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Auction: 22102 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction VI - e-Auction
Lot: 487

A rare 1945 Arakan operations M.M. awarded to Corporal Dogo Manga, 1st Battalion, Nigeria Regiment, Royal West African Frontier Force

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (NA 29295 Cpl. Dogo Manga. Nig. R.), obverse rather polished, nearly very fine

M.M. London Gazette 6 June 1946. The original recommendation states:

'As a Section Commander, this NCO throughout the Arakan campaign displayed exemplary powers of leadership and at all times maintained a spirit of dash and determination far above the average.

As an example of his qualities the following incident, typical of his behaviour, may be cited.

On 5 March 1945 his Section was ordered to test a block across a track leading into his Coy's area. While taking up position, the Section was attacked by the Japanese and the Bren Gun after firing two rounds jammed. Heedless of the enemy fire Corporal Manga rushed across to the Bren, cleared the stoppage and himself killed two Japanese.

Meanwhile the rest of the Company was being very heavily engaged with LMG & Mortar fire, the enemy pressing home his attacks with the bayonet in spite of casualties Corporal Mango found himself isolated but continued to hold at bay the enemy on his sector until he was ordered to withdraw to the main position. This he did in spite of enemy interference and immediately took over a heavily engaged portion of the Coy's perimeter, controlling his Section with unqualified courage and skill. After seven hours of continuous assaults the enemy overran a portion of the Company which was forced to withdraw.

Corporal Manga's Section was the last to leave, he himself carrying a wounded comrade. On other occasions too, this NCO exhibited his outstanding fighting qualities and a high personal example. He was throughout a good leader and a gallant soldier.'

46 awards of the Military Medal to the Nigeria Regiment during the Second World War. Given the number which would have been melted down for their silver content, this should be considered a rare survivor.

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Sold for
£3,500

Starting price
£600