Gurkha Citations
This page is dedicated to the Gurkha Riflemen who were awarded gallantry medals for their efforts in Burma during WW2. I have decided to include awards to 3/2 Gurkhas post Longcloth, as a demonstration of their ongoing courage and tenacity throughout the war.
As you will see from the images below, these young Gurkha recruits never failed to show their immense bravery in the face of the enemy, their loyalty to stricken comrades or the determination to carry out the orders given. They brought great honour not only to themselves as soldiers, but to the regiment in which they served.
I do not have to elaborate on the courage of the lion-hearted Gurkha, who over the last two centuries has laid down his life for the British military cause. He has become synonymous with the British Army and is loved, admired and respected wherever he serves.
During the course of WW2 and in all theatres, the Gurkha Rifleman brought an added dimension to the fighting at hand and struck fear into the the heart of the enemy.
This first group of citations come from awards to men who had been taken prisoner by the Japanese in 1943, but had all managed to escape their captors at some point in the coming weeks or months. Top left is the citation for Sarki Lama (Military Medal) of column 3 who was captured during an engagement near the Shweli River. Top right is the citation for Khagbahadur Pun (IDSM) of column 1, who led a small group of Gurkhas back to safety after escaping from the Japanese. Please click on the image and hopefully it will enlarge it.
As you will see from the images below, these young Gurkha recruits never failed to show their immense bravery in the face of the enemy, their loyalty to stricken comrades or the determination to carry out the orders given. They brought great honour not only to themselves as soldiers, but to the regiment in which they served.
I do not have to elaborate on the courage of the lion-hearted Gurkha, who over the last two centuries has laid down his life for the British military cause. He has become synonymous with the British Army and is loved, admired and respected wherever he serves.
During the course of WW2 and in all theatres, the Gurkha Rifleman brought an added dimension to the fighting at hand and struck fear into the the heart of the enemy.
This first group of citations come from awards to men who had been taken prisoner by the Japanese in 1943, but had all managed to escape their captors at some point in the coming weeks or months. Top left is the citation for Sarki Lama (Military Medal) of column 3 who was captured during an engagement near the Shweli River. Top right is the citation for Khagbahadur Pun (IDSM) of column 1, who led a small group of Gurkhas back to safety after escaping from the Japanese. Please click on the image and hopefully it will enlarge it.
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The image seen above to the left is for the Military Medal of Sudainsing Rai, who escaped capture after an Allied bombing raid had distracted his Japanese captors. The image seen to the right is the citation for Bhakta Sing Gurung (Military Medal), the column placement for these two Gurkhas is not known. Apologies for the quality of the images, time has not been kind to them I'm afraid. Please click on the individual image to enlarge.
The next section of transcribed citations are all for gallantry awards to Gurkha NCO's and Gurkha Officers from 1943:
The next section of transcribed citations are all for gallantry awards to Gurkha NCO's and Gurkha Officers from 1943:
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6385 Havildar Dhurbu Singh Thapa
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, March/April 1943. On 13th March, 1943, on the IRRAWADDY River, the enemy attacked the column with fire at the moment when the animals were in the process of being moved into a safe hiding place. The machine-guns had been sited the previous evening and were doing good work, but their position was exposed and the crew of one was killed. With complete disregard of danger and under heavy fire, Havildar DHURBU SINGH THAPA, carried the gun to a new site, obtained a fresh crew and rapidly brought it once more into action with good effect. His conduct on this occasion was typical of the initiative and coolness which he invariably displayed when in action. After the Column dispersed, he brought in a party of man with valuable information. IDSM Recommended By Major J.M.Calvert (column 3) 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. |
6787 Havildar Ran Sing Gurung
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, March/April 1943. On 3rd March, 1943, the column to which this N.C.O. belonged was ambushed near KYAIKTHIN. He was one was a small party which, with a British Officer, joined up with a platoon of Burma Riflemen and set out on a prolonged march across the IRRAWADDY and through the KACHIN Hills. Throughout the period he proved himself an admirable N.C.O. of great courage and resource, and was of the utmost assistance to his commander. IDSM Recommended By Lt. J.E.Stephenson (column 2) 3/2nd Gurkha Rifles 77th Indian Infantry Brigade |
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10022 Lance Naik Arkar Bahadur Gurung
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, March/April 1943. On 25th March, 1943, south of Mongmit the column to which this N.C.O. belonged was in contact with the enemy and was compelled to withdraw. It fell to his section to be the last to withdraw from the area. The enemy had not observed his precise position; and he allowed them to approach within a few yards. He then opened on them with devastating fire, which he continued at every attempt to follow up the main body. Controlling his section with the utmost calmness, he remained in position long after the main body had retired, enabling it to complete the withdrawal almost without interruption. When at last he himself received orders to withdraw, he did so most skilfully, so that the enemy failed to follow up and he was enabled to extricate his complete section without loss. His calmness and bearing was reflected in the behaviour of all his men. IDSM Recommended By Major G.D.Dunlop MC (column one) 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. |
10088 Lance Naik Milbahadur Thapa
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, March/April 1943. At NANKAN on 6th March, L/Nk. MILBAHADUR THAPA was a Section Commander in charge of a section which ambushed two enemy lorries full of troops and under the orders of the Subadar held off the enemy counter attack for 2 hours until relieved. L/Nk. MILBAHADUR THAPA dispersed his section very well and personally saw that every man was in a good position to repulse the attack. Throughout other engagements he continued to lead his section very well. IDSM Recommended By Major J.M.Calvert (column 3) 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. |
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7309 Lance Naik Sherbahadur Ale
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, March/April 1943. At PAGO on 25th March 1943 L/Nk. SHERBAHADUR ALE, under the orders of his Platoon Commander (Lieutenant Harold James), led his section to the attack through the jungle, inflicted casualties on the enemy, got into position for the enemy counter attack, where more casualties were inflicted, and finally on orders withdrew, keeping his section under good order and in control. In other engagements he also did well. IDSM Recommended By Major J.M.Calvert (column 3) 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. NB. Sherbahadur's exploits can also be read in the Harold James section here: Roll of Honour views |
107867 Rifleman Ramkrishna Limbu
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, March/April 1943. For gallantry and devotion to duty. This rifleman, who was a muleteer, throughout the campaign showed the greatest devotion to duty, and when under fire set an example to all muleteers by the coolness and calmness with which he remained by his mule and load. In crossing the River CHINDWIN, although a poor swimmer, he succeeded in bringing many mules across by hanging on to their manes, carrying on until he exhausted himself and had to be rescued from drowning at the last moment. At the end of the campaign he reached India still leading his mule with its valuable load, having brought it successfully through six hundred miles of enemy country, of which much of the going was the worst imaginable - an outstanding example to all muleteers. IDSM Recommended By Major J.M.Calvert (column 3) 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. NB. Only two mules from column 3 returned home to India that year; 'Mabel' the mule who carried the demolition equipment and 'Yankee', who bore the weight of the column radio. |
Second-Lieutenant Harold Douglas James
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, March/April 1943. At NANKAN Railway Station on 6th March 1943, he showed coolness and self confidence in his first action when leading his platoon into the attack. On 23rd March 1943, during the crossing of the IRRAWADDY, his platoon was sited in a position to prevent the enemy crossing a creek, when the column was suddenly attacked by the enemy with small arms fire and mortars. He immediately attacked them inflicting heavy casualties and preventing them from crossing, personally walking round his platoon while under fire and placing his men in the best positions. This officer showed great devotion to duty throughout the campaign and great gallantry on many occasions. Military Cross Recommended By Major J.M.Calvert (column 3) 77th Indian Infantry Brigade NB. Please click on image to enlarge. |
2783 Lieutenant Richard Scamander Clarke
Action for which recommended: Operations in Burma, February/May 1943. Lt. Clarke was an officer in No.1 Column 3/2nd G.R. He had gone through the whole training with the Bde and was therefore thoroughly educated in principles of Long Range Penetration. Following the death of his Company Commander in action on the Shweli on the 4th April. Lt. Clarke took over command of his Gurkha Rifle Coy. In this responsible post he displayed determination, courage and resource. He brought his coy. successfully across the Irrawaddy although he was attacked while doing so. In skirmishes with the enemy on the way home he exerted himself to the utmost, exposing himself with disregard for personal safety, to keep his men steady and united. Although the column was broken up by the Japanese ambush in the MU Valley, thanks to the excellent work of Lt. Clarke and other officers the majority crossed the Chindwin in organised armed parties, a few days later. Military Cross Recommended By Brigadier O.C. Wingate (Brigade Commander) 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. NB. Please click on image to enlarge. |
The next images show recommendations for the awarding of gallantry medals to all escapees almost as a matter of course on their return to Allied territory. This had been normal procedure ever since World War One and had carried on into the second conflict. The documents relate to the escape of Rifleman Khagbahadur Pun, whose actual IDSM citation can be seen in the first section of these pages. He and three other Gurkhas had escaped from their Japanese captors in mid 1944, having been held prisoner for roughly one year. The official language used on these two documents is a little underwhelming and there seems to be a begrudging acceptance that such awards should be made to Indian soldiers. However, I can safely say that these awards were more than justified, as escaping from the Japanese in WW2 was a very rare occurrence indeed. Please click on the images to enlarge.
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The next set of citations are for soldiers of the 3/2 Gurkha Rifles and their service in Burma post 1943. Many of the survivors from Longcloth were back in action with the 25th indian Division in the Arakan region of Burma. In early April 1944 they were in the Maungdaw/Buthidaung area, it's task was to guard the 'Maungdaw Keep', maintain the Maungdaw Road which ran across the Mayu Range and to protect 15 Corps southern flank. By September that same year the battalion was engaged in a struggle for 'Point 1433' also known as 'Tiger'. As events proved, it was not always possible to anticipate enemy movements and fierce fighting was often needed to evict him from the Mayu Range. Frequent Japanese counterattacks were experienced by the battalion throughout the middle weeks of September that year.
6270 Jemadar Chandrabir Thapa
Subedar Chandrabir was commanding a Platoon of A Coy, which reached the crest of the Mayu Range south of Pt. 1433 at 0500 hrs. on 8 Sep. '44. He at once led his platoon northwards to attack the main objective. Heavy enemy grenade, M.M.G. (mounted machine gun) and other small arms fire was immediately encountered. Skillfully leading his men by the most promising route and driving the Japanese out of their forward posts, he reached a strong bunker containing at least one M.M.G., near the top of the feature. He had now lost about half of his platoon, and as he did not consider himself sufficiently strong to overcome the bunker, he took up a position only a few yards from it. For three hours he continued under fire, to encourage his men and harass the enemy, whom he prevented from launching a counter attack. He was finally ordered by his Company Commander to withdrawal to a more favourable position a little to the south. He extricated his men, took up his new position and consolidated without further loss. Throughout the arduous approach march and the intense fighting on the crest he displayed indomitable courage and inspired his men with his cheerful spirit of determination. Chandrabir Thapa was wounded for a second time during the campaign at the action near Tamadu. |
6861 Havildar Ranu Pun
Havildar Ranu commanded his platoon with gallantry and distinction throughout the operation, which resulted in the capture of Pt.1433 and "Tiger". He was mainly responsible for repelling the repeated enemy counter attacks against our newly gained positions north of Pt.1433 on the night of 8/9 Sep. '44. Had he failed to inspire his men with his own will and determination to hold this by no means strong position, the whole operation might have failed. He skillfully handled his platoon in a faint attack on "Tiger" at 0500 hrs. on 12 Sep. and obtained information of the greatest importance. Later in the morning, by maintaining pressure, he discovered that the enemy was no longer in strength on "Tiger". He systematically closed in under fire, and without incurring a single casualty drove the remaining enemy from their positions with grenade and 2" Mortar fire. This brilliant little action cleared the way to the recently occupied Pt.1433 and allowed an L and C (line of communication) along the spine to be opened and a track to be constructed without delay. This young N.C.O. displayed devotion to duty of a very high order and was an inspiration to all ranks. |
1832 Naik Amarbahadur Pun
Recommended for the Indian Order of Merit (II Class) Awarded with the Military Medal. Naik Amarbahadur Pun was acting Platoon Havildar of one of the Platoons of B Coy, which assaulted “Tiger“ from the east at 0500 hrs. on 8 Sep. '44. In the first attack he was wounded in the hand, neck and arm, but joined Major Hayter's party of nine men in the second attack. He had taken a Bren gun from one of our casualties and, although under fire from three different directions, he stood in an exposed position and kept up a steady fire on a located enemy bunker. He did not take cover even when changing magazines. His fire was seen to inflict casualties on Japanese who tried to throw grenades, and give them little chance to leave their positions and counter attack. Under his fire some of our men crept forward and threw grenades into the enemy positions. He finally covered the withdrawal of the whole party, and eventually reached the R.A.P.(rear area protection) alone. His courage and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all ranks. |
25914 Naik Parbir Pun
Naik Parbir was commanding a section of C Coy, which scaled the cliffs and reached the crest of the Mayu Range North of Pt.1433, at 0430 hrs. on 8 Sep. At 0500 hrs. he led his section into the assault under heavy fire with the greatest dash. He drove enemy from forward positions and finally seized a small hill 80 yards north of Pt.1433. He established his section on this hill and returned the enemy's fire with such effect that no counter attack was launched. He was later joined by portions of the two other sections of his platoon, which had now lost both its Commander and 2nd in Command. He assumed command of the platoon, and organised it for all round defence. Although under constant fire from various enemy bunkers close at hand, he encourage his tired men and inspired them with his determination to hold his precarious position at all costs. This he did for ten hours until relieved by a Platoon of D Coy. This position, from which the enemy made determined efforts to dislodge our troops, was held throughout and without doubt made the enemy realise that his remaining positions on the feature were untenable and finally decide to withdraw. This junior N.C.O. influenced the battle in away scarcely to be expected of one so young and displayed outstanding gallantry and powers of leadership under the most adverse conditions. |
10040 Naik Narjang Gurung
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. Awarded with the Military Medal. Lance Naik Narjang was commanding a section of A Coy, which reached the crest of the Mayu Range South of Pt.1433 at 0500 hrs. on 8 Sep. '44. He gallantry led his section into the attack and overcoming opposition, occupied a Japanese position. Although under heavy fire from bunkers 30 yards away, he held his position until relieved on the following morning. He led an I.E.(Indian Engineers) demolition party to some enemy bashas, where an ammunition dump was destroyed, and documents obtained. Some of the bashas contained food, water and bedding. These bashas he arranged to keep under fire from his section position and inflicted losses on the several enemy parties, which tried to reach them by day and by night. It was probably to no small extent due to his devotion to duty in holding this unfavourable position under adverse conditions that the enemy, deprived of his supplies, was soon forced to withdraw from Pt.1433. |
28213 Rifleman Haribahadur Khattri
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. Awarded with the Military Medal. Rifleman Haribahadur was serving in a section of C Coy, which reached the crest of the Mayu range a little north of Pt.1433 at 0430 hrs. on 8 Sep. '44. At 0500 hrs. his section led the assault on the enemy positions to the south. In the face of intense enemy M.M.G., small arms and grenade fire he was to fore and, passing Japanese bunkers, he reached the top of the objective alone. Looking back he saw one of our Bren gunners lying near an occupied enemy trench. In the thick jungle he could see none of our men, so he decided to attack the trench single handed. This he successfully did, killing or wounding several Japs with his grenades. Still under heavy fire from other positions he picked up our Bren, the rifle of another of our killed, one of the dead Jap's rifles and with his own arms intact succeeded in rejoining his section, which had been pinned by fire a little further north. The courage, determination and devotion to duty of this young soldier in his first action, after an extremely arduous approach march, is in the best traditions of the Service. |
Major Dominic Fitzgerald Neill.
