Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War 1945 immediate ‘Italy operations’ M.M. awarded to Naik Allah Ditta, 69th Indian Field Company, Corps of Indian Engineers, for his gallantry whilst clearing the main Divisional route forward of shells converted into mines, 10/11 April 1945, during which he ‘took the risk of lifting some fifty shells by hand, in the dark, and under continuous mortar and Spandau fire.’

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (23978 Naik. Allah Ditta. C. of I. E. I.A.) light scratches, good very fine £600-£800

M.M. London Gazette 23 August 1945.

The recommendation states: ‘On the night 10-11 April 1945 Naik Allah Ditta was in charge of a minesweeping party forward from the Scola Arginello. The infantry had passed up the road leaving eight enemy in a house at the side of the road as he was sweeping. They fired two Spandau bursts as he started work but this did not stop him. In the road were a large number of shells, dug in, with wires attached to them. Naik Allah Ditta fastened a rope to the first three and pulled them out. Finding that they did not explode and knowing that a bulldozer was urgently required forward, he took the risk of lifting some fifty shells by hand, in the dark, and under continuous mortar and Spandau fire. As the party neared the house, the enemy came out and gave themselves up.

Naik Allah Ditta’s prompt action and disregard for danger greatly reduced the time for opening the main Divisional route forward.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 January 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’