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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 257

(x) A Second World War M.B.E. group of ten awarded to Risaldar F. Khan, Hong Kong Mule Corps, late 15th Mule Corps, Indian Army, who went 'in the bag' at the Fall of Hong Kong; having endured torture at Canton in June 1942, he stoically refused to take up arms for the Azad Hind Fauj

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd Type, Military Division Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge; 1914-15 Star (No 431 K.D./ Feroz Khan, 15/ Mule Corps); British War and Victory Medals (431 K-Dfdr. Feroz Khan. 15 Muke Cps.), small erasure to the BWM which touches the K of Khan; India General Service 1908-35, 3 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, North West Frontier 1930-31, North West Frontier 1935 (431 Rsd. Feroze Khan, 3 Bk. Cps.), re-impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War and India Service Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935, very fine

M.B.E. London Gazette 9 May 1946. The recommendation states:

'For conspicuous and sustained courage and outstanding devotion to duty whilst a P.O.W. under conditions of extreme duress. This Indian Officer was the senior Indian Officer of this Unit and from the commencement of the Internment of Indian Army Personnel away from their British officers he showed a record of sustained refusal to take up arms at the instigation of the Japanese and was of the highest value in influencing all under him to maintain their loyalty. For this reason he was removed to Canton about June 1942 where he spent some time in Jail. Here he was severely beaten up, was hung up by the feet upside down, on two occasions for a period of 3 and 2 hours respectively and over a period of 9 days received just sufficient food to maintain life.

This Indian Officer was instrumental in arranging the escape of a number of individuals from Canton and for this purpose was in touch with the agents of the Swiss Consul at this place. I cannot speak too highly of this Indian Officer's outstanding devotion and loyalty and the magnificent influence he had on all those under him throughout.'

Sold together with a silver prize medal 52mm diam., from the Indian Army Staff College, the obverse with badge of the College engraved and the reverse with 'Best Man Indian Officers School Amritsar 4th. Course. 1923', engraved, and photocopied research.

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

Estimate
£400 to £600

Starting price
£320