Lieutenant Neill was awarded the Military Cross for his considerable efforts during the Arakan Campaign of 1944/45. Seen below is a copy of the written recommendation for his award:
War Substantive Lieutenant E.C. 6430 Dominic Fitzgerald Neill
3rd Battalion, the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Award of the Military Cross.
During the month of June 1944, bodies of Japanese troops were operating in the villages north of the Ton Chaung, about 10 miles south of Maungdaw. A request that a force be sent to the area was made by a village Headman. In accordance with this request, Lt. Neill was sent on 27th June with a small escort, an improvised H.Q. and one Rifle Platoon. His instructions were to:
(a) Restore the confidence of villagers
(b) Undertake reconnaissance
(c) Inflict losses on the enemy
During the seven days of his independent command, at a considerable distance from the nearest British troops, Lt. Neill boldly harassed the enemy and dominated the whole area. With his small force he fought three brisk actions, which resulted in at least 27 Japanese being killed, without suffering a single casualty. He undoubtedly inflicted other losses, and arranged for artillery fire, which definitely caused further casualties upon the enemy. He obtained identifications, and captured one enemy agent and one member of the I.N.A. On one occasion, when breaking off contact with a superior enemy force, he assisted six Gurkhas, who were very tired and weighed down with their arms and equipment, to swim across a deep and swiftly flowing chaung.
On another occasion he relentlessly pursued a party of Japanese for over 3,000 yards through fields and villages, ultimately destroying the force entirely. The manner in which Lt. Neill carried out these tasks was outstanding. He was in close touch with the enemy almost throughout, both day and night. He displayed great courage, devotion to duty and powers of dealing with rapidly changing situations. His leadership undoubtedly inspired all ranks under his command.
War Substantive Lieutenant E.C. 6430 Dominic Fitzgerald Neill
3rd Battalion, the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Award of the Military Cross.
During the month of June 1944, bodies of Japanese troops were operating in the villages north of the Ton Chaung, about 10 miles south of Maungdaw. A request that a force be sent to the area was made by a village Headman. In accordance with this request, Lt. Neill was sent on 27th June with a small escort, an improvised H.Q. and one Rifle Platoon. His instructions were to:
(a) Restore the confidence of villagers
(b) Undertake reconnaissance
(c) Inflict losses on the enemy
During the seven days of his independent command, at a considerable distance from the nearest British troops, Lt. Neill boldly harassed the enemy and dominated the whole area. With his small force he fought three brisk actions, which resulted in at least 27 Japanese being killed, without suffering a single casualty. He undoubtedly inflicted other losses, and arranged for artillery fire, which definitely caused further casualties upon the enemy. He obtained identifications, and captured one enemy agent and one member of the I.N.A. On one occasion, when breaking off contact with a superior enemy force, he assisted six Gurkhas, who were very tired and weighed down with their arms and equipment, to swim across a deep and swiftly flowing chaung.
On another occasion he relentlessly pursued a party of Japanese for over 3,000 yards through fields and villages, ultimately destroying the force entirely. The manner in which Lt. Neill carried out these tasks was outstanding. He was in close touch with the enemy almost throughout, both day and night. He displayed great courage, devotion to duty and powers of dealing with rapidly changing situations. His leadership undoubtedly inspired all ranks under his command.
Adrian G. Hayter in later life.
Regular Captain (T/Major) Adrian Goodenough Hayter.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Cross.
Recommendation:
It was the task of B Coy 3/2 Gurkha Rifles, under command of Major Hayter, to capture the feature known as "Tiger" about 500 yards south of Point 1433, the main objective on the Mayu Range. Having established one platoon on the feature known as "Horse", 200 yards south of "Tiger", Major Hayter skillfully moved the remaining two platoons through thick jungle on the steep hill side and had them formed up, unheard by the enemy, in position east of the objective by 0400 hours on 8 September 1944.
At 0500 hours the assault was launched. As control was practically impossible, Major Hayter accompanied one platoon, portions of which arrived with him inside the enemy defences on "Tiger". Several men were killed or wounded by heavy enemy small arms and grenade fire. Seizing a Bren from a wounded man, Major Hayter engaged a bunker at a few yards range and kept down the fire from it until his gun jammed. Three enemy grenades burst within a few feet of him. He then decided to withdraw the survivors of the platoon to reorganise. Shortly afterwards his second platoon got into the enemy defences and, although wounded and having only nine men with him, he again attacked. Enemy small arms and grenade fire from all sides was very heavy and Mayor Hayter was again wounded. His second platoon was forced out of position and so he withdraw with his small party. Not until he organised the remnants of the two Assault platoons on the east of "Horse" and successfully repelled the counter attack which he had anticipated, did Major Hayter report at Battalion Tactical H.Q., from where he was sent to the rear for medical treatment.
Throughout the action Major Hayter displayed courage, initiative, determination and leadership of the highest order.
Hayter reflected on his time in WW2 in his book 'The Second Step', this is how he remembers those moments in the Burmese jungle:
"I suspect we all had our own secret thoughts, the deep centred fear of meeting the Jap superman; the supreme tranquillity of achievement, not the victorious joy of having overcome the Japanese, but the quiet stillness of having overcome myself."
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Cross.
Recommendation:
It was the task of B Coy 3/2 Gurkha Rifles, under command of Major Hayter, to capture the feature known as "Tiger" about 500 yards south of Point 1433, the main objective on the Mayu Range. Having established one platoon on the feature known as "Horse", 200 yards south of "Tiger", Major Hayter skillfully moved the remaining two platoons through thick jungle on the steep hill side and had them formed up, unheard by the enemy, in position east of the objective by 0400 hours on 8 September 1944.
At 0500 hours the assault was launched. As control was practically impossible, Major Hayter accompanied one platoon, portions of which arrived with him inside the enemy defences on "Tiger". Several men were killed or wounded by heavy enemy small arms and grenade fire. Seizing a Bren from a wounded man, Major Hayter engaged a bunker at a few yards range and kept down the fire from it until his gun jammed. Three enemy grenades burst within a few feet of him. He then decided to withdraw the survivors of the platoon to reorganise. Shortly afterwards his second platoon got into the enemy defences and, although wounded and having only nine men with him, he again attacked. Enemy small arms and grenade fire from all sides was very heavy and Mayor Hayter was again wounded. His second platoon was forced out of position and so he withdraw with his small party. Not until he organised the remnants of the two Assault platoons on the east of "Horse" and successfully repelled the counter attack which he had anticipated, did Major Hayter report at Battalion Tactical H.Q., from where he was sent to the rear for medical treatment.
Throughout the action Major Hayter displayed courage, initiative, determination and leadership of the highest order.
Hayter reflected on his time in WW2 in his book 'The Second Step', this is how he remembers those moments in the Burmese jungle:
"I suspect we all had our own secret thoughts, the deep centred fear of meeting the Jap superman; the supreme tranquillity of achievement, not the victorious joy of having overcome the Japanese, but the quiet stillness of having overcome myself."
The D.S.O.
Regular Substantive Lieut.Colonel Reginald Antony Hutton, OBE
Indian Army service number 79.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with Distinguished Service Order.
Recommendation:
Operation code named "Tweezers" September 7th December 1944.
Lt.Col. R.A. Hutton commanded a Task Force that had its objective the Point 1433 feature on the Mayu Range, Arakan. Pt. 1433, including it's satellite known as "Tiger" is strategically of great importance since it commands one of the important lines of communication across the Range, and it's capture was absolutely essential in order that the Corps plans for the opening seasons could be put into effect.
The plan of attack demanded an encircling movement of some three thousand yards through the densest of jungle and across ravines and gorges. For various reasons the final assault could not be directly supported by artillery or the air, and it involved a climb over 500 feet up the mountain side against strongly held bunkered position.
Surprise was achieved, and the objective secured after four days fighting at relatively small cost. Hutton's handling of operation was beyond praise. His preliminary planning was a model, and his determination to succeed despite all obstacles and difficulties, including bad weather and counter attacks, showed qualities of leadership and initiative of an exceptionally high order.
He is fully deserving of the immediate award for which he is recommended.
Indian Army service number 79.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with Distinguished Service Order.
Recommendation:
Operation code named "Tweezers" September 7th December 1944.
Lt.Col. R.A. Hutton commanded a Task Force that had its objective the Point 1433 feature on the Mayu Range, Arakan. Pt. 1433, including it's satellite known as "Tiger" is strategically of great importance since it commands one of the important lines of communication across the Range, and it's capture was absolutely essential in order that the Corps plans for the opening seasons could be put into effect.
The plan of attack demanded an encircling movement of some three thousand yards through the densest of jungle and across ravines and gorges. For various reasons the final assault could not be directly supported by artillery or the air, and it involved a climb over 500 feet up the mountain side against strongly held bunkered position.
Surprise was achieved, and the objective secured after four days fighting at relatively small cost. Hutton's handling of operation was beyond praise. His preliminary planning was a model, and his determination to succeed despite all obstacles and difficulties, including bad weather and counter attacks, showed qualities of leadership and initiative of an exceptionally high order.
He is fully deserving of the immediate award for which he is recommended.
Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
10043 Lance Naik Deb Sing Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal/Arakan Campaign, Burma.
L/Nk. Deb Sing, of the Battalion Intelligence Section, accompanied Lt. Neill on all reconnaissances and in all actions during the operations North of the Ton Chaung from 27th June to 4th July 1944.
He coolly killed several Japanese outright at close range with single rounds from his rifle. On one occasion he obtained permission to take a Bren gun round a flank to deal at close range with an enemy party concealed in some scrub. He worked his way alone to within 50 yards of the enemy, who then opened fire on him. Exposing himself to fire from several directions he placed the Bren gun on the top of a bund and effectively engaged his target, thus materially assisting the remainder of the patrol. On another occasion he fearlessly sprinted ahead of a charge against the survivors of a party of Japanese who had been with small arms fire. The only two enemy who were unhurt immediately fled. L/Nk. Deb Sing shot one, and captured the other at the point of the bayonet.
Throughout he reacted immediately, with total disregard for his own safety, to every situation, and displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal/Arakan Campaign, Burma.
L/Nk. Deb Sing, of the Battalion Intelligence Section, accompanied Lt. Neill on all reconnaissances and in all actions during the operations North of the Ton Chaung from 27th June to 4th July 1944.
