A fine Second World War ‘Arakan 1945’ M.M. awarded to Lance-Naik Bisram Singh, 2-7 Rajput Regiment - who with his bare hands, overpowered and killed a sword and pistol wielding Japanese officer

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (18143 L-Nk. Bisram Singh, 2-7 Rajput R.) impressed naming, good very fine £1000-1200

M.M. London Gazette 2 August 1945.

Recommendation reads: ‘In Burma 21 March 45, while advancing South from Zani, the platoon in which L/Naik Bisram Singh was a section Comd came under heavy LMG and Mortar fire.

In spite of casualties including the platoon comd, L/Naik Bisram Singh pressed forward leading his section with the utmost determination. As he reached the crest of a small feature, a Jap officer with drawn sword in one hand and a pistol in the other rushed forward towards the Coy Officer who was behind and to the left of L/Naik Bisram Singh.

Undeterred by his sten gun jamming, L/Naik Bisram Singh attacked the Jap Officer with bare hands, overpowering him and eventually shooting him with his own pistol. As the Officer fell three Japs charged at L/Naik Bisram Singh with fixed bayonets. Acting with great coolness he threw a grenade at the advancing enemy and killed them within four yards of where he stood. He himself dropped behind a tree and was unharmed. Throughout the action, the great personal courage and complete disregard for danger shown by this NCO was a source of greatest inspiration to the rest of the platoon and contributed very largely to the successful capture of the objective.’

Lance-Naik Bisram Singh, 2-7 Rajput Regiment, served as part of the 4th Indian Infantry Brigade, 26th Indian Division, 15 Indian Corps. Originally recommended for the I.D.S.M. With copied recommendation.