An Indian Police Medal for Distinguished Conduct awarded to Deputy Superintendent of Police Pir Sarwar Shah, Bannu North West Frontier Police

Indian Police Medal, G.VI.R., for Distinguished Conduct (Sarwar Shah, Dep. Supdt. of Police, N.W.F.P.) on ‘gallantry’ ribbon, minor edge bruising, very fine £200-240

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to the Indian Army from the Collection of AM Shaw.

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Indian Police Medal Gazette of India 10 July 1943. ‘Sayed Abul Hassan Khan, Superintendent of Additional Police (Officiating), Bannu, N.W.F.P.; Pir Sarwar Shah, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bannu, N.W.F.P.’

‘On Friday, the 16th April 1943, the Bannu City Police received information that a strong and well-armed hostile gang, led by Fateh Jang, one of the most dangerous and ruthless raiders on the Bannu border, had come to an adjacent serai to raid the city and kidnap persons attending the Friday fair. The Police turned out and engaged the gang immediately, and a battle followed during which the gang lost eight killed, including Fateh Jang himself and several other notorious outlaws. Two more were wounded and captured alive, whilst another two were intercepted and killed near the border. This successful action prevented a serious raid and also rid Bannu District of a number of notorious proclaimed offenders, but it cost the police six men killed and four wounded.

........ The other two officers who are awarded the Indian Police Medal were largely responsible for the successful tactics and sound dispositions of the police parties and they set an excellent example of personal courage under heavy fire at close range.’

Two other police officers were awarded posthumous K.P.M’s. for this action. With copied gazette extract.