A scarce Far East ‘Prisoner-of-War’ B.E.M. group of five awarded to Company Havildar-Major Amir Ali, 5th Battalion 7th Rajput Regiment, who was captured at the fall of Hong Kong

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (9797 C.H.M. Amir Ali, 7th Rajput Regt.); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed, mounted court style for wear, minor edge bruising to first, otherwise good very fine (5) £350-400

B.E.M. London Gazette 27 June 1946. ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished services whilst a prisoner of war’.

The 5/7 Rajput Regiment was one of two Indian Army infantry regiments deployed to Hong Kong on garrison duty, having arrived there in October 1940. By the time of the start of the Pacific War, 5/7 Rajput comprised 875 'all-ranks'. By virtue of being deployed as one of the battalions to defend and fight on the mainland Kowloon Peninsula - the frontline of the British defence - ,the Rajputs were early-on during the battle for Hong Kong heavily engaged in fighting the Japanese invaders. Indeed the Rajputs, were the last British Empire troops to leave the mainland when Kowloon was evacuated on 13 December 1941. Their respite however, was brief, as when the Japanese launched their invasion of Hong Kong island on the evening of 18 December, it was against the Rajput defences located along the North Shore and at North Point that they landed. The gallant Rajputs were overwhelmed, and the regiment virtually ceased to exist. 5/7 Rajput suffered the heaviest casualty losses amongst the defending force. During the Battle for Hong Kong the regiment had lost 156 killed in action or died of wounds, 113 missing, and 193 wounded.

Existing records of the Indian General Hospital show that Amir Ali was being treated for sickness at the IGH on 21 December 1941, and so was a survivor - and possibly injured - during the earlier fighting referred to. On 25 December 1941, he became a Prisoner of War of the Japanese, and was incarcerated for the remainder of the war in Hong Kong POW camps.

Captain Ansari - an officer of 5/7 Rajput - who was executed by the Japanese, was decorated with a posthumous George Cross for his sustained bravery and contempt for his captors while a Prisoner of War. With copied notes.