Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Colonel P. H. D. Panton [O.B.E.], 2nd (King Edward VII’s Own) Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles), who commanded the 3rd Battalion from December 1944, and was wounded in action at Tamandu, Arakan, 6 March 1945. He later transferred to the Royal Artillery

India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (Lt. P. H. D. Panton. 2-2 G. R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. Oak Leaf; India Service Medal, Second War awards privately engraved ‘Lt. Col. P. H. D. Panton 2nd Goorkhas’; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Arabian Peninsula (Lt-Col. P. H. D. Panton. O.B.E. R.A.) mounted as originally worn, remnants of lacquer, generally nearly very fine or better (6) £300-£400

O.B.E London Gazette 6 June 1946 (Burma), the recommendation states:

‘Throughout the planning of Operation ‘Zipper’ this officer’s zeal and efficiency was of the highest and the training of his Battalion, which only returned from leave about a month before mounting, was carried out with such speed and efficiency that in spite of starting some months behind the remainder of the Brigade they were level and ready for war by the time of mounting.

A personal achievement that is entirely due to the ‘drive’ of the C.O.

In the past, this Officer has had command of his Unit since December 1944 with only one break of three months when he was undergoing treatment as a results of wounds received in action on 6th March 1945 at Tamandu in the Arakan.

Throughout these operations he led his Battalion with a spirit of boldness, tenacity and dash that has placed its name, in the last stages of the Arakan campaign, among the highest in the Division.

This achievement is very largely due to this Officer’s personal leadership and singleness of purpose.

M.B.E. London Gazette 16 December 1943 (Burma), the recommendation states:

‘This officer has held the appointment of D.A.A. & Q.M.G. of this Sub Area since the foundation of the Manipur Road Base in February, 1942. In the course of the tenure of his appointment occurred the most trying and strenuous time of the evacuation of the Burma Army from Burma.

During this period, Capt. (Ty. Major) Panton has carried out his duties with the utmost zeal and discretion. These duties on occasions entailed very long hours in the most uncomfortable and trying conditions; at all times they called for hard work, a high standard of professional knowledge and clear thinking. This officer has always displayed the greatest keenness and cheerfulness; he has set a high example which was an inspiration to those who worked around him.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 September 1945 (Burma).

Phillip Henry Dupernex Panton was born in November 1911, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Indian Army in January 1932. He advanced to Lieutenant in April 1934, and served with the 2nd (King Edward VII’s Own) Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) on the North West Frontier. Panton advanced to Captain in January 1940, and served as Acting Major, February 1942 - May 1942, and Temporary Major, May 1942 - December 1944.

Panton advanced to Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel and commanded the 3rd Battalion as part of the 74th Indian Infantry Brigade from December 1944. He was wounded in action at Tamandu, Arakan, 6 March 1945.

After the war Panton advanced to Major in July 1946, and transferred to the Royal Artillery in May 1948. He advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1953, and was appointed A.Q.M.G. H.Q. Northern Command in February 1955. Panton retired as Colonel in July 1966.