Auction Catalogue

26 January 2022

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 508

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26 January 2022

Hammer Price:
£300

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (Lt. I. H. McHang [sic], 4-16 Punjab R.) good very fine £140-£180

D.S.O. London Gazette 3 May 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’

The original Recommendation, dated 12 February 1945, for an Immediate Award, states: ‘Arakan, 31 January to 12 February 1945. Lieutenant-Colonel McHarg commands the 7th Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment. After a series of independent operations in the Akyab-Minbya area his Battalion joined 51 Indian Infantry Brigade which had recently captured Kangaw, and the feature Melrose, overlooking the road. On disembarkation at the beach he found that a strong Japanese force had firmly established itself on the northern portion of Hill 170, 500 yards away. Enemy motor machine guns were firing from the dense jungle bordering the chaung flanking the hill. The open paddy between the beach and Hill 170 was under constant and heavy artillery fire.
Lieutenant-Colonel McHarg was instructed to assist the Commandos to evict the enemy from their positions, which so gravely threatened the beach, the base, and the line of communication to the battalions forward in the Kangaw area. Rapidly collecting, under cover, his troops who were arriving in numerous small craft, he first destroyed the motor machine guns and enemy parties in the flanking jungle. It was now dark, but he probed the enemy positions on Hill 170 with fighting patrols. Having suffered a number of casualties he stopped his patrols and kept the enemy pinned all night. Early the ... [page 2 of Recommendation missing at the Public Records Office].’

M.C.
London Gazette 8 February 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India.’

The original Recommendation, dated 1 July 1944, for a Periodic Award, states: ‘Kaladan, 10 April to 6 June 1944. Temporary Major I. H. McHarg took over as Officer Commanding of the 7/16 Punjab Regiment from Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Hubert when the latter assumed command of Hubforce in the Kaladan Valley. Without previous experience of battle or command of a battalion, Major I. H. McHarg conducted the Battalion in operations throughout with excellent results. The operations were not of a normal character, with improvisation and isolation being two of the many difficulties confronting him. Throughout the period the Battalion was engaged for all intents and purposes as a detached unit.
Temporary Major McHarg showed skill in conduct of operations and his administration of the battalion under difficult circumstances was most satisfactory resulting in very satisfactory results of all engagements with the enemy. During the five nights fighting on the frontier positions Major McHarg showed determination, courage, and devotion to duty. His conduct was an inspiration to all ranks.’

Ian Hume McHarg was born on 25 November 1912 and was educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant, Unattached List, Indian Army, on 1 September 1932, and was appointed to the 4th Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment on 12 November 1933. Promoted Lieutenant on 1 December 1934, he served with the 4th Battalion on the North West Frontier of India in the Mohmand campaign in 1935, as well as on the North West Frontier 1936-37 (also entitled to an India General Service Medal 1936-39 with both clasps). Promoted Captain on 1 September 1940, and temporary Major on 24 June 1943, he served during the Second World War in Burma in command of the 7th Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment, and was awarded both the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross. He retired with the rank of Honorary Colonel on 25 February 1949.