A Second World War Italy operations I.D.S.M. awarded to Acting Havildar Mohd. Azam, 4th Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (12272 Nk. (A.-Hav.) Mohammad Azam, 4-13 F.F. Rif.), officially impressed naming, complete with riband brooch bar, minor official correction to regiment, extremely fine £600-800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 12 April 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Acting Havildar Mohd. Azam commanded No. 12 Platoon, ‘D’ Company, with great gallantry during a night attack by his company on 8-9 December 1944, on height 445 and a feature known as ‘Middle Bump’. The assault on Middle Bump across an open field, uphill and through muddy, difficult going, was held up by cross-fire from the well placed enemy I.M.Gs (Spandau). It was then decided to change direction half right and go direct for 445. The first attempt to assault 445 frontally failed, and both 12 Platoon and 10 Platoon suffered casualties. Undaunted by heavy fire and previous failures, Acting Havildar Mohd. Azam led yet another attempt to take 445, this time up a defiladed approach to the west. It was a steep climb but both 10 and 12 Platoons succeeded in reaching the top, largely owing to Acting Havildar Mohd. Azam’s encouragement by shouting out the traditional war cry of his class, leading an inspiring charge on the enemy position which was captured.

Later when the enemy launched two successive counter-attacks on the positions we had gained on 445, Acting Havildar Mohd. Azam continued to command his Platoon, which had then suffered many casualties, courageously and without care to his personal safety. he displayed a high quality of leadership and great dash.’

Mohammad Azam was from Kamrah Kotli, Kahuta, Rawalpindi.