ever getting one (or even just a document) are so slim. Having some detailed scans like this is good though in case any one of us gets lucky and can get one and needs some scans for comparison! http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2014/post-679-0-49704000-1399024276.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2014/post-679-0-33676900-1399024352.jpg

Thanks Tsend A lot of very interesting new information in this thread in recent weeks.

http://www.collectrussia.com/DISPITEM.HTM?ITEM=16919 Suspect this belonged in the red document... ..?

No gold, i wish it was!

Probably some of the items are still with the family, some with dealers, and the rest spread out all over the world. The general's badge is a first for me - hadn't seen one before - but it's not particularly impressive in terms of quality - a million miles from e.g. a Marshall's star. I guess that's progress...

And finally, a one page bio incl. pic of this gentlemen! http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-06099900-1398528716.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-19196100-1398528769.jpg

Here is Mendiin Seleejar 2 pages in the book, incl. pic Hope the scans are clear enough for you to get a translation (and post it here:)) http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-48595500-1398528031.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-94888900-1398528102.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-58613100-1398528167.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-39999800-1398528260.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-92682200-1398528328.jpg

Any chance of a first name? That would really help to narrow it down for me. Thx

Was looking up bios for a fellow forum member and got a hit on one of his and forwarded the scans to him. The other hit is for this one which Ed posted. Ed, in case you are reading, here's scans of the bio of your guy. Would be nice to see you back here and posting again! http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-48586100-1398526742.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-29343100-1398526785.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-679-0-60731900-1398526829.jpg

I also have badge 534 and have obtained information on him It was awarded to a herder called Yuruultiin Gonchig Herder Gonchig was a native of Dornogobi province (south eastern part of Mongolia, the province capital is Sainshand). The Trans-Siberian train passes through this town. Interestingly, Gonchig was an affluent herder at the time. He owned over 700 heads of livestock but unfortunately he lost almost 90% in severe snowfalls that affected his home county in the winter of 1942-1943. For some reason he never attended the First conference in 1941 although he owned quite a large herd. Attached are: - his honorary medal of labour recommendation - overview of the presents he chose - registry of the best herders of his province - serial nr overview Yuruultiin Gonchig -present.docYuruultiin Gonchig recommendation translation.docYuruultiin Gonchig serial number tranlsation.docYuruultiin Gonchig-herds.doc

Choijin nanzai questionnaire.doc And here is the translation