Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War ‘Abyssinian Campaign’ I.D.S.M. group of five awarded to Signaller Narain Sing, 22nd Mountain Battery

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (41641 Signlr., 22 Mtn. Bty.) officially impressed naming, lacking brooch bar; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed, good very fine (5) £800-1000

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 17 October 1941. ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

Recommendation reads: ‘This Signalmen has constantly gone forward with the Bty F.O.O. to operate the forward wireless set. On several occasions previously but particularly at Little Dadara River on 15 May and at the two Colito positions on 18-19 May he has displayed conspicuous gallantry by establishing and maintaining communications under heavy fire, and thus enabling supporting arty fire to be brought to bear and also important information to reach Bde via the Bty communications.

His complete disregard for his own safety and his great devotion to duty, often under most trying circumstances, has been an example for all other signallers.’

The 22nd Mountain Battery had been sent to Kenya, arriving at Mombasa on 10 September 1939, and became the first Indian Artillery unit to see action in the Second World War. When Italy entered the war, it was attached to the 22nd East African Infantry Brigade and it came into action at Afmadu in Southern Abyssinia in February 1941. It was the first artillery unit to enter Addis Ababa on 6 April 1941. The battery was awarded two I.D.S.M’s. and three M.I.D’s. for the Abyssinian campaign.

With copied gazette extract and recommendation and campaign notes.