Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A particularly fine Second World War Burma operations I.D.S.M. awarded to Sepoy Said Mohd, 6-15 Punjab Regiment - ‘three Japs moved to intercept him but this Sepoy, disregarding the odds against him, charged the Japs and bayoneted them to death in quick succession’: having then bayoneted or shot another 13 of the enemy, he was wounded by a grenade, but ‘although bleeding profusely, Sepoy Said Mohd never faltered, killed two more and continued leading until all the Japs had been killed’

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (15420 Sep. Said Mohd., 6-15 Punjab R.), officially impressed naming, contact marks, edge bruising and polished, good fine £600-800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 1 November 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On the night of 23-24 July 1945, Sepoy Said Mohd’s section was, together with the Platoon H.Q., in an ambush position at Kyauktaing. At approximately 0500 hours a party was seen approaching and when they were within 40 yards range they were engaged by the ambush party. Several Japs were killed and wounded and the remainder took up positions behind the paddy bunds. They immediately opened fire with rifles and L.M.Gs and heavy fire by both sides continued for 10 minutes. The Platoon Commander then ordered a party to move forward and mop up. This party consisted of Sepoy Said Mohd. and five other Sepoys under the command of a Havildar.

The party had only advanced 20 yards when a Jap L.M.G. opened fire on them from 30 yards range. Unhesitatingly, Sepoy Said Mohd, completely ignoring the enemy fire, dashed forward alone, with fixed bayonet to destroy the gun. Three Japs moved to intercept him but the Sepoy, disregarding the odds against him, charged the Japs and bayoneted them to death in quick succession. Still under fire from the L.M.G, he rushed towards it and managed to wound the Jap gunner with the bayonet. The Jap closed with the Sepoy and the two fought fiercely for a grenade which the Jap had taken from his pouch until one of the Sepoy’s comrades came to the rescue and finished off the Jap.

Fired by Said Mohd’s bravery and determination the remainder of the party assaulted, headed by the Sepoy, who killed 13 more Japs with bayonet and bullet, before he was wounded by a grenade in the head and thigh. Although bleeding profusely Sepoy Said Mohd never faltered, killed two more Japs and continued leading until all the Japs had been killed. 48 Japs bodies were counted and five M.M.Gs, three L.M.Gs and 40 rifles were captured or destroyed.

Sepoy Said Mohd’s courage, complete disregard for his own safety and above all his blazing determination to kill even against heavy odds, was such an inspiration to his six comrades that they went forward and destroyed a much stronger enemy force. His action was undoubtedly responsible for the tremendous success achieved and his fine fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest tradition of his race.’

Said Mohd. was from Teri, in Kohat.