Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘Burma’ M.C. group of six awarded to Subadar Bhadarbir Thapa, 3rd and 2nd Battalions 1st King George V’s Own Gurkha Rifles

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘’1944’, lightly inscribed, ‘No 13656 Sub Bhadrabir Thapa, M.C. 1st G.R.’; India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (6770 L-Naik, 2-1 G.R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; India Service Medal, these unnamed, good very fine and better (6) £1200-1500

M.C. London Gazette 16 November 1944.

Recommendation states: ‘Operations - South West of Imphal on 28 May 44. Subadar Bhadarbir Thapa was 2 i/c of a Coy which was taking part in a two coy attack on a hill feature occupied by the Japanese. In the first few minutes of the attack the Coy. Comd. was killed and Sub. Bhadarbir was wounded in the leg and arm. Refusing medical attention, he immediately took over command of the coy, rallied the men, and led the attack, passing through the first coy to his objective beyond. In the face of heavy opposition he had gained part of his objective when he received information that the coy behind him had been counter attacked and driven off the feature with the loss of the Coy Comd. killed.

Sub. Bhadarbir quickly and accurately appreciated the tactical situation and went with his coy to the first coy where he took comd. of both. In spite of his wounds he organised and led an attack which regained the greater part of the first objective. There he was held up due to lack of ammunition but started [to] consolidate and asked for ammunition to be sent up. At this time the situation was such that he was given the order to withdraw. This he carried out under fire with great skill and personal courage and without incurring further casualties. Throughout the action this G.O. displayed the highest powers of leadership. Although badly wounded he took Comd. of two coys at a critical stage of the battle and with great skill and courage pressed home his attack, until given the order to withdraw.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 19 July 1945.

Bhadarbir Thapa was enrolled into the Gurkha Rifles on 19 January 1931. He served on the North West Frontier with the 2-1 G.R. during 1935 and was awarded the I.G.S. Medal and clasp. He was promoted to Lance-Naik in December 1937; Naik in August 1939; Havildar in October 1040; Jemadar in July 1941 and Subadar in July 1943. Serving with the 3-1 G.R. from October 1940, he served with distinction in Burma, being mentioned in despatches, awarded the Military Cross, and twice wounded - on 28 May 1944 (see recommendation above) and 8 July 1944. Subadar Bhadarbir Thapa was released from the Army on 29 June 1947. Sold with copied service details.