Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Second War ‘Gothic Line’ M.M. group of six awarded to Lance Naik Atta Ullah, 5th Indian Divisional Transport Company, Indian Army Service Corps

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (896862 L-Nk.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine (6) £250-300

M.M. London Gazette 19 April 1945. The recommendation states: ‘L. Nk. Atta Ullah was detached from his unit during the battle for the Gothic Line defences to drive Major P. C. Birch, who was appointed commander of an improvised Jeep Company. This unit operated continuously under very hazardous and difficult conditions in mountainous country for a period of six weeks. A great portion of their work consisted in troop-carrying, involving journeys under fire up to the closest possible distance from strongly defended localities.

On one occasion the 1st Bn Royal Sussex Regt. was being transported in Jeeps to the start line for an attack on Tavoletto. The Jeeps came under heavy and accurate fire as they passed over a ridge. L/Nk. Atta Ullah was driving Major Birch in the second vehicle of the convoy when the Jeep received several hits from a bursting shell. Major Birch was wounded and L/Nk. Atta Ullah got him under cover, retrieved his Jeep and helped to recover two other damaged vehicles. Shelling was persistent during this period but L/Nk. Atta Ullah showed complete disregard for his own safety.

On another occasion the Jeep, which he was driving, was again hit, the windscreen was broken and shell fragments landed under his legs. Once again this N.C.O. carried on driving thereby setting a fine example to the following vehicles which came through unscathed. This N.C.O. has served for 3 years with his unit in engagements in the Western Desert and from Alamein to Tunis and throughout the Italian Campaign. His coolness under fire and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to all ranks.’