Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War ‘Burma Operations’ M.C. and I.D.S.M. group of six awarded to Acting Subadar Sherbahadur Rai, 1st Battalion, 7th Gurkha Rifles

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1944’; Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (1288 Q.M. Hav., 1-7 G.R.) complete with brooch bar (lacking pin); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; India Service Medal 1939-45, these four unnamed as issued, good very fine (6) £3500-4000

M.C. London Gazette 27 July 1944.

Recommendation states: ‘On 7 May 44 Jem Sherbahadur's platoon was the left hand platoon of the attack on the feature known as Wood Peak, east of the Imphal plain. When his Coy became held up by very heavy MMG and LMG fire from concealed positions on the reverse slope of the hill. Jem Sherbahadur Rai on his own initiative and with complete disregard for danger went forward and drawing fire from the enemy was able to locate the position of the enemy bunkers. He then personally led one of his sections forward into a position from which they could cover the enemy by fire while he himself with the remainder of his platoon attacked the enemy from the rear killing five of them in their bunkers and forcing the remainder to withdraw in disorder. Later in the day Jemadar Sherbahadur Rai went forward to occupy the eastern end of Khunbi village. On approaching the area his platoon came under very heavy MMG and LMG fire from a knoll which overlooked the village. Having dispersed his platoon under cover he moved forward shouting orders to an imaginary section in order to draw the enemy fire and thus managed to locate three enemy machine-guns which were then neutralized by MG and 3" mortar fire enabling the position to be taken. Throughout the whole operation this Gurkha Officer showed great initiative and resource and by his outstanding leadership and complete disregard for danger was an example to all.’

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 28 October 1942.

Recommendation states: ‘During the withdrawal from Pegu this Hav. lead a counter attack on a wood to the north of Pegu-Hlegu Rd, against heavy grenade and rifle fire. Due to his fine leadership and courageous example this wood was cleared of enemy thus opening the road to M.T. Again on reaching the roadblock a mile further towards Hlegu when the C.O. was killed and the advance held up, this Hav. crept up to the road block which was under fire from snipers and threw two grenades into the enemy position thus clearing the road block and allowing the main body to advance.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 19 September 1946.

IO 22209 Acting Subadar Sherbahadur Rai, M.C., I.D.S.M., is recorded as being 'Wounded-in-Action' on 26 March 1945 (ref the 7 GR casualty register). With copied recommendations and gazette extracts.