A rare Great War ‘Kachin Hills uprising 1915’ I.D.S.M. awarded to Sowar Mastan Singh, Burma Military Police

Indian Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (4828 Sowar Mastan Singh Burma Mily Police) nearly very fine £400-£500

I.D.S.M. GGO 280 of 1916; London Gazette 10 March 1916.

One of eight awards of the I.D.S.M. for the Kachin Hills uprising of January-February 1915, all to members of the Burma Military Police.

One B.M.P. Sowar (mounted soldier), No 2519 Sowar Kala Singh, received the higher award of the Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class). His citation provides a useful description of the operational conditions: 

‘For conspicuous gallantry, coolness and resource on the 24th February 1915, when carrying dispatches with a comrade through jungle country infested by the enemy. During the journey, they were fired on from an ambuscade and Sowar Kala Singh’s comrade was severely wounded and rendered unconscious. He was, however, helped to safety by Kala Singh who thus saved his life.’

Sold with further details of the Kachin Hills operations by the Burma Military Police.