Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. To coincide with the OMRS Convention

A fine Immediate Burma M.C. group of eleven awarded to Jemadar Imam Ali, O.B.I., M.C., 8th Indian Mountain Battery, Indian Artillery

Pakistan General Service Medal, 1 clasp, Kashmir 1948; Pakistan Independence Medal 1947 (PJO-2696 Jem., R.P.A.); Republic Medal 1956; Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1945’; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (35327 Dvr., 8 Mtn. Bty.); India General Service 1936-39, 2 clasps, North West Frontier 1936-37, North West Frontier 1937-39 (35327 L-Naik, 8 Mtn. Bty.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star, these last two both impressed (PJO 2696 Jem. Imam Ali, M.C.); Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46, unnamed as issued, original semi-court mounting as worn, nearly very fine or better (11) £700-900

M.C. London Gazette 20 September 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’ The recommendation for the Immediate M.C. states:

‘W/Jemadar Imam Ali, 8 Indian Mountain Battery, 23 Indian Mountain Regiment, Indian Artillery. For outstanding service and conspicuous gallantry in action.

At Wazonzeik, near Prome, on 14 May 1945, a report was received of 200 Japs in a village a few miles north. Jem. Imam Ali, with two rifle sections of infantry, was sent out to locate this party and engage them with artillery.

On nearing the village he realized that his presence had been given away by locals. Undeterred he proceeded to make a detour thereby avoiding an ambush to reach his selected view point. Here he saw a party of 30 to 40 Japs with a Burman who was indicating the route of advance of our troops. Jemadar Imam Ali engaged this party and then another party with gun fire, as a result of which 10 Japs were definitely seen to be killed.

The Japs then started to work round both flanks of the Jemadar’s position, and this party came under fire. Though fully realizing the threat from the greatly superior Jap party which was about70 strong Jem. Imam Ali coolly proceeded to carry out his task of shelling the village. He then turned his fire onto the advancing enemy and, when almost surrounded, with excellent judgement he skilfully withdrew his party, covering his withdrawal by the fire of his guns.

In attaining his object in spite of knowing his presence had been given away to the enemy, Jemadar Imam Ali showed initiative, determination and leadership of a high order. His coolness and courage under fire and in face of the encircling advance of a greatly superior party of Japs enabled him to complete his task and inflict heavy casualties on the Jap, as was confirmed by a patrol next day.’

Imam Ali was subsequently awarded the Order of British India and title Sardar Bahadur.