Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Malaya operations M.M. group of five awarded to Lieutenant (Q.G.O.) Kubirsing Gurung, 1/6 Gurkha Rifles - ‘fearless in battle, calm under fire’, he personally accounted for five terrorists with his L.M.G., among them a Political Commissar with a price of $75,000 on his head

Military Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (21143676 A./L. Cpl. Kubirsing Gurung, 6 G.R.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (21143676 Rfn. Kubirsing Gurung, 6 [G.] R.). the ‘G.’ worn due to edge bruising; General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Borneo (Lt. Kubirsing Gurung, M.M., 1/6 G.R.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., Regular Army (21143676 Sgt. Kubirsing Gurung, M.M., 6 G.R.); Indian Independence Medal 1947 (21143676 Rfn. Kubirsing Gurung, G.R.), mounted as worn, surname officially corrected on the third, occasional edge bruising and minor contact wear, generally good very fine (5) £2500-3000

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

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M.M. London Gazette 1 May 1953. The original recommendation states:

‘During constant operations in the last 18 months Lance-Corporal Kubirsing Gurung, 1/6 Gurkha Rifles, has proved himself to be one of the most successful and outstanding Section Commanders in the Battalion.

His patience, tireless energy, his knowledge of jungle lore and his ability to track the terrorists through most difficult country, are among his chief accomplishments. His stealth, cunning and tactical ability have outwitted the enemy in both the jungle and the rubber, and on every occasion he has encountered the terrorists he has reacted instinctively and gained the initiative by attacking immediately. He is fearless in battle, calm under fire and a splendid example and tremendous inspiration to his men.

During the past six months in Perak, he has contacted the enemy on seven occasions and through sheer dash, determination, agressiveness, and leadership of the highest order, he has personally accounted for five enemy killed.

On 10 June 1952, in the Lenggong area of Perak, he was a member of the ambush party which killed the Political Commissar of No. 12 Regiment, M.R.L.A., a communist terrorist leader with a price of 75,000 dollars on his head. As soon as the ambush was sprung by the Platoon Commander throwing a No. 356 hand grenade, Lance-Corporal Kubirsing opened fire with his Light Machine-Gun, instantly killing three of the enemy. The Political Commissar was wounded and escaped. This N.C.O. immediately followed up and after four hours he succeeded in cornering and killing this desperate wounded foe.

On 10 September 1952, this Lance-Corporal lay in ambush for three days in a timber felling area surrounded by forest workers. The presence of his section remained undetected but on the third day his patience was rewarded when one of the enemy appeared and engaged the timber workers in conversation. Lance-Corporal Kubirsing waited twelve minutes and then opened fire, killing the terrorist outright.

This young N.C.O. has proved himself to be a born leader and intrepid fighter, his conduct throughout being worthy of high praise and commendation. He has more than upheld the valour of his race and the highest traditions of his Regiment.’

Kubirsing Gurung served in the 1/6 Gurkha Rifles from October 1944 until August 1966, gaining his commission as a Lieutenant (Q.G.O.) in October 1963 - an accompanying copy of his service record also confirms his entitlement to the above described Medals & clasps.