He coolly killed several Japanese outright at close range with single rounds from his rifle. On one occasion he obtained permission to take a Bren gun round a flank to deal at close range with an enemy party concealed in some scrub. He worked his way alone to within 50 yards of the enemy, who then opened fire on him. Exposing himself to fire from several directions he placed the Bren gun on the top of a bund and effectively engaged his target, thus materially assisting the remainder of the patrol. On another occasion he fearlessly sprinted ahead of a charge against the survivors of a party of Japanese who had been with small arms fire. The only two enemy who were unhurt immediately fled. L/Nk. Deb Sing shot one, and captured the other at the point of the bayonet.
Throughout he reacted immediately, with total disregard for his own safety, to every situation, and displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty.
The Military Medal.
1505 War Substantive Havildar Manbir Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Certificate of Gallantry, was awarded the Military Medal.
Havildar Manbir was commanding the Rifle Platoon during the operations North of the Ton Chaung from 27th June to 4th July. He himself killed two Japanese and on another occasion handled his command in a close action so skillfully and boldly that 10 enemy were killed with no loss to ourselves. He led several charges against enemy pocket of resistance with superb dash and courage. Throughout he was to the fore – on the top of every situation – supremely confident, cunning and cool. His leadership and devotion to duty were outstanding.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Certificate of Gallantry, was awarded the Military Medal.
Havildar Manbir was commanding the Rifle Platoon during the operations North of the Ton Chaung from 27th June to 4th July. He himself killed two Japanese and on another occasion handled his command in a close action so skillfully and boldly that 10 enemy were killed with no loss to ourselves. He led several charges against enemy pocket of resistance with superb dash and courage. Throughout he was to the fore – on the top of every situation – supremely confident, cunning and cool. His leadership and devotion to duty were outstanding.
Military Cross.
E.C 184 Temporary Major David Kenneth Oldrini.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Cross, Arakan 1945.
Myebon, Arakan
On 17th January 1945 D Coy 3/2 G.R. commanded by Major D.K. Oldrini was ordered to capture Pt 262 420463. After an Air strike, D Coy assaulted the feature which was still strongly held by LMGs, MMGs and 90 mm Mortar, together with a considerable garrison. By skillful manoeuvre Major Oldrini in spite of heavy opposition established a platoon on part of the feature, which is a knife edge hill covered in scrub. He built up his Company behind the platoon which had now come under well directed MMG, LMG and Grenade fire. Although under heavy fire he calmly recced the position and formed an efficient plan. When the plan was put into effect the summit of the feature was captured with few casualties although the enemy were occupying strong well sited positions. Although exposed to heavy fire he moved from position to position, completely regardless of his own safety, organizing the captured ground against counter attack. During the night the company position was counter attacked five times by a determined enemy in considerable numbers. All counter attacks were beaten off and no ground was lost. By the 18th January Major Oldrini had kept up offensive patrols against the enemy with such determination that the enemy withdrew leaving many killed behind.
Major Oldrini’s conception of the assault, consolidation and follow up showed him to be a fine tactician and a notable leader of men. Throughout the operation, though exposed to automatic, grenade and mortar fire he remained calm and unflustered. His personal leadership and initiative coupled with his complete disregard for his own safety was a fine example to his men. His gallantry and steadfastness under fire was as inspiration to his men and the finest traditions of the service and the regiment.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Cross, Arakan 1945.
Myebon, Arakan
On 17th January 1945 D Coy 3/2 G.R. commanded by Major D.K. Oldrini was ordered to capture Pt 262 420463. After an Air strike, D Coy assaulted the feature which was still strongly held by LMGs, MMGs and 90 mm Mortar, together with a considerable garrison. By skillful manoeuvre Major Oldrini in spite of heavy opposition established a platoon on part of the feature, which is a knife edge hill covered in scrub. He built up his Company behind the platoon which had now come under well directed MMG, LMG and Grenade fire. Although under heavy fire he calmly recced the position and formed an efficient plan. When the plan was put into effect the summit of the feature was captured with few casualties although the enemy were occupying strong well sited positions. Although exposed to heavy fire he moved from position to position, completely regardless of his own safety, organizing the captured ground against counter attack. During the night the company position was counter attacked five times by a determined enemy in considerable numbers. All counter attacks were beaten off and no ground was lost. By the 18th January Major Oldrini had kept up offensive patrols against the enemy with such determination that the enemy withdrew leaving many killed behind.
Major Oldrini’s conception of the assault, consolidation and follow up showed him to be a fine tactician and a notable leader of men. Throughout the operation, though exposed to automatic, grenade and mortar fire he remained calm and unflustered. His personal leadership and initiative coupled with his complete disregard for his own safety was a fine example to his men. His gallantry and steadfastness under fire was as inspiration to his men and the finest traditions of the service and the regiment.
Military Cross.
E.C. 15158 2nd/Lieutenant Dennis Pearson Tripp
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Cross.
Myebon, Arakan
Lt. Tripp acted as second in command of D Coy during the assault and capture of Pt 262 420463 on 17th January. He moved with the first assaulting platoon and when it came under heavy well directed MMG, LMG Grenade and Mortar fire he encouraged the men by personal example to press forward. When the platoon was at last held up he remained in an exposed position under heavy fire to enable him to give clear and timely information to another platoon which was to come forward and exploit to the flank. When this platoon came forward he moved forward with it. The platoon formed up to assault the summit of the hill and Lt. Tripp chose to move with leading section. When the platoon assault started, Lt. Tripp attacked with the leading section against heavy well directed enemy MMG, LMG, Grenade and Mortar fire. The attack was successful and the objective captured, but Lt. Tripp remained with the leading platoon under continuous and heavy fire so that he could obtain clear information of the enemy strength and positions. Having obtained this information he reported to his Company Commander (Major Oldrini) who was then enabled to lay out his Company to the best advantage.
Lt. Tripp then returned to the forward platoon and during five determined counter attacks during the night encouraged men to hold on.
On 18th January Lt. Tripp moved forward with the fighting patrol sent to locate enemy positions. When the positions were found Lt. Tripp again went into the attack on them with the leading section.
This young officer showed courage and gallantry far in excess of his duty. His determination to come to grips with the enemy was an inspiring example to his men.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Cross.
Myebon, Arakan
Lt. Tripp acted as second in command of D Coy during the assault and capture of Pt 262 420463 on 17th January. He moved with the first assaulting platoon and when it came under heavy well directed MMG, LMG Grenade and Mortar fire he encouraged the men by personal example to press forward. When the platoon was at last held up he remained in an exposed position under heavy fire to enable him to give clear and timely information to another platoon which was to come forward and exploit to the flank. When this platoon came forward he moved forward with it. The platoon formed up to assault the summit of the hill and Lt. Tripp chose to move with leading section. When the platoon assault started, Lt. Tripp attacked with the leading section against heavy well directed enemy MMG, LMG, Grenade and Mortar fire. The attack was successful and the objective captured, but Lt. Tripp remained with the leading platoon under continuous and heavy fire so that he could obtain clear information of the enemy strength and positions. Having obtained this information he reported to his Company Commander (Major Oldrini) who was then enabled to lay out his Company to the best advantage.
Lt. Tripp then returned to the forward platoon and during five determined counter attacks during the night encouraged men to hold on.
On 18th January Lt. Tripp moved forward with the fighting patrol sent to locate enemy positions. When the positions were found Lt. Tripp again went into the attack on them with the leading section.
This young officer showed courage and gallantry far in excess of his duty. His determination to come to grips with the enemy was an inspiring example to his men.
Military Medal.
7390 Naik Ranbahadur Gurung
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Awarded with the Military Medal
Myebon, Arakan.
On 17th January 1945, No.7390 Naik Ranbahadur Gurung was acting platoon Havildar in the platoon of D Coy which carried out the final and successful assault on Pt. 262 420463. When his platoon formed up for the assault Naik Ranbahadur was ordered to take the platoon 2” Mortar and one Bren gun to the left flank in order to give covering fire. He moved his company skillfully through thick scrub on the side of a steep hill to an excellent though exposed position. From this position he produced heavy accurate covering fire for the assaulting troops. Directly he opened fire, the enemy brought heavy LMG (light machine gun) and Grenade fire into his position from their well dug in position sited in the deep. Naik Ranbahadur, with complete disregard for his own safety under heavy and accurate enemy fire kept his Bren and Mortar in action.
When his platoon captured its objective Naik Ranbahadur rejoined his platoon, where he found that ammunition was running short. Rather than take ammunition numbers from positions which they were defending against enemy attack, he himself carried relays of ammunition forward across open ground swept by heavy enemy fire. Had Naik Ranbahadur failed to bring forward this ammunition the newly won position might well have been overrun.
Naik Ranbahadur’s gallantry and devotion to duty was a fine example to his men.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Awarded with the Military Medal
Myebon, Arakan.
On 17th January 1945, No.7390 Naik Ranbahadur Gurung was acting platoon Havildar in the platoon of D Coy which carried out the final and successful assault on Pt. 262 420463. When his platoon formed up for the assault Naik Ranbahadur was ordered to take the platoon 2” Mortar and one Bren gun to the left flank in order to give covering fire. He moved his company skillfully through thick scrub on the side of a steep hill to an excellent though exposed position. From this position he produced heavy accurate covering fire for the assaulting troops. Directly he opened fire, the enemy brought heavy LMG (light machine gun) and Grenade fire into his position from their well dug in position sited in the deep. Naik Ranbahadur, with complete disregard for his own safety under heavy and accurate enemy fire kept his Bren and Mortar in action.
When his platoon captured its objective Naik Ranbahadur rejoined his platoon, where he found that ammunition was running short. Rather than take ammunition numbers from positions which they were defending against enemy attack, he himself carried relays of ammunition forward across open ground swept by heavy enemy fire. Had Naik Ranbahadur failed to bring forward this ammunition the newly won position might well have been overrun.
Naik Ranbahadur’s gallantry and devotion to duty was a fine example to his men.
The Indian Order of Merit.
6426 War Substantive Havildar Bhupal Sing Ale
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with for the Indian Order of Merit.
Myebon, Arakan.
On 17th January 1945, No. 6426 Bhupal Sing Ale led a platoon during the successful attack on Pt. 262 420463. When the leading platoon had been held up, he led his platoon successfully through difficult scrub on the steep side of the hill. By cunning manoeuvre he worked to the flank of an enemy position which he overrun before effective fire could be brought to bear on his platoon. He then formed up his men and led them in the assault on a pagoda stump which contained the main enemy position on the summit of the feature. Although the assault was heavily opposed by MMG, LMG, Grenade and Mortar fire, he himself was the first man to reach the pagoda stump and to climb it.
The enemy was holding the hill in force on the reverse slope of the hill behind the pagoda stump and made very determined efforts to dislodge Havildar Bhupal’s platoon from it. Havildar Bhupal was ordered to hold on at all costs. He skillfully organized his platoon for defence and repelled enemy attacks on his newly won position. His platoon was now running very short of ammunition and he only had a few grenades left. Realizing that ammunition supply would be difficult he decided to deceive the enemy by hurling bricks from the pagoda stump instead of grenades. At first the enemy had thought that grenades were being thrown and kept under the cover, then realizing that they were bricks and not grenades they again come into the open, whereupon Havildar Bhupal ordered a limited number of grenades to be thrown. This ruse kept the enemy at bay sufficiently long for more ammuniton to be brought forward.
Havildar Bhupal’s platoon now dug in for the night around the pagoda stump. During the night his men bore the brunt of the fire and determined enemy attacks, all in considerably greater numbers than his platoon. All attacks were repulsed with loss to the enemy.
On 18th January Havildar Bhupal led his platoon in a fighting patrol to discover the enemy positions. He discovered these positions which were dug in a reverse slope, and in spite of heavy fire again led his platoon in the assault. The assault was led with such dash and determination that the enemy withdrew leaving many dead and a great store of ammunition and equipment.
Throughout this operation Havildar Bhupal led his platoon with skill and cunning. His courage in assault and tenacity in defence, his total disregard for his own safety and his undaunted gallantry is a staring example to all ranks.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with for the Indian Order of Merit.
Myebon, Arakan.
On 17th January 1945, No. 6426 Bhupal Sing Ale led a platoon during the successful attack on Pt. 262 420463. When the leading platoon had been held up, he led his platoon successfully through difficult scrub on the steep side of the hill. By cunning manoeuvre he worked to the flank of an enemy position which he overrun before effective fire could be brought to bear on his platoon. He then formed up his men and led them in the assault on a pagoda stump which contained the main enemy position on the summit of the feature. Although the assault was heavily opposed by MMG, LMG, Grenade and Mortar fire, he himself was the first man to reach the pagoda stump and to climb it.
The enemy was holding the hill in force on the reverse slope of the hill behind the pagoda stump and made very determined efforts to dislodge Havildar Bhupal’s platoon from it. Havildar Bhupal was ordered to hold on at all costs. He skillfully organized his platoon for defence and repelled enemy attacks on his newly won position. His platoon was now running very short of ammunition and he only had a few grenades left. Realizing that ammunition supply would be difficult he decided to deceive the enemy by hurling bricks from the pagoda stump instead of grenades. At first the enemy had thought that grenades were being thrown and kept under the cover, then realizing that they were bricks and not grenades they again come into the open, whereupon Havildar Bhupal ordered a limited number of grenades to be thrown. This ruse kept the enemy at bay sufficiently long for more ammuniton to be brought forward.
