Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Second World War Monte Cassino operations I.O.M. group of eight awarded to Havildar Waryam Khan, 6th Rajput Rifles, who went to the assistance of the 9th Gurkha Rifles in the Monastery Hill area in March 1944, where, among other feats, he killed the occupants of an enemy M.G. post

Indian Order of Merit, Military Division, 4th type, Reward of Gallantry, silver, gold and enamel; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (13420 Rfm. Waryam Khan, 4-6 Raj. Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Pakistan Republic Day Medal, mounted as worn, enamel slightly chipped on the first, generally very fine or better (8) £3000-4000

I.O.M. London Gazette 21 September 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘During operations in the Cassino Monastery Hill area in March 1944, the 9th Gurkha Rifles had advanced to a point where they had become isolated and cut off from the rest of the Brigade without supplies and ammunition. Two companies of the 6th Rajput Rifles were given the task of running supplies through to the 9th Gurkha Rifles and on the night of 18-19 March 1944. Havildar Waryam Khan was ordered to advance and attack the M.G. post, which he did, silencing it and killing the occupants. The Company was then able to advance and take the supplies through and, on arrival, came under the command of the 9th Gurkha Rifles to assist in the defence of the position.

On 20 March 1944, the sector held by a company of the 6th Rajput Rifles was attacked by the enemy, some of whom forced their way into the platoon positions. Havildar Waryam Khan realising the seriousness of the situation, and on being ordered by his Company Commander to counter-attack, led his platoon round the right flank to a point where he could see the enemy crawling through the boulders. He then ordered his men to attack and, himself leading, threw themselves upon the enemy inflicting many casualties, until the enemy was forced to withdraw from the position. The quick thinking, personal courage, and determined action of this N.C.O. undoubtedly averted an attack which would have been a serious threat to the whole position.

Again when his Company Commander was wounded, Havildar Waryam Khan went forward on his own initiative through heavy fire, dressed his wounds and brought him back. Later on, after the Company had suffered heavy casualties, this N.C.O. took over command of two platoons and though his men were exhausted through shortage of food and water, he cheered and rallied them throughout the whole difficult period when they were isolated.

This N.C.O’s behaviour was an inspiration to all who witnessed his action and he showed qualities beyond the call of duty.’

Waryam Khan was a Punjabi Mussalman from Kandwal Lille, Pind Dadan Khan, Jullundur. He appears in a group photograph with three I.D.S.M. recipients from his regiment in The Indian Distinguished Service Medal by Rana Chinna.