Auction Catalogue

8 & 9 May 2019

Starting at 10:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 75

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8 May 2019

Hammer Price:
£1,100

A Second World War ‘Eritrea 1941’ campaign Immediate I.D.S.M. awarded to Naik Ajaib Khan, 3/2nd Punjab Regiment

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (10556 Naik Ajaib Khan, 3-2 Punjab R.) nearly extremely fine £600-£800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 18 July 1941. The recommendation states:

‘For Bravery of the highest order. During the attack on ZABAN on 17th March 1941 he led his section against an enemy M.M.G post wiping out the crew and capturing the gun. He then held the position against repeated enemy counter attacks often standing up under fire the better to see the enemy, showing no regard for his own personal safety. He was eventually wounded.
This NCO throughout the action gave a fine display of courage and leadership which in no small way helped towards the success of the action.’

The following details come from the history of the 5th Indian Division:

‘Zaban is one of the three steep mountainous commanding hill features right hand side of the Dongolaas Gorge used to approach the town of Keren. 5th Indian on 15th March would attack Fort Dologorodoc and then exploit towards Falestoh and Zeban. 9 Bde to take capture Fort Dologorodoc and then 29 Bde to go through and attack Mount Zeban. Dologorodoc taken on 16th and series of counterattacks were beaten off.

2.30am night 16-17th March the 29 Bde passed through attack Falestoh and Zeban 3/2nd Punjab detailed to take Mount Zaban. 3/2nd made splendid attack during which they captured four enemy guns,, but then held up by fire from Sanchi half a mile of Zeban Minor. The rest of 29 Brigade was held up by Italians, but the 3/2nd Punjab successfully held onto positions overnight 8-hundred yards in front of Fort Dologorodoc. The offensive halted for a week while Italians launched a week of counterattacks.’

Sold with a detailed account of this attack, near Keren, from the history of the 1st Worcesters who were serving in the 29th Indian Infantry Brigade together with the 6/13th F.F.R. and the 3/2nd Punjabis, as part of the 5th Indian Division.