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Auction: 18002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 555

Indian Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (3386 Hav. Fazal Illahi, 4-2 Punjab R.), minor contact marks, very fine

Fazal Illahi was later commissioned Jemadar (8608 I.O.) and served with distinction in the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment, in North Africa. He was awarded the 2nd Class of Indian Order of Merit (I.O.M.) for his gallant deeds in the period November 1941 to January 1942, the original recommendation stating:

'Jemadar Fazal Illahi, since the Battalion came on service, has taken part in at least eight night or dawn attacks and has been in the leading elements on each occasion. In the present operations, culminating in the capture of Gialo, he has been a tower of strength, displaying coolness and determination and imperturbability. He has always kept his platoon well in hand and by sheer good leadership has played a most essential part, without which the Company could not have performed the tasks allotted. His coolness, steadiness and devotion to duty have been an example of encouragement to all.

Under his leadership his platoon played an important part in the surrender of Fort Augila. In the attack on Fort Gialo, he kept his platoon staunch and steady when they came under artillery fire, and led and captured the first position of the fort area and organised an excellent rallying point for the future advance. After the capture of the fort, he took out a small patrol which captured a Breda 20mm. gun and the gun crew.'

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Sold for
£75