Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Burma operations M.M. awarded to Havildar Janak Singh, 17th Dogra Regiment, who stormed an enemy machine-gun post in thick jungle in Paunggi district in June 1945

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5104 Hav. Janak Singh, Dogra R.), good very fine £550-650

M.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. The original recommendation - for an immediate award - states:

‘On 6 June 1945, Havildar Janak Singh was the leading Platoon Commander of a company detailed to seal the escape of the enemy from a position about to be attacked by other troops. Moving through thick jungle, the Platoon made contact with an enemy force of about equal strength, which was strongly entrenched in well concealed positions. At point blank range his two leading Section Commanders fell and the Platoon was thrown into temporary confusion. Havildar Janak Singh at once issued orders for immediate dis-engagement and re-organisation. This done he rushed forward to close range of the enemy position and with grenade and rifle silenced the hostile L.M.G. He carried the body of one Section Commander to the rear, and then organised a further flanking attack which resulted in the withdrawal of the enemy less their dead.

His courage and leadership inspired his platoon to surmount a difficult obstacle and assisted greatly the success of all troops involved in the operation.

A separate account by an independent eye witness attached to the force is appended as testimony to this N.C.O’s gallantry.’

Janak Singh was from Bhalar village in Hoshiarpur district. He was serving in the 1st Battalion, 17th Dogra Regiment, at the time of the above deeds, a component of 123rd Indian Infantry Brigade, 5th Indian Division.