A Second World War Burma operations M.C. group of six awarded to Jemadar Kalu Ram, 5th Battalion, (Napier’s), 6th Rajputana Rifles, who won an immediate award for leading a bayonet charge on Rajput Hill in June 1944

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (I.O. 45699 Jemdr. Kalu Ram, 5 Bn. Raj. Rif.), very fine and better (6) £1200-1400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Gallantry Awards to the Indian Army for the Burma Campaign 1944-45.

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M.C. London Gazette 5 October 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘During the attack on Rajput Hill on the Palel-Tamu Road, on the afternoon of 25 June [1944], Jemadar Kalu Ram showed great initiative, resource and courage. Taking advantage of dummy air attacks, Jemadar Kalu Ram led his platoon on to the objective and quickly placed his sections into position. Almost at once the enemy counter-attacked but before this could develop as a serious threat Jemadar Kalu Ram ordered his platoon to charge the enemy with fixed bayonets, he himself leading. The enemy were completely routed by this sudden attack and fled in panic.

Later, when counter-attacked, Kalu Ram once again displayed skill and tenacity in inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, and keeping his platoon position intact until relieved the following morning.’

Kalu Ram was a Hindu Jat from the village of Dandu in Bikaner district, Rajputana.