Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Burma operations M.C. group of six awarded to Jemadar Kalu Ram, 5/Rajput Rifles - who led a spirited bayonet charge on Rajput Hill, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1944’; 1939-45 Star; copy Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (I.O. 45699 Jemdr. Kalu Ram, 5 Bn. Raj. Rif.), generally very fine or better (6) £800-1000

M.C. London Gazette 5 October 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘During the attack on Rajput Hill on the Palel-Tamu Road, on the afternoon of 26 June 1944, Jemadar Kalu Ram showed great initiative, resource and courage. Taking advantage of dummy air attacks, Jemadar Kalu Ram led his platoon onto the objective and quickly placed his sections into position. Almost at once the enemy counter-attacked but before this could develop as a serious threat, Jemadar Kalu Ram ordered his platoon to charge the enemy with fixed bayonets, he himself leading. The enemy were completely routed by this sudden attack and fled in panic.

Later when counter-attacked, Jemadar Kalu Ram once again displayed skill and tenacity in inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and keeping his platoon position intact until relieved the following morning.’

Kalu Ram was a Hindu Jat from the village of Dandu in the district of Bikanir, Rajputana.