Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War ‘Malaya 1942 - Battle of Kampar’ M.M. group of four awarded to Havildar Peo Gul, 5th Battalion, 14th Punjab Regiment, originally recommended for an Indian Order of Merit - he distinguished himself with an anti-tank rifle during a night ambush on a Japanese armoured column, 3 January 1942

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (8739 Hvldr. Peo Gul. Punjab. R.) edge bruising; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for display, generally very fine (4) £800-£1,000

M.M. London Gazette 19 December 1946:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya in 1942.’

The original recommendation (for an Indian Order of Merit) states:

‘On 12th Dec. 1941 when 5/14th Punjab Regiment was fighting in Thailand, Hav. Peo Gul and his platoon were detailed for road block duty in the front line on the 15 km. mark on the Krok-Pattini road.

The Japanese forces attacked this position at night in large numbers, but largely due to Hav. Peo Gul’s example and courage, were forced to withdraw. He continued to lead patrols throughout the night. This same N.C.O. also distinguished himself on the night of 3rd Jan 42 when the unit was in an ambush position south of Kampar. He was employed as Pl. Cdr. in a forward area covering a road block. At 0200hrs. the enemy attacked in tanks followed by motorised infantry.

Hav. Peo Gul held his fire till the enemy were compelled to halt due to the road block, then opened up concentrated fire on the vehicles. He also co-ordinated the fire of an A/T gun sec. attached to the unit.

This N.C.O.’s conduct throughout the whole of a difficult campaign, when neither ordinary battle reliefs or sufficient weapons or air support were obtainable was first class. A fine leader, and gallant in action.’

Peo Gul served as a Havildar with the 5th Battalion, 14th Punjab Regiment in Thailand and during the Malaya campaign of 1942. He distinguished himself in particular during the Battle of Kampar, the following detail is given in the Regimental History written by Major R. S. Waters:

‘On January 1st 1942, the Battalion was ordered to move across country to a track running S.W. from Kampar as the enemy were reported to be making a wide turning movement round the West of the Kampar position.

For this purpose the Battalion was joined by the 2/1st Gurkha Rifles. The small column so formed was designed ‘Stokol’ and placed under the command of Lt. Col. Stokes, that of the Battalion devolving upon Major Lewis. ‘Stokol’s’ role was to counter-attack if the Jap turning movement materialised, but after a difficult night march to the rendezvous the attack was cancelled just as Stokes’ force was forming up to commence operations.

On January 2nd however, by which time the enemy had landed in the Telok Anson area, it had become necessary to consider the evacuation of the Kampar position. ‘Stokol’ was accordingly withdrawn on the night of January 2nd-3rd and the Battalion took up a position some 5 miles South of Kampar on the Kampar-Simpang Tiga road in order to cover the withdrawal of the amalgamated 6/15th Brigade. ‘Chalis Nambar’ was in ‘Y’ formation. A Coy. on the right and D Coy. on the left astride the road. B Coy. (which had rejoined from the Taiping aerodrome) was in reserve. The 6/15th Brigade withdrew successfully and on this occasion the Japs were not long in following up. By 0200 hours on January 3rd hostile A.F.V.s with full headlights blazing arrived at the roadblock in front of the Battalion position. The Jap onset, however, was temporarily held up. A Coy. put pay to the two leading vehicles with anti-tank rifles in the hands of Havildar Peo Gul and Naik Alam Khan while in addition the crew of a breakdown lorry which drove up to the wreckage was also suitably dealt with. The Jap armoured column was followed by lorried infantry and these after being mortared by the two front companies scattered on both sides of the road. A Coy. at times was fighting hand to hand. In this small action and during the withdrawal which followed the Battalion sustained some 40 casualties.’