A rare Second World War ‘Burma Escaper’s’ M.C. group of six awarded to Subadar Pahal Sing Thapa, 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1945’, unnamed; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (2079 L-Nk. 1-3 G.R.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (2079 Hav., 1-3 G.R.) minor correction to name; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, these three unnamed, good very fine and better (6) £2000-2500

M.C. London Gazette 1 November 1945.

Pahal Sing Thapa enlisted into 1/3GR in March 1924. He served with the 1st Battalion during the Red Shirt Rebellion in 1931 and on the North West Frontier in 1936-37, for which he was awarded the I.G.S. 1908 with clasp N.W.F. 1930-31 and the I.G.S. 1936 with clasp N.W.F. 1936-37. He was commissioned Jemadar in November 1939 and is listed in the Regimental History as deploying to Burma with the 1st Battalion as a Subadar.

Subadar Pahal Sing Thapa was captured by the Japanese at the Battle of Sittang, Burma in February 1942, following the premature demolition of the bridge, while serving with the 1st Battalion 3rd Gurkha Rifles. The cutting of the bridge left much of 17 Indian Division, which included the 1/3 G.R., on the wrong side of the River, many of whom were subsequently taken prisoner. Pahal Sing Thapa remained a Prisoner of War in Burma for the next two years until he managed to escape back to Allied lines in 1944, leading no fewer than 32 Gurkha other ranks. For his loyalty and inspirational leadership both while a P.O.W. and during his escape he was awarded the Military Cross. This is believed to be the only M.C. to be awarded to a Gurkha officer for his conduct while a P.O.W. and for organising a successful escape.

His citation states:

‘Sub. PAL SINGH THAPA was captured at SITTANG in Feb 42 and subjected from then on to the usual propaganda and ill treatment. For 2½ years however not only was his own loyalty unshaken but he never ceased to keep up the morale of the other P.Ws. by every means in his power.

In 44 he was employed on road repairs near TIDDIM and it was from here that he organised and carried out a highly successful escape of not only himself but no fewer than 32 G.O.Rs. For days he led these men through the jungle, occasionally helped and fed by friendly villagers, but more often existing precariously on berries or anything they could find until at last they managed to contact our forces.

Sub. PAL SINGH THAPA spent 2½ years in captivity undergoing every form of hardship and continually subjected to propaganda. During the whole of this time not only did his loyalty and his faith never waiver but the example he set was an inspiration to his men. Finally, at the earliest opportunity, he led 32 of them in a magnificently organised and successful escape, and overcoming every difficulty brought them all back safely to our lines. It is therefore recommended that for his unswerving courage and superb leadership he be awarded the M.C.’

His award is also listed in the Regimental History; he was one of 16 officers of 1/3 G.R. to be awarded the M.C. during the Second World War.

With some copied research.