Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Defence of the British Legations, Addis Ababa 1936, large silver medal, 53mm., ‘Presented to the British Legation Guard by the British Comunities at Addis Ababa to commemorate services rendered 2nd to 6th May 1936’; reverse with struck arabic inscription and additionally engraved, ‘8867 Sep. Kartar Singh’, edge bruising, very fine £300-350

Approximately 156 of these medals were awarded to members of the British Legation Guard for services rendered during the outbreak of armed violence and rioting in May 1936 which preceded the occupation of Addis Ababa by Italian forces. The majority of the military personnel, including Sepoy Kartar Singh, belonged to the 5-14th Punjab Regiment, but there were, in addition, 1 Duffadar and 8 Sowars of the 8th Light Cavalry, and four members of the Indian Medical Service.