Victory Medal 1914-19, M.I.D. oak leaf (Subdr. Tola Singh, 59 Rifles F.F.), polished, thus good fine £60-80

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Scinde Rifles.

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Tola Singh entered the Indian Army in July 1897 and first witnessed active service during the North-West Frontier operations of 1908, when he was present at the engagement at Kargha (Medal & clasp).

Advanced to Jemadar in December 1914 and to Subadar in in October 1915, he was awarded the 2nd Class of the Indian Order of Merit for the following deeds at Dujailah Redoubt in Mesopotamia:

‘For conspicuous gallantry on 8 March 1916 during an attack. Both of his British officers being wounded, he took command of his Double Company. During the withdrawal from the redoubt, he held his men well in hand. He placed himself under the orders of the Officer Commanding 47th Sikhs and rendered invaluable service rallying the men of his regiment as they reached the line of the 47th Sikhs. He collected and led parties of men to recover wounded from the ground under an enemy redoubt under heavy fire, and was wounded during this movement, He has been in every action with his regiment since October 1914 and has always been conspicuous for his good work.’

In addition to his I.O.M., which was announced in Governor General’s Order 1387 on 18 November 1916, Tola Singh was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 19 October 1916 refers). He appears to have been discharged as a result of his wounds, but was still drawing his pension as late as 1941; sold with further details.