Orders, Decorations and Medals

An excellent Second World War ‘Escaper’s’ I.D.S.M. group of five awarded to Havildar Dhirta Singh, 4-11th Sikh Regiment

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (10088 Hav., 4-11 Sikh R.), correction to name, lacking top suspension brooch; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed, some contact marks, nearly very fine and better (5) £700-800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 31 December 1942.

Recommendation reads, ‘This Hav. was taken prisoner by the Germans with a number of other men of the Bn on 1st July at Deir-el-Shein whence he eventually arrived at Tobruk. Here after working for some weeks on the railway he collected three other men of the Bn who were also prisoners of war, and on the night 18 Aug made his escape. Prior to leaving he had collected a sand bag full of biscuits and a two gallon tin of water. Using his previous knowledge of the country gained during last year’s advance he led his party via El Adem and El Gubi to Sofafi. Here they lost their way and found themselves at Sisi Omar. Recognising the spot as that where he fought in Nov. 1941, Dhirta Singh turned his party about and moved Eastwards again until he was picked up on 7th Sep. by elements of 10 Armd Div in the Southern Sector.

Whilst in Tobruk he made full use of his opportunities of obtaining valuable information which he imparted on his return. By his fortitude and leadership he saved not only himself but also three of his brother soldiers whom he led across 400 miles of the desert occupied by enemy troops. By his fieldcraft he enabled his party to avoid bodies of enemy troops which they frequently met. Throughout the journey he was untiring in his efforts cheering on his men when tired and not sparing himself or considering his own personal safety when reconnoitring for ways through enemy positions. I consider his conduct to have been of the highest order and well worthy of recognition’.

For this amazing feat Havildar Dhirta Singh was also awarded the Macgregor Memorial Medal for 1943. Sold with copied research, cloth stripes, ‘Sikhs’ button and ‘11 Sikhs’ badge.