Pre-1947 Indian Gallantry groups

[Ed_Haynes]

Just a few samples, as eye-candy.

[Ed_Haynes]

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

[Ed_Haynes]

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"

Edited September 11, 2005 by Ed_Haynes

[Ed_Haynes]

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.

[Ed_Haynes]

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.

[Ed_Haynes]

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."

[Ed_Haynes]

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.

[Ed_Haynes]

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"

[Ed_Haynes]

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"

[Ed_Haynes]

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?!?!?!

[Ed_Haynes]

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

[David Gregory]

Bring it on, Ed.

[Ed_Haynes]

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"

[Ed_Haynes]

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

[Ed_Haynes]

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?

[Ed_Haynes]

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."

[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"?

[Ed_Haynes]

6809 Rifleman Dholi Gurung, IDSM, 2/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles

1- Indian Distinguished Service Medal, George V, 2nd variety - 6809 RFM DHOLI GURUNG, 2-5 R.G.R.

Chhina, p. 239: 6809 Rifleman Dholi Gurung, 2/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles, March 1937, GO 324/1937 (5 IDSMs in this GO), N.W. Frontier

Confirmed as for the defence of Damdil piquet, one of the great Gorkha actions of the 20th century.

2- India General Service Medal, 1936-39 - NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1936-37 - 6809 RFM DHOLI GURUNG, 2-5 G.R.

Gaylor (p. 233): ". . . the only regiment to receive the between-wars North-West Frontier battle honours" = "North West Frontier 1936-39"

This is almost certainly his complete entitlement.

[Ed_Haynes]

I put this badly broken group as "pre-1947", though, if intact, it would be "post-1947". Where are the missing medals?!?

IO-47757 Jemadar Sanbahadur Gurung, VrC, MC, 2/8th Gurkha Rifles

Born - 18 October 1915, v. Niranganpur, Dehra Dun, UP

Father - Sh Man Bahadur

Religion - Hindu

Enrolled - 18 Oct 1932

Jemadar - 9 February 1944

1- Military Cross, George VI, first variety, 1945

MC - Italy, London Gazette, 13 December 1945, p. 6076. Recommendation (WO 373/14):

"On 14 Apr 45 Jem Sanbahadur led his pl in an assault against the CORRECHIO canal in order to est a firm base for the crossing of the SILLARO river. Although pinned by intense enemy mortaring and spandau fire the pl eventually reached and captured an enemy strong point with the loss of seven men wounded. At the same time th enemy had sustained considerable cas incl two killed whilst in addition 4 prisoners were taken. Barely had he secured his objective before the enemy in superior numbers began to inflitrate around his flanks.

"Calling for mortar fire which he personally directed he succeeded in forcing the enemy to withdraw. The remainder of the coy moving up behind Jam Sanbahadur was thus able to cross the canal and firmly est itself.

"The next day another Bn, the 2/10 [GR] successfully assaulted and crossed the SILLARO river. The success of this important action was partly due to the brilliant exploit of Jem Sanbahadur.

"Subsequently, on 19 Apr, this VCO led his pl in the night attack on the river GAIANA. He was amongst the first to cross the river in the face of hy spandau fire and grenading which caused considerable cas in his pl. Undaunted and with exemplary courage Jem Sanbahadur quickly re-organised his rections before assaulting the second objective which he did successfully. Despite hy enemy shelling and mortaring this gallant platoon commander continued to move from one section to another encouraging his men. "During the whole of the operations from 9 Apr to 2 May Jem Sanbahadur constantly displayed superb dash and gallantry, outstsnding leadership a disregard of danger worthy of the highest praise."

2- India General Service Medal, 1936-39 - NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1937-39 - 8869 RFN. SUNBAHADUR GURUNG, 2-8 G R

3- The General Service Medal, 1918-64, George VI (4th obverse, 1949-52) - PALESTINE 1945-48 - 47757 JEMDR. SANBAHADUR GURUNG, 2-8 G.R.

