Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 297

The Immediate Burma Operations 1945 M.M. awarded to Dafadar B. Singh, 16th Light Cavalry, Indian Armoured Corps, who bravely disabled a Japanese tank at Pyawbe in April 1945

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (A-1451 Dfr Badan Singh IAC), scratches to obverse, edge bruise, very fine

M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. The recommendation states:

'At 1430 hrs on 10th April 1945 on the outskirts of YAMETHIN an armoured car patrol was moving into the town from the North West. The leading armd car was under the command of W/S Dfr BADAN SINGH. The patrol engaged some enemy inf in dug in positions, when suddenly from a flank, behind cover about two hundred yards an enemy medium tank appeared and fired with its gun at Dfr BADAN SINGH's car. These shells were close misses. Realising the position, Dfr BADAN SINGH immediately closed the range by advancing towards the tank and shot at it with his 37mm gun. His first shell, which was HE, blinded the enemies vision. His next shell which was AP penetrated the enemy tank causing it to explode. The tank having been knocked out, its crew and some inf. behind the tank and were engaged by Dfr BADAN SINGH with his co-axial automatic. He killed 9.

By his extremely bold and quick action, taken with no regard for his personal safety, he masked and destroyed an enemy weapon which constituted the greatest danger to his own troop. The moral effect of the tanks destruction turned what might have been a serious situation into a decisive success and enabled the recce of YAMETHIN to be continued unhampered. Awarded immediate MM.'

One of only 37 M.M.s to the Indian Armoured Corps in the Second World War, of which only 22 of these were for campaigns fought in Burma. This M.M. is only one of three awarded to the 16th Light Cavalry.

Badan Singh was awarded an immediate M.M. for disabling a Japanese tank during the encirclement of Pyawbe. He was presented his Military Medal twice, the first by the Commander in Chief of the Indian Army on 31 July 1945 at Rangoon, and the second by Colonel Hiralal Atal on 12 March 1947 during a medal presentation parade at the Regimental Reunion; sold with copied research.

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

Estimate
£500 to £700

Starting price
£400