Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An extremely rare post-war ‘Indian Partition period’ M.M. awarded to Sepoy Lal Khan, 3/14th Punjab Regiment, attached 1/1st (King George V’s Own) Gurkha Rifles, who was decorated for his gallantry in June 1947, when his piquet came under heavy automatic and rifle fire from a hostile gang - hit in both legs by a burst of three rounds which fractured his right thigh bone in several places, and notwithstanding the pain and profuse bleeding - he dragged himself up a hill where he returned fire and materially assisted in the recapture of the piquet position

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (19104 Sepoy Lal Khan, Punjab R.), edge bruising, nearly very fine £2000-2400

M.M. London Gazette 25 September 1947. The original recommendation - for an I.D.S.M. - states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. Sepoy Lal Khan was serving in a company of his battalion attached to the 1/1st K.G.V’s Gurkha Rifles during a ‘Reconnaissance in Force’, which was being carried out in the Mahi Rogha Algad on the 15 June 1947, in the course of a Razcol [Ramzak Column] Training Column.  When his piquet was withdrawn it came under heavy automatic and rifle fire from a hostile gang. Sepoy Lal Khan was hit by a burst of 3 rounds and fell wounded in both legs, his right thigh bone being fractured in several places. In spite of his pain, and profuse bleeding, Sepoy Lal Khan dragged himself back some ten yards up the hill to his original position, and started to return the ‘Hostiles’ fire. In doing so, in spite of the severity of his wounds, he materially assisted the remainder of his platoon in the recapture of the piquet position. Sepoy Lal Khan, by his aggressiveness and determination, set the highest example to the men of his platoon, and was an inspiration to all who witnessed his gallant action.’

The recommendation is additionally endorsed:

‘I consider Lal Khan’s action shows a remarkable offensive fighting spirit and a high degree of gallantry. Two senior officers and myself were eye witnesses of the action. Strongly recommended.’

Lal Khan was from Karun village, Tehsil, in Chakwal, District, Jehlum (Punjab).

The above described action took place in the Mami Rogha Valley, on a high ridge east of Mareti, eight weeks prior to Indian Partition in August 1947. Lieutenant P. L. Davis of the 1/1st Gurkha Rifles was awarded the M.C. on the same occasion; it is not thought that Lal Khan served during the 1939-45 War and his M.M. is therefore his sole entitlement.