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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 199

(x) A Malaya M.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant Purnabahadur Sunwar, 2nd Battalion, 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles, who personally accounted for several bandits in a spate of successful actions in the summer of 1951

Military Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd type (21139045 Cpl. Purnabahadur Sunwar, 7 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya (21139045 Sgt. Purnabahadur Sunwar, 7 G.R.); Indian Independence Medal 1947 (21139045 Sgt. Purnabahahur Sunwar, G.R.), minor official corrections, very fine (8)

M.M. London Gazette 4 April 1952:

'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya, during the period 1 July to 31 December 1951.'

The original recommendation - for a D.C.M. - states:

'This young N.C.O. is a quite outstanding and fearless leader. During the last four months he has been in no less than six successful actions, and in others during the Emergency.

On 20 July he was in the assault section of a force attacking a bandit camp. He pressed his attack straight into the enemy camp, killing three bandits and wounding four others. In this action Si Thor Chin, a $10,000 bandit, was killed.

On 24 July he was lying in ambush for a party of the enemy. Three bandits arrived and fire was opened; two bandits were killed instantly and the third ran away. Without hesitating Corporal Purnabahadur Sunwar gave chase, and although the bandit stopped and fired his pistol at him, the Corporal ran on and killed him. This bandit was another $10,000 man.

On another occasion, when in charge of a small patrol of four men, he came under fire from about seven enemy in position on a steep hill. Two of his men were wounded and the Corporal, shouting to the other two to remain with the wounded, charged up the hill firing from the hip. The enemy broke and ran leaving much blood on the ground.

Lastly, on 17 August, this young Corporal was commanding one of the two weak platoons which were ambushed by a greatly superior force of over eighty. While the leading platoon was crossing an open piece of ground, the small Gurkha force came under intense automatic fire from the front and rear. Seeing the leading platoon was pinned to the ground and sorely pressed, and regardless of the heavy fire of the enemy in the rear, he quickly organised his platoon in a covering position to help the other platoon. Still under heavy fire, with one of his Bren guns out of action, Corporal Purnabahadur Sunwar moved about his men, exposed to the full view of the enemy, directing fire and encouraging his men. He continued to do so for three hours until reinforcements arrived. During this time his example of fearlessness and devotion to duty was magnificent and was an inspiration to all.'

Purnabahadur Sunwar enlisted in the Indian Army in November 1942 and witnessed active service in North Africa and in Italy in the 4th 'Red Eagles' Indian Division in the period leading up to Allied victory. Re-mustered in the 7th Gurkha Rifles at the time of Indian Independence in 1947, he was embarked for Malaya in December 1948 and remained actively employed there until returning to India in September 1950.

But it was in his second tour of duty during the Emergency - in May 1951 to February 1956 - that he was awarded his M.M., more specifically for his gallantry as a Section and Platoon Leader in Pehang and Negri Sembilan districts in the period July-December 1951. The original recommendation for a D.C.M. was downgraded by his Corps Commander in Malaya, Major-General R. E. Urquhart, C.B., D.S.O. of Arnhem fame, a surprising decision given the outstanding nature of Sunwar's deeds.

Advanced to Sergeant in January 1953, he was discharged on account of ill-health in August 1956, when his conduct was described as 'Exemplary'; sold with copied service record which confirms all the above awards.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£1,000 to £1,400

Starting price
£800