Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of ten awarded to Jemadar Resham Khan, 13th Frontier Force Rifles, who was twice wounded in the process of winning his decoration - and the recipient of a ‘double issue’ of the same distinction

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (16112 Nk. Resham Khan, 13 F.F. Rifs.), with original riband and investiture pin; Military Medal, G.VI.R. (16112 Nk. Resham Khan, 13 F.F.R. I.A.); India General Service 1936-39, 2 clasps, North West Frontier 1936-37, North West Frontier 1937-39 (16112 Sepoy Resham Khan, 6-13 F.F. Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953; Indian Independence Medal 1947 (3037911 Jem. Resham Khan, 8 Punjab R.), the first and last with two or three severe edge bruises, otherwise generally good very fine (10) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Scinde Rifles.

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M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Subsequent to the crossing of the Senio River operations on 9 April 1945, ‘D’ Company continued to exploit towards the Lugo Canal and with the help of tanks advanced as far as the canal and beyond. on the morning of the 10th, on reaching a few hundred yards from the Tratturo River, the Company was held up by what appeared to be enemy strength on the river line. In order to keep the impetus of the attack, patrols were sent out to find the flanks of the enemy positions. Naik Resham Khan, the leader of one of these patrols, led his patrol through ground swept by enemy small arms and an anti-personnel minefield, to within 70 yards of the river, where he came under extremely heavy fire from several previously unspotted enemy strong points on the banks of the river. The patrol suffered four casualties and was rushed by a party of enemy which they drove off - Naik Resham Khan, who had been wounded himself, killed three Germans during the affray. He then ordered the remainder of his patrol to start withdrawing whilst he covered their withdrawal with a L.M.G. He was again wounded, and was only picked up later when a fresh attack was made.

The coolness, initiative and determination shown by this N.C.O. under the most dangerous and difficult circumstances were outstanding, and it was due to his gallant leadership that the men of his patrol were able to return with valuable information.’