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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 506

'Khan was a member of my 'P.M.' Company and I remember Yambauk Chaung very clearly. For his part in the operation Khan was put up for the Victoria Cross and my recommendation was supported by Officers Commanding the supporting Machine Gun section and Field Artillery

His bravery and complete disregard for his own safety was unbelievable amid the scene of black smoke from exploding mortar bombs and deafening fire from heavy machine guns; of sinking 'out of control' assault boats manned by wounded troops; the whole crossing area was a holocaust.

Major G. P. Jones on the events of 29 January 1945.
A superb 1945 I.D.S.M. group of four awarded to Sepot B. Khan, 5th Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment, who was recommended for the Victoria Cross for his remarkable actions in the assault across the Yanbauk Chaung on 26 January 1945

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (14805 Sep. Barkhat Khan, 5-1 Punjab R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (4)

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 19 April 1945. The original recommendation states:

'During operations on Ramree Island in Burma on 26 January 1945, C Company was ordered to assault across the Yanbauk Chaung in four canvas assault boats under machine gun and mortar fire from enemy positions which dominated the area of the assault. On the boats returning from the flight Sepoy Khan, who was lying in a covered position on the north bank of the chaung, without orders to that effect, ran out across the beach to a boat which was out of control and which had a wounded man in it. He waded out into the stream and under extremely heavy fire which was sweeping the beach and chaung, dragged the boat upstream a distance of about 200 yards to the Company Assault position. Here he lifted the wounded man out and took him across the open ground to safety. Returning he hauled the boat clear of the tide and secured it to the bank.

During the remainder of the day and still under heavy fire, he remained in the open controlling and directing boats on their attempts to cross the chaung to reinforce the bridgehead. His actions were without any orders from his seniors and were a magnificent example to the remainder of the men.

When it was realised that no more boats could get over due to the heavy fire and the very rapid tide, Khan attempted to swim the chaung with a length of signal line to act as a guiding line for craft. The tide, however, was too strong but he refused to give up and time again he was swept downstream towards the enemy.

Still under heavy fire, as a last resort he tried to find a ford, wading out into the water he eventually succeeded in finding a bar of sand which was passable at low tide. The tide at that time being on the ride it rapidly became impassable and no man was able to cross, later this crossing place enabled the troops to be evacuated.

Throughout the day and night this Sepoy's complete coolness, utter disregard to personal safety and devotion to duty was the most magnificent example to everyone in his party and was to a very great extent responsible for the position being held despite almost continuous counter-attacks.'

Barkhat Khan was born in 1923, a punjabi muslim rajput of Yarala, Sensa, Mirpur and joined the 5th Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment on 16 July 1940; sold together with three related Badges, besides copied research and photograph of the recipient, besides the letter from Major G. P. Jones, his Company Commander, who is quoted at the top of the Lot.

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Sold for
£7,000

Starting price
£1300

Sale 21003 Notices
The image of the soldier accompanying the Lot is not Sepoy Khan, it is instead an unrelated image of Naik Gian Singh, VC.