Later awarded VrC for Jammu and Kashmir (15 Nov 1948); Gandhi I, p. 370 (Gandhi II, p. 466):

"Subedar San Bahadur Gurung, commanding a platoon at Leh, was ordered to recapture Lasirmou at a height of 18,270 ft. On the night of 29 July 1948, he appeared in the rear of the enemy position after a strenuous night of 13 hrs. in extrenmely difficult terrain. His successful attack resulted in the rout of the enemy who left behind many dead and one prisoner.

"In October, he worked as second in command of guerillas behind the enemy lines, destroying an enemy 3.7-inch howitzer at Basgo. Again in November he went 70 miles behind the enemy lines and destroyed a big enemy ammunition column at Lamayuru.

"On all these occasions he showed outstanding bravery, devotion to duty and leadership."

[Ed_Haynes]

Subadar Mohd. Sher, IDSM, 3/1st Punjab Regiment

Punjabi Muslim, Sudhan-Barul, Sudhonti, Poonch State

Enrolled - 19 January 1924

Jemadar - 12 March 1941 (in the context of this action?)

Subadar - ??? (War Substantive Subadar)

IAL Jan 1942 War Services Sup., p. 382, shows NO additional war services

1- Indian Distinguished Service Medal, George VI - JEMDR. MOHD. SHER, 3-1 PUNJAB R.

Chhina, p. 201 - I.D.S.M. - LG 30 December 1941, p. 7339 - 151-H/1941, for Italian East Africa (only one to the regiment for that theater).

Reccomendation in WO 373/29 - Company Havildar Major (now Jemadar) Mohammed Sher, 3/1st Punjab Regiment, 5th Indian Infantry Brigade, 4th Indian Division:

?On 10 February 1941 during the attack on HOGS BACK this N.C.O. showed great coolness and disregard for personal safety in moving about (in his functions as Company Havildar Major) and assisting his Coy. Commander.

"On 11 Feb 1941 during the action on BRIGS PEAK Coy Hav Major MOHAMMED SHER again showed outstanding bravery and coolness. He moved freely amongst the forward sections encouraging Section commanders. When the enemy pressed home his attack Coy Hav Major MOHAMMED SHER was present in assisting the defence and freely exposed himself in throwing bombs at the enemy.

"11 March 1941 on Pt 1710 when the Coy had suffered 4 killed and 3 wounded by mortar fire, Coy Hav Major MOHAMMED SHER showed disregard for personal safety by carrying back wounded men to safety whilst under mortar fire.

"This N.C.O's name was submitted for bravery at TUMMAR WEST."

5 Feb 1941, 3/1st Punjab placed under command of 11th Indian Infantry Brigade, and shifted from Agordat to the area of kilometers 109-110 by 1715 hours. At 1600 hours on the 6th, the 3/1st went into combat in support of the 1st Rajputana Rifles and bore heavy Italian counter-attacks, depecially against "D" company. Sanchil and Brigg's Peak taken, but lost again.

10 Feb 1941, 3/1st Punjab sent against Brigg's Peak at 1500 hours: "B" coy to Hog's Back, "A" coy to Saddle, "C" coy to the center of Brigg's Peak, and "D" coy to the right feature of Brigg's Peak - captured, by Italian counterattack by 1715 - consolidated all except the right efature by close of the day - 11 Feb, "D" coy counterattacked the right feature at 0530 and took it - held positions under continuous shellfire - 2300 hours on 11 Feb a major Italian counterattack drove 3/1st off Brigg's Peak by 0230 with 11 killed and 40 wounded - 3/1st to 5th Indian Infantry Brigade. Back to forward line on 15/16 February 1941. By mid-March 1941, to serve in reserve in attack by 4th Sikhs on Mt. Samanna, to secure poritions on the line Mt.Jepio-Pt. 1572-Pt. 1710- Pt. 1702.

