An extremely rare Second World War Burma operations M.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal Samba Jallow, The Gambia Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (GA. 2451 L./Cpl. Samba Jallow, Gambia [Regt.]); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, contact marks, edge bruising and polished, with partial loss of unit naming, fine or better (4) £1800-2200

One of just seven M.Ms awarded to the Gambia Regiment in the 1939-45 War, all of them for the Burma.

M.M. London Gazette 22 March 1945. The original recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On 15 November 1944, in the action before Satwei, Lance-Coporal Samba Jallow was in command of a section in a position 300 yards from the Japanese. At first light, this N.C.O., wearing a pair of dark shorts only, and carrying a grenade, wormed his way through dense bamboo to within 20 yards of the enemy position, without being observed. He brought back most accurate information and the artillery brought down mortar concentration on the Japanese position. Subsequent observation showed three direct hits on the position reported by this Lance-Corporal. After the mortar concentration, this N.C.O., on his own initiative, patrolled forward again, and on finding the position vacated, occupied it with his section. He then patrolled forward by himself, located a further enemy position, and again described it so accurately that mortar fire was brought down right on to the Japanese trenches. His Company Commander then wished to relieve his section, but Lance-Corporal Samba Jallow immediately volunteered to go forward again with his section, which he did, and located, and subsequently occupied a third Japanese position.

His superb jungle-craft enabled three Japanese positions to be occupied without loss to ourselves, but at considerable loss to the enemy. His personal courage and leadership set a very high example.’

Samba Jallow was serving in the 1st Battalion, The Gambia Regiment, a component of the Royal West African Frontier Force, at the time of the above related deeds; sold with a recent colour photograph of the recipient wearing his awards and a worn uninscribed Buckingham Palace forwarding letter.