Pre-1947 Indian Single Medals

[Ed_Haynes]

Close enough, and I know how hard this is to scan these things, Sam.

His name is Pir Baksh, an incredibly common name, almost a stereotypic Musim name. Would guess he's a Pathan or maybe Punjabi. If I check the regimental composition of the 5th in 1895, I may be able to get him down to company. This will require access to army lists, in Delhi, this summer.

[Mossy]

Well, i got the first bit right i suppose... Haha!

Thanks ed. Are you going to delhi this summer? If so, could you please have a look for this guy for me please?

Sam.

[Ed_Haynes]

Are you going to delhi this summer? If so, could you please have a look for this guy for me please?

Yep, will see what I can find, but there won't be much. Especially since the 5th (later the 5/13th FFR, I think), went to Pakistan, where most of the pre-1947 records have fallen almost totally off the radar. Will need to check, but not sure the 5th was shot at in Samana, probably line of communications troops or some such. Still, a nice gong.

[Mossy]

Thanks! Even if there isn't anything, I at least now have his name.

Cheers!

Sam.

[Michael Johnson]

There is a series of Indian government publications called "Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India" done at the beginning of the last century. They are regionally based, i.e. all the expeditions against one group of tribes, or one country (Burma). Some of them are available for download www.archive.org. I bought the set in an Indian reprint about 20 years ago.

First part is a description of the area and its people (for the next expedition, no doubt), followed by the details of the expeditions. Quite detailed in most cases (number of men from each unit), casualties (not by name).

I'm at work now, so I can't tell you which volume you need.

[Ed_Haynes]

There is a series of Indian government publications called "Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India" done at the beginning of the last century. They are regionally based, i.e. all the expeditions against one group of tribes, or one country (Burma). Some of them are available for download www.archive.org. I bought the set in an Indian reprint about 20 years ago.

First part is a description of the area and its people (for the next expedition, no doubt), followed by the details of the expeditions. Quite detailed in most cases (number of men from each unit), casualties (not by name).

I'm at work now, so I can't tell you which volume you need.

Yes, the F&OE volumes are good for tracing regimental activities, though they're totally unindexed.

I, too, am at work, and will check details when I get home. Think you'd want either volume 1 or volume 2 as my failing memory recalls.

[Ed_Haynes]

As some of these are on "home leave" just now, may I add a few?

1979 Naik Murad Khan, IDSM, 18th King George's Own Tiwana Lancers

OK, OK, most IDSMs look pretty much the same if you ignore the edge. I'll only put up a few "interesting" ones.

This one for Persia 1910 - 15 April 1910, IAO 933/1910.

Possibly one of the first four medals to carry GV's image. See OMRS Journal 25 (1996). Though probably a WWI-era reissue for an earlier Edward VII medal? The "Royal Mint" variety.

Gazette of India 19 November 1910.

On 15 April 1910, a detachment of the 18th Tiwana Lancers was detailed to accompany the Isfahan Consular Escort, with Mr. J. H. H. Bill of the Government of India Foreign Department, on deputation as British Consul at Shiraz. Attacked by robbers between Kumisheh and Abadah, two Sowars of the 18th?s escort were killed, while the bravery of Naik Marad Khan and two fellow cavalrymen was recognised by the award of the I.D.S.M.

[Ed_Haynes]

Naik Tika Khan, M.M., Hong Kong-Singapore Battalion, Royal Garrison Artillery

Named: H.K.S.B. 1390 NAIK TIKA KHAN. H.K-S.BN:R.G.A.

An immensely uncommon George V Military Medal to an Indian serving with the Hong Kong-Singapore Battalion, Royal Garrison Artillery. London Gazette 25 April 1918.

[Ed_Haynes]

3693 Havildar Bir Singh, IDSM, 14th K.G.O. Ferozepore Sikhs

Interesting not only for what it is, but for how I got it. In a silver market in Jaipur (Rajasthan) in 1974, a merchant had two medals. This one and a pedestrian IGS 95 "Punjab Frontier". The IGS was Rs. 100 because it was "old" (around $US5 at that time), while this one was Rs. 75. I got both.

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, George V, 1st variety

Named: "3693 Naik Bir Singh 14th K.G.O. Ferozepore Sikhs"

Son of Sobha Singh, of Mangewal, Maloh, Nabha, Punjab. Jat Sikh.

Awarded IDSM for Gallipoli (H&A shows regt. # as 3694 and rank as Havildar) - 2nd IDSM to unit (47 to regt. for WWI: 36 Gallipoli, 1 Egypt, 10 Mesopotamia) , 2nd to the regt. for Gallipoli (also 1 IOM for this service) - H&A, p. 79: "14th King George's Own Ferozepore Sikhs. . . .3694 Havildar Bir Singh, Gallipoli".