Havildar Bhupal’s platoon now dug in for the night around the pagoda stump. During the night his men bore the brunt of the fire and determined enemy attacks, all in considerably greater numbers than his platoon. All attacks were repulsed with loss to the enemy.
On 18th January Havildar Bhupal led his platoon in a fighting patrol to discover the enemy positions. He discovered these positions which were dug in a reverse slope, and in spite of heavy fire again led his platoon in the assault. The assault was led with such dash and determination that the enemy withdrew leaving many dead and a great store of ammunition and equipment.
Throughout this operation Havildar Bhupal led his platoon with skill and cunning. His courage in assault and tenacity in defence, his total disregard for his own safety and his undaunted gallantry is a staring example to all ranks.
Military Medal.
10049 Lance Naik Chamar Sing Gurung
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Awarded with the Military Medal.
Myebon, Arakan
No.10049 Chamar Sing Gurung was a Section leader during a B Company patrol on 20th January 1945. His section led the patrol, and whilst moving along a jungle ridge the enemy opened fire on the leading scout, who fell to the ground badly wounded in both legs. Without hesitation Lance Naik Chamar Sing ordered his Bren group into action, and himself rushed forward alone throwing his grenades and firing his Tommy Gun. Although under LMG, Rifle and grenade fire he reached the wounded man, who was lying within 10 yards of the enemy. Without thought for his own safety, he calmly removed the wounded man’s equipment and dragged him back to safety. Throughout this short action Lance Naik Chamar Sing proved himself to be a loyal comrade and a fearless leader.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Awarded with the Military Medal.
Myebon, Arakan
No.10049 Chamar Sing Gurung was a Section leader during a B Company patrol on 20th January 1945. His section led the patrol, and whilst moving along a jungle ridge the enemy opened fire on the leading scout, who fell to the ground badly wounded in both legs. Without hesitation Lance Naik Chamar Sing ordered his Bren group into action, and himself rushed forward alone throwing his grenades and firing his Tommy Gun. Although under LMG, Rifle and grenade fire he reached the wounded man, who was lying within 10 yards of the enemy. Without thought for his own safety, he calmly removed the wounded man’s equipment and dragged him back to safety. Throughout this short action Lance Naik Chamar Sing proved himself to be a loyal comrade and a fearless leader.
Map of the Arakan, showing the Myebon peninsula.
The Indian Order of Merit.
28797 Rifleman Dal Sing Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd K.E.VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Victoria Cross.
Awarded with the Indian Order of Merit, for services in the Arakan region.
On 17th January 1945, 28797 Rfm. Dal Sing Thapa was No.1 of a bren gun in D Company during the assault and capture of Pt.262 402463. His section led an infiltration attack onto the hill by moving up a steep path. Half way up the hill the section came under heavy MMG (mounted machine gun), LMG, Grenade and Mortar fire. Rfm. Dal Sing, though fully exposed to this fire covered first, his section and later his platoon in an outflanking movement to the left by firing at the enemy in their dug in positions. He was wounded in the neck by a grenade but kept his gun in action and, by well directed fire which knocked out one enemy LMG and drew the fire of another on to his position, allowed his platoon to work round to the flank. He then rejoined his platoon which had been held up by further heavy fire. He moved to the left flank of the platoon and again brought well directed fire to bear on the enemy to cover further flank exploitation by another platoon. He was wounded again, but kept his gun in action covering the assault of the second platoon until it was near its objective. Then, on his own initiative, he charged forward under heavy fire, climbed to the top of a pagoda stump and though wounded and under heavy fire, fired point blank into a strongly held enemy weapon pit. This action undoubtedly paved the way for the successful attack of the assaulting platoon. He remained in action and drew the greater proportion of the heavy enemy MMG and LMG fire to his exposed and easily recognizable position. He was badly wounded again in the head, but continued to keep his gun in action against enemy strong points though still under heavy fire. At last, exhausted by loss of blood he collapsed and rolled to the bottom of the pagoda stump.
This young soldier's initiative and determination was undoubtedly one of the main causes of the early capture of the summit. He showed a fearless devotion to duty and a magnificent will to engage with the enemy. His courage and gallantry was far more then that called for by duty. He was a shining example of bravery even amongst Gurkhas.
A statement by Major David Oldrini recounted: "Dal Sing Thapa was totally exposed to the enemy, and though shot through the neck by an enemy sniper, continued to engage enemy positions until he collapsed unconscious."
Subedar Nain Sing Gurung remembered; "Dal Sing was again asked to cover a platoon advance, with well aimed fire he knocked out an enemy LMG post and kept the other Japanese heads down until his platoon had gained the summit of the crest."
Wounded at least three times in the engagement, perhaps a Victoria Cross was the correct award for this incredibly brave young Gurkha after all.
3rd Bn, 2nd K.E.VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Victoria Cross.
Awarded with the Indian Order of Merit, for services in the Arakan region.
On 17th January 1945, 28797 Rfm. Dal Sing Thapa was No.1 of a bren gun in D Company during the assault and capture of Pt.262 402463. His section led an infiltration attack onto the hill by moving up a steep path. Half way up the hill the section came under heavy MMG (mounted machine gun), LMG, Grenade and Mortar fire. Rfm. Dal Sing, though fully exposed to this fire covered first, his section and later his platoon in an outflanking movement to the left by firing at the enemy in their dug in positions. He was wounded in the neck by a grenade but kept his gun in action and, by well directed fire which knocked out one enemy LMG and drew the fire of another on to his position, allowed his platoon to work round to the flank. He then rejoined his platoon which had been held up by further heavy fire. He moved to the left flank of the platoon and again brought well directed fire to bear on the enemy to cover further flank exploitation by another platoon. He was wounded again, but kept his gun in action covering the assault of the second platoon until it was near its objective. Then, on his own initiative, he charged forward under heavy fire, climbed to the top of a pagoda stump and though wounded and under heavy fire, fired point blank into a strongly held enemy weapon pit. This action undoubtedly paved the way for the successful attack of the assaulting platoon. He remained in action and drew the greater proportion of the heavy enemy MMG and LMG fire to his exposed and easily recognizable position. He was badly wounded again in the head, but continued to keep his gun in action against enemy strong points though still under heavy fire. At last, exhausted by loss of blood he collapsed and rolled to the bottom of the pagoda stump.
This young soldier's initiative and determination was undoubtedly one of the main causes of the early capture of the summit. He showed a fearless devotion to duty and a magnificent will to engage with the enemy. His courage and gallantry was far more then that called for by duty. He was a shining example of bravery even amongst Gurkhas.
A statement by Major David Oldrini recounted: "Dal Sing Thapa was totally exposed to the enemy, and though shot through the neck by an enemy sniper, continued to engage enemy positions until he collapsed unconscious."
Subedar Nain Sing Gurung remembered; "Dal Sing was again asked to cover a platoon advance, with well aimed fire he knocked out an enemy LMG post and kept the other Japanese heads down until his platoon had gained the summit of the crest."
Wounded at least three times in the engagement, perhaps a Victoria Cross was the correct award for this incredibly brave young Gurkha after all.
The Military Cross.
42426 Jemadar Mainbahadur Limbu
A contact of mine came across this citation to a Gurkha Rifle Officer and previous survivor of Operation Longcloth in 1943. Jemadar Mainbahadur Limbu had been a last minute replacement amongst the Gurkha troops serving in Chindit columns that year, and had done well to escape back to India once dispersal had been called. Clearly, his experiences in 1943 and the lessons learned served him well as his Army career progressed. Below is the recommendation that he be awarded the Military Cross for his efforts and actions in 1945, as the enemy were fleeing the area of Burma that he was patrolling.
Periodical Award 16th May-15th August 1945.
63rd Brigade/17th Division/4 Corps
Award of the Military Cross.
42426 Jemadar Mainbahadur Limbu 1/10 Gurkha Rifles.
During the period under review, Jemadar Mainbahdur, a veteran of the Wingate Expedition, has proved to be a fine and resourceful leader of the highest merit. As a Commando platoon commander, his work has been mainly confined to distant and long range patrolling, usually from a patrol base many miles from the battalion.
To be a commander in this type of work demands a sense of discipline, initiative and resourcefulness of a high standard, and Jemadar Mainbahadur has in all cases excelled himself in this respect.
His platoon, led and inspired by his skill and untiring energy has probably achieved greater success in the destruction of the enemy than any other in the battalion. This was particularly evident during the Japanese breakthrough from the Pegu Yomas in July 1945. Established in a patrol base on the fringe of the Tonkan Forest, Mainbahadur organised and planned his patrols and ambushes with the greatest skill. Through his efforts a constant and accurate stream of information kept flowing in to Battalion HQ, and throughout a sleepless and trying period of ten days, when the battalion was fully engaged, this Gurkha Officer inflicted grievous losses on the Japanese.
Harassing and ambushing them by night, watching and reporting their movements by day, he was instrumental in bringing down heavy gun fire concentrations on the escaping Japanese, giving them no rest and causing them to scatter and sapping their morale. Throughout a period of about two weeks, the men under his command inflicted over twice their number in casualties and ensured the capture of five Japanese prisoners.
Throughout a long period of consistent and heavy fighting, the leadership, courage and influence of Jemadar Mainbahadur has had and inspiring effect on his men, and has won him the admiration of all those who watched his tireless and indefatigable persistence.
Award of the MC recommended by Major-General W. A. Crowther, Commander 17th Indian Division.
A contact of mine came across this citation to a Gurkha Rifle Officer and previous survivor of Operation Longcloth in 1943. Jemadar Mainbahadur Limbu had been a last minute replacement amongst the Gurkha troops serving in Chindit columns that year, and had done well to escape back to India once dispersal had been called. Clearly, his experiences in 1943 and the lessons learned served him well as his Army career progressed. Below is the recommendation that he be awarded the Military Cross for his efforts and actions in 1945, as the enemy were fleeing the area of Burma that he was patrolling.
Periodical Award 16th May-15th August 1945.
63rd Brigade/17th Division/4 Corps
Award of the Military Cross.
42426 Jemadar Mainbahadur Limbu 1/10 Gurkha Rifles.
During the period under review, Jemadar Mainbahdur, a veteran of the Wingate Expedition, has proved to be a fine and resourceful leader of the highest merit. As a Commando platoon commander, his work has been mainly confined to distant and long range patrolling, usually from a patrol base many miles from the battalion.
To be a commander in this type of work demands a sense of discipline, initiative and resourcefulness of a high standard, and Jemadar Mainbahadur has in all cases excelled himself in this respect.
His platoon, led and inspired by his skill and untiring energy has probably achieved greater success in the destruction of the enemy than any other in the battalion. This was particularly evident during the Japanese breakthrough from the Pegu Yomas in July 1945. Established in a patrol base on the fringe of the Tonkan Forest, Mainbahadur organised and planned his patrols and ambushes with the greatest skill. Through his efforts a constant and accurate stream of information kept flowing in to Battalion HQ, and throughout a sleepless and trying period of ten days, when the battalion was fully engaged, this Gurkha Officer inflicted grievous losses on the Japanese.
Harassing and ambushing them by night, watching and reporting their movements by day, he was instrumental in bringing down heavy gun fire concentrations on the escaping Japanese, giving them no rest and causing them to scatter and sapping their morale. Throughout a period of about two weeks, the men under his command inflicted over twice their number in casualties and ensured the capture of five Japanese prisoners.
Throughout a long period of consistent and heavy fighting, the leadership, courage and influence of Jemadar Mainbahadur has had and inspiring effect on his men, and has won him the admiration of all those who watched his tireless and indefatigable persistence.
Award of the MC recommended by Major-General W. A. Crowther, Commander 17th Indian Division.
The Military Medal.
30142 Rifleman Khil Bahadur Rana
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal, for services in the Arakan region.
Recommendation:
Rifleman Khil Bahadur was the orderly of a Platoon Commander in A Coy, which assaulted Pt.1433 4337 from the south at 0500 hours on the 8th September 1944. He reached the top of the objective alone and having thrown his three grenades into Japanese bunkers, he returned under heavy fire for more. In the poor light and thick jungle he could find none of our troops, but was seen to be engaging a Japanese position at a 20 yards range with his rifle. He was then wounded and for some time unable to move. For two days and nights he remained hidden surrounded by the enemy. Then he was found, and three Japanese tried to capture him. He knocked over one with his fist, slipped out of his equipment, which was held by the other two, and rolled down the cliff. He later made his way back to Battalion HQ and described the position of an enemy bivouac area which he had seen.
He displayed exceptional fortitude, courage and determination throughout.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal, for services in the Arakan region.
Recommendation:
Rifleman Khil Bahadur was the orderly of a Platoon Commander in A Coy, which assaulted Pt.1433 4337 from the south at 0500 hours on the 8th September 1944. He reached the top of the objective alone and having thrown his three grenades into Japanese bunkers, he returned under heavy fire for more. In the poor light and thick jungle he could find none of our troops, but was seen to be engaging a Japanese position at a 20 yards range with his rifle. He was then wounded and for some time unable to move. For two days and nights he remained hidden surrounded by the enemy. Then he was found, and three Japanese tried to capture him. He knocked over one with his fist, slipped out of his equipment, which was held by the other two, and rolled down the cliff. He later made his way back to Battalion HQ and described the position of an enemy bivouac area which he had seen.
