Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Second World War Italy operations I.O.M. group of eight awarded to Jemadar Quarter-Master Milkhi Ram, 4th Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Regiment

Indian Order of Merit, Military Divison, 3rd type, 2nd Class, Reward of Gallantry, silver and enamel, with riband buckle; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1930-31 (9493 Sep. Milkhi Ram, 4-13 F.F. Rif.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1937-39 (9493 Nk. Milkhi Ram, 4-13 F.F. Rif.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, the first with restored enamel, contact marks, generally very fine and better (8) £2000-2500

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

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I.O.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘Jamadar Milkhi Ram commanded No. 6 Platoon with great gallantry during the attack launched by No. 5 and No. 6 Platoons on the Poggiolo feature at about 2200 hours on 13 April 1945 and also during the next 43 hours, when this feature was counter-attacked six times by the enemy and also shelled and mortared continuously.

It was known that the enemy’s outpost position in the houses was covered by both wire and mines. No. 6 Platoon was detailed to attack frontally and Jamadar Milkhi Ram personally cut the wire and led his platoon straight up to the centre houses, dealing with a Spandau post on the way. This exchange of fire brought down the enemy mortar D.F. on the wire. Some recent reinforcements went to ground but Jemadar Milkhi Ram urged them on without delay, thus avoiding casualties.

Whilst consolidating in the area of the Poggiolo houses our own artillery D.F. put down in front of the position to catch enemy forming up for a counter-attack but unfortunately this fell short, six shells landing in the midst of No. 6 Platoon, including one on Platoon H.Q., killing five and wounding eleven. In spite of this misfortune, Jemadar Milkhi Ram remained unperturbed and cheerful and so far succeeded in rallying what was left of his platoon that they were able, assisted by No. 5 Platoon, to repulse five counter-attacks during that night and one at dawn on 14 April 1945. Thus an important feature was captured and the left flank of 12 South African Motor Brigade’s attack on M. Capara next night was secured.

Jemadar Milkhi Ram throughout this action displayed cool courage and complete disregard for his personal safety.’

The regimental history of the 4th Battalion states that there were those ‘who thought that this rather fat, cheerful Dogra would never become fit to command a platoon in action; Milkhi Ram made up his mind that he would show them, and he did!”

Also see Lot No. 245 for the M.M. awarded to Sepoy Gobindar Ram on the same occasion.