Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Second World War ‘Irrawaddy Bridgehead’ M.C. group of six awarded to Subadar Ghulam Ullah Khan, 15th Punjab Regiment who, shouting his Pathan battle cry, led a bayonet attack and completely routed the enemy

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1945; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (6322 Naik Ghulam Ullah, 1-15 Punjab R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal; India Service Medal, these last four unnamed as issued, mounted as worn, very fine (6) £2500-3000

M.C. London Gazette 15 November 1945. The recommendation states:

‘During the period under review 16 Nov.-15 Feb 1945 Sub. GHULAM ULLAH KHAN has consistently shown powers of leadership as 2nd in Comd. of C Coy and especially after the establishment of the bridgehead over the R. Irrawaddy by two coys on the night of 14/15 Jan. On 17 Jan the enemy counter-attacked in about one coy strength. C Coy was holding GIN feature and the nullah on the right of it to BRANDY feature. At 0930 hrs. the Coy front was strongly attacked and the enemy supported by M.M.G’s and mortars pushed to within 50 yards of the Coy positions, where he was held up by our steady S.A.A. fire. When he had suffered considerable casualties the enemy attempted to withdraw his forces, but a party of them was cut off by our flanking fire. To wipe out this pocket, mortar and grenade fire was brought down, but without success. It was then that Sub. GHULAM ULLAH KHAN, who had all along been walking around the Coy posts exhorting the men, volunteered to lead a bayonet attack on the enemy pocket. This attack of two sections led by the Subedar shouting his Pathan battle cry completely routed the enemy who fled leaving his dead behind. The Subedar followed the attack up and many more enemy were wounded in escaping. Throughout Sub. GHULAM ULLAH KHAN showed leadership of a very high order and his fighting spirit and utter disregard for personal safety were an example to the whole Coy. Throughout the period this V.C.O. has been consistent in setting a high example.’

Ghulam Ullah Khan was a Khattack from Torewali village in Campbellpore District. The group is sold with a letter of thanks from the Governor’s House, Lahore, on the occasion of the re-election of Field Marshal Muhammad Ayub Khan as President of Pakistan in January 1965, and two Identity Cards, one for the District Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Board, Campbellpore, and another as a member of the Electoral College of Pakistan, both with photographs.