He displayed exceptional fortitude, courage and determination throughout.
The Indian Order of Merit.
27850 Rifleman Prithi Bal Raj
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded the Indian Order of Merit (Posthumous) for service in the Arakan region.
Recommendation:
Rifleman Prithi Bal was No.2 position of a Bren Gun in a section of A Company which assaulted Pt.1433 4337 from the south at 0500 hours on the 8th September 1944. In the attack his No.1 was killed, and seizing the Bren he dashed on through the Japanese forward positions engaging bunkers with his fire. He was mainly responsible for his section nearly reaching the top of the objective. He continued to engage enemy from the position which his section had taken up 30 yards from the crest of Pt.1433 4337, until severely wounded in the left arm.
He handed his Bren to another man, and as ammunition was running short he moved under fire to the Company defended area 100 yards further to the south. After putting a field dressing on his arm, he returned across the fire swept area with ammunition for his gun. This he again took over, and standing in an exposed position he kept up a constant fire at close range into the bunkers in front of him. This reduced the enemy fire and allowed his section to get firmly established in its position, which was held until Pt.1433 4337 was finally occupied.
He maintained his accurate fire until a burst of enemy machine gun fire hit him in the chest and legs. He fell, but carefully handed his gun to another man, pointed out the targets he had been engaging, and shouted encouragement to his section. Later, refusing assistance, he crawled across the open area and reported the situation clearly to his Company Commander. He later died from his many wounds.
This young soldier set a standard of determination, gallantry and devotion to duty under adverse conditions and after an arduous night climb up steep cliffs, and was throughout an inspiration to all ranks.
Seen below is Prithi Bal's inscription upon the Rangoon Memorial in Taukkyan War Cemetery and his CWGC memorial certificate. Please click on each image to enlarge:
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded the Indian Order of Merit (Posthumous) for service in the Arakan region.
Recommendation:
Rifleman Prithi Bal was No.2 position of a Bren Gun in a section of A Company which assaulted Pt.1433 4337 from the south at 0500 hours on the 8th September 1944. In the attack his No.1 was killed, and seizing the Bren he dashed on through the Japanese forward positions engaging bunkers with his fire. He was mainly responsible for his section nearly reaching the top of the objective. He continued to engage enemy from the position which his section had taken up 30 yards from the crest of Pt.1433 4337, until severely wounded in the left arm.
He handed his Bren to another man, and as ammunition was running short he moved under fire to the Company defended area 100 yards further to the south. After putting a field dressing on his arm, he returned across the fire swept area with ammunition for his gun. This he again took over, and standing in an exposed position he kept up a constant fire at close range into the bunkers in front of him. This reduced the enemy fire and allowed his section to get firmly established in its position, which was held until Pt.1433 4337 was finally occupied.
He maintained his accurate fire until a burst of enemy machine gun fire hit him in the chest and legs. He fell, but carefully handed his gun to another man, pointed out the targets he had been engaging, and shouted encouragement to his section. Later, refusing assistance, he crawled across the open area and reported the situation clearly to his Company Commander. He later died from his many wounds.
This young soldier set a standard of determination, gallantry and devotion to duty under adverse conditions and after an arduous night climb up steep cliffs, and was throughout an inspiration to all ranks.
Seen below is Prithi Bal's inscription upon the Rangoon Memorial in Taukkyan War Cemetery and his CWGC memorial certificate. Please click on each image to enlarge:
Prithi Bal Raj's inscription upon Face 58 of the Rangoon Memorial.
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Prithi Bal's CWGC certificate.
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The Military Medal.
7311 W.S. Naik Dhanbahadur Rana
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Awarded with the Military Medal.
Recommendation:
For services at Ru-Ywa, Arakan region.
Naik Dhanbahadur Rana was a Section Commander in the assault platoon on the feature "Pun" 932085 on 26th February 1945.
When his advance was checked by heavy fire from an enemy mounted machine gun, Naik Dhanbahadur placed his Bren in a position from which it silenced the enemy gun and enabled the advance to continue. When the magazines for the Bren were exhausted the enemy MMG again opened up. Dhanbahadur moved to a flank under heavy fire and silenced the enemy gun with his Tommy gun until more magazines for the Bren could be brought forward. The section then advanced under the covering fire of the Bren, Dhanbahadur himself putting the enemy gun crew to flight with grenades and killing one with his Tommy gun. The enemy abandoned their MMG tripod and much ammunition in this position.
The capture of this MMG position contributed greatly to the success of the Company in gaining its objectives and was in no small way due to Dhanbahadur’s personal bravery and indifference to the intense enemy fire to which he was subjected throughout.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Awarded with the Military Medal.
Recommendation:
For services at Ru-Ywa, Arakan region.
Naik Dhanbahadur Rana was a Section Commander in the assault platoon on the feature "Pun" 932085 on 26th February 1945.
When his advance was checked by heavy fire from an enemy mounted machine gun, Naik Dhanbahadur placed his Bren in a position from which it silenced the enemy gun and enabled the advance to continue. When the magazines for the Bren were exhausted the enemy MMG again opened up. Dhanbahadur moved to a flank under heavy fire and silenced the enemy gun with his Tommy gun until more magazines for the Bren could be brought forward. The section then advanced under the covering fire of the Bren, Dhanbahadur himself putting the enemy gun crew to flight with grenades and killing one with his Tommy gun. The enemy abandoned their MMG tripod and much ammunition in this position.
The capture of this MMG position contributed greatly to the success of the Company in gaining its objectives and was in no small way due to Dhanbahadur’s personal bravery and indifference to the intense enemy fire to which he was subjected throughout.
The Military Medal.
28333 Rifleman Lalbahadur Pun
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal
Recommendation;
For services at Ru-Ywa, Arakan region.
Rifleman Lalbahadur Pun was in the leading section of the leading assault platoon in the attack on the feature "Pun" 932085 on 26th February 1945.
After the section commander had been killed and four men of the section had been wounded, Lalbahadur and the three remaining men were held up by enemy grenade fire from a trench immediately above them. When two enemy grenades landed beside him, Lalbahadur picked them up and threw them back into the enemy trench where they exploded. The remaining enemy then fled whereupon Rifleman Lalbahadur occupied the position. The coolness and resource of this young Rifleman in a difficult situation, exploited the initial success gained by his dead section commander, and did much to assist his platoon in gaining its objective.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal
Recommendation;
For services at Ru-Ywa, Arakan region.
Rifleman Lalbahadur Pun was in the leading section of the leading assault platoon in the attack on the feature "Pun" 932085 on 26th February 1945.
After the section commander had been killed and four men of the section had been wounded, Lalbahadur and the three remaining men were held up by enemy grenade fire from a trench immediately above them. When two enemy grenades landed beside him, Lalbahadur picked them up and threw them back into the enemy trench where they exploded. The remaining enemy then fled whereupon Rifleman Lalbahadur occupied the position. The coolness and resource of this young Rifleman in a difficult situation, exploited the initial success gained by his dead section commander, and did much to assist his platoon in gaining its objective.
Map showing Ru-Ywa and Kantaunggyi in the Arakan region of Burma.
Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
10045 W.S. Naik Bombahadur Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Recommendation:
In the region of Kantaunggyi, Arakan. (See above map).
No.10045 Naik Bombahadur was a section commander of No.1 Platoon, A Coy which had occupied "Snowden East" (MR.912164) on the evening of 4th March 1945. The platoon had been subjected to continual sniping and enemy counter attacks since 2000 hours that evening. By 0200 hours on 5th March 1945 the platoon had suffered casualties and had been unable to complete their digging in, having had to fight off the enemy attacks.
Shortly after 0200 hours on 5th March 1945 the enemy attacked heavily on Naik Bombahadur’s sector of the perimeter. Bombahadur went to the forward post of his section under enemy machine gun and grenade fire and held the enemy attack with his Tommy gun and grenades. He killed five Japs on the perimeter, and was continuing to hold off the enemy when he was wounded by a grenade which also broke his Tommy gun. He ordered a man back to bring grenades from Platoon H.Q. Before these arrived the Japs charged again. Although severely wounded Bombahadur left his trench and met the attack with his Khukri and he killed two Japs inside their position.
Naik Bombahadur remained with his section until the platoon commander ordered the remaining men of the platoon to withdraw from the position (at approx 0400 hrs), as all men in the platoon had been expended. Naik Bombahadur organised his section's withdrawal and the safe evacuation of his wounded. He himself had to be carried out.
Throughout the night this N.C.O. displayed the highest example of bravery and determination, and a deep sense of responsibility to those under his command.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Recommendation:
In the region of Kantaunggyi, Arakan. (See above map).
No.10045 Naik Bombahadur was a section commander of No.1 Platoon, A Coy which had occupied "Snowden East" (MR.912164) on the evening of 4th March 1945. The platoon had been subjected to continual sniping and enemy counter attacks since 2000 hours that evening. By 0200 hours on 5th March 1945 the platoon had suffered casualties and had been unable to complete their digging in, having had to fight off the enemy attacks.
Shortly after 0200 hours on 5th March 1945 the enemy attacked heavily on Naik Bombahadur’s sector of the perimeter. Bombahadur went to the forward post of his section under enemy machine gun and grenade fire and held the enemy attack with his Tommy gun and grenades. He killed five Japs on the perimeter, and was continuing to hold off the enemy when he was wounded by a grenade which also broke his Tommy gun. He ordered a man back to bring grenades from Platoon H.Q. Before these arrived the Japs charged again. Although severely wounded Bombahadur left his trench and met the attack with his Khukri and he killed two Japs inside their position.
Naik Bombahadur remained with his section until the platoon commander ordered the remaining men of the platoon to withdraw from the position (at approx 0400 hrs), as all men in the platoon had been expended. Naik Bombahadur organised his section's withdrawal and the safe evacuation of his wounded. He himself had to be carried out.
Throughout the night this N.C.O. displayed the highest example of bravery and determination, and a deep sense of responsibility to those under his command.
Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
10073 W.S. Naik Tule Ale
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Recommendation:
In the region of Kantaunggyi, Arakan. (See above map).
No.10073 Naik Tule was section commander of the reserve section of No.4 Platoon, B Coy which attacked "Snowden East" 912164 from the West on 5th March 1945.
Naik Tule’s platoon commander went forward with leading section on the left flank. They were met by very heavy machine gun, rifle, grenade fire from the top of the objective and cross fire from two mounted machine guns from a bunker on a small feature 50 yds to the North of “Snowden East”. The platoon commander and whole of this section, with the exception of one man, all became casualties.
On seeing this, Tule, on his own initiative and without waiting for orders, led his section forward under this very heavy fire, passed through the first section and started to attack the two enemy positions on the West side of the feature.
Naik Tule himself led the attack and was the first to reach the first enemy trench. This he attacked single handed and killed 2 Japanese occupants with his Tommy gun. He then called the remains of his section up, which now only consisted of the Bren No.1 and 2, the rest having being either killed or wounded, and put them in position in the captured trench.
Tule’s last objective was now only 15 – 20 yds away and was a trench holding 4 enemy. Ordering his Bren gunner to give him covering fire, he again went forward alone to attack this position. With the greatest of bravery Naik Tule charged the trench and hurling 2 grenades in to it he killed all 4 Japs.
The manner in which this N.C.O. carried out his orders and captured his section’s two objectives by himself was outstanding and greatly assisted his Company to capture its objective.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Recommendation:
In the region of Kantaunggyi, Arakan. (See above map).
No.10073 Naik Tule was section commander of the reserve section of No.4 Platoon, B Coy which attacked "Snowden East" 912164 from the West on 5th March 1945.
Naik Tule’s platoon commander went forward with leading section on the left flank. They were met by very heavy machine gun, rifle, grenade fire from the top of the objective and cross fire from two mounted machine guns from a bunker on a small feature 50 yds to the North of “Snowden East”. The platoon commander and whole of this section, with the exception of one man, all became casualties.
On seeing this, Tule, on his own initiative and without waiting for orders, led his section forward under this very heavy fire, passed through the first section and started to attack the two enemy positions on the West side of the feature.
Naik Tule himself led the attack and was the first to reach the first enemy trench. This he attacked single handed and killed 2 Japanese occupants with his Tommy gun. He then called the remains of his section up, which now only consisted of the Bren No.1 and 2, the rest having being either killed or wounded, and put them in position in the captured trench.
Tule’s last objective was now only 15 – 20 yds away and was a trench holding 4 enemy. Ordering his Bren gunner to give him covering fire, he again went forward alone to attack this position. With the greatest of bravery Naik Tule charged the trench and hurling 2 grenades in to it he killed all 4 Japs.
The manner in which this N.C.O. carried out his orders and captured his section’s two objectives by himself was outstanding and greatly assisted his Company to capture its objective.
Lance Naik Bisram Thapa IDSM.
10063 Lance Naik Bisram Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Area of action: Kantaunggyi, Arakan
L/Nk. Bisram was section commander of the right section of No.4 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked "Snowden East" 912164 from the west on 5th March 1945.
