Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War Burma operations I.D.S.M. group of six awarded to Sepoy G. Singh, 4/15 Punjab Regiment, who appears to have specialised in firing from the hip: his recommendation includes great gallantry at Kamye-Myingyan on 2 March 1945, when his namesake, Naik Gian Singh, was awarded the V.C.

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (20896 Sep. Gian Singh, 4-15 Punjab R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; India Service Medal 1939-45 nearly extremely fine (6) £600-800

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 17 January 1946. The recommendation states:

‘Gian Singh is a Sepoy in ‘A’ Company, 4/15 Punjab Regiment. During the period 12 February to 12 May 1945, this Sepoy has played an outstanding part in the many hard and vigorous actions carried out by his company. In all actions this Sepoy has shown an unwavering example of gallantry, devotion to duty and complete disregard of personal safety.

On 27 February 1945, when his Company came under devastating fire from all types of Jap weapons in the area Ngatheyauk-Letpanchibaw, this Sepoy took over the section Bren gun when the No. 1 was wounded and although under constant fire, he assisted in the withdrawal of the forward Platoon which was pinned down, by giving accurate covering fire.

During an armoured sweep on a Jap position in March 1945, this Sepoy played a notable part in the capture of a Jap 105mm. gun which was covered by Jap infantry. He rushed at a jap trench covering the gun and killed two Japs while another two fled. Not content with his kill, he rushed after the fleeing Japs firing from the hip [It was for this same action that Naik Gian Singh was awarded the V.C.].

On 12 April 1945, ‘A’ Company was ordered to move by night through Jap occupied country and establish a road block on the main road Kyauk-Padaung-Chauk. On arrival at the road the Company was attacked by more than 100 Japs, supported by L.M.Gs and grenade dischargers. Sepoy Gian Singh was a member of the Platoon holding the Eastern perimeter. His Platoon suffered considerable casualties and two of their L.M.G. posts were destroyed. A Jap bayonet charge had been broken up some 25 yards from the position but owing to the destruction of the L.M.G. posts and heavy casualties, the Platoon remained in great danger from the remaining Japs in position. When his section commander with two other Sepoys left their positions and charged directly at the Japs in position, Sepoy Gian Singh was the first to accompany them firing his Tommy gun from the hip. This small counter-attack so surprised the Japs that they fled back to another position in the rear and this respite of several minutes allowed the Platoon dispositions to be adjusted to meet a further attack, which was successfully drawn off.

There is no doubt, whatsoever, that the action of this Sepoy helped tremendously in saving a breakthrough in the area of his Platoon’s perimeter.

For his part in the liberation of Burma, his gallant actions and bravery in keeping with the highest traditions of his race, this Sepoy is worthy of a very high reward.’

Gian Singh was a Jat Sikh from the village of Paragpur in the district of Sialkot.