London Gazette Supplement 29 October 1915, p. 10735, "for gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Indian Expeditionary Force at the Dardanelles" -- No. 3693 Naik Bir Singh, 14th King George's Own Ferozepore Sikhs.

1914, 14th KGO Sikhs went to defend Suez Canal (1 IDSM). Then to Gallipoli for six months. 1 May 1915, 1st Indian Brigade disembarked (14th Sikhs, 69 Punjabis, 89th Punjabis, and 1/6 Gurkhas). The Punjabis were soon withdrawn, as the regiments had Muslim companies, and their loyalty was suspect, while the remainder attached to the 29th Division. 6 May 1915, attached SE of Krithia, Took 3/4 losses at Achi-Baba the night of 4/5 June 1915, but advanced against great odds and uncut wire (80% of B Officers killed, 79% of Indian Officers, and 74% of EM). 31 IDSMs awarded for this action (12 from Ludhiana, 6 Patiala, 5 Ferozepore, 2 Ambala, 2 Nabha [he was one of them?], 2 Maler Kotla, 1 Rawalpindi, and 1 Faridkot) and 1 IOM2 (?). On 7th and 8th attempted to take Kota Chaman Tepe (no success). 10 June, attacked by Turks (4 IDSMs to Patiala Sikhs). 3rd week of August, sent to reinforce Sulva Bay - minor action thereafter. Late March 1916, withdrawn from Gallipoli to Suez Canal; garrisoned Tor and Abu Zeneima on Sinaitic Coast. To Mesopotamia for the remainder of the war (where 2 MC, 1 OBI2, 2 IOM2, 10 IDSM, 4 IMSM).

Battalion suffered 264 killed and 840 wounded in Gallipoli campaign.

He was also MiD 1235/1915 -- London Gazette Supplement, 5 November 1915, p. 11004.

KIA: 3694 Havildar Bir Singh, 14th King George's Own Ferozepore Sikhs, on Friday, 26th October 1917. Commemorated on BASRA MEMORIAL, Iraq.

[Ed_Haynes]

No. 1741 Sepoy Tamman Singh, IOM, 36th (Sikh) Regiment of Bengal Infantry

Indian Order of Merit, 3rd class, 1839-1911 - named "No. 1741 Sepoy Tamman Singh 36th Sikhs"

In rather poor shape, but interesting.

For gallantry at Fort Cavagnari on 13 September 1897. IAO 133 of 1898:

?. . . No. 1741 Sepoy Thaman Singh [36th (Sikh) Regiment of Bengal Infantry] . . . ? For conspicuous gallantry at Fort Cavagnari on the 13th September 1897, on which occasion . . . [he] took part in a daring sortie. The party with the assistance of a reinforcement . . . Drove the enemy from their sangars at the point of the bayonet, and captured three of their standards.?

[Hypher II: 124]

Shown as ?dangerously wounded? in the recommendation file (Military, Tirah A, 1898, 1584-86).

Shown in April 1899 IAL (p. 682a) as on pension establishment

1/31 IAL ? listed in italics in honours section

1/39 IAL ? still listed

[Ed_Haynes]

Engine Serang Abdul Ghafur Rucknooden X Rucknooden, SS British Judge

British Empire Medal (Civil) - George VI - "ABDOOL GAFOOR RUCKNOODEEN X RUKNOODEEN"

While this poor medal has had a hard life, it tells a fascinating story.

London Gazette 8 February 1944, p. 1944 (a joint citation for him and others):

"The ship [sS British Judge, British Tanker Co. fleet], saling in convoy [28 February 1942], was subjected to continuous attacks by enemy aircraft which lasted for nearly eight hours [near Tanjong Priok]. She put up a magnificent defence, three of the attackers being hit and forced to jettison their bombs. Later the same day the vessel was torpedoed [by I-58 in the Sunda Strait] and severely damaged.

"Temporary repairs were effected and she continued her voyage alone, arriving safely at her destination sixteen days later. At this port severe attacks by enemy aircraft were again experienced and a near miss caused further damage on board. As there were no facilities for extensive repairs the ship proceeded to another port where further temporary repairs were carried out. Once more she sailed alone and finally arrived at port where she was drydocked for permanent repair. In all, the ship travelled over 20,000 miles through extremely dangerous waters with a large breach in her side.

"The Master [Captain John Godfrey Lewis, who got an OBE] displayed outstanding judgment and skill of a high order during this long and hazardous voyage. His leadership was a constant inspiration to his crew and, by his courage and etermination, he saved a valuable ship.

"The Chief Engineering Officer [Jack Keightly Swales, who got an MBE] showed great devotion to duty, efficiency and coolness in the engine-room of the ship which, being crippled, was an easy mark for the enemy. Under his leadership, temporary repairs were effected and the safe arrival of the vessel was due in large measure to his determined efforts.