Bisram was given as his section objectives, two enemy positions on the west side of "Snowden East".
The last 50 yards of the route that L/Nk. Bisram had to take to reach his objective was devoid of any sort of cover as the hill had been shelled previously by artillery.
Accordingly Bisram formed his section up under cover and then gave order to charge. He himself led the assault yelling and shouting encouragement to his men. Going over the open ground the section suffered very heavy casualties as the enemy from above threw grenades and mines down on them, and two mounted machine guns from a feature 50 yards to the north of their objective, were sweeping the ground with fire.
By the time the summit was reached L/Nk. Bisram had only four men left. Ahead of his men, he attacked the first enemy trench killing the two Japanese in it with his Tommy gun. As he turned towards his last objective, he was fired upon by a Japanese soldier in a trench nearby. L/Nk. Bisram rushed at him. Finding that his Tommy gun magazine was empty he grasped his weapon by the barrel and beat the enemy soldier to death breaking the butt of his Tommy gun in doing so. His Tommy gun being useless and still having one more objective to capture, he drew his Khukri and charged the last position in which there were three enemy; two fled before his attack and the third who stayed to fight he killed with his Khukri.
Lance Naik Bisram showed the greatest of bravery in the capture of these three positions. His utter disregard for his own personal safety undoubtedly inspired all ranks in his Company.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
Area of action: Kantaunggyi, Arakan
L/Nk. Bisram was section commander of the right section of No.4 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked "Snowden East" 912164 from the west on 5th March 1945.
Bisram was given as his section objectives, two enemy positions on the west side of "Snowden East".
The last 50 yards of the route that L/Nk. Bisram had to take to reach his objective was devoid of any sort of cover as the hill had been shelled previously by artillery.
Accordingly Bisram formed his section up under cover and then gave order to charge. He himself led the assault yelling and shouting encouragement to his men. Going over the open ground the section suffered very heavy casualties as the enemy from above threw grenades and mines down on them, and two mounted machine guns from a feature 50 yards to the north of their objective, were sweeping the ground with fire.
By the time the summit was reached L/Nk. Bisram had only four men left. Ahead of his men, he attacked the first enemy trench killing the two Japanese in it with his Tommy gun. As he turned towards his last objective, he was fired upon by a Japanese soldier in a trench nearby. L/Nk. Bisram rushed at him. Finding that his Tommy gun magazine was empty he grasped his weapon by the barrel and beat the enemy soldier to death breaking the butt of his Tommy gun in doing so. His Tommy gun being useless and still having one more objective to capture, he drew his Khukri and charged the last position in which there were three enemy; two fled before his attack and the third who stayed to fight he killed with his Khukri.
Lance Naik Bisram showed the greatest of bravery in the capture of these three positions. His utter disregard for his own personal safety undoubtedly inspired all ranks in his Company.
Rfm. Chhabilal Gharti MM.
10060 Rifleman Chhabilal Gharti
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for his actions at Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
Rifleman Chhabilal was in one of the two forward sections of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy. which attacked "Snowden East" (MR.912164) from the southwest on 5th March 1945.
Rfn. Chhabilal’s section was advancing in the face of very heavy machine gun, rifle, grenade and mine fire from the positions above and the fire from two light machine guns and snipers from a hill 75 yards south of "Snowden East".
When they got to within about twenty yards of their section objective, the section commander was killed and the section second in command and Bren gun No.1 were wounded. Without hesitation Chhabilal seized the Bren Gun and shouting to his section to follow him he charged towards his objective.
The section then came under even heavier fire than before and was held up. Rfn. Chhabilal then dashed forward alone and firing his Bren gun from the hip he cleared the enemy position that had been holding them up. His courageous attack caused the five Japanese who were in the position to flee and as they run away Rfn. Chhabilal killed two of them. Chhabilal then called his section up and consolidated the position.
Rifleman Chhabilal showed great initiative and bravery under fire and his single handed capture of the enemy position assisted his platoon very greatly in capturing their objective.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for his actions at Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
Rifleman Chhabilal was in one of the two forward sections of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy. which attacked "Snowden East" (MR.912164) from the southwest on 5th March 1945.
Rfn. Chhabilal’s section was advancing in the face of very heavy machine gun, rifle, grenade and mine fire from the positions above and the fire from two light machine guns and snipers from a hill 75 yards south of "Snowden East".
When they got to within about twenty yards of their section objective, the section commander was killed and the section second in command and Bren gun No.1 were wounded. Without hesitation Chhabilal seized the Bren Gun and shouting to his section to follow him he charged towards his objective.
The section then came under even heavier fire than before and was held up. Rfn. Chhabilal then dashed forward alone and firing his Bren gun from the hip he cleared the enemy position that had been holding them up. His courageous attack caused the five Japanese who were in the position to flee and as they run away Rfn. Chhabilal killed two of them. Chhabilal then called his section up and consolidated the position.
Rifleman Chhabilal showed great initiative and bravery under fire and his single handed capture of the enemy position assisted his platoon very greatly in capturing their objective.
Jemadar Chandrabir Thapa IOM.
6392 Jemadar Chandrabir Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Military Cross, actually awarded the Indian Order of Merit.
Area of action: Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
Jemadar Chandrabir Thapa was Platoon Commander of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked "Snowden East" 912164 from the southwest on 5th March 1945.
Chandrabir had orders to attack with his platoon on the right flank and capture the east half of "Snowden East". Another platoon was to secure the west half.
After leaving the Start Point, Chandrabir moved with two sections up and one in reserve. He himself went with the forward two sections for the sake of control.
During the initial advance his platoon was continually harassed by two mounted machine guns and number of snipers from a hill to the south of his objective. Twenty yards from the top of the feature they met serious opposition. Here Chandrabir was halted by severe light machine gun, grenade and mine fire from the positions above him. He at once laid one of his forward sections down in positon and under their covering fire, himself led the other section into the attack yelling and shouting encouragement to his men.
In this charge Jemadar Chandrabir was wounded in the face and back by a grenade and also in the stomach by an light machine gun burst. Despite his painful wounds he continued to lead his men on and capture his objective. Here he personally cleared two Japanese positions with his Tommy gun and grenades, killing four of the enemy.
Chandrabir had now captured his half of the objective; the other platoon which had advancing from the west had also attained their half. However, as their platoon Commander had been wounded during their attack, Jemadar Chandrabir took command of what remained of both platoons. No sooner had he done this the enemy started to counter attack. Chandrabir then organised his command so that half the men dug positions and the other half fought off the counter attacks, for he realised that if he did not dig in, a determined enemy counter attack might push him off the position gained. In all the enemy counter attacked five times – twice from the north, twice from the east and once from the south-east, all of which Jemadar Chandrabir beat off inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
During the last three counter attacks Chandrabir’s men run out of grenades, so he ordered them to use stones, with which they beat off the enemy.
Only after the whole objective had been consolidated did Chandrabir report to his Company Commander that he was wounded.
Jemadar Chandrabir’s control of his platoon in the most difficult terrain was exemplary, and without his outstanding bravery and leadership, his Company’s objective might not have been taken that day.
Chandrabir Thapa was a veteran of Operation Longcloth, where he served in Southern Group and probably Chindit Column 2. He is stated as being present at the engagement near Nam Pan Hill, this was the location where Lieutenant Ian MacHorton was wounded and eventually left behind in 1943.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Military Cross, actually awarded the Indian Order of Merit.
Area of action: Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
Jemadar Chandrabir Thapa was Platoon Commander of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked "Snowden East" 912164 from the southwest on 5th March 1945.
Chandrabir had orders to attack with his platoon on the right flank and capture the east half of "Snowden East". Another platoon was to secure the west half.
After leaving the Start Point, Chandrabir moved with two sections up and one in reserve. He himself went with the forward two sections for the sake of control.
During the initial advance his platoon was continually harassed by two mounted machine guns and number of snipers from a hill to the south of his objective. Twenty yards from the top of the feature they met serious opposition. Here Chandrabir was halted by severe light machine gun, grenade and mine fire from the positions above him. He at once laid one of his forward sections down in positon and under their covering fire, himself led the other section into the attack yelling and shouting encouragement to his men.
In this charge Jemadar Chandrabir was wounded in the face and back by a grenade and also in the stomach by an light machine gun burst. Despite his painful wounds he continued to lead his men on and capture his objective. Here he personally cleared two Japanese positions with his Tommy gun and grenades, killing four of the enemy.
Chandrabir had now captured his half of the objective; the other platoon which had advancing from the west had also attained their half. However, as their platoon Commander had been wounded during their attack, Jemadar Chandrabir took command of what remained of both platoons. No sooner had he done this the enemy started to counter attack. Chandrabir then organised his command so that half the men dug positions and the other half fought off the counter attacks, for he realised that if he did not dig in, a determined enemy counter attack might push him off the position gained. In all the enemy counter attacked five times – twice from the north, twice from the east and once from the south-east, all of which Jemadar Chandrabir beat off inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.
During the last three counter attacks Chandrabir’s men run out of grenades, so he ordered them to use stones, with which they beat off the enemy.
Only after the whole objective had been consolidated did Chandrabir report to his Company Commander that he was wounded.
Jemadar Chandrabir’s control of his platoon in the most difficult terrain was exemplary, and without his outstanding bravery and leadership, his Company’s objective might not have been taken that day.
Chandrabir Thapa was a veteran of Operation Longcloth, where he served in Southern Group and probably Chindit Column 2. He is stated as being present at the engagement near Nam Pan Hill, this was the location where Lieutenant Ian MacHorton was wounded and eventually left behind in 1943.
Rifleman Asbahadur Thapa MM.
10247 Rifleman Asbahadur Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for the action at Kantaunggyi, Arakan in 1945.
Rfn. Asbahadur Thapa was the second in command of the section of No.6 Platoon, B Coy that was sent to reinforce No.4 Platoon, who were by then only 10 men strong after capturing their objective, "Snowden East" 912164 on 5th March 1945.
The route that this section had to take was the same as had been taken by No.4 Platoon in their advance towards the objective. This route was swept by heavy cross fire from two enemy mounted machine guns situated 50 yards north of "Snowden East".
Asbahadur's section commander was killed and over half the section made casualties by this fire. Asbahadur took the section commander's Tommy gun and led his unit on through this heavy fire.
When they were about 40 yards from the captured objective the enemy machine gun fire ceased and twelve Japanese with fixed bayonets started to attack No.4 Platoon who were above.
Seeing this enemy move, Rfn. Asbahadur ordered his section to attack. He himself led the assault and killed three of the enemy with a long burst from his Tommy gun. The enemy took up positions on the hillside and returned fire. The Bren No.1 was wounded and fell to the ground. Asbahadur, his Tommy gun being empty, seized the fallen man's gun and charged the remaining enemy who broke and fled before his attack. As they ran away he killed two more with his Bren gun.
Rifleman Asbahadur's bravery and courage in defeating this enemy attack was outstanding and prevented the already weakened No.4 Platoon from suffering further casualties.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for the action at Kantaunggyi, Arakan in 1945.
Rfn. Asbahadur Thapa was the second in command of the section of No.6 Platoon, B Coy that was sent to reinforce No.4 Platoon, who were by then only 10 men strong after capturing their objective, "Snowden East" 912164 on 5th March 1945.
The route that this section had to take was the same as had been taken by No.4 Platoon in their advance towards the objective. This route was swept by heavy cross fire from two enemy mounted machine guns situated 50 yards north of "Snowden East".
Asbahadur's section commander was killed and over half the section made casualties by this fire. Asbahadur took the section commander's Tommy gun and led his unit on through this heavy fire.
When they were about 40 yards from the captured objective the enemy machine gun fire ceased and twelve Japanese with fixed bayonets started to attack No.4 Platoon who were above.
Seeing this enemy move, Rfn. Asbahadur ordered his section to attack. He himself led the assault and killed three of the enemy with a long burst from his Tommy gun. The enemy took up positions on the hillside and returned fire. The Bren No.1 was wounded and fell to the ground. Asbahadur, his Tommy gun being empty, seized the fallen man's gun and charged the remaining enemy who broke and fled before his attack. As they ran away he killed two more with his Bren gun.
Rifleman Asbahadur's bravery and courage in defeating this enemy attack was outstanding and prevented the already weakened No.4 Platoon from suffering further casualties.
Havildar Subakhar Thapa MM.
6844 Havildar Subakhar Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for his actions at Ru-Ywa, Arakan in 1945.
Havildar Subakhar Thapa was the Platoon Commander of No.6 Platoon, B' Coy which carried out the successful reconnaissance, attack and capture of the "Gurung" feature 931077 on 23rd February 1945.
For the reconnaissance Subakhar had orders to find the strength and dispositions of the enemy positions on "Gurung". He was told to draw the enemy's fire and stay and kill the enemy until he got the order to withdraw. Subakhar carried out his orders to the letter.
When his leading section came under fire from the enemy positions Subakhar immediately laid out the rest of his platoon in order to cover them. The enemy immediately counter attacked four times in waves of twenty of thirty men with fixed bayonets. Havildar Subakhar held his ground and beat off all the enemy attacks inflicting heavy casualties. He then sent a runner back to Company H.Q. giving full details of the situation and information about enemy strength and dispositions and it was not until he was given the order to do so, that he withdrew his platoon.
