A good Second World War Syria operations I.D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Jemadar Abdul Aziz, 3-1 Punjab Regiment

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (10184 Hav. Abdul Aziz, 3-1 Punjab R.), officially impressed naming; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (10184 L.-Naik Abdul Aziz, 3-1 Punjab R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Pakistan Independence Medal 1947 (PJO-10062 Jemadar Abdul Aziz, 1 P.R.), generally very fine or better (7) £1000-1200

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 30 December 1941. The original recommendation states:

‘During the siege of Mezze on the outskirts of Damascus on 19-20 June 1941, this Havildar showed great qualities of leadership by his cheerfulness and encouragement to men who were exhausted by heavy, continuous fighting, lack of food and sleep. The defences of the perimeter were completed largely due to this N.C.O. who showed unflagging zeal and energy during an extremely trying period. All the V.C.Os of this Company had been killed or wounded. This and one other N.C.O. assumed, by his cheerfulness, devotion to duty and eagerness to uphold the honours of the Service, the control over the men which is normally exercised by the Indian Viceroy Commissioned Officer. He was outstanding for his bearing, discipline and cheerfulness throughout the siege and set an example of a very high order to all ranks.’

Abdul Aziz was from Palak, Abbottabad.

Sold with the recipient’s original certificate of appointment to the rank of Jemadar, dated 15 July 1943, together with his Sinad certificate issued in the North-West Frontier District on 1 March 1947, awarding him Rs. 1,250 ‘for gallantry in the World War 1939-45’, copied pension and pay books and a copied group photograph with ‘Lt. Col. M. Ashraf Khan and J.C.Os of 3rd (Para) Bn 1st Punjab Regiment’.