Four: Private L. A. Paul, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, who was killed in action in the Arakan on 20 December 1943

1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with named Army Council enclosure and Buckingham Palace enclosure, in card box of issue addressed to ‘Mrs. L. A. Paul, 95 George Pope Road, South Catton, Norwich’, extremely fine (4) £100-£140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to recipients of the Burma Star.

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Lewis Augustus Paul attested for the Royal Norfolk Regiment, before transferring to the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment, and served with the 1st Battalion during the Second World War in Burma, as part of the 7th (Indian) Division from September 1943.

On 19 December 1943 the battalion made an attack on Point 182, near Awlanbyn East, in the Arakan. “D” Company successfully assaulting the hill in a ‘short but very sharp fight’ after a steep climb through thick jungle. Next morning, 20 December, the enemy counter-attacked and fierce hand-to-hand fighting took place, both sides using hand grenades and the bayonet, and the attack was driven off. During the morning the enemy were harassed and chased off by elements of Battalion HQ and “D” Company. The Battalion’s casualties during the operation were two sergeants and four other ranks killed, two officers and twenty-three other ranks wounded. Paul was one of those killed; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Burma.

His medals were sent to his mother, Mrs. Lewis A. Paul, of Norwich.