For the attack on "Gurung", Subakhar's platoon again took part. He led his platoon skillfully up the same route that he had taken for his reconnaissance and put in a two section attack on the positions he had pin-pointed earlier. This attack was held up by heavy mounted machine gun fire so he sent his reserve section round the left flank to get at the enemy's rear. This succeeded and the enemy was forced to withdraw from the positions facing the rest of the platoon. These positions were immediately occupied and from them Subakhar brought down such effective 2" Mortar and Rifle Grenade fire on the remaining enemy positions, that when another platoon went in on the right flank the enemy was forced to withdraw entirely.
The manner in which Havildar Subakhar commanded his platoon throughout both these successful actions was beyond all praise. His courage and cool thinking under fire undoubtedly inspired all ranks under his command.
Additional to previous submission.
During the attack on "Snowden East" (MR. 912164) on the 5th March 1945, Havildar Subakhar was commanding the Reserve Platoon of B' Coy which was sent to consolidate and take over the captured objective from the two very weakened leading platoons.
On their way up towards the objective Subakhar's platoon came under very heavy and accurate cross fire from the two mounted machine guns on the left flank. Subakhar dashed forward ahead of his platoon yelling to his men to follow him. When within about 20 yards of the objective Subakhar was heavily counter attacked by 15 Japanese who made a bayonet charge. Leading his men himself he beat off the enemy attack inflicting heavy casualties, with Subakhar personally killing four of the enemy.
While the relieved platoons were withdrawing from the objective, the enemy counter attacked strongly, covered by two machine guns whose fire swept the top of the feature. Havildar Subakhar ignored this fire and moved freely encouraging his men and himself inflicting casualties on the enemy. The attack was repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy.
Havildar Subakhar had proved himself to be a platoon commander well above the average, and the example that he set his men was magnificent.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for his actions at Ru-Ywa, Arakan in 1945.
Havildar Subakhar Thapa was the Platoon Commander of No.6 Platoon, B' Coy which carried out the successful reconnaissance, attack and capture of the "Gurung" feature 931077 on 23rd February 1945.
For the reconnaissance Subakhar had orders to find the strength and dispositions of the enemy positions on "Gurung". He was told to draw the enemy's fire and stay and kill the enemy until he got the order to withdraw. Subakhar carried out his orders to the letter.
When his leading section came under fire from the enemy positions Subakhar immediately laid out the rest of his platoon in order to cover them. The enemy immediately counter attacked four times in waves of twenty of thirty men with fixed bayonets. Havildar Subakhar held his ground and beat off all the enemy attacks inflicting heavy casualties. He then sent a runner back to Company H.Q. giving full details of the situation and information about enemy strength and dispositions and it was not until he was given the order to do so, that he withdrew his platoon.
For the attack on "Gurung", Subakhar's platoon again took part. He led his platoon skillfully up the same route that he had taken for his reconnaissance and put in a two section attack on the positions he had pin-pointed earlier. This attack was held up by heavy mounted machine gun fire so he sent his reserve section round the left flank to get at the enemy's rear. This succeeded and the enemy was forced to withdraw from the positions facing the rest of the platoon. These positions were immediately occupied and from them Subakhar brought down such effective 2" Mortar and Rifle Grenade fire on the remaining enemy positions, that when another platoon went in on the right flank the enemy was forced to withdraw entirely.
The manner in which Havildar Subakhar commanded his platoon throughout both these successful actions was beyond all praise. His courage and cool thinking under fire undoubtedly inspired all ranks under his command.
Additional to previous submission.
During the attack on "Snowden East" (MR. 912164) on the 5th March 1945, Havildar Subakhar was commanding the Reserve Platoon of B' Coy which was sent to consolidate and take over the captured objective from the two very weakened leading platoons.
On their way up towards the objective Subakhar's platoon came under very heavy and accurate cross fire from the two mounted machine guns on the left flank. Subakhar dashed forward ahead of his platoon yelling to his men to follow him. When within about 20 yards of the objective Subakhar was heavily counter attacked by 15 Japanese who made a bayonet charge. Leading his men himself he beat off the enemy attack inflicting heavy casualties, with Subakhar personally killing four of the enemy.
While the relieved platoons were withdrawing from the objective, the enemy counter attacked strongly, covered by two machine guns whose fire swept the top of the feature. Havildar Subakhar ignored this fire and moved freely encouraging his men and himself inflicting casualties on the enemy. The attack was repulsed with heavy loss to the enemy.
Havildar Subakhar had proved himself to be a platoon commander well above the average, and the example that he set his men was magnificent.
The Military Medal.
25928 Rifleman Sherbahadur Gurung
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for the action at Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
Rifleman Sherbahadur was a member of the leading section of No.4 Platoon, B Coy which attacked "Snowden East" (MT.912164) from the west on 5th March 1945.
In the very first stages of the attack Sherbahadur's section was subjected to very heavy light machine gun, rifle, grenade and mine fire from the top of the objective and severe cross fire from two mounted machine guns firing from a bunker on the left flank. His complete section were all killed or wounded and Sherbahadur, himself wounded in both hands by a grenade, was the only one left.
Without hesitation Sherbahadur seized his section's Bren Gun and alone under this very heavy fire he charged his section's objective which were two enemy positions on the top of the feature. He rushed the first position and killed the two Japanese within it. Without stopping he charged the next position which contained four enemy soldiers, two of which fled and the other two Sherbahadur killed with his Bren Gun.
The bravery and initiative shown by Rifleman Sherbahadur was outstanding. Although his whole section had become casualties and he himself wounded, he alone captured his section's objective, which in no small way affected the result of his Company's overall attack.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for the action at Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
Rifleman Sherbahadur was a member of the leading section of No.4 Platoon, B Coy which attacked "Snowden East" (MT.912164) from the west on 5th March 1945.
In the very first stages of the attack Sherbahadur's section was subjected to very heavy light machine gun, rifle, grenade and mine fire from the top of the objective and severe cross fire from two mounted machine guns firing from a bunker on the left flank. His complete section were all killed or wounded and Sherbahadur, himself wounded in both hands by a grenade, was the only one left.
Without hesitation Sherbahadur seized his section's Bren Gun and alone under this very heavy fire he charged his section's objective which were two enemy positions on the top of the feature. He rushed the first position and killed the two Japanese within it. Without stopping he charged the next position which contained four enemy soldiers, two of which fled and the other two Sherbahadur killed with his Bren Gun.
The bravery and initiative shown by Rifleman Sherbahadur was outstanding. Although his whole section had become casualties and he himself wounded, he alone captured his section's objective, which in no small way affected the result of his Company's overall attack.
The Military Medal.
2074 Lance-Havildar Sherbahadur Gurung
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal, eventually awarded with the Military Medal.
Action, Snowden East, Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
During the attack on "Gurung" feature on 23.2.45. Lance-Havildar Sherbahadur was the section commander of the centre section of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy. which attacked the objective from the right flank.
The platoon was held up by heavy concentrated fire, from four mounted machine guns and one light machine gun when it was about 20 yards away from the objective.
Sherbahadur's section was halted by almost point blank fire from one of the centre machine guns, firing from the very top of the feature. Without hesitation Sherbahadur charged the enemy gun firing his C.M.T. (converted Martini target rifle) from the hip to keep the heads of the gun crew down. Within 10 yards of the enemy position he was forced to take cover on account of heavy fire coming from a rifle post to the left of the mounted machine gun.
The enemy seeing that their gun was being seriously threatened withdrew it under the cover of heavy grenade fire.
Sherbahadur, seeing the Japanese withdrawing rushed into the vacated gun pit and hastened the retreat of the gun crew with his C.M.T., badly wounding at least one of the enemy.
During the attack on "Snowden East" on 5th March 1945, Lance-Havildar Sherbahadur's platoon attacked from the south-west, his section being in the centre. The section was held up by very heavy grenade and mine fire from three enemy fox-holes which were the section's objective and sustained fifty per cent casualties as a result.
Despite the grenade fire Sherbahadur stood up and threw a grenade at one of the positions; whilst doing this he was wounded in the mouth and forehead by a grenade. Despite his painful wounds he continued to stand up and threw a smoke grenade into the nearest enemy fox-hole badly burning the Japanese inside it. He then charged forward alone and killed the enemy with his C.M.T. He was then fired upon by an enemy riflemen from a fox-hole to the right, he killed these Japanese with a grenade. Again, for the second time he charged another enemy fox-hole and killed the Japanese within it with his C.M.T.
Single-handed Sherbahadur had captured his section's objectives which influenced in no small way the success of his Company's overall attack.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Recommended for the Indian Distinguished Service Medal, eventually awarded with the Military Medal.
Action, Snowden East, Kantaunggyi, Arakan.
During the attack on "Gurung" feature on 23.2.45. Lance-Havildar Sherbahadur was the section commander of the centre section of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy. which attacked the objective from the right flank.
The platoon was held up by heavy concentrated fire, from four mounted machine guns and one light machine gun when it was about 20 yards away from the objective.
Sherbahadur's section was halted by almost point blank fire from one of the centre machine guns, firing from the very top of the feature. Without hesitation Sherbahadur charged the enemy gun firing his C.M.T. (converted Martini target rifle) from the hip to keep the heads of the gun crew down. Within 10 yards of the enemy position he was forced to take cover on account of heavy fire coming from a rifle post to the left of the mounted machine gun.
The enemy seeing that their gun was being seriously threatened withdrew it under the cover of heavy grenade fire.
Sherbahadur, seeing the Japanese withdrawing rushed into the vacated gun pit and hastened the retreat of the gun crew with his C.M.T., badly wounding at least one of the enemy.
During the attack on "Snowden East" on 5th March 1945, Lance-Havildar Sherbahadur's platoon attacked from the south-west, his section being in the centre. The section was held up by very heavy grenade and mine fire from three enemy fox-holes which were the section's objective and sustained fifty per cent casualties as a result.
Despite the grenade fire Sherbahadur stood up and threw a grenade at one of the positions; whilst doing this he was wounded in the mouth and forehead by a grenade. Despite his painful wounds he continued to stand up and threw a smoke grenade into the nearest enemy fox-hole badly burning the Japanese inside it. He then charged forward alone and killed the enemy with his C.M.T. He was then fired upon by an enemy riflemen from a fox-hole to the right, he killed these Japanese with a grenade. Again, for the second time he charged another enemy fox-hole and killed the Japanese within it with his C.M.T.
Single-handed Sherbahadur had captured his section's objectives which influenced in no small way the success of his Company's overall attack.
The Military Medal.
67979 Rifleman Karnabahadur Gurung
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for his actions, including at Snowden East, Kantaunggyi, Arakan 1945.
During the attack on "Gurung" feature on 23rd February 1945, Rifleman Karnabahadur was Bren No.1 of the right section of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked the objective from the right flank.
The platoon was held up by heavy concentrated fire from four mounted machine guns and one light machine gun, when they were about 20 yards away from the objective. Karnabahadur's section came under heavy fire from the right mounted machine gun. While his section commander went to deal with this gun, Karnabahadur took his Bren gun out to a flank and although he made himself a target for very heavy enemy rifle and automatic fire, continued to fire his gun and give his section commander covering fire.
After the mounted machine gun post had been taken he switched his fire on to another machine gun crew who were holding up the advance of the left section. He killed two of the crew and the others finding themselves subjected to heavy fire withdrew taking their gun with them. As they were withdrawing Karnabahadur, exposing himself to heavy fire stood up and threw two grenades at the withdrawing enemy severely wounding two of them.
It was very largely due to Rifleman Karnabahadur's bravery and accurate fire that his platoon did not suffer a single casualty in the attack despite the fact that the enemy had superiority in automatic fire power.
During the attack on "Snowden East" on 5th March 1945, Karnabahadur's platoon attacked from the south-west with his section being on the right flank. When they were about 20 yards away from the top of the feature, the left hand section, which was a little ahead came under heavy light machine gun fire from position above them and were brought to ground and were suffering heavy casualties. Rifleman Karnabahadur seeing this stood in the open, and although the enemy above showered grenades down upon him, continued to fire his Bren gun from the hip, killing one of the L.M.G. crew and wounding the other, who then crawled out of his trench and withdrew dragging his L.M.G. with him, thus allowing the left hand section to advance once more.
Karnabahadur's own section was now starting to suffer casualties from above and were being held up by a position ahead. Karnabahadur crawled forward alone and cleared the trench with a grenade.
When the section reached the top of the feature they were heavily counter attacked. Karnabahadur jumped into a vacated enemy trench and with judicial use of his Bren gun and grenades beat off the attack, killing two of the enemy. Karnabahadur went forward again closely following Rifleman Bhanbhagta Gurung V.C. to attack an L.M.G. bunker on the north end of the feature. When Bhanbhagta had captured the bunker, Karnabahadur set up his Bren gun inside and when the enemy counter attacked again he was largely responsible for beating off the attack and he inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy killing several more.
The way in which Rifleman Karnabahadur carried out his job as a Bren gunner contributed greatly to the success of both attacks.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Military Medal for his actions, including at Snowden East, Kantaunggyi, Arakan 1945.
