Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An Immediate I.D.S.M. for Italy awarded to Lance-Naik Bhagtabahadur Thapa, 1/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (3635 L-Nk. Bhagtabahadur Thapa, 1-5 RGR) very fine

£500-600

I.D.S.M. London Gazette 20 April 1944: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The recommendation (originally for an I.O.M. 2nd Class) states: ‘On the night of 12/13 November 1943 at ATESSA this Section Commander was given the key position to hold in a defended locality captured from the enemy after dark. His post was subjected to heavy mortar fire and counter attack throughout the night and by 0010 hrs his section was reduced by casualties to five.

About this time he was attacked by some twenty enemy covered by three L.M.Gs. Ammunition was almost exhausted so he gave the order not to fire and allowed the enemy to close to within fifty yards. Then, drawing his KUKRI, he gave the order to charge and put the enemy to flight pursuing them for some two hundred yards and inflicting casualties.

He rallied his section and attacked the enemy covering L.M.Gs which were taken by surprise and one of them captured. His coolness and personal courage on this occasion and throughout the night undoubtedly saved his post from recapture.’