A scarce North West Frontier I.D.S.M. and Second World War B.E.M. pair awarded to Havildar Munshi Ram, 2-2 Punjab Regiment, the latter award for services whilst a prisoner of war of the Japanese

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (0135 L-Naik Munshi Ram, 2-2 Punjab R.) complete with top suspension brooch; British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (10135 Havildar Munshi Ram, I.D.S.M. I.A.) very fine and better (2) £1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Indian Army the property of a retired Indian Army officer.

View
Collection

I.D.S.M. Gazette of India 29 May 1937: ‘For services rendered during the Waziristan operations in April 1937.’ The 2-2nd Punjab Regiment attacked high ground on the south bank of the Khaisora River, and this was taken without loss. But as the battalion withdrew and descended it was attacked by some three to four thousand tribesmen. Several men were wounded and a counter-attack was organised to rescue them. The regimental history records: ‘...the I.D.S.M. was awarded to Lance-Naik Munshi Ram for carrying back a badly wounded man unaided and under heavy fire.’

B.E.M. London Gazette 25 September 1947: ‘For gallant and distinguished services whilst Prisoners of War in the Far East.’

The recommendation states: ‘10135 Havildar Munshi Ram, I.D.S.M., 5th Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment. His outstanding conduct as P.O.W. in Japanese hands was his steadfast loyalty at a time when the majority of his class (Dogras) had gone over to the I.N.A. Despite moral and physical coercion by members of his caste in the I.N.A., especially one Subedar Sant Ram, a prominent member of that Movement who threatened him with death and caused heavy punishment to be inflicted upon him, he not only remained loyal but aggressively resisted the Movement. His example influenced the few Dogras in his own Battalion, and in other units, in remaining loyal and maintaining their morale and discipline. Musselmans would acclaim an award for his loyal services.’

Munshi Ram was a Dogra Rajput from the village of Rakkar, Dera Gopi Pur, in Kangra district.