Auction Catalogue

18 & 19 September 2014

Starting at 10:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

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Lot

№ 1362

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19 September 2014

Hammer Price:
£1,550

A good Second World War Burma operations M.C. group of six awarded to Subedar Nauroze Khan, 16-10 Baluch Regiment - who personally accounted for three Japanese, including an officer who attacked him at close quarters

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1946’; India General Service 1908-35, 3 clasps, North West Frontier 1930-31, Mohmand 1933, North West Frontier 1935 (8266 L. Nk. Nauroz Khan, 5-10 Baluch R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; India Service Medal 1939-45, minor official correction to surname on the second, generally very fine or better (6) £1600-1800

M.C. London Gazette 21 February 1946. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 28 January 1945, this V.C.O. was second-in-command of ‘B’ Company which had been ordered to attack a heavily bunkered hill feature called Meirose. The attack was met by extremely strong Japanese heavy M.M.G., L.M.G., mortars and rifle fire. Subedar Nauroze Khan rushed forward to the leading platoon and organised the destruction of six enemy bunkers. Whilst attacking one bunker, Subedar Nauroze Khan was attacked at close range by a Japanese officer whom he shot and killed with his rifle. He then turned on two other Japanese and shot them down.

When the Company had consolidated its position, this V.C.O. did admirable work organising the evacuation of the wounded, whilst the position was still under heavy automatic and rifle fire.

Throughout the engagement in spite of heavy fire of all arms from a strongly held position, Subedar Nauroze Khan gave an example of leadership and personal bravery of the highest order. The conduct of this platoon under his direction led in no small measure to the success of the attack and the ultimate success of a vital operation.’

Nauroze Khan, a Punjabi Mussalman, was from Chakrali Budhal, Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi, and was also mentioned in despatches (
London Gazette 10 January 1946, refers).