Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 246

An Immediate 'Battle of Bir Hachiem' I.D.S.M. group of six awarded to Havildar S. Singh, Indian Signal Corps, who commanded the Signal Section of 2nd Indian Field Regiment during their famous engagement at Point 171 on 27 May 1942

Indian Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (A.344 Hav. Santokh Singh, ISC); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, very fine (6)

Provenance:
Purchased in Delhi, March 1980.

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 13 August 1942. The recommendation for an Immediate award states:

'On 27 May 1942 during the action which took place some 3 miles south-east of Bir Hachiem, Havildar Singh was in charge of 2nd Indian Field Regiment Indian Artillery Signal Section. He showed great bravery throughout the action in organising the Signal Section laying cable and maintaining communications, in spite of heavy shelling. The line was continually broken. This NCO personally superintended its repair. It was by his inspirational and splendid example that the Section functioned so well during the action.'

Santokh Singh was from Thikriwala, Lyallpur in the Punjab. His unit, 2nd Indian Field Regiment was raised in May 1940 at Bangalore and saw their first action of the Second World War on 27 May. On 26 May 1942, the Brigade Group with 2 Field Regiment and 1 Indian Anti-Tank Regiment as its artillery component, moved to Point 171, south of Bir Hachiem in Libya. Late in the evening of 26 May, 2 Field Regiment was warned of an impending attack by Rommel’s forces early the next morning. Throughout the night the Regiment made preparations to face an impending armour attack on its gun positions.

On the morning of 27 May, 2 Field Regiment with its 25-pounder guns was ready to see its first action. The defences at Point 171 were incomplete, without mines, un-coordinated and without any tanks deployed in the Brigade Box area, but were ready to face the might of Rommel’s forces which had 15 Panzer Division, 21 Panzer Division, the Italian Ariete Division and 90 Light Division. Needless to say, the defenders were hopelessly outnumbered but determined to give a fight which ended up creating history.

Early morning of 27 May saw Rommel’s forces moving out of their harbour hardly two miles away. The Battle at Point 171 was so swift and bloody that in about two hours time Rommel’s forces had over-run the defences of the Brigade but not before facing the wrath of the Indian Gunners who kept firing till their positions were over-run. Major Kumaramangalam returned to the battlefield a few days later to retrieve the Guns. One of the officers of the Regiment counted 56 enemy tanks destroyed in the Brigade Box Area. The unit earned the Battle Honour 'POINT 171', whilst Major Kumaramangalam took a D.S.O. and Singh his I.D.S.M.

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

Sold for
£2,400

Starting price
£600

Sale 24002 Notices
Gallantry award is the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.