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Auction: 7012 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Lot: 601

An Outstanding Burma 1944 Behind Enemy Lines ´V Force´ Operations M.M. Group of Five to Havildar Dhanbahadur Limbu, 4/10th Gurkha Rifles a) Military Medal, G.VI.R. (105150 Comh. Lhanbahadur (sic) Limbu 10 Gr) b) 1939-1945 Star c) Burma Star d) India Service Medal e) War Medal, very fine, mounted in this order as originally worn (5) Estimate £ 1,000-1,200 M.M. London Gazette 28.6.1945 No. 105150 Havildar Dhanbahadur Limbu, 10th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army, The Original Recommendation states, ´For continuously Gallant service. In the latter half of May 1944, it became apparent to the Command 100 Ind Inf Brigade that the enemy was reconstituting his strength in the hill country east and north east of the brigade defended area, which at the time was astride mile 19 on the Ukhrul road. Our patrols found great difficulty in reconnoitering this country, owing to monsoon conditions and bad visibility. It became imperative that accurate and up to the minute information should be obtained in order to assess the enemy´s strentgh and intention and to discover his main lines of communication. Havildar Dhanbahadur Limbu was therefore ordered to establish a secret Wireless Transmission Station at Marou seven miles ahead of our furthest defence lines and behind the enemy lines. He was in sole charge of the party consisting of two other Gurkha wireless operators and four members of V Force. All disguised as Nagas. On 31st May Havildar Dhanbahadur Limbu left our lines, led his party over country which was both difficult to negotiate and active with the advancing enemy, and established his secret base near Marou village. For a fortnight he sent back detailed daily reports of enemy movements and strengths, organised daring two man patrols to outlying villages, and himself reconnoitered the strongly held Kasom Ridge to his north. Later information proved the substantial truth of all his reports. On three occasions Japanese foraging parties entered Marou, and Hav. Dhanbahadur Limbu dispersed his men and his secret equipment with skill and boldness in the hide-outs he had organised beneath the very eyes of the enemy. In addition, he was responsible for feeding his men from the country, an added responsibility which he discharged with forethought and determination greater than is expected of an NCO. He carried out his orders in the face of considerable difficulties, defying the enemy and never departed from his objective. By his example of intrepidity wilfulness and by his own personal gallantry he assured the complete success of a hazardous mission, which was ultimately responsible for the destruction of the enemy confronting the brigade. Signed by Major General D.D. Gracey O.B.E., M.C. Comd 20th Ind Division.´

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