Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War Italy operations I.D.S.M. awarded to Naik Sajawal Khan, 1st Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Rifles, who was decorated for his part in the crossing of the River Saterno - ‘attacking through barbed wire entanglements and wading the waist deep water under constant M.G. fire, his platoon gained a footing on the far bank but was now reduced to only six men’

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (14696 L.-Nk. Sajawal Khan, 1-12 F.F.R.), officially impressed naming, good very fine £600-800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 23 August 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘During the crossing of the R. Saterno in the area of Ca Di Lugo on 11 April 1945, Naik Sajawal Khan commanded a section in the right forward platoon. Advancing across open country against well dug in and cunningly sited enemy positions, the Platoon Commander and many people were killed or wounded.

After attacking and capturing a strong enemy post on the near bank, Naik Sajawal Khan then took over command of the Platoon and reorganised for the assault on the far bank. Attacking through barbed wire entanglements and wading the waist deep water under constant M.G. fire, his platoon gained a footing on the far bank but was now reduced to only six men. An immediate counter-attack on these remnants was beaten off and his position reorganised. By this time the Reserve Platoon had started to cross the river and Naik Sajawal Khan organised and personally directed covering fire on the flanking enemy position, though under fire himself, thus allowing this Reserve Platoon to cross without further casualties.

During this action Naik Sajawal Khan led his men under the most trying conditions with complete coolness and contempt of the severe casualties which were inflicted on his platoon. His daring leadership and disregard for his own safety played a very large part in the successful crossing of this strongly defended river.’

Sajawal Khan was from Narr Dhok Tangwan, Kahuta, Rawalpindi. Sold with copied portrait photo and copied discharge certificate.