Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘Irrawaddy Bridgehead’ Immediate M.M. awarded to Naik Wali Mohd, 31st Indian Mountain Battery, Royal Indian Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (44167 Nk. Wali Mohd, R.I.A.) good very fine £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Richard Magor Collection of Medals Relating to India and Africa, and other Fine Awards.

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M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. The original recommendation for the Immediate award of the I.D.S.M. states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry in action. In the Kyigen area on 16 and 17 February 1945 during the operations covering the bridgehead across the R. Irrawaddy, Naik Wali Mohd was the senior N.C.O. of the battery O.P. party with a Company of 1st Northamptons holding an isolated feature essential to the bridgehead. At 0030 hours on 17 February an advanced post of the Company was attacked by about 40 Japs and was driven in, the enemy establishing themselves in the trenches thus vacated within 15 yards of the battery O.P.

At one period there was no one between the O.P. and the enemy, but without heed to the shower of grenades falling all round the O.P. and the heavy fire to which it was subjected for several hours, Naik Wali Mohd continued to work calmly and unremittingly on the maintenance of his communications to the battery, which never failed. When the telephone line was broken he went out immediately on his own initiative to supervise its repair, showing complete disregard for his personal safety. At one period there was considerable wireless interference which made communication difficult but Naik Wali Mohd with complete calm directed the operations at both ends in methods of improving speech quite regardless of the proximity of the enemy and the heavy fire.

The action lasted until 0730 hours when the enemy were finally driven back with many casualties and the situation in the position was restored. During the whole action Naik Wali Mohd displayed courage and resource of a very high order. His calm efficiency and complete disregard for his personal safety were an inspiration to those round him. His gallantry and devotion to duty in successfully maintaining uninterrupted communication throughout the night, enabling the F.O.O. to bring down effective gun fire at a critical time, contributed largely to the defeat of the enemy and holding of the vital position.’