Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

An I.O.M., O.B.I., I.D.S.M. group of three to Subadar-Major Umar Khan, 126th Baluchistan Regiment

Indian Order of Merit, Military Division, 2nd type, 2nd Class, Reward of Valor, silver and enamel, unnamed; Order of British India, 1st type, 1st Class neck badge, 18ct. gold and enamel, unnamed; Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Sub. Maj., 126 Baluchistan Infy.) first and third nearly very fine, O.B.I. good very fine (3) £1000-1200

I.O.M. General Order 20 November 1920. Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force. Subadar-Major, I.D.S.M., 126th Baluchistan Infantry. ‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 13th March 1920. While commanding a half company he took them across a branch of the river and cleared a wooded island of enemy snipers. Throughout the operations he showed fine soldierly qualities and untiring zeal.’

O.B.I. General Orders 4 June 1926.

I.D.S.M. General Order 6 December 1919. Subadar-Major, 126th Baluchistan Infantry. Recomendation reads, ‘For conspicuous gallantry & initiative. This I.O. was with party sent in rear of enemy’s position on Kantur Mountain astride their line of retreat. Shortly after taking up a position a strong party of the enemy was seen in the valley below & being fired on they scattered & was seen retiring up a valley across our front. This I.O. immediately grasped the situation, made his way over most difficult ground and under heavy fire from enemy snipers ...[latter part indistinct].’

Umar Khan enlisted into the Army on 24 October 1898 and was commissioned Jemadar on 17 October 1907, Subadar on 17 March 1911 and Subadar Major on 16 May 1919. He saw service in China 1900 and in the Great War served at Suez November 1914-March 1915, Aden March-June 1915 and January-February 1916, France July 1915-January 1916, Nukshi June 1916-July 1917 and Iraq August 1917-May 1920. Umar Khan retired with the honorary rank of Captain on 16 January 1927. Sold with a quantity of copied research.