A scarce Borneo M.M. pair awarded to Rifleman Bombahadur Limbu, 7th Gurkha Rifles, for gallantry in Sarawak

MILITARY MEDAL, E.II.R., 2nd type (21152190 Rfn., 7GR); CAMPAIGN SERVICE 1962, 2 clasps, Borneo, Malay Peninsula (Rfn., 1/7 GR) good very fine (2)

M.M., London Gazette, 14 December, 1965. Rifleman Bombahadur Limbu, 1/7 G.R., leading Scout of a three man reconnaissance patrol, Bau District of Sarawak, 18 March 1965: 'On the 18th March 1965 Rifleman Bombahadur Limbu was in operations in the Bau District of the First Division of Sarawak. On this day Bombahadur was the leading scout of a three man reconnaissance patrol some six hundred yards from their patrol base, in thick jungle. The patrol halted on the far side of a deep, swift flowing river. While the patrol commander checked his map Bombahadur acted as sentry some twenty yards off, on a track. Suddenly three Indonesian regular soldiers appeared on a bend in the track ten yards away. Bombahadur fired, immediately killing the two leading Indonesians. He then shouted a warning to his patrol commander. By this time a whole Indonesian platoon of some forty men had deployed on the rising ground ahead of Bombahadur and opened very heavy automatic and rifle fire on him. Realising that his two comrades would require time to swim across the river behind him Rifleman Bombahadur coolly covered their withdrawal for several minutes. During this exchange of fire Bombahadur wounded three more Indonesians. His fire was so effective that the enemy pulled back. Bombahadur, having checked that his comrades had withdrawn, then swam across the river and returned to his patrol base. Bombahadur showed an utter disregard for his own safety in the face of great personal danger. Despite tremendous odds he selflessly covered the withdrawal of his comrades across a deep, fast flowing river which he knew he himself would have to cross. Rifleman Bombahadur's gallant and inspiring conduct is worthy of the highest praise.'

Sold with copy of official recommendation and Record of Service.

36 Military Medals and 2 bars were awarded for Borneo 1962-66.