Orders, Decorations and Medals

A scarce Burma O.B.E. and 1937 North West Frontier M.C. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel H. S. D’Arcy-McArthy, 1/3rd Gurkha Rifles

The Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) 2nd type; Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1937; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (Lt., 1-3 G.R.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (Capt., 1-3 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence & War Medals, together with original news cutting giving full details of the award of the M.C., nearly extremely fine (8) £2000-2500

O.B.E. London Gazette 8 February 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India - Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Hugh Stanley D’Arcy-McArthy, M.C., 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army.’

M.C. London Gazette 26 November 1937: ‘For gallant and distinguished service in action in connection with military operations on the North West Frontier of India, 1937.’

The following details are given in the accompanying news cutting, dated October 24, 1937: ‘How a British officer, though shot through the wrist and subjected to intense sniping, successfully organised a counter-attack and evacuated his company from a narrow ridge, the only exit from which was along a steep knife-like ridge, is described in a communiqué which announces the immediate award of the Military Cross to Captain H. S. D’Arcy-McArthy of the 1st Batt., 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles, for conspicuous gallantry during the present operations on the North West Frontier. The Commander-in-Chief has also approved of the immediate awards of the Military Cross to Jemadar Panchsuba of the Sirmoor Rifles, and of the Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class) to Subedar Ganja Singh Gurung and Lance Naik Dad Gurung (killed in action)of the same unit as Capt. D’Arcy-McArthy. The following details accompany the announcement:

Captain H. S. D’Arcy-McArthy: At the Sirda, Algad, on September 27 “A” Company, of which Captain D’Arcy-McArthy was in command, was the forward company of the battalion. The position was on a long, narrow ridge terminating in a plateau with cliff-like edges, the only exit from which was along a steep knife-edge. The position was dominated at close range in front and on one side and the company was sniped intermitently throughout the day. As the time for withdrawal approached, the sniping became more intense and two men were hit. These were got away, but a third was wounded just as the withdrawal was to commence.

Captain D’Arcy-McArthy was able to send this man away but, while waiting, became pinned to his position; he organised such efficient counter fire that his forward platoons, with which he was himself, were able to leave. But crossing the knife-edge, two more men were hit and Captain D’Arcy-McArthy immediately led a counter-attack to re-occupy the original position. As the troops regained it, they drove the enemy off the top, and, had the counter-attack not been instantaneous, heavy casualties would undoubtedly have occurred.

When the withdrawal was resumed, casualties were again sustained, Captain D’Arcy-McArthy being hit through the wrist. In spite of his wound he again led the counter-attack and the wounded were safely removed. By this time covering fire had made itself felt and the position was at length safely evacuated, it was not till then that Captain D’Arcy-McArthy left his company to have his wound seen to. Throughout the action he showed a magnificent example of gallantry, leadership and soldierly qualities, and it was entirely due to him that casualties to a serious extent did not occur.’

Captain D’Arcy-McArthy had previously earned the approbation of the Column Commander by his skill in extricating “A” Company in a rearguard action during the operations in the early part of 1937. He attended the Staff College at Quetta in 1939, was promoted to Major and Acting Lieutenant-Colonel in January 1942, and commanded the 3rd Gurkha Rifles in Burma from September 1943 until July 1944. The award of the O.B.E. was almost certainly in recognition of his services as commanding officer during this period.