During the attack on "Gurung" feature on 23rd February 1945, Rifleman Karnabahadur was Bren No.1 of the right section of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked the objective from the right flank.
The platoon was held up by heavy concentrated fire from four mounted machine guns and one light machine gun, when they were about 20 yards away from the objective. Karnabahadur's section came under heavy fire from the right mounted machine gun. While his section commander went to deal with this gun, Karnabahadur took his Bren gun out to a flank and although he made himself a target for very heavy enemy rifle and automatic fire, continued to fire his gun and give his section commander covering fire.
After the mounted machine gun post had been taken he switched his fire on to another machine gun crew who were holding up the advance of the left section. He killed two of the crew and the others finding themselves subjected to heavy fire withdrew taking their gun with them. As they were withdrawing Karnabahadur, exposing himself to heavy fire stood up and threw two grenades at the withdrawing enemy severely wounding two of them.
It was very largely due to Rifleman Karnabahadur's bravery and accurate fire that his platoon did not suffer a single casualty in the attack despite the fact that the enemy had superiority in automatic fire power.
During the attack on "Snowden East" on 5th March 1945, Karnabahadur's platoon attacked from the south-west with his section being on the right flank. When they were about 20 yards away from the top of the feature, the left hand section, which was a little ahead came under heavy light machine gun fire from position above them and were brought to ground and were suffering heavy casualties. Rifleman Karnabahadur seeing this stood in the open, and although the enemy above showered grenades down upon him, continued to fire his Bren gun from the hip, killing one of the L.M.G. crew and wounding the other, who then crawled out of his trench and withdrew dragging his L.M.G. with him, thus allowing the left hand section to advance once more.
Karnabahadur's own section was now starting to suffer casualties from above and were being held up by a position ahead. Karnabahadur crawled forward alone and cleared the trench with a grenade.
When the section reached the top of the feature they were heavily counter attacked. Karnabahadur jumped into a vacated enemy trench and with judicial use of his Bren gun and grenades beat off the attack, killing two of the enemy. Karnabahadur went forward again closely following Rifleman Bhanbhagta Gurung V.C. to attack an L.M.G. bunker on the north end of the feature. When Bhanbhagta had captured the bunker, Karnabahadur set up his Bren gun inside and when the enemy counter attacked again he was largely responsible for beating off the attack and he inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy killing several more.
The way in which Rifleman Karnabahadur carried out his job as a Bren gunner contributed greatly to the success of both attacks.
Indian Distinguished Service Medal.
2129 Naik Likbahadur Thapa
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal for his actions on the 'Gurung' feature, Arakan region of Burma in 1945.
During the attack on "Gurung" feature on 23rd February 1945, Naik Likbahadur was the section commander of the right section of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked the objective from the right flank.
The platoon was held up by heavy concentrated fire, from four mounted machine guns and one light machine gun when they were about 20 yards away from the objective. Likbahadur’s section came under heavy fire from the right MMG. He therefore placed his Bren gun in position to give him covering fire and then crawled forward alone under heavy fire to deal with enemy M.M.G. He got to within 8 yards of the M.M.G. position and from there threw a grenade into the M.M.G. post killing one of the four occupants.
The Japanese seeing that their gun was being threatened withdrew under the cover of heavy hand and rifle grenade fire. Likbahadur then rushed forward and jumped into the vacated post and as the enemy were withdrawing he fired a burst with his C.M.T. (converted Martini target rifle), badly wounding one of the remaining gun crew. Likbahadur’s single handed clearing of this M.M.G. position helped greatly in the capture of his platoon’s objectives.
During the attack on "Snowden East" on 5th March 1945. Naik Likbahadur’s platoon attacked from the south-west, his section again being on the right flank. The section was held up about 25 yards away from the objective by heavy machine gun fire from the top of the feature and sniper fire from the right flank. Likbahadur seeing his men go to ground, at once rallied them and led them on once more. They were again stopped about 15 yards away from the objective, this time by a barrier of fallen trees and brushwood which had been laid as a fence by the enemy and which was burning fiercely, having been set on fire by our shelling previous to the attack.
While the section was trying to break through this burning barrier seven of the enemy with fixed bayonets counter attacked them from the right flank. Likbahadur at once hurled two of his grenades at the charging enemy and then firing his C.M.T. from the hip charged them himself, killing two and putting the rest to flight. Then returning to his section he led them on through the burning barrier and after fierce hand to hand fighting, captured the objective which had been given to him by his platoon commander. During both attacks Naik Likbahadur proved himself to be a very gallant leader and without his individual acts of bravery his section might have sustained very heavy casualties.
Seen below is the original two page recommendation for this award. Please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
3rd Bn, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded with the Indian Distinguished Service Medal for his actions on the 'Gurung' feature, Arakan region of Burma in 1945.
During the attack on "Gurung" feature on 23rd February 1945, Naik Likbahadur was the section commander of the right section of No.5 Platoon, B' Coy which attacked the objective from the right flank.
The platoon was held up by heavy concentrated fire, from four mounted machine guns and one light machine gun when they were about 20 yards away from the objective. Likbahadur’s section came under heavy fire from the right MMG. He therefore placed his Bren gun in position to give him covering fire and then crawled forward alone under heavy fire to deal with enemy M.M.G. He got to within 8 yards of the M.M.G. position and from there threw a grenade into the M.M.G. post killing one of the four occupants.
The Japanese seeing that their gun was being threatened withdrew under the cover of heavy hand and rifle grenade fire. Likbahadur then rushed forward and jumped into the vacated post and as the enemy were withdrawing he fired a burst with his C.M.T. (converted Martini target rifle), badly wounding one of the remaining gun crew. Likbahadur’s single handed clearing of this M.M.G. position helped greatly in the capture of his platoon’s objectives.
During the attack on "Snowden East" on 5th March 1945. Naik Likbahadur’s platoon attacked from the south-west, his section again being on the right flank. The section was held up about 25 yards away from the objective by heavy machine gun fire from the top of the feature and sniper fire from the right flank. Likbahadur seeing his men go to ground, at once rallied them and led them on once more. They were again stopped about 15 yards away from the objective, this time by a barrier of fallen trees and brushwood which had been laid as a fence by the enemy and which was burning fiercely, having been set on fire by our shelling previous to the attack.
While the section was trying to break through this burning barrier seven of the enemy with fixed bayonets counter attacked them from the right flank. Likbahadur at once hurled two of his grenades at the charging enemy and then firing his C.M.T. from the hip charged them himself, killing two and putting the rest to flight. Then returning to his section he led them on through the burning barrier and after fierce hand to hand fighting, captured the objective which had been given to him by his platoon commander. During both attacks Naik Likbahadur proved himself to be a very gallant leader and without his individual acts of bravery his section might have sustained very heavy casualties.
Seen below is the original two page recommendation for this award. Please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
The Victoria Cross.
10020 Lance Naik Bhanbhagta Gurung
3rd Battalion, the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded the Victoria Cross for his efforts against the Japanese, on the 5th March 1945, at the area known as Snowden East in the Tamandu region of the Arakan.
Quote:
In spite of the Gurkha force closing in, the Japanese made determined effort to hold Tamandu. The surrounding country had been heavily fortified, the defence prepared on much the same pattern as those of Razabil which had proved such an obstacle at the beginning of the 1944 campaign. These were a tumbled mass of hillocks each converted into a miniature fortress, the whole system interconnected by tunnels, the main bastion being the hill designated by the Gurkhas as Snowdon. The fighting lasted several days rivalling anything that had gone before. The Lancers operating under most adverse condition did invaluable work in softening up the bunkers, aided in this task by air strikes by dive bombers, but the brunt of the action was borne by 3/2 Gurkhas and the 7/16th Punjabis. It was during the attack on Snowdon that Lance Naik Bhanbhagta Gurung won the Victoria Cross.
The 3rd Battalion landed at Ru-Ywa and advanced to the high ground east of Tamandu. Capturing the area would assist British progress to the Irrawaddy through the An pass, but the enemy here was the formidable Japanese 54th Division. The dominant feature was Point 582, nicknamed Snowdon, to the east of which was another high hill known as Snowdon East. At first no enemy was encountered on either hill and by the evening of March 4th, A Company was in position at both points. However, during the night the Japanese attacked Snowdon East in overwhelming strength, killing half the Gurkhas on this feature; the remainder, completely out of ammunition, managed to cut their way through and return to their comrades on Snowdon.
The following day B Company, with which Bhanbhagta was serving, was ordered to retake Snowdon East regardless of cost. The battalion’s supporting artillery had to cease firing when the leading Rifle Platoons began to incur casualties from supporting rounds falling short, this was due to crest clearance difficulties. The section of which Bhanbhagta was a member was then pinned down by machine gun fire and a Japanese sniper positioned in a tree. Unable to get the required rifle elevation from the prone position, Bhanbhagta stood up and shot the sniper dead. After that the Section advanced until, 20 yards from the objective, it was held up again. Without waiting for orders and shouting for the rest of the Section to follow, Bhanbhagta charged towards the top of the hill. He threw two grenades into an enemy fox hole directly above him, killing the two occupants before rushing to the next enemy trench, which he cleared with his bayonet.
Savage hand-to-hand fighting then ensued with no quarter given. Bhanbhagta cleared two more foxholes single-handedly and then for a fifth time he went forward alone and leapt on the roof of a bunker to throw two phosphorous grenades into the slit. Two burning and partially blinded Japanese soldiers ran out and he killed them both with his kukri. Crawling into the bunker, he crushed the surviving machine gunner’s head with a rock, as there was insufficient room to swing his kukri. He then organised a Bren gun to fire from the bunker, and his leadership of this small party was largely responsible for repelling the subsequent enemy counter-attack.
Snowdon East was taken, but Bhanbhagta’s company lost half its men dead or wounded. Sixty-six Japanese dead were counted at the scene. Lance Nail Bhanbhagta Gurung was awarded the Victoria Cross and the 2nd Gurkha Rifles, the battle honour Tamandu.
3rd Battalion, the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles).
Awarded the Victoria Cross for his efforts against the Japanese, on the 5th March 1945, at the area known as Snowden East in the Tamandu region of the Arakan.
Quote:
In spite of the Gurkha force closing in, the Japanese made determined effort to hold Tamandu. The surrounding country had been heavily fortified, the defence prepared on much the same pattern as those of Razabil which had proved such an obstacle at the beginning of the 1944 campaign. These were a tumbled mass of hillocks each converted into a miniature fortress, the whole system interconnected by tunnels, the main bastion being the hill designated by the Gurkhas as Snowdon. The fighting lasted several days rivalling anything that had gone before. The Lancers operating under most adverse condition did invaluable work in softening up the bunkers, aided in this task by air strikes by dive bombers, but the brunt of the action was borne by 3/2 Gurkhas and the 7/16th Punjabis. It was during the attack on Snowdon that Lance Naik Bhanbhagta Gurung won the Victoria Cross.
The 3rd Battalion landed at Ru-Ywa and advanced to the high ground east of Tamandu. Capturing the area would assist British progress to the Irrawaddy through the An pass, but the enemy here was the formidable Japanese 54th Division. The dominant feature was Point 582, nicknamed Snowdon, to the east of which was another high hill known as Snowdon East. At first no enemy was encountered on either hill and by the evening of March 4th, A Company was in position at both points. However, during the night the Japanese attacked Snowdon East in overwhelming strength, killing half the Gurkhas on this feature; the remainder, completely out of ammunition, managed to cut their way through and return to their comrades on Snowdon.
The following day B Company, with which Bhanbhagta was serving, was ordered to retake Snowdon East regardless of cost. The battalion’s supporting artillery had to cease firing when the leading Rifle Platoons began to incur casualties from supporting rounds falling short, this was due to crest clearance difficulties. The section of which Bhanbhagta was a member was then pinned down by machine gun fire and a Japanese sniper positioned in a tree. Unable to get the required rifle elevation from the prone position, Bhanbhagta stood up and shot the sniper dead. After that the Section advanced until, 20 yards from the objective, it was held up again. Without waiting for orders and shouting for the rest of the Section to follow, Bhanbhagta charged towards the top of the hill. He threw two grenades into an enemy fox hole directly above him, killing the two occupants before rushing to the next enemy trench, which he cleared with his bayonet.
Savage hand-to-hand fighting then ensued with no quarter given. Bhanbhagta cleared two more foxholes single-handedly and then for a fifth time he went forward alone and leapt on the roof of a bunker to throw two phosphorous grenades into the slit. Two burning and partially blinded Japanese soldiers ran out and he killed them both with his kukri. Crawling into the bunker, he crushed the surviving machine gunner’s head with a rock, as there was insufficient room to swing his kukri. He then organised a Bren gun to fire from the bunker, and his leadership of this small party was largely responsible for repelling the subsequent enemy counter-attack.
Snowdon East was taken, but Bhanbhagta’s company lost half its men dead or wounded. Sixty-six Japanese dead were counted at the scene. Lance Nail Bhanbhagta Gurung was awarded the Victoria Cross and the 2nd Gurkha Rifles, the battle honour Tamandu.
