A Monte Cassino M.M. awarded to Lance Havildar Ujjal Khan, 16th Punjabis

MILITARY MEDAL, G.VI.R. (10795 L/Hav., 16 Punjab R.) officially engraved naming in upright capitals, very fine and a scarce award for this historic action

M.M., London Gazette, 21st September, 1944: 'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.' The following information was extracted from official sources: 'On 7th March, 1944, this N.C.O. was commanding a section on point 445 below and within 300 yards of Monte Cassino Monastery-the nearest enemy positions were very much nearer.The enemy had very good observation over the whole platoon position and brought down heavy mortar and small arms fire, while any movement by day was accurately sniped from close range. The Platoon Commander and two junior N.C.O's soon became casualties and Nk. (sic) Ujjal Khan found himself in command of the platoon. By 23rd March, 1944, when he was relieved, the platoon had had 50% casualties ... His personal courage and endurance are beyond praise. Sometimes in bitterly cold weather, with snow or heavy rain and always under heavy fire, this N.C.O., by day and by night, visited the men under his command, checking their positions, ensuring that their rations and ammunition were being received and encouraging them by his confident cheerfulness. Casualties had often to be tended under fire and Nk. (sic) Ujjal Khan always attended to them personally, dressing wounds coolly and skilfully and arranging for their evacuation as soon as it was possible ... Completely unmoved by the exhausting and dangerous task which he had to face he set a magnificent example of devotion to duty and leadership and by freely exposing himself to heavy fire as he moved from one position to another...'

34 M.M.'s to the 16th Punjab Regiment, 1939-45.