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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 218

A very fine Second World War Burma 'Immediate M.M.' awarded to Naik S. Singh 16th Punjab Regiment, who killed several of the enemy in a bayonet charge; for good measure he brought back a Japanese Light machine gun, having killed the crew manning it, as a souvenir

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (11754 Naik. Sawaran Singh. 16 Punjab R.), officially engraved naming, very fine

M.M. London Gazette 22 June 1944. The original recommendation - for an Immediate Indian Distinguished Service Medal - states:

'On 2nd April 1944 when on patrol from the COMMA position SW of Buthidaung, Nk Sawaran Singh took part in a bayonet charge against the enemy. During the fierce hand to hand fighting which ensued, he killed at least 3 of the enemy and wounded several more though wounded himself. He also seized hold of the barrel of the L.M.G which was firing at our troops, and killed the enemy manning it and brought it back with him. His determination to close with the enemy, dash and complete disregard for his own personal safety were an inspiration to everyone.'

Sawaran Singh was a Sikh from Dharamkot village, Jullundur and served with the 5th Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment during the Second World War.

The 5th Battalion was raised in 1940 served in India and Burma. It was re-designated as 2/16th Punjab Regiment in 1945, earning 33 M.M.'s and one Bar during the Second World War.


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Sold for
£1,000

Starting price
£280