An outstanding Arakan campaign Immediate M.M. awarded to Naik Mohammed Yaqub, 4/14th Punjab Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (8915 Naik Mohammed Yaqub, 14 Punjab R.) engraved naming, nearly extremely fine £700-800

M.M. London Gazette 18 May 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’

The original recommendation for an immediate award reads:

‘In the action on LONG RIDGE (5258) on 22 Feb 44 this Naik was commanding the leading section of a Platoon which was ordered to attack the enemy from the left flank. When his scouts contacted the enemy he immediately brought his L.M.G. into action but the gunner was wounded. In a short time every other man of his section was wounded. He took over the L.M.G. and kept it in action throughout the Platoon attack, fetching spare magazines from wounded himself. He was mainly instrumental in assisting the rest of the Platoon to reach the enemy position by the covering fire he gave single-handed, and he showed great determination and courage in doing so.’

Naik Mohammed Yaqub was a Punjabi Musselman from the village of Bakriela, Jhelum. With copied gazette extracts and recommendation.