A Second World War Burma campaign M.M. group of four awarded to Sepoy Mir Ali, Machine Gun Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (21454 Sep Mir Ali Sikh R); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal, the last three unnamed as issued, nearly very fine (4) £600-800

M.M. London Gazette 17 January 1946.

The recommendation states: ‘During the period of operations under review (16 Feb 45 - 15 May 45) No 21454 Sepoy Mir Ali of the Machine Gun Battalion 11th Sikh Regiment has been employed mainly as a driver and has shown initiative, presence of mind, and courage when under fire above that normally expected of a sepoy.

Whilst on an operational convoy Sepoy Mir Ali’s machine gun jeep and trailer came under accurate sniper, light automatic and rifle fire. Although the other passengers in his jeep made for cover, Sepoy Mir Ali remained, although under accurate fire, with his vehicle getting it off the road safely.

After he had done this, he, on his own initiative, showed great coolness and presence of mind by returning along the track which was still under fire and bringing a second machine gun jeep and trailer with its equipment safely under cover.

No 21454 Sepoy Mir Ali has during the period under review also carried out, in addition to driver’s duties, machine gun numbers’ work on ambushes and was directly responsible, by his initiative and excellent fire discipline, for killing five Japs when in an ambush position.

No 21454 Sepoy Mir Ali has throughout the operations proved himself to be an efficient hard working and courageous sepoy. He has volunteered and carried out machine gun tasks in addition to his drivers work which has been an inspiration to his fellow machine gunners.’