Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War Italy operations I.D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Jemadar Ahmed Khan, 1-2 Punjab Regiment

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (13024 Hav. Ahmed Khan, 1-2 Punjab R.), officially impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Pakistan, General Service Medal, 1 clasp, Kashmir; Pakistan Independence Medal 1947 (PJO-10128 Jem. Ahmed Khan, 1 P.R.), mounted local-style as worn, but the I.D.S.M. re-ribboned, generally very fine (8) £800-1000

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 5 July 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 20 April 1945, Havildar Ahmed Khan was in command of No. 9 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, during the attack on the T. Idice, south of Mezzolara. In its advance to the objective the Platoon came under very heavy artillery, mortar and Spandau fire and suffered severe casualties. Havildar Ahmed Khan, realising that the momentum of the attack must be kept up, personally led a charge which took his platoon up to the top of the bank through the forward line of the enemy M.G. posts. In the charge the Platoon cleared six enemy trenches killing six Germans. During the whole operation of 20-21 April this N.C.O’s work was magnificent and his example and personal initiative outstanding. Owing to his great dash and gallantry in leading the charge the Platoon was able to clear the near bank of the river with the least possible delay.’

Ahmed Khan, who was advanced to Jemadar shortly after the above cited action, was from Mithial, Pindigheb, Attock, in the Punjab. Sold with copied V.C.O. certificate and three copied group photographs featuring Jemadar Ahmed Khan, one taken with ‘Lt. Col. M. Ashraf Khan and J.C.Os of 3rd (Para) Bn 1st Puinjab Regiment’, the others taken at ‘Chaklala on IDICE Day 1947’ and ‘Bomb Disposal Course No. 3, School Military Engineering, Risalpur’ in 1953.