Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 499

A superb immediate Burma 1944 Indian Order of Merit group of five awarded to Subadar D. Gurung, 8th Gurkha Rifles

Indian Order of Merit, Military Division, 2nd Class, Reward of Gallantry, silver and enamel, the reverse with central screw-nut fitting and impressed on two lines ‘2nd Class Order of Merit’, with riband buckle; India Distinguished Service Medal 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (8052 Hav. Durbahadur Gurung, 2-8 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, these last three all officially impressed 'I.O.14395 Subdr. Durbahadur Gurung. 8 G.R.', some enamel chipping to first, very fine

I.O.M. London Gazette 18 May 1944. The original recommendation states:

'M.S. 25 Track Kyauchaw - Datewekyauk, Burma.

On the night 7/8 Feb 1944 Subedar Durbahadur Gurung was ordered to lay a Platoon ambush in the area of MS 25 of the above track, with the object of inflicting the maximum loss on Japanese reinforcements and supplies which it was thought would endeavour to succour a boxed-in Japanese position at MS 25.

To achieve this object meant that the ambush must be located literally between two probable enemy fire zones, and that it must be prepared to carry out its role without hope of support. Its success, therefore, depended on exceptional qualities of leadership and determination on the part of its leader Subedar Durbahadur Gurung.

After skilful and daring personal recce the Subedar placed the ambush which, at about 2000hrs, was successful in scattering and inflicting heavy casualties on some 30 Japanese accompanied by mules carrying ammunition and rations.

The Subedar had therefore accomplished his object and was entitled to withdraw as quickly as possible before the inevitable counter-attack came in.

Durbahadur Gurung, however, decided to stay and meet this counter-attack in the hope of inflicting still further loss to the enemy.

At 2200hrs the enemy attacked both from North and South simultaneously but - due to the iron discipline preserved by the Subedar in withholding his fire - remained indefinite as to the actual situation of the ambush and finally rushed in at random. This was the moment for which Subedar Durbahadur Gurung had been waiting and the enemy rush was met with a withering and controlled fire directed as the result of personal and fearless close observation of enemy movement by the Subedar.

Again heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy whose attack was repulsed. Still the ambush remained to shoot down any parties endeavouring to get away their casualties. Only when the enemy movement had died away did Subedar Durbahadur Gurung withdraw his ambush which, throughout the whole operation, had not suffered a single casualty. Careful investigation places the enemy loss at not less than 25.

In carrying out his initial ambush Durbahadur Gurung displayed qualities of tactical skill and resolution much above the average, in deciding to stay for the enemy counter-attack after the ambush, he showed outstanding initiative only suceeded by his personal gallant leadership and determination under heavy fire furing the successful repulse of that counter-attack. His exceptional qualities are worthy of the highest commendation and well merit recognition by the immediate award of the I.O.M. 2nd Class.'

Durbahadur Gurung was from Khandhajang, Kashi.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£3,500

Starting price
£1900