Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War Middle East operations I.D.S.M. group of five awarded to War Substantive Naik Siridhoj Gurung, 1-2 Gurkha Rifles, who accounted for at least one enemy soldier with his kukri

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (1255 WS-Nk. Siridhoj Gurung, 1-2 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, the first with edge bruising, otherwise generally very fine or better (5) £600-800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 22 July 1943. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On the night of 5-6 April 1943, during the attack on the Rass O Ez Zouai feature, Naik Siridhoj Gurung was in charge of the leading section of No. 10 Platoon of ‘B’ Company which was ordered to secure the head of the gorge east of Point 275. Contact was first made in an outer ridge and the Company had to fight its way over this before it reached the broken ground at the mouth of the gorge.

The enemy had posted an anti-tank gun covering a narrow footpath leading up to the crest of the ridge. Naik Siridhoj Gurung at once saw the importance of this track and immediately led his section into the assault. He killed one member of the gun crew with his kukri and the rest fled. He pressed on up to the crest and there mopped up parties of the enemy coming from the far side.

During the subsequent advance Naik Siridhoj Gurung led the leading section and it was due to his energy and skilful reconnaissance that a way was found up the precipitous sides of the gorge in the dark.

The handling of his section during the attempts by the enemy to infiltrate on to the El Alig feature was an example of cool judgement and military skill. On several occasions he moved his section from one position to another and so dealt with repeated attempts by the enemy to bring automatic weapons on to the ridge. In the assault, in the difficult climb up the cliffs in the dark, and in the defensive operations of widely scattered sections, this N.C.O. was quite outstanding. His leadership and cool, sound judgement were an example to all ranks, and contributed largely to the success of the Company in gaining and holding its objective.’