Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A very rare Second World War Burma front escaper’s M.M. group of four awarded to Naik Gopal Sing Thapa, 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2818 Nk. Gopal Sing Thapa, 3 G.R.), impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, very fine or better (4) £1200-1400

M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘No. 2818 Nk. Gopal Singh Thapa, 1/3 G.R., was captured at the River Sittang in February 1942. He was sent to the Rangoon Jail and subjected to the usual I.N.A. propaganda, but to no avail. Eventually in August 1944 he was attached to the Thamichi Butai to work on the Tiddam Tonzang Road. On 18 August Nk. Gopal Singh Thapa heard that the Japanese were going to retire to Kalewa, and fearing he would not get another chance to escape, he collected nine G.O.Rs and escaped that night. Guided by a Naga coolie, he brought his party out to our lines, meeting a ‘V’ force patrol at Mombi on 1 September after a strenuous circuitous journey through the jungle. For his leadership and endurance it is recommended that Nk. Gopal Singh Thapa be awarded the Military Medal.’