Orders, Decorations and Medals

A very rare and impressive Malaya operations D.C.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant Makarpal Tamang, 2/10 Gurkha Rifles - ‘Notwithstanding his personal injuries, he was first into the enemy position leading the rout of six terrorists’

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (21142129 Cpl. Makarpal Tamang, 10 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, S.E. Asia 1945-46, Malaya (106856 Rfn. Makarpal Tamang, 3/10 G.R.); Coronation 1953; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., Regular Army (21142129 Sgt. Makarpal Tamang, D.C.M., 10th G.R.); Indian Independence Medal 1947 (21142129 Cpl. Makarpal Tamang, G.R.), mounted as worn, minor official corrections to number and name on the seventh, contact marks and edge bruising, very fine or better (8) £4000-5000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Richard Schweder Collection of Medals for Campaigns in Malaysia.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 4 November 1952. The original recommendation states:

‘On 16 August 1952, Corporal Makarpal Tamang was commanding 4 Platoon of ‘B’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th (P.M.O.) Gurkha Rifles, in the Tangkak area of Johore. At about 1300 hours, his platoon, which was only 16 strong, made contact with a large party of Chinese terrorists who were firmly established on a strong hill feature in the rubber. The enemy at once engaged the Platoon with heavy fire with two brens, rifles and automatic weapons, but Corporal Makarpal, making a rapid appreciation, resolutely decided to attack, ordering one section to attack by the western slopes and one by the northern, whilst he with the remainder would assault from the north-east. During these preparatory moves the whole Platoon was constantly in the open and under fire, the enemy showing every determination to fight back. Whilst Corporal Makarpal was leading the final assault up the hill, the Section Commander was killed whilst he himself was wounded in the leg. Notwithstanding his personal injuries, he was first into the enemy position leading the rout of six terrorists who fled carrying their wounded and leaving six dead, 16 packs and four weapons. In the re-organisation and follow-up which he organised without delay, two wounded were captured, a third being captured the next morning. One of the two captured proved to be an M.R.L.A. Section Commander who stated that the position was held by 39 terrorists, including 35 members of No. 10 Platoon, M.R.L.A. The superb feat of spirited action lasting an hour and half against the resolute defence put up by the hard core and numerically superior M.R.L.A. was achieved by Corporal Makarpal displaying powers of command and qualities of leadership far beyond those to be expected of a young Corporal. His coolness under intense fire, his personal bravery, and complete disregard of danger and his wound were an example above all praise and will always be an inspiration to all ranks.’