Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (24714 Sep. Sarwan Singh, F.F. Rif) officially impressed naming, slight contact marks, good very fine £300-400

M.M. London Gazette 24 May 1945.

Recommendation states: ‘At Wunbye, on 22 Jan ‘45 at 1800 hours Sepoy Sarwan Singh, 14/13 F. F. Rifles was a member of a five man patrol which was sent round the area of the village ruins to report on the result of the Air Strike which had just taken place. At that time Sepoy Sarwan Singh’s Company was still being engaged by the enemy. An enemy L.M.G., previously located just short of the ruins, was now silent and was believed either destroyed or withdrawn. This proved to be incorrect. As the patrol which went round the ruins without any incident was reporting to the Coy. Cmd., the Jap. L.M.G. opened up again at the range of about 60 yards. While the other men fell to the ground and replied with fire, Sepoy Sarwan Singh, on his own initiative and without a moments hesitation ran straight towards the gun and delivered his two grenades from about 10 to 15 yards. The L.M.G. at once became silent. The Coy. Comd. who himself observed this was deeply impressed by Sarwan Singh’s initiative and dash. The patrol withdrew quickly from the scene as it was now dark. Sarwan Singh was the last to return. He had not taken cover at anytime and had displayed complete disregard for personal safety. A later patrol found one dead and two wounded Japs at the same place and brought back the Jap. L.M.G. There is little doubt that the credit for this goes entirely to Sepoy Sarwan Singh who conducted himself in a most conspicuous and fearless manner setting an inspiring example to his comrades.’