Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Second World War Italy operations M.M. awarded to Havildar Sobha Singh, Nabha Akal Infantry, Indian State Forces, who refused to be evacuated after being wounded twice in three days

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1611 Hav. Sobha Singh, Naka L. Inf.), officially impressed naming, good very fine £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bahadur Collection of Medals to Sikh Regiments.

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Just 12 men of the Nabha Akal Light Infantry were awarded the M.M. in the 1939-45 War.

M.M. London Gazette 13 December 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘On 13 April 1945, Havildar Sobha Singh commanded a fighting patrol in daylight against an enemy rearguard at Ronco. The approaches to the enemy strong point were heavily mined, but Havildar Sobha Singh led his men within 15 yards of the position before opening fire. The enemy garrison suffered casualties from L.M.G. fire and grenades and was forced by the resolution of the patrol to disclose his strength and positions. During this action Havildar Sobha Singh was wounded in the hand, but after receiving medical attention he insisted on returning to his company in the front line.

On 14 April, Havildar Sobha Singh volunteered to lead a second fighting patrol against enemy positions covering the Sqallera river. He again inflicted casualties on the enemy. His patrol suffered three casualties and Sonha Singh was again slightly wounded but again refused to be evacuated.

On the night of 15 April, this N.C.O., still undaunted, led a reconnaissance patrol against enemy positions to obtain the information vital for a subsequent company attack.

Throughout the operations following the enemy withdrawal from his winter positions across the Sillaro river, this N.C.O. showed great determination in keeping up with the retreating Germans and refusing to allow them to get away without a fight. His refusal to be evacuated although twice wounded shows a very high devotion to duty and an admirable disregard for his own personal safety.’