Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An interesting Indian Police Medal group of seven awarded to Sergeant-Major W. C. Cleverly, Bihar and Orissa Police, late Dorset Regiment, for services during an earthquake in Bihar in January 1934

Indian Police Medal, G.V.R., For Distinguished Conduct (W. C. Cleverly, Sergt.-Major, B. & O. Police); 1914-15 Star (9224 Pte., Dorset R.); British War and Victory Medals (9224 Pte., Dorset R.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (315707 A.Sjt., R.E.); Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937, loose mounted with campaign medals first, contact marks, otherwise very fine and better (7) £400-500

Indian Police Medal Gazette of India 1 January 1935:

The original recommendation states:

‘William Charles Cleverly, Sergeant-Major of Police, Bihar and Orissa. Within 15 minutes of the earthquake of the 15th January, Sergeant-Major Cleverly had despatched, on his own initiative, parties of armed and ordinary police to the Laheria Serai Bazar, the area of Kanhai Misser’s tank, where many houses had collapsed, and to the Jail to prevent prisoners from escaping. He himself accompanied one party and was indefatigable in assisting in removing the dead, sending the injured to the hospital and clearing the debris, work which continued for several days. He was in sole charge of the Reserve Police and his cheerful demeanour and devotion to duty set a fine example to his men. In spite of his strenuous labours by day, he supervised night rounds on several successive nights, until personally instructed by the Superintendent to rest. He was always on the spot, always active, and maintained complete control of his men. When motor transport was organised, he was placed in charge and proved a capable and energetic Transport Officer. Sergeant-Major Cleverly has a creditable record of service in the Police which he joined in 1923, after having served in the Army for over 7 years.’

William Charles Cleverly served during the Great War as a Private in the Dorset Regiment, in Mesopotamia from 16 November 1914. After the war he transferred to the Royal Engineers and was promoted an Acting Sergeant, in which rank he served on the North West Frontier in Afghanistan during 1919. After 7 years service in the Army, he joined the Indian Police, becoming Sergeant-Major in the Bihar and Orissa Police.

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