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Auction: 21002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 22

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Naga - 1879-80 (1365 Sepoy Toolaram Booratokie 44th Gurkha L. Infy.), minor official correction to unit, very fine

The 44th Gurkha Light Infantry, which became 1st Battalion, 8th Gurkha Rifles in 1907, was en-route to Afghanistan in 1879 when it was recalled to take part in operations in the Naga Hills District with its two 7-pounder mountain guns. The 44th Gurkha Light Infantry subsequently led two assaults on the village of Komoma, the stronghold of the Naga tribes, in November 1879 and along with the gallantry of Lieutenant Ridgeway, forced an entry into the strongly defended stockade, for which he was awarded the Regiment's first Victoria Cross. By the following morning the defenders had abandoned the position but fighting of a guerrilla nature followed until the Nagas finally submitted at the end of March 1880. Fever, dysentery and Naga sores had taken their toll during the campaign, which had been conducted at the same time as India's Army was committed to operations in Afghanistan and was very much considered to be a side-show.

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Sold for
£260

Starting price
£80