Recipient was commissioned Jemadar on 12th March 1941.

2- 1939-45 Star - unnamed

3- Africa Star - unnamed

4- Italy Star - unnamed

5- Defence Medal - unnamed

6- WWII War Medal, MiD - unnamed

7- France: Croix de Guerre, 1939, bronze palm

The CdG is shown in Qureshi's regimental history, most probably for actions at Kissoue, outside of Damascus, Syria, where he was wounded on 13 June 1941. Five CdGs were awarded to the regiment for this campaign, but only two to Indians.

The Regimental History records him as being wounded at Kissoue, outside Damascus on 13th June 1941. The History also records the Award of the Croix de Guerre (for Syria) and also confirms the M.I.D. (for the same action?).

An nice W.W.2 ?Three Decorations? group. As it is a (post-1947) "Pakistani" group, all but the IDSM are unnamed, there is some concern about "restoration", but the source is solid, so . . . ?

[Ed_Haynes]

It is a bit hard to know how to classify this group. Is it "pre-1947 gallantry" or is he a "British Gurkha"? Let me just show it and let you decide.

IO 7480 Subadar-Major Tikajit Pun, Bahadur, OBI, IDSM, 3/2 Gurkha Rifles

born 1905, West Nepal

Enlisted 25 November 1922

Jemadar 18 July 1937

Subadar 1 October 1940

MBE shown by Oct 1946 IAL - OBI (Bahadur), IDSM

opted for British service 1 January 1948

Lt (GCO) 1 January 1948

Capt (GCO) 11 November 1953

retired 14 February 1961

died 29 October 1977, British Gurkha Centre, Paklihawa

Later Honorary Major (GQO). His son: Major Lalbahadur Pun, MC, 1/2 GR.

From the regimental newsletter, 1961:

"Tikajit?s name was international news in 1953 when SS Sangola ran aground in the Hooghly river. The ship, which was carrying some 1,500 passengers, was soon in danger of breaking up and sinking. The Gurkhas under Tikajit?s command quickly organised the disembarkation of the passengers without any panic or loss of life. For this admirable action by Tikajit, the Chairman of BISN Company presented the Brigade of Gurkhas with three silver bugles - The Sangola Bugles."

1- The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, member

Shown by Oct 1946 IAL.

2- Order of British India, second class

21 June 1947, actually not presented until October 1951.

Though shown naked -- unribboned -- here, it is now clothed. An old scan, sorry.

3- Indian Distinguished Service Medal, George VI - SUBDR. TIKAJIT PUN, 3-2 G. R.

Chhina, p. 236: IO 7480 Subadar Tikajit Pun, 3/2 GR - Hindu Gurkha, Nagli, Mallajha, 4000 Parbat, Bahunga, No. 4 West, Nepal - IDSM Burma/EFI 232-H/1944 - The IDSM was awarded for distinguished services during the First Chindit Expedition behind enemy occupied lines in Burma, March and April 1943. The IDSM was notified in the London Gazette of 19th October, 1944.

Recommendation from WO 373/34:

"Subedar Tikajit Pun was the senior Gurkha officer of a column which was forced through a breakdown in communications and the consequent lack of rations to return across the Chindwin under particularly arduous conditions. His energy and devotion to duty were unfailing and on all occasions he set a superb example of cheerfulness in great adversity. It was largely due to his exemplary conduct that his men, despite hunger and exhaustion, regained their base as a formed body and without casualties.

"He displayed the same qualities of leadership during this difficult march as he had previously shown under fire and was throughout of the greatest assistance to his column commander."

4- India General Service Medal, 1908-35, George V, 1st variety - WAZIRISTAN 1921-24 - 678 RFMN. TIKAJIT PUN, 1-2 G. R.

5- India General Service Medal, 1936-39 - NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1936-37 - JEMDR. TIKAJIT PUN, 1-2 G.R.

