Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Second War Burma Gallantry Medal awarded to Lance Naik Aung Thein, Burma Rifles, for his intelligence gathering behind enemy lines, after he had been listed as missing in action on Mount Bhopi Vum

Burma Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (7907 Lance-Naik Aung Thein. The Burma Rifles.) very fine £2800-3200

Provenance: Buckland Dix Wood, April 1994.

Only 207 Burma Gallantry Medals, and three Bars, were awarded during the period of its existence, from 1940-47.

B.G.M. London Gazette 19 July 1945, the following citation was extracted from official sources:

‘7907 Aung Thein, 2 Burma Rifles. He served from August 1942 until September 1942 when he was lost in action on BHOPI VUM [970 metre high mountain in Burma]. He underwent long periods of hardship living in close proximity to the enemy, in constant danger and without respite, often short of rations and doing long marches in difficult enemy occupied country with heavy loads. In spite of all this he was always cheerful and showed much courage and initiative in every emergency. He contributed much to the success that has been achieved in providing intelligence regarding enemy movements and dispositions.’