"The Chief Officer [Arthur James Knell, DSC, who got an MBE] also displayed exceptional courage and initiative. He gave invaluable help to the Master throughout and, by his leadership and skill, contributed materially to the success of the voyage.

"Deck Serang Cader Rajakhan X Rajakhan and Engine Serang Abdool Gafoor Rucknoodeen X Rucknoodeen [they both got BEMs] displayed outstanding courage and leadership throughout. By their example they ensured the smooth and efficient working of their respective departments in circumstances of exceptional difficulty and danger."

See also: http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/history/ships/wollongong1.htm

Thanks to: Ralph Daly and Mike Hargreave-Mawson.

[Ed_Haynes]

Inspector Muhammad Akbar Khan, N-W Frontier Province Police

Indian Police Medal, George V, for distinguished conduct, on gallantry ribbon

Named: "Mohd. Akbar Khan. Inspr. N.W.F.P. Police"

Gazette of India, 13 June 1935:

"On 18th February 1935 a murder occurred in village Nowshera. Inspector Mohd Akbar collected a few men & hurried to the spot where he found that the accused had shot dead an enemy, had barricaded himself with his gun inside a house & dared anybody to approach on pain of being shot. Inspector Mohd Akbar posted piquets & with great ingenuity reached the roof of the house in question. He then managed to enter the room occupied by the murderer, coolly walked up to him, wrested the gun from him & effected his arrest. His brave act in the face of imminent personal danger deserves the highest praise."

[Ed_Haynes]

Counting to Four

1- India General Service 1854 - NORTHWEST FRONTIER, JOWAKI 1877-8, HAZARA 1888, WAZIRISTAN 1894-5 - Bugler ___cer Mahomed 20th Regt. N. I. (naming rubbed by adjoining medal)

2- India General Service 1854 - bronze - SAMANA 1891, HAZARA 1891, CHIN-LUSHAI 1889-90, BURMA 1887-89 - 728 Jemdr Mohamed Khan Comt Transport Deptt

3- India General Service 1908 - Edward VII - NORTHWEST FRONTIER 1935, MOHMAND 1933, NORTHWEST FRONTIER 1930-31, NORTH WEST FRONTIER 1908 - 325 Sepoy Kaka Singh 45th Sikhs

4- India General Service 1908 - George V 1st variety - WAZIRISTAN 1921-24, WAZIRISTAN 1919-21, MAHSUD 1919-20, AFGHANISTAN N.W.F. 1919 - 904 DVR. ALLAH DAD, 6 P. BTY.

[Ed_Haynes]

Empress of India Medal, 1877, gold

Unnamed, unfortunately.

[Ed_Haynes]

Dewan Lala Trilok Nath, Talukhdar of Shahganj, North-West Provinces and Oudh

Empress of India Medal, 1877, silver

Named: Dewan Trilok Nath

Traced in J. Talboys Wheeler, The History of the Imperial Assemblage at Delhi (London: Longman, Green, Reader, and Dyer, [1877]).

UPDATE:

Confirmed in the relevant file in NAI (Foreign Department Proceedings, Political A Proceedings, December 1877, 286-496) as:

Lal Trilokhnath Singh, Fyazbad, Oudh

"Adopted son and successor of the late Maharaja Sir Man Singh, Bahadur, K.C.S.I., Talookdar of Mehndona."

Edited July 19, 2006 by Ed_Haynes

[Ed_Haynes]

Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, "INDIA"

As these medals were awarded only to Europeans, these are truly some odd and exotic "outliers" in my collection.

George V - "SJT. J. BROWN, I.S.C."

George VI - "S-SGT. J. N. STARK, I A O C"

[Ed_Haynes]

Volunteer Long Service and Good Conduct Medals

1- Edward VII - Vol. T. Menezies Sind Vol. Rifles - An early award to a Goan, need to try some research here. - The unity was raised 1in 879 and converted into the 23rd Sind Battalion in 1917 (per Gaylor).

2- George V - Vol. J. Fr. Miranda 1st Bn B B & C I Ry Vols - Another Goan. - The unit -- the Bengal, Baroda, and Central India Railway Voltunteers -- was raised in 1877 and, after absorbing various smaller units, became the 17th BB&CI Railway Battaion in 1917.

(Still have to add a Victoria, obviously, but I am uncertain they were awarded to Indians, so I may have to settle for a European.)

[Ed_Haynes]

China 1842

For the First Opium War.

Named: "* * ROODUR SING, 2nd REG. BENGAL VOLUNTEERS * *".

Looked for him on the very fragmentary -- in all senses -- rolls that survive in the national archives in New Delhi (the only way to determine the parental regiment). No joy, but I haven't given up yet!