6- 1939-45 Star - unnamed

7- Burma Star - unnamed

8- The War Medal, 1939-45 - unnamed

9- The India Service Medal, 1939-45 - unnamed

10- The General Service Medal, 1918-64, George VI (4th obverse, 1949-52) ? MALAYA - CAPT. TIKAJIT PUN S.B. M.B.E. O.B.I. I.D.S.M. 2 G.R.

Note that the naming is incorrect, in that it shows him as S.B. (?Sardar Bahadur?) rather than just ?Bahadur?, which is all he?d be with an OBI2.

11- The Indian Independence Medal, 1947 - 388433, CPT. TIKAJIT PUN OBI MBE IDSM SB G.R.

Note that the naming is incorrect, in that it shows him as S.B. (?Sardar Bahadur?) rather than just ?Bahadur?, which is all he?d be with an OBI2.

[Ed_Haynes]

78105 Rifleman Asarsing Limbu, MM, 1/7th Gurkha Rifles

Intersestingly, he was a Gorkha from Sikkim (Ganju Lama VC, MM -- and a Buddhist -- also of 7GR was another of the Gorkha diaspora living in Sikkim).

1- Military Medal "78105 RFMN. ASARSING LIMBU GR"

Award published in London Gazette 2 August 1945, p. 3860.

Recommendation from WO 373/40:

"On the night of 22/23 March 1945 at MEIKTILA a strong enemy force later estimated at two Bns, with two guns attacked the battalion perimeter.

"The fiercest part of this attack, which was not only supported by the two guns at point blank range but also by MMG, LMG and mortar fire, was located in the area of the main road. No 78105 Rifleman Asarsing Limbu was defending the slit trench nearest the road and opposite our MMG post when the enemy made a sudden rush covered by very heavy fire in attempt to overrun the MMG position. Some of the enemy succeeded in penetrating the wire. Riflman Asarsing Limbi with complete disregard for danger left his slit trench and attacked them with grenades and his bayonet, killing three and driving the rest back.

"He then returned to his trench and replenished his supply of grenades. Four times he drove the enemy out and accounted for about fifteen to twenty of the enemy. Early in the morning he volunteered to go forward with a clearing party and moving well ahead killed one sniper and engaged a second whom he also killed after being wounded by a grenade. This riflemans dash and determination to kill the enemy was an example and inspiration to all."

He was also wounded B II p. 519 s.l. 504 - 78105 Asarsingh Limbu 23 March 1945, Burma IV.

Bate & Smith, p. 437: 78150 Rfn. Limbu, A., Burma, LG 2 August 1945, p. 3960

General Slim witnessed this deed, see his Defeat into Victory.

2- 1939-45 Star "78105 RFN. ASARSING LIMBU, 7 G.R."

3- Burma Star "78105 RFN. ASARSING LIMBU, 7 G.R."

4- The War Medal, 1939-45 "78105 RFN. ASARSING LIMBU, 7 G.R."

[Ed_Haynes]

Enough for now . . . !!

[Ed_Haynes]

355 Havildar Jagat Singh, IDSM, 47th Sikhs

Thanks to "forum friends" (on another forum), this group has now been reunited. And a happy marriage it is!

1- IDSM, George V, first variety - named "No 355 NAIK JAGAT SINGH, 47th SIKHS." - A Royal Mint specimen, for France (Chhina, p. 118), AO 313 of 1915

2- 1914 Star - bar missing - named "No. 355 L/NK. JAGAT SINGH, 47/SIKHS"

3- BWM - named "355 SEPOY JAGAT SINGH, 47 SIKHS." (renamed - "Sepoy"??)

4- Victory Medal - MiD leaf missing - named "355 HAVR. JAGAT SINGH, 47 SIKHS." - MiD by AO 313 of 1915

[Stogieman]

Greetings Ed! Not sure what to add here other than WOW! A most impressive collection and even more so with respects to your research that really brings these "alive"!!!