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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 75

An immediate Second World War Italy operations 1943 I.D.S.M. group of four awarded to Naik F. Hussain, 3rd Battalion, 8th Punjab Regiment

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (15566 Nk. Fazal Hussain, 3-8 Punjab R.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, scratches over naming, nearly very fine (4)

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 20 April 1943. The original recommendation states:

'On 23 November 1943 this NCO was in charge of an isolated Section Post, covering the left flank of 'A' Company position in Il Calvario feature. Through repeated enemy counter-attacks, the whole of his section were all killed or wounded, but he maintained his post in action with great courage and coolness, and kept the enemy off, until reinforced by more men from the main Company position.'

Fazal Hussain was a Punjabi Muslim from Jhelum, Punjab and had his award endorsed by General B. C. Freyberg, GOC 2nd New Zealand Division, of which the 3rd Battalion, 8th Punjab Regiment formed a part. They went into action against elements of the German 1st Parachute and 16th Panzer Division. Their reports give more detail on the actions on that day:

'At 0415 hours on 23 Nov 1943 19 Indian Brigade attacked across the Sangro to the hilly ground in the angle between the Aventino and Sangro rivers – apparently known as the “Hump” (Phillips, 1957). 3/8 Punjab Regiment and two companies from 1/5 Essex Regiment were involved, supported by the fire of the three NZ field regiments and 3 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. As it happens 1 Parachute Division was in the process of replacing 16 Panzer Division in this sector, which left the attackers facing stiff opposition. 3/8 Punjab Regiment crossed the Sangro overnight via a rope bridge and had captured Il Calvario by 0730 hours; however, the bridge was subsequently swept away when the river level rose. Counter attacks by German paratroopers and Panzer Grenadiers meant Il Calvario changed hands three times before both sides left it unoccupied in the early afternoon. 3/8 Punjab Regiment retreated to a small bridgehead near the river. Also during the early afternoon the two companies of 1/5 Essex Regiment occupied Sant Angelo village, at the top of the spur to the right. The remainder of the battalion hadn’t managed to cross the swollen Sangro during the previous night and were pinned down south of the river by German fire. Efforts on the night of 23-24 Nov failed to replace the Indian’s rope bridge and soldiers attempting to swim the river were drowned.'

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Sold for
£1,200

Starting price
£600